Minneapolis families and collectors will have a new holiday treat this season. Starting November 11, the Dayton’s Holiday Market at the Dayton’s Project on Nicollet Mall will sell a limited‑edition Mary Tyler Moore SantaBear, a nod to the iconic hat‑toss statue at Nicollet and 7th Avenue.
From nostalgic toy to charitable collectible
SantaBear plush toys have been a staple of Minnesota holiday nostalgia since the 1980s, when Dayton’s first released the oversized bears that quickly became coveted collector’s items. Over the decades the bears have shrunk in size and risen in price, but their charm endures. This year’s version pays tribute to television legend Mary Tyler Moore, whose famous hat‑toss scene from the sitcom The Mary Tyler Moore Show is immortalized in a bronze statue at the intersection of Nicollet and 7th.
The Mary Tyler Moore SantaBear will retail for $129. While the price reflects the bear’s limited production and high‑quality materials, the purchase also supports a good cause: ten percent of every sale will be donated to the Mary Tyler Moore Vision Initiative, a nonprofit that promotes arts education and community outreach in Minnesota.
How to get yours
Shoppers can preview the bear during a sneak‑peek pre‑sale on November 11 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Dayton’s Holiday Market. After the preview, the bear will be available for purchase throughout the holiday market’s run, which runs through the end of December. In addition to the Mary Tyler Moore edition, Dayton’s will also release a traditional SantaBear design for collectors who prefer the classic look.
Long‑time fans recall earlier releases, such as the 2022 comeback that featured a smaller bear but retained the whimsical charm that made the original so popular. The new edition continues that tradition while adding a fresh, locally meaningful twist.
Community response
Local residents expressed excitement on social media, noting how the bear blends holiday cheer with a beloved piece of Minneapolis culture. “It’s wonderful to see a piece of our TV history celebrated in a way that also gives back,” one commenter wrote. The initiative aligns with the city’s broader effort to support charitable causes during the holiday season, reinforcing the spirit of generosity that defines Minneapolis’s winter celebrations.
For families looking for a unique gift or a keepsake that captures both nostalgia and philanthropy, the Mary Tyler Moore SantaBear offers a timely option. Its blend of pop‑culture homage, local pride, and charitable impact makes it a standout addition to the holiday market’s offerings.
Original reporting: News Talk 1340 KROC-AM – News and Talk – Rochester News Radio — read the source article.
