Updated for 2025 by Azariah Jackson
It's that time of year when Santa pays an early visit to all the boys and girls of the world and sees who has been naughty and who has been nice before he returns to the North Pole to make final preparations for his Christmas Eve trek. But where can you catch a glimpse of the jolly old elf to give him a heads up on what you hope to find under the tree this year? Check out our list below for where to spot the Big Man in Red this year. Be sure to double-check each location's website for timing details and reservations to make your visit as easy as possible.
After you have taken your photo and shared your list, make sure to check out all the other great winter activities and events Fairfax County, Virginia has to offer.
Tysons Corner Center
November 7 - December 24
The magic of the holiday season comes alive with a visit to Santa’s winter wonderland. The embodiment of all things jolly will be visiting Tysons Corner Center on the lower level of the mall near Wasabi. A visit is always free, with various photo packages available for purchase. Reservations aren't required but are recommended to reduce your wait time. You can book your reservation here. Pet night events are also scheduled for November 17, November 24, December 1, and December 8. Plus, on December 7, the very merry sensory-friendly event: Santa Cares will take place, providing a festive, fun, and inclusive environment for all spectrums of special needs.
Fair Oaks Mall
November 14 - December 24
Family fun awaits as Santa and his elves have set up shop inside Fair Oaks Mall...and they've brought along their magical sleigh. Santa’s Flight Academy offers an innovative holiday photo experience while delivering the magic and tradition of the season. Reservations are available here. Is a Santa photo truly whole without the company of your pet? Absolutely not! Book your pet portraits here to get your picture-perfect photo - Mondays from November 17 - December 15. Sensory-friendly visits with Santa are available on December 7 and 14, and Black Santa will stop by on December 6 and 8!
Also, plan ahead for a free Storytime with Santa event in the Center Court of the mall. The kids can cozy up to listen to a reading of "The Night Before Christmas" on December 13 and 17.
Springfield Town Center
November 14 - December 24
Good tidings and joy are filling the halls in the Springfield Town Center because Santa is bringing his positive spirit with him to South County all the way from the North Pole. Digital photos and printed photo packages are available to purchase after the photoshoot is over. Reservations are encouraged, but not required. Pet photos happen every Monday from November 17 through December 15 and a sensory-friendly event will take place on December 7.
Tysons Galleria
November 21 - December 24
Santa will be ready for the perfect photo op amongst the luxury retail stores in Tysons Galleria to hear what's on your Christmas list! Whether you've been naughty or nice, timed slots are going fast, so book your photo time with Santa and create another season of magical moments for you and your family. Reservations are highly encouraged. Looking for a paws-itively good time? Bring your furry friend and snap a photo with Santa on Mondays and Tuesdays from November 24 through December 16. You can book your reservation here for the most paw-fect pictures! Also coming to the Galleria is Santa Cares Day for sensory-friendly moments on December 7. Plus, make a special visit to get your gifts wrapped for free, to benefit Make-A-Wish Mid-Atlantic, from December 13 - 24! Last, but not least, the unique experience of eating breakfast with Santa in NM Cafe is truly an elevated treat. From December 6 - 7, participants can enjoy a delicious meal, a snow-melting story, and lots of photos.
Mosaic District
November 28 - December 24
Santa can be found hanging around Mosaic District (look for him in Angelika Film Center) on select dates from November 28 through December 24. No reservations are necessary, so just bring your patience along with your mobile phone or camera so you can create your own Santa photo experience before you head out shopping. Find out the exact dates/times here. Plan ahead to get into the holiday spirit by getting your visit in early on November 28 so that you can enjoy Mosaic's annual Holiday Tree Lighting & Parade, too!
Toys for Tots Event with Santa Claus
December 6
Love giving back to others and experiencing the joy of Christmas through the eyes of children? So does Santa! You'll be able to find him with The Army Historical Foundation and the United States Marine Corps Reserve at an official Toys for Tots Event hosted at the National Museum of the United States Army. While you're there, join the Army Historical Foundation and the United States Marine Corps Reserve to drop off a toy and enjoy some holiday snacks in addition to pictures with Santa for some end-of-year cheer. No registration is required for this outdoor event, but they ask that everyone be patient if they are interested in meeting and visiting with Santa Claus.
Shipgarten
December 6 - 27
With a plethora of jolly, joy-filled events, Shipgarten will kick off its seasonal festivities on December 6 with its annual tree lighting ceremony! Boasting a packed itinerary for the evening, you'll be able to partake in games, crafts, face painting, and carols near the dazzling glow of an illuminated tree. On December 7 and 13, Shipgarten will host two Holiday Markets full of yuletide vibes, live music, seasonal beverages, and local vendors. On December 20, Shipgrarten will enchant you with the perfect opportunity to connect with someone special, as they host the Perfect Christmas Date. And on December 21, have some good ol' fashioned family friendly fun at the Santa, Mrs. Claus, and the Grinch Host Kids and Family Festival. Ending with a paw-some holiday event, Shipgarten's last festive event before New Year's is Holiday for the Hounds. Perfect for big and small fur babies alike, this event will have deluxe homemade treats from their doggie vendors, a dog park, and a special dog menu to treat your furry family members.
The best part of all these events? As long as their Winter Wonderland section is open, you'll be able to get free photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus!
The Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner
December 14
For a more refined Christmas, even more elevated than the "Ralph Lauren" Christmas trend, The Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner will host Breakfast with Santa on December 14. With a full buffet of delicious holiday foods and a magical appearance from Santa Claus as he listens to children's holiday wishes, this experience is something truly unique! Spots fill quickly, though, and registration is required. Ready to partake in spectacular and splendiferous holiday joy? Register here!
Westfields Marriott Washington Dulles Hotel
December 14
Only 11 days before Santa's multi-continental excursion and perfect for the holiday season, is The Big Jolly Breakfast! This one-stop shop of an amazing holiday event is perfect for the whole family! The Westfields Marriott Washington Dulles Hotel will serve a lavish breakfast buffet filled with holiday favorites, sweet and savory classics, and festive treats worthy of love. Adding to the Advent adventures, you'll be able to write letters to Santa, decorate ornaments, ice cookies, enjoy a hot cocoa bar, and potentially win raffle prizes. Need another reason to go to this event? Santa will meet and greet visitors, and there's a free digital photo included! Tickets for this big jolly event can be found here, but keep an eye on Visit Fairfax's social media for an exciting giveaway to this event!
