Where To See Santa In Fairfax City This Christmas Season

FAIRFAX CITY, VA — Santa Claus will be back in Fairfax City 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 Fairfax City, kids have several chances:

Lunch with Santa: Children are invited to come have lunch with Santa on Saturday, Dec. 10, at Old Town Hall, which is located at 3999 University Drive in Fairfax. There will be three seatings at 11 a.m., 12 p.m., and 1 p.m. Lunch will include chicken nuggets, fruit, a juice box and a cookie. Pre-registration is required. Tickets may be purchased at any Parks and Rec facilities, including City Hall, Stacy C. Sherwood Community Center, Green Acres, or online.

RE/MAX Gateway's 2022 Breakfast with Santa & Toys for Tots: Come enjoy a free breakfast with Santa on Saturday, Dec. 3, from 10 a.m.-12 p.m., at RE/MAX Gateway-Fairfax, which is located at 9990 Fairfax Blvd., Suite #160. Reservations are available online.

Santa's Flight Academy: Children can have their photo taken with Santa and meet Santa's Elves through Dec. 24 at Fair Oaks, which is locates at 1750 Fair Oaks Mall in Fairfax. The mall will also be hosting special sensory-friendly Santa experience, on Sunday, Dec. 4, from 9-10:30 a.m., in Grand Court. Pet Night is scheduled for Sunday, Dec. 11. Reservations are encouraged.

Santa at Mosaic: Children can have their photos taken with Santa through Dec. 24, in the Target Atrium at 2905 District Ave., in Fairfax's Mosaic District.

Brunch with Santa: Enjoy a brunch and get your photo taken with Santa for free on Sunday, Dec. 18, at Ornery Beer Company, which is located at 3950 University Drive in Fairfax. Brunch is served from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., and Santa will be at Ornery from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. There will be two seatings: 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. For reservations, call 571-459-2143 or email events@ornerybeer.com.

Experience the Magic of Santa: Children can visit with Santa and have their photos taken with the big guy through Dec. 24, in the Fashion Court, lower level Nordstrom wing, at Tysons Corner Center, which is located at 1961 Chain Bridge Road in Tysons Corner. Pre-booking your visit is recommended. Families are invited to Breakfast with Santa in the food court on Saturday, Dec. 3, from 8-9:30 a.m. A complimentary catered breakfast and child-focused entertainment will be provided. A Pet Night with Santa is also scheduled for Monday, Dec. 5, from 6-8 p.m. Reservations are preferred but not required.

Santa will be at Macy’s stores in New York City, Chicago, San Francisco, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Boston and Orlando. Macy's Santaland at Home allows children, including those in Fairfax City, meet Santa virtually.

JC Penney stores, including stores in Fair Oaks Mall and Springfield Mall, are offering professional portraits with Santa through Dec. 18.

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