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  • 10 places to get a photo with Santa this year
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10 places to get a photo with Santa this year

While this year’s Santa visit will include face masks and social distancing, you can still get a photo for your holiday cards.

By Michele Kettner November 24, 2020 at 3:29 pm

Not even a pandemic can stop Santa Claus from meeting with your little ones. Although safety precautions will be put in place, like face masks and social distancing, you can still make a visit with St. Nick happen. Here are 10 places holding photo sessions with Santa this year.

Lights. Camera. Santa! at Fashion Centre at Pentagon City

Nov. 27-Dec. 24, times vary
Head over to Arlington for a meet-and-greet with Santa Claus. Visitors will need to wear a face mask during the meeting to ensure the safety of others. Reservations are encouraged. // 1100 S. Hayes St., Arlington; starting at $19.99 for photo packages

Lights. Camera. Santa! at Potomac Mills

Nov. 27-Dec. 24, times vary
Head to Potomac Mills for a special meeting with St. Nick. Santa and all of his helpers will be wearing masks throughout the visit to make sure everyone stays safe for the holidays. Advanced reservations are encouraged. // 2700 Potomac Mills Circle, Woodbridge; starting at $19.99 for photo packages

Photos with Santa at Fair Oaks Mall

Nov. 27-Dec. 24, times vary
Santa and his elves from the flight academy are coming to Fairfax. This location is continuing the holiday tradition with masks and social distancing for guests and Santa. Photos are by reservation only and require prepayment. // 11750 Fair Oaks Mall, Fairfax; starting at $39.99 for photo packages

Santa Experience at Salamander Resort & Spa

Nov. 28 through Dec. 20, times vary
Enjoy a private visit to Santa’s workshop in Middleburg. Board a festive wagon for a socially-distant meet and greet with the big man himself. Grab a photo, have your little ones share their Christmas list, create a special craft and take home a special stuffed animal from Santa. // 500 N. Pendleton St., Middleburg; $250

Santa’s Sleigh Photo Shoot 

Dec. 5-6, 9, 12-13,16, 19, times vary
Jolly Old Saint Nick is heading to Gum Drop Square. The outdoor experience will allow kids to sit by the fireplace with Santa while parents take as many pictures as they like. Masks will be required while in line. // 92 Main St., Warrenton; free for pictures with Santa, $2 for workshop

Photos with Santa: selfies hot chocolate & cookies! at The Woodhouse Day Spa

Dec. 6, 10 a.m.
Santa is taking a spa day at The Woodhouse Day Spa. Meet him there for a quick photo and to share some hot chocolate and cookies. Advanced registration is required. Proceeds benefit the Prince William Humane Society. // 8114 Stonewall Shops Square, Gainesville; $10

Santa Claus is Coming to Town at the McLean Community Center

Dec. 12, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Santa and Mrs. Claus are making a stop in McLean. The Clauses will be taking photos in a snowglobe for contactless memories. Guests can also leave a letter in the mailbox and donate a new unwrapped toy to Toys for Tots. Pre-registration is required.  // 1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean; $10 per family

Photos with Santa at Tysons Corner Center

Through Dec. 24, times vary
Tysons Corner Center is holding a contactless experience with Santa this year. Santa, his helpers and guests will need to wear a face mask, and social distance. The set will also be deep cleaned to ensure the health of guests. While reservations are not required, but recommended.   // 1961 Chain Bridge Road, Tysons Corner; starting at $19.99 for photo packages

Tysons Galleria

Through Dec. 24, times vary
Get your holiday photos with St. Nick at Tysons Galleria. These festive pictures will include social distancing and face coverings for guests and Santa. Reservations are required. // 2001 International Drive, McLean; starting at $19.99 for photo packages

Visits with Santa at Dulles Town Center

Through Dec. 24, times vary
Santa’s new home is at Dulles Town Center. Let your little ones bring along their list for a socially distant share with Santa or place a letter in the mailbox for him to read later. Masks will be worn by guests and Santa at all times. // 21100 Dulles Town Circle, Dulles; starting at $39.99 for photo packages

For more holiday activities, subscribe to our Things to Do newsletter.

Michele Kettner

Michele Kettner

Audience Engagement Editor

Michele Kettner joined Northern Virginia Magazine in 2020 after spending two semesters as an editorial intern at the magazine. The University of Maryland graduate is currently the audience engagement editor and covers everything from can’t-miss things to do and holiday events to new restaurant and store openings throughout Northern Virginia.

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