BREAKING: Macy’s has officially ended its 80-year-old tradition of hosting Santa Claus at its Union Square store in San Francisco. This significant change comes just ahead of the holiday season, stirring disappointment among families who cherished the annual visit.
Instead of appearing in-store after the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, Santa will embark on a national tour, visiting locations that have not had the chance to meet him before. According to a statement reported by the San Francisco Chronicle, Macy’s officials confirmed: “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.”
The decision has sparked an outpouring of disappointment from local shoppers. Yvonne Fletcher, who frequented the store with her husband Adrian, expressed her sadness to Yahoo News, 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 heartbreak with ABC 7 News, emphasizing the emotional connection to the tradition: “It’s a tradition. That’s what we look forward to. Christmas is all about traditions and memories. Santa brings everyone together.”
Since the late 1940s, Santa has been a fixture at the Macy’s Union Square store, except during the pandemic. Families would line up for photos and share their Christmas wish lists, creating cherished memories. The role of Santa was fondly held by the beloved “Santa John” for two decades, from roughly 1990 to 2010.
As the holiday season approaches, this abrupt change raises questions about the impact on local families who relied on this iconic tradition. With Santa now set to tour various communities, many are left wondering where they will create new memories this Christmas.
Macy’s has yet to announce the specific locations or dates for Santa’s national tour, but families are encouraged to stay tuned for updates. The emotional reactions from the community highlight the deep connections formed through holiday traditions—connections that will now take on a new shape this year.
As shoppers in San Francisco adjust to this unexpected news, it remains clear: the spirit of Christmas will continue, but in a different form. Families are urged to explore alternative ways to celebrate the season, as the memories of Santa at Union Square will surely be missed.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.
