Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus — but he may not be visiting ABC Carpet & Home this year.
The Manhattan store has hosted the same Santa for the last 20 years, and for many loyal parents and children, his early arrival marks the beginning of the holiday season. Traditionally, children are allowed to visit Santa for a handful of Saturdays and Sundays starting in late November.
But the home decor store has yet to post anything to its website about Santa’s schedule.
Earlier this week, a curious parent reached out to ABC about the status of Santa visits and was told that Saint Nick would not be stopping by the store this year.
ABC has yet to confirm the status of Santa’s return to amNewYork.
“I started researching other Santa experiences which I am sure are fine, but felt wrong,” said a mother of three that described the store’s Santa experience as “magical.” “I felt like I was cheating on this Santa.”
Sources told amNewYork that Santa has been thinking about hanging up his red hat — at least at ABC Carpet & Home — for the last several years. Even so, Santa will nonetheless make many other appearances across New York City this holiday season, around his normally busy schedule this time of year.
If you’re looking for the best Santa experiences for your kids, click here to read New York Family’s round-up.
