Family Travel Fun: Visiting Macy's Santaland at the Nicollet Mall in Minneapolis, Minnesota

We travel a lot as a family--and, we love the many experiences we have had along the way over the years!   Whenever we visit a new city--we really try to seek out special events and activities that the locals love when we are there--especially seasonal happenings--but, sometimes, we also just get lucky and stumble upon fun, family friendly finds!  Last year, we were in downtown, Minneapolis, Minnesota, over the long Thanksgiving weekend.  Our hotel was a few blocks from the popular Nicollet Mall shopping district--and we wandered our way into Macy's department store for some holiday shopping--and discovered a wonderful, Minneapolis family tradition in the store's annual Santaland display!  What should you know about visiting Santaland at Macy's in downtown Minneapolis?

Just follow the line of people to the escalators.  I was doing some Christmas shopping. Oblivious to anything else around me.  My husband noticed a couple of signs directing guests toward the escalators to Santaland.  He also noticed a lot of people making their way toward those escalators.  I was in a holiday/Black Friday weekend sale/shopping zone--he and the kids were off to get in line to ascend to Santaland.  The Santaland display is housed on the building's 8th floor--and there was certainly a line--steadily moving to the top!  We had to go see what the interest was up those escalators!

Take your time--and enjoy the details of Macy's Santaland scenes.   This display has been a local tradition for over 50 years.  They have details galore throughout the display.  Visitors meander through scenes depicting the daily life of Santa and his elves--and some of the scenes are absolutely adorable.   Some locals complain that the scenes do not change much from year to year--but, for first time guests (or even 10th time guests)--I think parent and child alike will find something new to bring back that awe and wonder of Christmas.

Take pictures--a lot of them--and let the kids have time to "dawdle" and enjoy the magic.  The areas will be crowded--especially during high traffic hours--but, there is still time to let the  little ones stare in amazement and for Mom & Dad to snap a few extra photos. Once you are off the escalator, and the line spreads out a bit after the first few scenes,  you have a little more freedom to move at your own pace and reflect on holidays past and memories!  

Would we recommend Macy's Santaland in Minneapolis, Minnesota?  Even if your kids are a little older--there is just something about the magic of Santa and the North Pole that sparks a twinkle in the eye and an extra smile!  The artistry and the carpentry of this display are wonderful--and the animation brings life and magic to the scenes.  If you are in the downtown Minneapolis area between Thanksgiving and Christmas--I would certainly recommend visiting the Macy's Santaland display!  It's a great time to slow down--and relive some childhood memories--as a family!

If You Go: Macy's Santaland 8th Floor Santaland display is open daily during Macy's store hours from mid-November through mid-December.

There are special event times for photos with Santa--but, you should be prepared for a line.

The escalators  to Santaland are accessible directly from the store's shopping areas--but, you cannot carry merchandise through the displays--so plan to complete your purchases before heading up or leave your planned purchases with the attendants at the Santaland entrance at the top.

Getting There: Macy’s 8th Floor Santaland is located in the downtown Minneapolis store at 7th Street and Nicollet Mall.

To Learn More about Macy's Santaland on the Nicollet Mall in Minneapolis, Minnesota
Macy's Minneapolis Website 
Macy's Santaland on Nicollet Mall Facebook Page