SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) — Usually after the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City, Santa makes his way to Macy’s Union Square, where he greets Bay Area kids and listens to their holiday wishes. But that won’t happen this year.
For the first time in decades, there will be no Santa at Macy’s Union Square.
According to Macy’s, Santa will be “going on a national tour to visit stores and communities he hasn’t had a chance to appear in before.”
Macy’s added that the holiday season magic will continue in Union Square with its SF SPCA Holiday Windows and Macy’s Great Tree presented by Ripple.
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“It seems weird without Santa Claus,” said Yvonne Fletcher and her husband Adrian, residents of Bayview. “I can’t bring my grandkids and that’s what we were waiting for.”
Except for a pandemic break when Santa wasn’t at Union Square, most people have paid him a visit every year.
“It’s a tradition. That’s what we look forward to,” said Briseyda. “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.”
Lisa Sammon of Santa Clara shared her memories of her daughter Emily, now 15-years-old.
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“We would take her to see Santa, the same Santa, for a good dozen years,” said Sammon.
For Sammon, being at Union Square on Thanksgiving brings back emotions.
“The city means so much to me,” Sammon said, tearing up. “I’m so glad to see it coming back.”
No Macy’s Santa this year, but you will see ‘Spun Santa’ spinning around Union Square like he has for the last five years.
“I love San Francisco and I love people from all over the world,” said ‘Spun Santa’. “I would like everyone to come enjoy Union Square.”
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