The start of December means it is officially time to start celebrating the holiday season. In between trips to the holiday markets and light displays, you may be wondering where to see the big man in red this year. Here are 14 places to visit Santa Claus (and one place to see Mr. Grinch himself) in the Northern Virginia area.
Manassas Mall
Manassas Mall is hosting Santa through Christmas Eve. He’s at his post Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Sunday ,11 a.m.-6 p.m., and for the week of Christmas, he is available Monday through Friday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m., and Christmas Eve, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. (He’s got to start delivering gifts after all!)
The Santa Photo Experience at Pentagon City
Don’t miss Caring Santa on December 4. The private event is designed for children and young adults with special needs and their families to have their photos taken with Santa. Mall staff make the adjustments needed to support sensory, physical, and developmental needs for children with disabilities. Make your reservation here.
Also, bring your pet cat or dog to The Fashion Centre at Pentagon City on December 11. Enter the mall entrance from Level 1 of the parking garage next to Nordstrom to have your favorite good boys and girls pose with the man in red.
Great Falls Celebration of Lights
Families love this free community event at Great Falls Village Field from 3-6 p.m. on December 4. Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive by firetruck to light the tree at 5 p.m. Kids are welcome to share their holiday wishes with Santa for some photo ops.
Storytime with Santa at Merrifield Garden Center’s Fair Oaks Location
Join Santa for stories, songs, and more. Space is limited and registration is required for this event (offerings include December 3, 10, and 17). Tickets are $5 per child and proceeds go to Child Life Services at Inova L.J. Murphy Children’s Hospital.
Tysons Galleria
Don’t miss Pet Night with Santa at Tysons Galleria. Get your furry friends to Santa anytime between 4-7 p.m on December 5.
Tysons Corner Center
These days, Santa is pretty technologically savvy. Pre-book your visit with him at Tysons Corner Center and you get a free personalized call from Santa powered by the Portable North Pole. All guests who pre-book and buy a photo package get a free call.
Santa’s Flight Academy at Fair Oaks Mall
In partnership with experiential photography company Cherry Hill Programs, kids love this state-of-the-art photo experience.
Springfield Town Center
Reservations are strongly recommended to see Santa. Extended hours to visit him begin December 9 and run through Christmas Eve. Before you visit, check the website for Santa’s break times.
Potomac Mills
Now through December 24, Potomac Mills is hosting Santa for the annual holiday photo tradition.
Village at Leesburg’s Santa Saturdays
Look for Santa and his special helper for photos in front of The Village’s WISH tree. Wish lists are welcome, too, as Santa will be reviewing them.
Pancake Breakfast with Santa
Ever wonder what it would be like to have pancakes with Santa? The Ashburn Volunteer Fire & Rescue Department can show you! On December 11 from 8 a.m.-noon, enjoy scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, hash browns, juice, tea, coffee, and of course: pancakes with Santa!
Dulles Town Center
The Dulles Town Center has a newly updated home for Santa this year! His headquarters is located in Center Court, between Starbucks and JCPenney.
Saturday with Santa in Sterling
On Saturday, December 3, head to Ridgetop Coffee in Sterling for the fifth annual fundraiser to support the Potomac Falls High School drama department. Santa will be on hand for pictures and there will be a raffle and gift wrapping.
Ritz Carlton Breakfast with Santa
For an extra special day, on Saturday, December 3, and Saturday, December 17, Santa will be appearing at the Ritz Carlton in Pentagon City for a holiday breakfast.
Feeling Grinchy instead? See The Grinch himself at Grinchmas at Fairfax Corner
Fairfax Corner is celebrating “Grinchmas” December 16 from 5-8 p.m. This more adult affair will not include Santa — instead Mr. Grinch will be coming down from Mount Crumpit for photo ops.
Feature image, Brastock Images/stock.adobe.com
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