Santa is at the Waldorf-Astoria

Red and green text and a red illustration of Santa's head on a white background

The tradition of Santa Claus appearing in public places is closely tied to New York City, where Santa first began appearing in many major department stores as early as 1891. By the turn of the century, the department store Santa had become an institution. This button was presumably gifted to guests who visited Santa Claus at the world-renowned Waldorf-Astoria. 

Since its 1931 opening in Manhattan, the Waldorf-Astoria has served members of royalty, celebrities, and presidents. In addition to being lauded as one of the world's largest Art Deco buildings, the hotel was once considered the tallest. The Waldorf-Astoria is still synonymous with luxury today.