The Best Places in Northern Virginia for Santa Pictures

Looking for the best places in Northern Virginia for Santa pictures? We’ve got you covered!

Whether you are looking for pics with your kids or your pets, here are our recommendations of the best places in Northern Virginia for Santa pictures. Plus, we have some insider tips for making your visit easier.

Tysons Corner Center + Tysons Galleria

1961 Chain Bridge Road + 2001 International Drive
McLean, VA 22102

Both portions of the Tysons Corner mall complex (Tysons Corner Center and Tysons Galleria) offer ongoing Santa photos and breakfast with Santa options. Booking your spot online will allow you to avoid the crowds! When you pre-book at Tysons Corner Center you’ll receive a free personalized call from Santa. All guests who pre-book and purchase a photo package get a free, personalized video from the North Pole after the visit. Breakfast with Santa takes place at Tysons Corner Center Food Court on December 3rd at 8 am. No tickets are necessary for entry.

For Santa’s availability at Tysons Galleria click here. You can also take the little ones to breakfast with Santa at the Neiman Marcus Cafe, or at Maggiano’s, both located within the Galleria on December 17th. Tickets necessary.

Pentagon City Mall

1100 S. Hayes Street
Arlington, VA 22202

Locals rave about the Pentagon City Santa, located in the first-floor courtyard by Nordstrom. Visits with Santa are free, and every child who visits Santa receives a free gift. Be sure to take advantage of the complimentary hot chocolate from Guest Services if you visit on the weekend. Secure your spot with Santa here. Additionally, Pajama Days with Santa takes place every Tuesday until December 13th, and Ugly Sweater Day with Santa is every Thursday until December 15th. Pentagon City Mall also offers pet photos with Santa on December 11th!

Don’t miss out on Breakfast with Santa at the Ritz-Carlton located in Pentagon City December 3rd and 17th. For reservations and additional information, please email margaret.casper@ritzcarlton.com. Space is limited.

Great Falls Celebration of Lights

776 Walker Road
Great Falls, VA 22066

At the Great Falls Celebration of Lights, Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive by antique fire truck! Kids can meet and chat with the big man in addition to enjoying pony rides, a petting zoo, and a living Nativity. Families love this free community event that takes place December 4th from 3 pm – 6 pm.

Dulles Town Center

21100 Dulles Town Circle
Sterling, VA 20166

Go visit Santa in his updated HQ located at the Center Court between Starbucks and JC Penny at Dulles Town Center through Christmas Eve. Children will be able to share their wish lists with Santa, or place a letter in Santa’s mailbox for him to read later. A visit with Santa is free, photo packages are available for purchase. Reservations are strongly encouraged by Dulles Town Center to ensure a magical and safe experience.

Merrifield Garden Center (Fair Oaks Location)

12101 Lee Highway
Fairfax, VA 22030

Looking for a change from the usual mall visit? Join Santa for stories, songs, and family fun. Space is limited and registration is required. Tickets are $5 per child and all proceeds go to Child Life Services at Inova L.J. Murphy Children’s Hospital. Click here for hours.

Manassas Mall

8300 Sudley Road
Manassas, VA 20109

Manassas Mall is hosting Santa through Christmas Eve with photos, brunch, and more. Click here for Santa’s hours and to view portrait package options. Even your furry friends can join in on the fun with pet photos available Fridays – Sundays 11 am – 2 pm. Brunch with Santa hosted by iHOP takes place on Friday December 16th from 11:30 am – 12:30 pm and is a free event! Note – this is a first come first serve event. And finally, don’t miss the Snow Sisters Sing (Frozen) Saturday December 17th from 1 pm – 2:30 pm.

Santa’s Flight Academy at Fair Oaks Mall

11750 Fair Oaks Mall
Fairfax, VA 22033

Santa’s Flight Academy delivers the magic of the season through an innovative holiday photo experience. The experience is free of charge and does not include a photo with Santa, for pictures with Santa, purchase a photo package. With a photo package, each group receives 3 poses for each photo experience. When you book ahead, Santa will make a personalized phone call prior to your visit. Purchase photo packages and reserve your spot with Santa and his elves here.

Springfield Town Center

6500 Springfield Mall
Springfield, VA 22150

Visit Santa in the Grand Court to capture your holiday memories. Digital photo packages are available with options to purchase prints. Reservations are strongly recommended.

Potomac Mills

2700 Potomac Mills Circle
Woodbridge, VA 22192

The ultimate holiday tradition awaits you at Potomac Mills. Receive a free phone call from Santa when you book online! Click here for hours and booking.

Village at Leesburg’s Santa Saturdays

1602 Village Market Blvd
Leesburg, VA 20175

Santa and his special helper are available for photos in front of the Village at Leesburg’s WISH tree Saturday December 3rd, 10th, and 24th from 4 pm – 6 pm. Don’t forget to bring your wish list!

Did we miss your favorite spots the for best places in northern Virginia for Santa pictures? Please let us know so we can check it out!

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