The holiday season is a magical time, and nothing captures the spirit better than a visit with Santa Claus. This year, Tysons Corner Galleria and surrounding areas are brimming with opportunities to meet Santa, take festive photos, and enjoy holiday cheer. Find fireworks, lighted sculptures, and, of course, Santa Claus.
Tysons Corner Center
The magic of the holiday season comes alive with a visit to Santa’s winter wonderland. Santa will be here starting November 7 and is located near Wasabi on Level 1. A visit is always free, with various photo packages available for purchase. Reservations aren't required but are recommended to reduce your wait time. You can book your reservation here.
Pet Nights: Capture Santa photos with your pets! Make the season magical with a timeless photo starring your pet. Pet night events are also scheduled for November 17, November 24, December 1, and December 8. Book your pet portraits here to get your picture-perfect photo - Mondays from November 17 - December 15.
Special Events: Don’t miss Tysons Corner Center’s official holiday season kick-off. As Santa makes his grand arrival, the mall will celebrate with performances from the Dance Academy of Loudoun, Fairfax Ballet, and George Mason University Green Machine. Also, plan ahead for a free Storytime with Santa event in the Center Court of the mall.
This holiday season, Tysons Corner Center will come alive with carolers, fireworks, and light displays. You’ll want to spend your nights exploring the light sculptures on PenFed Plaza. The mall isn’t just for shopping.
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Tysons Galleria
Santa will be ready for the perfect photo op amongst the luxury retail stores in Tysons Galleria to hear what's on your Christmas list! Whether you've been naughty or nice, timed slots are going fast, so book your photo time with Santa and create another season of magical moments for you and your family. Reservations are highly encouraged.
Looking for a paws-itively good time? Bring your furry friend and snap a photo with Santa on Mondays and Tuesdays from November 24 through December 16. You can book your reservation here for the most paw-fect pictures!
Santa Cares Day: Also coming to the Galleria is Santa Cares Day for sensory-friendly moments on December 7.
Gift Wrapping: Plus, make a special visit to get your gifts wrapped for free, to benefit Make-A-Wish Mid-Atlantic, from December 13 - 24!
Breakfast with Santa: Last, but not least, the unique experience of eating breakfast with Santa in NM Cafe is truly an elevated treat.
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Fair Oaks Mall
Family fun awaits as Santa and his elves have set up shop inside Fair Oaks Mall...and they've brought along their magical sleigh. Santa’s Flight Academy offers an innovative holiday photo experience while delivering the magic and tradition of the season. Reservations are available here.
Springfield Town Center
Good tidings and joy are filling the halls in the Springfield Town Center because Santa is bringing his positive spirit with him to South County all the way from the North Pole. Digital photos and printed photo packages are available to purchase after the photoshoot is over. Reservations are encouraged, but not required.
Other Locations
Mosaic District: Santa can be found hanging around Mosaic District (look for him in Angelika Film Center) on select dates from November 28 through December 24. No reservations are necessary, so just bring your patience along with your mobile phone or camera so you can create your own Santa photo experience before you head out shopping.
Vienna Community Center: Santa will visit the Vienna Community Center to hear all your holiday wishes.
Colvin Run Mill: Experience old-fashioned holiday fun at Colvin Run Mill. Families will have 15 minutes to visit Santa in the mill, and we will offer holiday crafts. Families may also visit the historic house and general store. (3-Adult) Visit Santa in the Mill, tour the Miller’s House decorated for the holidays, roast a marshmallow and enjoy cocoa. Festive music and children’s crafts complete the experience. At this sensory-friendly event, children with disabilities and their families can experience old-fashioned holiday fun at Colvin Run Mill in a quiet and calm environment.
