Macy
For many people in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, part of celebrating the holidays is heading downtown to the 8th floor auditorium of Daytons Marshall Fields Macy’s to see the annual holiday display. We decided to take our kids this year on a special outing. They haven’t been downtown often, so just the thought that this department store had more than two floors was intriguing to them.
We made our way through the store to the elevator area and headed up to “8.” We got in line and made our way to the auditorium to see “A Day in the Life of an Elf.”
Macy's Minneapolis Holiday Display
Following the pathway through the elves’ bedroom, kitchen, school, and on to Santa’s mailroom and the toy and goodie factory, the kids loved the display. A rabbit was directing the Christmas tree choir, and a little mouse was running through the kitchen. Santa’s mail kept coming in, and one poor elf got a box on his head and had trouble escaping.
Macy's Minneapolis Holiday Display
It was fun to see the wonder in the kids’ eyes as they watched the back-and-forth animation of the characters. In this day and age, it’s nice to know they can enjoy things even if they lack high-tech special effects and surround sound. This traditional display with its attention to detail and story that it tells fascinated them.
As an adult, it was fun to see a display that I’d heard much about, and with the crowd of people that was there, to know that much of the Cities was sharing this experience as well. This free holiday display is a time-honored tradition in Minneapolis, and a delight for young and old. It continues through December 31.
Do you have a favorite holiday display, in a store or elsewhere?
Photo credits: minnemom
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66 Responses
PLEASE EMAIL WITH ONLY THE NEXT HOLIDAY DISPLAY FOR 2009. AT darkbeaches17@yahoo.com. AGAIN ONLY THE H O L I D A Y INFO. I DO NOT WANT ANY ADS.
Please let me know what the 2009 Holiday Display Theme is for the Macy’s Store in Minneapolis.
Vickie, I haven’t heard yet what this year’s theme will be. I suppose it will be publicized soon, or you could check with the store to see if anyone there knows anything.
I’m curious myself to see it!
Please e-mail me with the theme for 2009 Holiday season!!!
I would like to know the theme of the 2009 display.
Thank you !
are you having a holiday display in 2009 on 8th floor? are you having breakfast with santa
I heard there will not be a holiday show this year on the 8th floor. I hope that there will be – I have enjoyed them every year. Can you verify this?
I heard they are having a show on the 8th floor. It is going to the same as last year.
I’ve just learned they are doing “A day in the life of an elf” again! I’m surprised that they would do the same thing two years in a row.
What?!? It’s been our family tradition to go to the display then to the Oak Room for lunch. It’s really kind of disapointing to hear that Macy’s is doing the same display 2 years in a row. I’m sure the economy is a key factor here. Why spend a lot of money creating a new story when they can rerun last years. Macy’s revenu is down so it gets passed on. At least there will be a display.
[...] Macy’s Holiday Display in Minneapolis [...]
you guys, they aren’t doing the same thing two years in a row. that would be stupid. really stupid. like c’mon. common sense.
According to Macy’s website they are doing the same one 2 years in a row. Good thing we never made it to last years.
http://www.macys.com/store/event/index.ognc?action=search&storeId=902
MACY’S MINNEAPOLIS 47TH ANNUAL SANTALAND
Minneapolis Downtown 8th floor Auditorium
Saturday, November 21 through Wednesday, December 30
Free to the Public
See Below for Santaland hours
Back by popular demand, Macy’s Santaland features “A Day in the Life of an Elf.” Through a series of whimsical, vivid vignettes, the animated display tells the story of Santa’s elves at the North Pole as they prepare for Christmas. Guests will enjoy seeing the daily life of an elf, from waking up and getting Santa’s mail to teaching the reindeer how to fly. And, this year you’ll enjoy the addition of a new Classroom animated vignette, showing the elves enjoying their lessons.
Then, complete your Santaland visit by having your picture taken with Santa himself and presenting him with you wish list. Be sure to ask his elves about the various photo packages available. He’ll be here visiting with children of all ages through December 24.
