Macy's Santa National Tour 2012 in Providence RI

The Macy's in Providence Rhode Island certainly worked their "Macy's Magic" when Santa stopped at the store this week during his Whirlwind 2012 National Tour! What's more...Macy's is donating $1.00 for every letter received in Santa's special mailbox (up to $1,000,000) to the Make A Wish Foundation. 

Macy's Make-A-Wish Santa Mailbox

Santa arrived at 6:00 sharp in a fabulous parade led by a dixieland style jazz band! 

Dixieland Jazz Band Parade for Santa

As soon as he arrived Santa had a question and answer session with the children and explained Macy's partnership with the Make A Wish Foundation and how the money donated will help a child with a life threatening illness's wish come true.

He then introduced everyone to Virginia and explained how her letter to the editor in 1897 inspired everyone to "believe" in the spirit of Christmas. The "Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus" editorial is one of the most uplifting stories of the holiday season.

Meet Virginia!

Macy's  is very proud to be associated with the true spirit of the season and has included the "believe" logo as part of their holiday campaign.  There's even a "believe" meter!

Macy's Believe Meter

Christmas wouldn't be complete without a reminder to NOT be NAUGHTY and to ALWAYS be NICE.  Of course, Santa reminded EVERYONE  about the Elf on The Shelf that just might be watching...and who will report any bad behaviors back to Santa.

Santa then read the story of The Night Before Christmas with the help of his specials elves, Holly and Nutmeg.

Holly, Santa, and Nutmeg read The Night Before Christmas

Listening to the Night Before Christmas

Prior to Santa's arrival, the behind the scenes elves at Macy's entertained the waiting children with areas to write their letters to Santa, along with face painting, and balloon magicians, so they were all ready to line up and sit with Santa once he finished his story.

We Love Santa!

I believe!

They mailed their letters off to Santa...

Mailing a letter to Santa - and helping the Make A Wish Foundation!

 and got to meet the amazing Virginia!

Virginia!

I was also lucky enough to run into the incredibly funny Stephanie of the blog
MommaBeThyName and together we approached Santa and gave him our lists!

We even met Macy's Providence Place store manager Craig Robbins who was so happy to have his good friends Santa, Holly, and Nutmeg stop in for a visit!

Holly, Santa, Craig Robbins, and Nutmeg

You might remember I spoke about Craig when I last visited the Providence Place Mall to attend the Clinton Kelly Million Dollar Makeover Fashion Event.  Craig always displays the personal service that Macy's is known for.  It's a pleasure to visit his store!  (Read more about Craig and the Million Dollar Makeover event here.

The Macy's special event's crew, along with the on site staff, does a spectacular job at these events!

You can meet Santa and his friends too!  Here's a list of his upcoming stops this year!

You can see more pictures of Santa: Home Place-Santa's Whirlwind 2012 National Tour

Have you visited Santa this year?

  

Do you have any special wishes this holiday season?

I'd love to hear about them in the comments below!

Disclosure: I am a member of the Everywhere Society and Everywhere provided me with compensation for this post about Santa’s Whirlwind National Tour. However, all thoughts and opinions expressed herein are my own.