Holiday Magic at PaleyLand: Santa Photos, Holiday Movies, and More

While you may know The Paley Center for its expansive library of TV shows and movies or its epic VR-filled gaming studio, from now until January 7th, the much-loved museum has been transformed into a five-story winter wonderland! Dubbed “Paleyland,” the seasonal attraction invites visitors to sip hot chocolate, snap photos with Santa, catch screenings of classic holiday movies, and so much more.

My daughters and I jumped at the chance to visit PaleyLand in Midtown Manhattan and it did not disappoint. Here’s what to know before you go:

A beautiful backdrop and professional photos make PaleyLand's Santa experience a must.

Santa Photos and Character Meet-and-Greets

The Santa experience at PaleyLand is a good one! At the end of a winding wintry path, Jolly Old Saint Nick happily accepted my daughters’ wish lists and patiently smiled for a ton of family photos. Not only did the Paley staff kindly offer to take pictures on my phone, but we received printed and digital copies of the professional photographer’s best shot–which are free for Paley members and $10 for non-members.

Check the Character Schedule to see what other guests are visiting PaleyLand, from Rudolph to Bumble the Abominable Snowman. You’ll also find festive Instagram-worthy backdrops throughout the museum for more holiday photo ops!

All aboard The Paley Express–a magical holiday train display on the second floor. Photo courtesy of PaleyLand

Holiday Movie Magic and Special Events

PaleyLand features daily screenings of a curated mix of beloved holiday specials in the second floor theater. Catch classics like Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and A Rugrats Chanukah. While you're there, don't miss The Paley Express–a magical holiday train display right next door.

Throughout the season, you’ll find more special holiday screenings too, complete with live characters, crafts, and take-home gifts. Cozy up for a viewing of the new Rosie’s Rules holiday special while snapping photos with Rosie. Or catch holiday episodes of Gabby’s Dollhouse while crafting ornaments with the costumed Gabby character and the gang.

Stop by The Paley Library for festive craft projects, like construction paper trees and snowmen.

Holiday Arts and Crafts in The Paley Library

On the third floor, you’ll find The Paley Archive–home to the museum’s extensive digital media library and a festive crafts area. This was undoubtedly my kids’ favorite stop, where they decorated construction paper Christmas trees with ribbons and glued together pre-cut snowman pieces before we settled down at computers to browse the catalog of 160,000+ shows, movies, and radio programs.

My husband and I pulled up episodes of The Smurfs, Duck Tales, and other childhood favorites. Comfy chairs and computers equipped with multiple sets of adjustable headphones made it easy for all of us to tune in together–plus it was so nostalgic!

The family-friendly space houses more than 65 games on over 20 gaming stations. Photo courtesy of PaleyLand

PaleyGX Gaming Studio with Virtual Reality

The PaleyGX Gaming and VR Studio is a can’t-miss stop on your PaleyLand adventure. The family-friendly space houses more than 65 games on over 20 gaming stations, including Xbox Series X and Nintendo Switch. The impressive lineup also features a range of immersive VR games paired with the latest PlayStation™ VR2 and Oculus Quest 2 headsets. While the studio is open to all ages, note that there’s a $10 admission fee for any non-members ages 12 and up. Members have free access.

What to Know Before You Visit The Paley Center

• Reserve tickets: Purchase advance tickets online. Select an entry time and stay all day!
• Pricing: Kids under 12 get in FREE, adults pay $20, and there are discounts for students, teachers, seniors, first responders, and veterans.
• Add-Ons: Santa photos and PaleyGX Studio access have additional fees for non-members, but if you become a member, they're all included.
• Ages: Most of PaleyLand is for all ages, but the VR systems in PaleyGX require kids to be 12 or 13 years old.
• No food or drink: Eating and drinking aren't permitted, but you might catch some hot chocolate in the lobby.
• Tech-ready: Charge up your camera or phone for all those holiday photo ops.
• Accessibility: Strollers are welcome, and the entire museum is wheelchair accessible.
• Extras: Assisted listening devices are available, and the Paley Library has closed-captioning for over 1,000 television programs.
• Travel light: There's no coat check, so keep it simple.
• Make it a party!: The PaleyGX Studio was voted Best Children’s Party Place in Manhattan by Bethpage Best of the City, and can be reserved for private events!

The Paley Center is conveniently located at 25 West 52 Street, between 5th and 6th Avenues– making it an easy stop along with other holiday must-sees like Radio City Music Hall and Rockefeller Center's iconic tree. PaleyLand runs through January 7, 2024, but The Paley Museum is open year-round!

Unless noted, photos by the author