At the end of the display, guests will find Mrs. Claus’ holiday bakery with fresh gingerbread cookies and other delicious treats. And, don’t miss our new Toy Store, a family friendly shop filled with delights!
Hours of Santaland are:
Saturday, November 21 through Wednesday, November 25
10 a.m.- 8 p.m.
Friday and Saturday, November 27 & 28
8 a.m.- 9 p.m.
Sunday, November 29-Tuesday, December 1
10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Wednesday, December 2 – Saturday, December 5
9 am – 9 p.m.
Sunday, December 6
10 am – 9 pm
Monday, December 7 – Friday, December 18
9 a.m. – 9 pm
Saturday, December 19 – Wednesday, Dec. 23
8 am – 9 p.m.
Thursday, December 24
8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Saturday, December 26
9 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Sunday, December 27 – Wednesday, December 30
10 a.m. to store close
If Macy is interested in ideas for future displays, they might want to try J.R.R. Tolkien’s Book Father Christmas Letters. It is a collection of Christmas letters that Tolkien wrote to his children in answer to their letters to Santa Claus each Christmas. The illustrations are beautiful and the writing of each letter is a short story that stands alone. Very Nostalgic and very funny.
I can’t believe it is the same display as last year! I have been going to this for over 20 years and I am very disappointed! If it is the economy, I wish Macy’s would say that so I am not so mad. I don’t understand why they say it is ‘back by popular demand.’ Although it was cute and I enjoyed it, it was one of my least favorite displays over the years. There are a million stories they could do. I would rather pay $3 and have a new one than go to the same one for free. They could make a lot of money with just $3 per person. I tried looking for a way to contact Macy’s with my opinion, but I couldn’t find an email address or phone number, I kept getting forwarded to FAQs. This is really a big bummer!!
I know, this is a really big disappointment. It’s pretty stupid. How can it be back due to popular demand?? It was just last year’s display. I’m sure no one missed it that much. Atleast could have done a repeat from a few years ago. It’s so sad. I was so excited to make this a date but now. ..Plus, I’ve only been here in MN for two Christmas. ..I was so looking forward to it.
I have been going to this hoilday display since I was a kid, every year… and now bring my own kids to it. I cannot believe they are having the SAME thing as last year! Maybe it will be less busy, with so many who saw it las year won’t come back. We go just so we have the same Santa photos every year, but really the same theme two years in a row? Why don’t they ask for suggestions/ideas? I would not even mind paying a minimal fee. $5-$10 for our whole family would still be worth it. I am very dissapointed that they are having the same theme again!
I guess I’m happy that my kids are only four and don”t really remember last year. Sham on Macys. I know the economy is bad but this is a huge Minneapolis tradition. i’m sure they could have come up with the money. Maybe lay off the window displays.
Macy’s Minneapolis Directions | Catalogs
700 On The Mall
Minneapolis, MN 55402
11/21/2009 – 12/31/2009
Macy’s Minneapolis 47th Annual Santaland
Minneapolis Downtown 8th floor Auditorium
Saturday, November 21 through Wednesday, December 30
Free to the Public
See Below for Santaland hours
Back by popular demand, Macy’s Santaland features “A Day in the Life of an Elf.” Through a series of whimsical, vivid vignettes, the animated display
I am not happy that they are doing the same theme again this year. I thought it was cute last year but it will not be worth the drive and hassle of going downtown to see the same display as last year. Hopefully Macy’s will get the message if there is a low turnout. I am disappointed, I take my little girl every year, but I dont think I will this year.
Shame on Macy’s! I agree, it is dissappointing this is the same theme as last year. My family has been going as a huge group every year as one of our biggest family traditions. It is also a part of our tradition to see who can guess the theme of the year, which obviously no one guessed this year. This year many of our group is discouraged about going. Even the middle aged kids remembered this is what last years theme was. Hopefully Macy’s will listen to all of their customers and think ahead for next years holiday season.
I didn’t make it to last year’s, so I don’t mind that it’s the same theme. I had a lot of fun with the Harry Potter display they did about ten years ago…I keep hoping they’ll do HP Book 2 next!
