BREAKING: Macy’s has just announced the end of its beloved 80-year tradition of Santa Claus visits at the iconic Union Square store in San Francisco. Instead of welcoming children directly at the store, Santa will embark on a national tour this holiday season, spreading cheer to communities across the country.
This change comes as a shock to many loyal shoppers who have cherished the experience of visiting Santa at Macy’s since the late 1940s, with the exception of the pandemic year. Typically, Santa makes his grand appearance following the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, but this year, he will not be available at the Union Square location.
Officials from Macy’s confirmed in a statement reported by the San Francisco Chronicle that the decision was made to allow Santa to visit new locations and connect with communities he hasn’t been to before. “This year, Macy’s Santa will not be available at our Union Square location,” the statement reads. “Instead, he will be going on a national tour to visit stores and communities he hasn’t had a chance to appear in before.”
The announcement has sparked disappointment among San Francisco families who looked forward to this annual tradition. Yvonne Fletcher and her husband, Adrian, expressed their heartbreak, stating, “It seems weird without Santa Claus. I can’t bring my grandkids, and that’s what we were waiting for.”
Another shopper, Briseyda, shared her feelings of loss, saying, “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.”
For decades, families have lined up at the Union Square store, eager to snap pictures with Santa and share their Christmas wish lists. This beloved ritual, which included the iconic “Santa John” from 1990 to 2010, has been a cornerstone of holiday joy for generations.
As the holiday season approaches, the impact of this decision is evident. Shoppers are voicing their concerns on social media, and the emotional toll on families is palpable. With Santa’s absence in San Francisco, many are left questioning how this change will affect their holiday traditions.
WHAT’S NEXT: Macy’s has not provided a detailed schedule for Santa’s national tour. Consumers are encouraged to stay tuned for updates on where Santa will be visiting. For those in San Francisco, the void left by Santa’s absence will undoubtedly be felt, as families search for new ways to create holiday memories.
This developing story highlights the evolving nature of holiday traditions and the emotional ties they hold in communities. As many await further details, the outpouring of sentiment surrounding Santa’s departure from Union Square reflects a collective yearning for cherished memories during the festive season.
