Department Store Santa
About Department Store Santas
"I stopped believing in Santa Claus when I was six. Mother took me to see him in a department store and he asked for my autograph."
— Shirley Temple

In 1870, in the biggest department store in the World, a cultural tradition was born. In anticipation of the holiday season that year, Macy's lured in shoppers with illuminated window displays that have become a much-anticipated annual tradition. It was the same year that Macy's hired their first Santa Claus, who listened to children's Christmas wishes (then told their parents where to find the toys in Macy's).

The most famous Department Store Santa was portrayed in the heartwarming 1947 classic film, "Miracle on 34th Street." It features the Oscar-winning performance of Edmund Gwenn as Santa Claus, and a young Natalie Wood as the child who longs to believe in him.

The holiday season is in full swing when a cultured gentleman with twinkling eyes, an ample belly, and a snowy beard is hired as Macy's Department Store Santa. He claims his name is Kris Kringle, and soon fills everyone with Christmas spirit -- except for his boss, Doris Walker, who's raising her daughter Susan to not believe in Santa. But when Kris is declared insane and put on trial, everyone's faith is put to the test as old and young alike face the age old question: Do you believe in Santa Claus?

You may e-mail Santa at santa@departmentstoresanta.com




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