I am definitely bummed that is the same one from last year…which we did go to see. I understand repeating one from the past….but why not one from a few years ago or more?? Two years in a row is a little much.
We are scheduled to go this Saturday with my kids and their paternal grandmother and we will still go and enjoy it and the whole experience, but hope that this doesn’t happen next year too. The gingerbread cookies there though are a tradition for us and we can’t pass those up either!!
I know you are all bummed out its the same as last year. Believe me, I am too. However you must see that it is still a tradition to go down walk through and get the Christmas spirit going. It has turned into a SANTA destination. One of the best in the WORLD. So I would still erg you to make a visit to ol saint nick because they are top of the line when its comes to the big man in red!
isnt the animated classroom a new part of the show this year or am i reading it wrong. same display with updates
Bummer! I was really looking forward to it this year…but the same?! I do enjoy the displays every year, the treats at the end, but I guess it is the Christmas spirit that makes it worthwhile.
It may be a bummer that this year’s event is the same as last year’s but there are alot of people that have not seen it, so it’s good in some ways. Also you people should’nt sit and complain about something that people work hard to do for your family’s to enjoy for free at that, and not expect nothing in return. I am very greatful that there are such place’s around for me to take my children and family to. So with that said, Thank-you Macy’s for giving your time and hard work to entertain so many people.
What a HUGE disappointment. Come one Macy’s get your stuff together! Kids and adults alike look forward to this all year long. No reason to go again.
Macy’s is never doing it as a community service. They are owned by Federated and everything is now linked to ROI (Return on Investment). Next year they will say that the show did not draw many visitors and they will be forced to close it down. I believe Daytons did the show as a draw for customers but also community. Macy’s doesn’t operate that way. Maybe the MOA will see an opportunity and begin putting on their own display.
If you all are SO disappointed, there are a LOT of things you can pay to get into, like the Mpls Children’s theater, Penumbra, etc. here in Mpls over the holidays if you are that high maintenance. LOOK, people, I’ve been going since a kid, and if you have nothing better to do than get worked up about a theme repeat, do go somewhere else but don’t ruin it for the rest of us who can appreciate the design and storytelling. More complaints from you guys and they will charge a fee, so don’t ruin it for others who are less fortunate and this may be there major holiday entertainment of the season. Think about others, not yourselves.
I have seen Harry Potter and the Sorcerers stone a million times, and I cant get bored of it.. I simply love it
Same display for 2010, Elf show 3rd year straight…LAME…they are trying to get away with saving some $, in my opinion! They are also adding in a puppet show…puppets, really…for $4 a head!
Looks like it’s “A Day in the Life of an Elf” 3…YES 3 years in a row!!! Totally disappointed!!!
A yearly tradition is crushed by you guys–3 years in a row –Come on now–YOU KNOW THIS IS A YEARLY FAMILY EVENT FOR ALOT OF YOUR CUSTOMERS AND YOU JUSTED TURNED AWAY SOME OF THEM.
Agreed… LAME!!!
aGAIN??… seriously???
From the Star Tribune, Aug 2010, “Macy’s Inc.’s net income surged in the second quarter. The indications that Macy’s will be a clear winner as retailers’ earnings season gets underway drove its stock up $1.14, or 5.9 percent, to close at $20.52 Wednesday. The chain said it posted net income of $147 million, or 35 cents per share, for the period ended July 31. That compares with $7 million, or 2 cents per share, in the same period last year.”
Clearly, Macy’s is not suffering financially. By occupying the former location of Dayton’s downtown they are charged with carrying on a holiday legacy started nearly 50 years ago. You can’t tell me they don’t profit IMMENSELY from continuing to put on the holiday display. I bet you could find local artists willing to nearly volunteer their time to keep the tradition going if it’s really that much of a financial burden for them. Downtown Minneapolis is dying, there are barely any choices for shopping left and now thousands more will choose NOT to come downtown this holiday season. I’m sure your retail neighbors downtown are as delighted by this news as I am. Take the money you put into your lame puppet show no one wants or cares about, and use it to CHANGE THE THEME OF THE HOLIDAY DISPLAY!!!!!!!! It’s really not that much to ask, Macy’s. Your merchandise sucks, your customer service is non-existent, you could at least keep a small tradition alive for the people of theTwin Cities.
