Where To See Santa In Reston This Christmas Season

RESTON, VA — Santa Claus will be back in Reston 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 Reston, kids have several chances:

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.

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.

Visit Santa in Center Court: Santa will be available for photos through Dec. 24 at Dulles Town Center, which is located at 21100 Dulles Town Circle in Dulles. Santa Cares, a sensory-friendly event, is planed for Sunday, Dec. 4, from 9-10:30 a.m. Reservations are available online.

Breakfast with Santa: The Goddard School of Herndon invites families for a pancake breakfast with Santa on Saturday, Dec. 10, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. The free holiday event will include cookie decorating and balloon twisting. Children, don't forget to bring your lists. Parents, don't forget to bring your cameras.

Santa arrived Nov. 12 at Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Santa’s Wonderland in Gainesville and will hold court through Christmas Eve. Reservations are encouraged.

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 Reston, meet Santa virtually.

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

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