Spreading holiday cheer with the Macy's Santa

PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) - Now in its 5th year, Macy's annual Believe campaign has collected more than 5 million letters in the first four years. In addition to Macy's Santa National Tour to 26 cities, National Believe Day is on Friday, December 14. 

Macy's "Believe" campaign was inspired by the "Yes, Virginia" letter written by 8-year-old Virginia O'Hanlon to the New York Sun in 1897 and the response from newsman Francis P. Church.

The response speaks to the generosity, benevolence and goodness of the Christmas season as proof that Santa exists - and includes the famous line "Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus."

As Santa's home away from home, Macy's wanted to remind Americans of this season's magic and to inspire them to embrace that spirit this holiday

Santa will arrive in Hampton, Virginia via his special Macy's Santa Tour Bus. He will make two stops while in town - first he will make a private trip to St. Mary's Home for Disabled Children where he will spread holiday cheer and meet some very special children. Later that evening, at 6 p.m. Santa will stop by the Macy's in Peninsula Town Center where he, along with some very special friends, will meet and mingle with local families. In addition, children will be treated to a festive, live performance by the Hampton High School Band to celebrate Santa's grand arrival to town.

Macy's Believe efforts raise funds for Make-A-Wish, with $1 donated by Macy's, up to $1 million, for every letter to Santa dropped off at our special Santa Mail letterbox in store.