Im still going to go because its a tradition but this “day in the life” is becoming a trying groundhog’s day. Some of the best memories I have are from that floor. I could maybe have forgiven two years in a row but THREE? That is pretty ridiculous. There are plenty of artists near by who would probably work for free to help make this different. Its not like your short of story options. Repeat some thing from an earlier year like the sorcerers stone. Well, its too late to complain now but I hope this changes before next year.
this is a HUGE disappointment! Clearly Macy’s does not meet the old Dayton’s standards, probably why I don’t shop there. 3rd year in a row with the same thing? seriously?? how many decades was it different every year, that was part of the fun was seeing the “new” display. it’s just not the same, face it Macy’s, you’ve disappointed a LOT of people, you will NEVER live up to the Dayton’s displays!!
Please, please, please consider changing the display for 2011!! I am so very sad that we will be missing a great holiday tradition because we just don’t want to see a day in the life . . ever again! What is the deal? It use to be so great. Macy’s could so easily do this! Ditto every above comment. Really – change it!!!!
I’m totally revolted by the lack of Macy’s interst in keeping this tradition alive. How I miss the good old days of Daytons/Marshall Fields when Target was holding the corporate reins!
Here’s a link from Macy’s where you can tell them what you think
http://survey.medallia.com/tu-store?type=store
My husband and I decided to make a tradition of taking our grandchildren to the display. The first year we had a grandchild to take was 2008 when the life of an elf made it’s first appearence. Our grandson was 1, so we figured the second year he wouldn’t remember so we went last year. This year is a disappointment as it will be the same thing. Bring back the grinch, or twelve days or something different. We have a grandchild in Ct. and planned on taking him to Macy’s in NYC, only to see that they have the same window displays there that they have had for a number of years. How sad! Macy’s has been a household name for many years, only I am afraid it isn’t a very popular name this Christmas!
Our family tradition is to go to the display on Christmas day spent two hours in the day of Christmas from 8:00pm-10:00pm..It is likely been used to do in times of Christmas every year. Aside from that we also prepare a letter coming from Santa with a gift to our children and relatives..It’s been a big month for us for the month of December. Thanks for the pic and post.
I am so very disappointed in Macy’s! Really – 3 years in a row?? Are you kidding me?! I won’t be shopping there.
Bring Dayton’s back! Seriously we are doing the same display from the past two years? How about something new…
So VERY disappointing! I have fond memories of going to the display every year as a child and have been continuing the tradition with my own kids. I always appreciated the work and craftsmanship that went into each and every display. What are those wonderful artists doing now? Are they unemployed?! Please bring back the tradition Macys!!!!!
Macys murdered Father Christmas. Blood on their hands! And their parade on Thanksgiving is weak sauce!
Doesn’t seem like this is really “back by popular demand.”
What happened to being thankful? We are blessed with so many things,events, activities… I’m thankful that Macy’s is following the tradition of Daytons. Entitlement is rampant. Let’s not teach it to are children this Christmas. A child will enjoy the familiarity of tradition. Besides is’nt Christmas about celebrating the gift God gave us in Christ? God bless you all will his perfect peace, love, and joy!!!!!
When I was little coming to the 8th floor was one of our traditions. I didn’t go for quite a few years- 20?- and then started going with my 3 best friends 8 years ago. We had missed one year in that time due to weather but that was it- until last year when the theme was repeated. Now we won’t be going again this year- due to the theme being repeated agin. I agree with all the people that wish for a different theme. It is a tradition and it is a shame that so many people aren’t continuing it due to the same theme. I also agree that there are far more serious things to complain about in the world but I know for myself I am very disappointed. My friends and I would start singing Christmas carols as soon as we stepped in line. (our idea was that either the people standing in line with us would join in or they would be so irritated that they would let us cut in line!) The cutting never happened- instead we would start a whole bunch of people singing well known carols- and if they didnt know the words that was ok because we made songbooks to pass out! It would pass teh time in laughter and singing and camaraderie and hopefully the strangers that we stood by would leave that day with a smile on their faces that we helped put there. This tradition will once again be missed by us Yaya’s.
