Holiday Events at Macy's in Philadelphia, Atlanta and Minneapolis
Macy’s has a long history of staging events and environments that help people make the most of special holidays. Starting in late November, when you walk into a Macy’s store in Philadelphia, Atlanta and Minneapolis, you’ll not only encounter beautiful decorations and a host of smart merchandise for gift-giving, but also have the opportunity to watch and take part in heartwarming events designed to boost seasonal cheer and fun for the whole family. From spectacular light shows, illuminated trees and animated window displays to visits with Santa and train rides, these stores help you shape cherished holiday memories with traditions you can look forward to year after year.
Christmas Happenings at Macy’s Center City
Macy’s at Center City, housed in the grand Wanamaker Building, an historic landmark in downtown Philadelphia, showcases a light show, holiday windows and a village where kids can step into a vivid holiday storyland and also see Santa.
Center City Light Show
A Philadelphia tradition since 1956, the Macy’s Center City lightshow, held in the four-story-tall Grand Court, tells the stories of the “Sugar Plum Fairy,” “Frosty the Snowman” and the 40-foot “Magic Christmas Tree.” The featured tree is decorated with 34, 500 LED lights in six colors and the light show incorporates over 100,000 LED lights that combine to shape holiday images. Taped and live Christmas music played on the majestic Wanamaker Organ accompanies the light display.
Showtimes: Fri., 11/27-Thurs., 12/31, only at: 10 am, 12 pm, 2 pm, 4pm, 6 pm and 8 pm. Closed Christmas Day. Click here for details.
Holiday Windows & Unveiling
In 1862, Macy’s was the first department store to install elaborate holiday window displays, and several stores have continued engaging the public with vivid storytelling scenes. Macy’s Center City, held its 10th annual holiday window unveiling outside on Market Street on Sat., Nov. 21. This year, the theme is the classic animated TV special featuring the PEANUTS gang, “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” Snoopy (the Holiday Ambassador) joined Santa and top Philadelphia professional athletes at the unveiling to greet guests and pose with them for photos.
Click here for more holiday events.
Dickens Village
A visit to Macy’s 3rd floor and Dickens Village with transport you back in time to Victorian England where “A Christmas Carol,” Charles Dickens’ classic tale about the transformation of miserly Ebenezer Scrooge into a kinder man unfolds in three dimensions. 26 animatronic scenes bring the story to life from Fri., Nov. 27 through Dec. 31. After touring the village be sure to visit Santa in Santaland and have your photo taken with him—but he’ll only be available through Dec. 24.
Check out the schedule here.
Celebrate the Holidays at Macy’s Lenox Square Mall
Macy’s Great Tree Lighting
Generations of Atlantans look forward to the Macy’s Great Tree Lighting at Macy Lenox Square Mall. This is the 68th year of the event, which took place on Sun., Nov. 22. Singer-songwriter and actress Jordin Sparks headlined this year’s celebration, which also featured other performers.
See the great tree through Jan. 2, 2016.
Pink Pig
The Pink Pig train ride became a top Atlanta Christmas attraction in 1953 when “Priscilla the Pig” was installed on a monorail in the toy department of Rich’s downtown store. A second pig, Percival, was added in 1964. The ride moved to the Festival of Trees held to benefit Egleston Children’s Hospital in 1991, but four years later was discontinued and donated to the Atlanta History Center. In 2003, Macy’s updated the ride and moved it to a tent at the top of the parking garage at the Lenox Square Mall store where it continues to charm kids and adults during the holiday season. The ride slowly coasts along a track through the Priscilla storybook setting.
Join the individuals and families who have made a ride on the Pink Pig an Atlanta Christmas tradition for over five generations.
The ride is open from Oct. 31, 2015 through Jan. 3, 2016. Check out the schedule here.
Head to Macy’s Minneapolis for Special Holiday Festivities
Santaland
From now through Thurs., Dec. 24, head to Santaland in the 8th Floor Auditorium of Macy’s Minneapolis to see “A Day in the Life of an Elf,” which tells the story of Santa’s elves preparing for Christmas in an animated display. After, visit Santa to share your wishes and snap a photo.
For more information, click here.
Breakfast with Santa
Macy’s Minneapolis also stages a very merry breakfast with St. Nick at 9 am on select Saturdays and Sundays in December, and one dinner on Fri., Dec. 18 at 6 pm in the renowned Oak Grill Restaurant.
Fri., Dec. 18; Sat., Dec. 5, 12, 19; Sun., Dec. 6, 13, 20. Seating is limited. For reservations, call 877-556-2297.
