Over the years, we’ve written about many of our favorite Santas on Dallas Moms Blog. We all know the lines are crazy, but well-worth it at Northpark Mall and Santa’s Village in Richardson. For some families, visiting the same Santa is a tradition used to measure the family’s growth (and maturity!) in photos from year to year.
For me, our favorite Santa is located downtown at the original and flagship Neiman Marcus. The whole experience is a little nostalgic, magical, and very Miracle on 34th Street. Unlike many of the other hot spots around town, the lines don’t get as nutty downtown. Sure, you will wait in line for 45 minutes if you procrastinate until December 23rd to take your photo. (But, 45 minutes on that day for Santa in Dallas can be considered a steal!)
I think the entire experience at the downtown Neiman’s provides special once-a-year memories. We love to go upstairs to the mezzanine floor and play with the over-the-top and amazing toys. Think Ride-On Electric Lamborghinis (definitely on my husband’s list!) and Mini Baby Grand Pianos.
This year, we are looking forward to exploring the amazing play tunnels. Children must be 3’6″ to climb and the cost is absolutely free. The tunnels weave in and out of the gorgeous Christmas window displays (again, I’m reminded of a particular NYC Macy’s). Play tunnels are open from 11am to 4pm Monday thru Saturday and noon to 4pm on Sunday.
After all of that playing, have you worked up an appetite? Not to worry because you are in the presence of one of my absolute favorite things to eat: the Zodiac’s pillowy popover with homemade strawberry butter. Just take the elevator up to the 6th floor for some great food and even better people watching. Word to the wise: the Zodiac is only open for lunch and not necessarily kid-friendly. This might be a better experience for the older kid crowd.
Santa holds residence on the ground floor from 11:30am to 4pm Monday thru Saturday and noon to 4pm on Sunday.
Also, be sure to check out the annual Neiman’s Breakfast with Santa. Held December 20-21 at 8:30am and December 22 at 9:30am, kids can dine with Santa at the Zodiac and enjoy entertainment by children’s singer/songwriter Eddie Coker. Cost: $45/person, children 2 and under are free. Call 214-573-5800 for reservations.
Neiman Marcus, 1618 Main St, Dallas, TX 75201
This is our third year to visit Santa at Neimans. My kiddos loved playing with the toys upstairs, so thanks for that tip! We got there at 11:15 midweek to a short line. The backdrops are always gorgeous – this year a huge blown glass tree. The photographer took about five minutes to get my nervous daughter comfortable. It helped! No tears till she was off his lap. We always eat at the cafe downstairs, whose only downside is no restroom. When we left around 1 PM there was not a line at all. This is our go to Santa!
I am an Uncle Santa….I guess. The Neiman’s Flagship store is my nephew > Santa Felix is a great man who brings joy to all he meets.