12 Days of Christmas: Not So Secret Santas

We think it’s safe to say that New York City loves Christmas, and there’s no shortage of Santas in New York City (especially after this past weekend’s Santacon event, in which hundreds of jolly Santas, Mrs. Clauses, elves, reindeer and more flooded the streets to spread holiday cheer). Here are a few of our favorite Santas around the city, each with its own traditions and special traits. Who knows, you may have to visit more than one! —

A Bloomin’ Santa
Find Santa on the 8th floor of Bloomingdale’s, where kids can share their Christmas wishes and pose for holiday photos. For kids up to age 8. 12p.m. to 6p.m. through 12/23. Free (photos available for purchase), Bloomingdale’s, 1000 Third Avenue, 212-705-3509, Bloomingdales.com.

Santaland at Macy’s
Macy’s famous Santaland includes the North Pole Village and enchanted forest, a miniature train set and a puppet show of “A Miracle on 34th Street.” Plus, did you know about Macy’s holiday partnership with the Make A Wish Foundation? Up to Christmas eve, kids can bring a stamped letter to Santa to any Macy’s in the country, and Macy’s will donate one dollar (up to 1,000,000 dollars!) to the Make A Wish Foundation for each letter received; a wonderful holiday tradition to share with kids and help those in need! Click here for more information. Open daily 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. through December 24 (Santaland will be open from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Christmas Eve). Free (photos available for purchase), Broadway and 34th Street, 212-695-4400, macys.com.

The ABC’s of Christmas
Walk down a red carpet to see the man in red! ABC Carpet and Home’s beloved Santa Claus (heralded by the New York Post to be “the most authentically snuggly Santa of all”) is back in town to pose for photos with your tots. He’s been known to hand out ornaments and little polar bears, so see what he has up his sleeve this year. Ages 0-13. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. most days (There are special dates, click here for more info, through December 12th. After your kids get a chance to sit on Kris Kringle’s lap, take the opportunity to stroll through the rest of the expansive store–you just might find some last-minute Christmas gifts. Free, 888 Broadway at East 19th St, 212-473-3000, abchome.com.

Stories With Santa
The Santa at the South Street Seaport isn’t just taking pictures with kids — he’ll also be reading holiday tales for a very special storytime each Saturday and Sunday at 1 p.m. through to December 19th. While you’re there, pose for photos in front of the Seaport’s impressive Christmas tree! Pier 17, Third Floor, Fulton and South Streets, 212-732-7678, southstreetseaport.com.

Breakfast With Santa
Share a truly memorable Christmas experience with your children by having breakfast with Santa at Rock Center Cafe in Rockefeller Center, where kids can cheers hot cocoa and nibble on gingerbread cookies with Santa and his elves! It’s a bit pricey –up to $54 for each kid– but the experience will last a lifetime. Ages Infants to children 10 years old. Selected times through December 24th, 20 West 50th St., patinagroup.com.

Santa in Central Park
When Santa isn’t in the North Pole, he spends time in Central Park’s Belvedere Castle. Your kids can take pictures and remind Santa of their Christmas wish list, rain or shine, with Santa in this picturesque setting on December 23 and 24 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free. Belvedere Castle, mid-park at 79th St, 212-772-0210, support.centralpark.nyc.org.

Santa Sits on YOUR Lap
Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! reverses the role for pictures with Santa. Have Little Santa sit on your lap for a fun photo to share with everyone. This Santa is at Ripley’s each Saturday till December 18th at the Ripley’s in Times Square from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. 234 West 42nd St, 212-398-3133, ripleysnewyork.com.

Brooklyn Robot Foundry - Virtual Classes

Brooklyn Robot Foundry offers super fun online robot-building classes for children 2-13 years old!&nbsp;&nbsp;Each week, students are introduced to new engineering concepts and components while building that day&rsquo;s robot in their own &ldquo;workshop&rdquo;.&nbsp;&nbsp;All classes maintain a very low student-to-teacher ratio, allowing for plenty of individualized instruction and socializing. The supplies are shipped in advance and classes are led by amazing instructors, taking all the pressure off parents.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Foundry&rsquo;s main focus however, is that kids have fun, get creative, and enjoy being part of this STEAM-loving community!&nbsp;

Speakitaly NYC

SPEAKITALY NYC offers stimulating and entertaining lessons for children 0 to 16 years through a wide combination of activities based on the communicative approach anchored in the Common European Framework of Reference: active learning (group work, role plays, etc.) and practice exercises aimed to improve listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. Kids will start speaking and using Italian in a very natural way.&nbsp; Small classes capped at 6 students to make sure each one gets the needed attention and facilitate learners' progress.&nbsp; Our method is driven by a didactic method that is the result of constant updates, professional certifications and more than 10 years of experience in working with non-native speakers from different native languages and levels of knowledge. Our aim is to develop a range of Italian language skills while improving accuracy that will enable the students and participants to interact without stress or feeling rushed. We want to help those in the community really embrace not only the true culture in Italy but the Italian culture within New York City&hellip; Who doesn&rsquo;t love what Italy represents in the kitchen, in history &amp; in the arts? Speakitaly wants to support multilingual families who want to learn a new language or pass along their ancestor&rsquo;s heritage and culture. Raffaella, the founder said: "We see language awareness and intercultural sensitivity as the milestones for an inclusive society. Italian, like all other languages, is an enrichment and a growth in every way. Vi aspettiamo!"

Advantage QuickStart Tennis

A proven teaching method, customized by age and ability for ages 3 and up. Special kid-sized racquets and playing area, plus slower-bouncing balls, make it fun from day one!