Macy’s has officially concluded its 80-year tradition of hosting Santa Claus at its Union Square store in San Francisco, California. Traditionally, Santa would make his appearance at this location following the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Instead, Macy’s has announced that Santa Claus will embark on a national tour, visiting various communities across the country.
In a statement reported by the San Francisco Chronicle, Macy’s officials confirmed that Santa Claus will not be available at the Union Square location this year. They stated, “This year, Macy’s Santa will not be available at our Union Square location. Instead, he will be going on a national tour to visit stores and communities he hasn’t had a chance to appear in before, following his national arrival at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York.”
The decision has sparked disappointment among San Francisco shoppers who cherish the annual tradition. Yvonne Fletcher and her husband, Adrian Fletcher, expressed their sadness in an interview with Yahoo News. “It seems weird without Santa Claus. I can’t bring my grandkids, and that’s what we were waiting for,” Yvonne said.
Another shopper, Briseyda, shared her feelings with ABC 7 News, highlighting the emotional impact of the change. “It’s a tradition. That’s what we look forward to. It’s heartbreaking. I have kids of my own. The one thing they look forward to is Santa. The fact they’re not going to have that, it’s not tradition at all. Christmas is all about traditions and memories. Santa brings everyone together,” she noted.
Since the late 1940s, families have flocked to the Macy’s Union Square store to take photos with Santa Claus and share their Christmas wish lists. The tradition was interrupted only during the pandemic year. For two decades, from roughly 1990 to 2010, the role was famously portrayed by the beloved figure known as “Santa John,” who became a cherished part of many families’ holiday experiences.
As Macy’s prepares for this shift, it remains to be seen how the national tour will resonate with families looking to maintain their festive traditions. The absence of Santa at the Union Square store signifies a significant change for both the retailer and the community that has embraced this holiday custom for generations.
