UPDATE: Macy’s has just announced an end to its cherished 80-year tradition of hosting Santa Claus at its Union Square store in San Francisco, California. This beloved holiday fixture, which has been a staple since the late 1940s, will not appear at the iconic location this year, following his participation in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Instead, Santa will embark on a national tour, visiting various communities across the country. Officials from Macy’s confirmed the news in a statement reported by the San Francisco Chronicle, expressing excitement for Santa’s new journey. “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,” they stated.
The announcement has sparked widespread disappointment among local shoppers. 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.” Many families have traditionally lined up in the Union Square store to take pictures with Santa and share their Christmas wish lists.
Another local shopper, Briseyda, shared her frustration with ABC 7 News, saying, “It’s a tradition. That’s what we look forward to. It’s heartbreaking… Christmas is all about traditions and memories. Santa brings everyone together.”
The decision comes after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, during which the iconic Santa experience was temporarily halted. The beloved “Santa John” served as a familiar face for many families during his tenure from roughly 1990 to 2010.
As families prepare for the holiday season, the absence of Santa at Macy’s Union Square raises questions about how traditions will adapt in the wake of changing retail landscapes. With Santa now set to visit new locales, many are left wondering what this means for the future of holiday celebrations.
The national tour is expected to begin shortly after the Thanksgiving festivities, and families eager to catch a glimpse of Santa should keep an eye on Macy’s announcements for specific locations and dates.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as the holiday season approaches and community reactions continue to unfold.