Macy’s thank you for keeping a tradition of honoring Santa and his elfs. this is not for the idiot adults on here but for the children to come year after year with there special belief in Santa. get over it people this is a great display. Great for the Kids not for you idot!
What is your schedule for the 2010 Holiday display.Thanks for having it sure my Grand kids will enjoy my kids sure did.
Thanks
Curt
The corporatization of America is on display for the third year in a row on the 8th floor at Macys. I too had wonderful memories of visiting the annual display as a child with my family, and am saddened that my children will remember this as the “santa” place. What saddens me more is people’s acceptance of profits over people’s happiness and the effect that this will have on my children’s lives.
Peace to all!
I think “Day in the Life of an Elf” is adorable, and I will give Macy’s a pass for doing it three years in a row considering the rough economic times. But, I certainly wish they’d still do the window displays they had when I was little (80s-early 90s). Instead of stuffing all the windows with merchandise, merchandise, merchandise, around holidays, Dayton’s would put up these incredible winter scenes in each window — my favorite was the one with the man ice fishing (he would robotically lift his pole, bringing a fish up from a hole in the ice, in his cabin.) That’s the main one I remember, but all the other windows had cool scenes like Santa, ice skaters, etc. I bet those things are all long gone by now, since they haven’t been displayed in years
but I wish they could bring back something similar. These days, though, especially now that it’s Macy’s, it’s all just about “sell, sell, sell. Shill that merchandise.” I miss the window displays lol.
I agree with Allison, it was very cute but its time for a different theme PLEASE! I loved how every year was different from when i was young til well 3-4 years ago. We stopped going. I remember them doing Disney themes and HArry Potter etc it was very exciting! Please please pleaseee! cahnge it this year! Thank you!
We had a tradition of taking our children every year. 2009 was the last year we went to see the display because it is the same old thing. I am very sad that my youngest child (born in 2010) will not get to share the trdition that was so much a part of our family Christmas. Please change the theme for 2012. We didn’t care for “A Day in The Life of An Elf” the first year, but thinking that it would be different the next year made it easier to deal with.
I agree, “A Day in the Life of an Elf” is really quite nice, but this is the FOURTH year in a row!!! We will not be visiting this year…this theme is just simply getting old! On the up side, the lines should be really short because everybody had already “been there, done that”!
I completely agree!!! I actually wrote a complaint to Macy’s last year and another one to them this year. Here is their response to me this year:
“Thank you for submitting your feedback about our Holiday Auditorium Show. We appreciate your comments and understand your frustration. We have already forwarded your feedback to the Parade and Entertainment Team for their consideration.
“A Day In The Life Of An Elf” was written specifically for Macy’s Minneapolis and is made to please children and families. This year we’ll continue “Moose Crossing” a puppet theater, to the auditorium. We’re still proud to offer a free holiday display to our customers and community.
What a crock. I’ve been going to this for the last 38 years or so from my childhood to an adult with my son. I am so glad that others share my feelings of disappointment.
How disappointing that this will be done for the 4th year in a row. As a child my mother would bring me and my brother to the auditorium every year. I still remember Peter Pan, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, The Wind in the Willows (my personal favorite) among so many others. Now that my brother and I both have children and are only able to get together in Minneapolis over the Christmas season, we were both so excited to be able to share the same mystery and wonder with our kids. How disappointing it is that instead of mystery and wonder, it is the same show year after year. His oldest has already lost interest in the idea of going, and I’m left to wonder how long it will be before the youngest shares his sentiments. No way to recapture or pass on the excitement of not knowing what the display will be, the anticipation standing in line to see it, and the razzle-dazzle magic of watching your favorite story seem to come alive.
