Santa's Back In Prince George's County For Christmas: Where To See Him

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, MD — Santa Claus will be back in Prince George's County this holiday season after a couple of years of COVID-19 restrictions that made it difficult for kids to crawl up on his lap and make their case that they’ve been good boys and girls over the last year.

Visits and pictures with Santa are at the heart of many families’ holiday traditions, but the coronavirus pandemic gave them a lump of coal. Malls and other places took social distancing measures in both 2020 and 2021 to help contain the spread of the virus, moving Santa meet-ups largely online.

Virtual visits are still an option in many places, but there’s nothing quite like seeing jolly old St. Nick live and in person. Santa arrived Nov. 12 at Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Santa’s Wonderland and will hold court through Christmas Eve. Reservations are encouraged.

Across Prince George's County, kids have several chances:

• Bowie Town Center, 15517 Emerald Way, Bowie; Dec. 3 through Dec. 24, reservations are strongly recommended.
• Mall at Prince George's, 3500 East West Highway, Hyattsville; reservations are strongly recommended.
• The Capital Wheel, 141 American Way, National Harbor; Dec. 3, 4, 10, 11, 17 and 18 from 2-4 p.m.; Ticket purchase to The Capital Wheel required for photo opportunity.