Where To See Santa Around Arlington This Christmas Season

ARLINGTON, VA — Santa Claus will be back in Arlington 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. In the Arlington area, children have several chances:

• Fashion Centre at Pentagon City: Santa will be available for photos each day through Dec. 24. Located on the first level, near Nordstrom.
• Fashion Centre Breakfast With Santa: Ritz-Carlton Hotel at Pentagon City on Saturday, Dec. 3 and Saturday, Dec. 17. Tickets are $65 per guest.
• Fashion Centre Caring Santa: On Dec. 4, children with special needs and their families are invited to visit Caring Santa, a private photo experience designed for children and young adults in need of a more sensory-friendly environment.
• Fashion Centre Pet Photos With Santa: On Dec. 11, shoppers can bring their pets to pose with Santa.
• Gulf Branch Nature Center Letters to Santa: Put your letter in the mailbox located outside the Robert Walker Log Cabin at Gulf Branch Nature Center between Nov. 28 and Dec. 16 to ensure timely delivery to the North Pole. Letters received by Dec. 16 will get a postcard from Santa. Gulf Branch Nature Center is located at 3608 Military Rd., Arlington, VA.
• Ballston Quarter Pictures with Santa: Daily through Dec. 24. 4238 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA.
• Ballston Quarter Pet Night: Saturday, Dec. 17 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. 4238 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA.
• Ballston Quarter Caring Santa: Sunday, Dec. 4 from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Visit Santa in a sensory-friendly environment. Donations will be collected on behalf of Autism Speaks. Exclusively for children with special needs. Reservations are required for this private photo experience. 4238 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA.
• Santamobile by Falls Church Volunteer Fire Department: Neighborhoods in Falls Church and Arlington are scheduled for a visit from Dec. 15 to Dec. 23.
• Santa at Tysons Corner Center: Daily through Dec. 24, Fashion Court lower level, 1961 Chain Bridge Rd., Tysons Corner, VA.
• Santa at Tysons Galleria: Daily through Dec. 24, 2001 International Drive, McLean, VA.
• Breakfast with Santa at Tysons Corner Center: Saturday, Dec. 3 from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., level 3 food court, 1961 Chain Bridge Rd., Tysons Corner, VA.
• Santa Cares sensory-friendly event at Tysons Galleria: Sunday, Dec. 4 from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., 2001 International Drive, McLean, VA.
• Pet Night with Santa at Tysons Galleria: Monday, Dec. 5 at 7 p.m., 2001 International Drive, McLean, VA.
• Pet Night with Santa at Tysons Corner Center: Monday, Dec. 5 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Fashion Court lower level, 1961 Chain Bridge Rd., Tysons Corner, VA.

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