Attention all u Meatheads above:
I have been going to Macy’s 8th floor and the Hollidazzle every year since I was little with my parents!!! This is a FREE let me repeat FREE nice family event u don’t have to go to!!!! So quite your complaining!!!!!
Macy’s here is an idea…. We really appreciate the display every year, and if needed, to be able to change the display each year start charging the belly achers above a couple dollars!!! I know that my family and friends would definiately pay $2 to walk through, and that would help fund the change!!
Thank you !
Here’s a link where you can tell Macy’s what you think: http://survey.medallia.com/tu-store?type=store
Here’s what I wrote:
I am writing to inform you that I, as well as my extended family, are some of many that will NOT be visiting your store this Christmas season, 2011. Why? I am very disappointed to see that your 8th floor display is, once again, “A day in the life of an Elf”. My family has enjoyed the tradition (for 30 years) of waiting with GREAT anticipation, as we would make our way up each floor in the long line of people that were eager to see the story that would be magically brought to life on the 8th floor. My Dad took countless pictures of his four kids, as we stared, open mouthed and eyes wide, at the wonderfully detailed display that told our favorite stories. My sister and I schemed as to how we would hide in the display somewhere, and sleep in the beautiful Cinderella beds overnight, or how much fun it would be to play in the pirate ship from Peter Pan. We would end our family tradition with a wander through the gift shop, the yearly eating of the gingerbread men, and head off to dinner somewhere downtown. Alas, I am saddened that my children will not be given the same magical part of childhood by Macy’s. Since Macy’s has chosen to ignore the traditions and wishes of Minnesotans, we will be taking our time and business elsewhere. And I was so looking forward to sharing this wonder with my grandchildren someday…..
Hey you corporate morons CHANGE THE DISPLAY!
I am soooo disapointed that A Day in the Life of an Elf is still playing. My family loves going downtown to see this and the hollidazzle parade…we make a day of it. I would pay a small fee or give a donation to a donation box (like como park zoo does) to have a change for next year although I think Macy’s takes enough of my money each year and others as well. Please consider making a change for next year.
Come on people!!! Macy’s corporate yahoos, wake up!! Yes the economy is not doing so well! This is exactly when companies like you need to do a little more, be a little more giving. The corporate greed that has been being exhibited by you large companies is exactly what is going to be the END of you! People will find other places to buy from, places where they feel like they are treated with respect. In that spirit of goodnes, bring back our tradition here in the Twin Cities! Start changing the holiday displays, and you may be pleasantly surprised by a bit more shopping in your store.
Come on, Its Minnesota what do you expect. That is good as it will ever get. Its not like NY, Chicago, Seattle, Denver, St. Louis, San Fran, Atlanta, ect, ect, ect… Not even close!!! Just look at the Zoo here. Lame & Boring
I totaly love what is done on the 8th floor, It brings back memories of when I was a child and my children loves it too. Never stop the wonderful work that is done there!
It really is a Winter Wonderland!
This has nothing to do with kids vs. Grinchy adults; and little to do with being free, either. If you think that kids don’t get bored of the same thing year after year, then you don’t know kids. After 4 years of the same thing, the Elf display is definitely a snooze. If you think this is anything other than corporate greed and pure laziness then you’re dreaming. The reason for repeating it year after year is that “A Day in the Life of an Elf” is an original story, created and licensed by Macy’s…so they don’t have to pay for the rights to use characters or stories that are under copyright (not to mention, they don’t have to build new scenes). Just because it’s a free show, that doesn’t mean we don’t have the right to be dismayed. Many people who come to these shows spend money in the gift shop or elsewhere in Macy’s while they’re there. Even if they don’t, it is still kind of dishonoring the Dayton’s tradition of a new spectacular every year, and dressing up the street-level windows with more cool winter scenes (the NYC Macy’s does it; why not here?) Sometimes you have to spend money to make money. Next year, they’d better change it!