Whether you’re posing for the perfect Christmas card or enjoying a holiday tradition, here are plenty of places to take pictures with Jolly Old St. Nick.
Brunch with Santa at the Salamander Resort & Spa
Dec. 1 and 8, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Guests can enjoy a sweet and savory brunch inside Santa’s workshop. Activities include holiday crafts and photo opportunities with Santa himself. // Salamander Resort: 500 N. Pendleton St., Middleburg; $55 (adults), $30 (children)
Santa at Cox Farms
Dec. 1, 2, 8 and 9
Visit with Santa at the Cox Farms’ Corner Market while stocking up on seasonal goodies or a fresh cut Christmas tree. // Cox Farms: 15621 Braddock Road, Centreville; Free
Visits with Santa at the Village at Leesburg
Dec. 5, 12 and 19, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Share your Christmas list with Santa when he visits the Village of Leesburg on Wednesday evenings. Bring your own camera (and pets) for this free photo opportunity. // Village at Leesburg: 1601 Village Market Blvd., Leesburg; Free
Free Photos with Santa at the Market at Clarendon Commons
Through Dec. 8, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Bring a new, unwrapped toy to support Toys for Tots and receive a free keepsake photo with Santa Claus. Additional festivities include free Nicecream hot cocoa, festive carolers, kids’ holiday crafts and a selfie station in a giant snow globe. // Market Common Clarendon: 1201 Fillmore St., Arlington; Free
Mistletoe Magic
Dec. 8, 2-5 p.m.
Enjoy winter-themed games, crafts, holiday music, animated characters, a hot chocolate bar and a chance to meet Mr. and Mrs. Claus. // Parkridge Center: 11096 Bulloch Drive, Manassas; Free
Santa at Colvin Run Mill
Dec. 8, 3-6 p.m.
Spend some time enjoying old-fashioned holiday fun by roasting marshmallows over an open fire, making crafts and viewing Victorian decorations. Pre-registration is encouraged. // Colvin Run Mill: 10017 Colvin Run Road, Great Falls; $5
WinterFest in Historic Occoquan
Dec. 8, 4-7 p.m.
In addition to telling Santa Claus what they want for Christmas, kids and families can enjoy marshmallow roasting by the fire pits, live holiday music and free hot chocolate samples. // Occoquan Historic District
Merrifield Garden Center
Through Dec. 22
Santa will stop by the Fair Oaks Merrifield Garden during the weekends. But if you’re worried about a long line, leave your phone number and you’ll receive a text when it’s your turn to see Santa. // Merrifield Garden Center Fair Oaks: 12101 Lee Highway, Fairfax; Free
Santa at Potomac Mills Mall
Through Dec. 24
The holiday season is busy, so skip the line to see Santa by reserving a FastPass while the jolly man is at Potomac Mills Mall. // Potomac Mills Mall: 2700 Potomac Mills Circle, Woodbridge; Free
The Santa Photo Experience at the Fashion Centre at Pentagon City
Through Dec. 24
Take a break from holiday shopping to snap a photo with Santa. Don’t have time to wait in line? Reserve a fast pass online. // Fashion Centre at Pentagon City: 1100 S. Hayes St., Arlington; Free
Santa at Dulles Town Center
Through Dec. 24
Step into Santa’s magical wonderland to get a photo and share your Christmas list. Photo appointments can also be scheduled online. // Dulles Town Center: 21100 Dulles Town Circle, Dulles; prices vary on package
Santa’s Flight Academy at Fair Oaks Mall
Through Dec. 24
Join Santa’s flight crew and help save Christmas! Kids will love the magical lights and indoor snowfall. Make the memories last forever with a keepsake photo or photo gift with Santa. Reservations are not required. // Fair Oaks Mall: 11750 Fair Oaks Mall, Fairfax; Free
Santa HQ at Tysons Corner Center
Through December 24
Look into the magic mirror and transform into one of Santa’s elves. Visitors can have fun with interactive features like Elf-Ray Vision and the Naughty or Nice O’Meter before taking a photo with Santa at his lavish headquarters presented by HGTV. // Tysons Corner Center: 1961 Chain Bridge Road, Tysons; Free
Santa at Springfield Town Center
Through Dec. 24
Santa will be stationed in the Grand Court and is available for daily photo opportunities. Spend less time waiting and more time celebrating by booking ahead online. // Springfield Town Center: 6500 Springfield Mall, Springfield; Free
Christmas Village at Leesburg Animal Park
Weekends in December
Celebrate Christmas with the critters. The event includes holiday light displays, photos with Santa, crafts, marshmallow roasting, pony rides and a kids’ indoor play zone. // Leesburg Animal Park: 19270 James Monroe Highway, Leesburg; $10
Bull Run Festival of Lights
Through Jan. 1
After driving through the magical 2.5 miles of dancing light displays, stop at the holiday village for carnival rides, refreshments and photos with Santa Claus. // Bull Run Regional Park: 7700 Bull Run Drive, Centreville; $20-$25