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Shipgarten: With a plethora of jolly, joy-filled events, Shipgarten will kick off its seasonal festivities on December 6 with its annual tree lighting ceremony! Boasting a packed itinerary for the evening, you'll be able to partake in games, crafts, face painting, and carols near the dazzling glow of an illuminated tree. On December 7 and 13, Shipgarten will host two Holiday Markets full of yuletide vibes, live music, seasonal beverages, and local vendors. On December 20, Shipgrarten will enchant you with the perfect opportunity to connect with someone special, as they host the Perfect Christmas Date. And on December 21, have some good ol' fashioned family friendly fun at the Santa, Mrs. Claus, and the Grinch Host Kids and Family Festival. Ending with a paw-some holiday event, Shipgarten's last festive event before New Year's is Holiday for the Hounds. The best part of all these events? As long as their Winter Wonderland section is open, you'll be able to get free photos with Santa and Mrs.
The Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner: For a more refined Christmas, even more elevated than the "Ralph Lauren" Christmas trend, The Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner will host Breakfast with Santa on December 14. With a full buffet of delicious holiday foods and a magical appearance from Santa Claus as he listens to children's holiday wishes, this experience is something truly unique! Spots fill quickly, though, and registration is required.
Westfields Marriott Washington Dulles Hotel: Ready to partake in spectacular and splendiferous holiday joy? Only 11 days before Santa's multi-continental excursion and perfect for the holiday season, is The Big Jolly Breakfast! This one-stop shop of an amazing holiday event is perfect for the whole family! The Westfields Marriott Washington Dulles Hotel will serve a lavish breakfast buffet filled with holiday favorites, sweet and savory classics, and festive treats worthy of love. Adding to the Advent adventures, you'll be able to write letters to Santa, decorate ornaments, ice cookies, enjoy a hot cocoa bar, and potentially win raffle prizes. Need another reason to go to this event? Santa will meet and greet visitors, and there's a free digital photo included!
Holy Trinity: Mrs. Santa Claus is coming to Holy Trinity! Join us on Saturday, December 6th from 10am-12pm for our annual Breakfast with Santa event. Grab a hot breakfast, write a letter to Santa, and create Christmas crafts at our workshop tables. Oh, and don’t forget to visit Santa himself for a cute family photo.
Toys for Tots Event: Love giving back to others and experiencing the joy of Christmas through the eyes of children? So does Santa! You'll be able to find him with The Army Historical Foundation and the United States Marine Corps Reserve at an official Toys for Tots Event hosted at the National Museum of the United States Army.
Neiman Marcus Tysons Galleria: Neiman Marcus Tysons Galleria invites you and your family to join us for BREAKFAST WITH SANTA. Enjoy Christmas cheer with extra care.
Pet Photos with Santa Tips
Check out our list below for where to spot the Big Man in Red this year. It's that time of year when Santa pays an early visit to all the boys and girls of the world and sees who has been naughty and who has been nice before he returns to the North Pole to make final preparations for his Christmas Eve trek. But where can you catch a glimpse of the jolly old elf to give him a heads up on what you hope to find under the tree this year? The holiday season is all about giving back. It’s time to make magical memories this holiday season! Enjoy festive photos with Santa, and capture a moment you’ll treasure for years to come. You can’t start the holiday season until you get your photo with Santa Claus. Visit St. Nick’s Chalet to write your letter to Santa before meeting the big man himself. Join us for a jolly good time with Santa Claus himself! Capture the joy of the season with professional Santa photos for all ages. Santa Claus is coming to town! The kids aren’t the only ones waiting to meet Santa Claus.
Table of Santa Events:
| Location | Event | Dates/Times | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tysons Corner Center | Santa's Winter Wonderland | November 7 onwards | Photos with Santa, Pet Nights (select dates) |
| Tysons Galleria | Photos with Santa | Check website for availability | Luxury setting, Santa Cares Day (Dec 7), Gift Wrapping (Dec 13-24), Breakfast with Santa |
| Fair Oaks Mall | Santa's Flight Academy | Check website for availability | Interactive holiday photo experience |
| Mosaic District | Santa Visits | November 28 - December 24 (select dates) | Photos with Santa, bring your own camera |
| Shipgarten | Winter Wonderland | December 6 onwards | Photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, tree lighting, holiday markets, and more |