The Fairfax Girl Team No holiday season is complete without a visit to Santa, commemorated by a photo. Of course, we all want a nice picture with everyone’s eyes open and smiling, but at least one family in Northern Virginia will end up with a legendary picture of their little one, somewhere between fast asleep on Santa’s lap or terrified at the thought of being on Santa’s lap. Either way, pictures are practically a requirement, and we’ve got all the details, including information on sensory-safe Santa visits. Read on for where to get a picture taken with Santa this season.
Editor’s note: this is a growing list. If you know of an event that should be included, please email [email protected].
Ballston Quarter | 4238 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington
Dates: December 5–24, 2025
Pets: December 8, 9, 15 & 16 from 4PM to 7PM
Dulles Town Center | 21100 Dulles Town Circle, Sterling
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Dates: November 22–December 24, 2025
Caring Santa: December 7 from 9AM to 10:30AM
Fair Oaks Mall | 11750 Fair Oaks Mall, Fairfax
Dates: November 14–December 24, 2025
Pets: November 24, December 1 & December 15 from 4PM to 7PM
Caring Santa: December 7 & 14 from 9:30AM to 10:30AM
Diverse Pet Santa: December 8 from 4PM to 7PM
Manassas Mall | 8300 Sudley Road, Manassas
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Dates: November 28–December 24, 2025
Caring Santa: December 7 from 9:30AM to 10:30AM
Mosaic District (Selfies with Santa on Weekends) | 2910 District Avenue, Fairfax
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Dates: November 28–December 24, 2025
Friday, November 28: 6:30PM–7PM Holiday Parade, and 7:30PM–8:30PM at Angelika
November 29 & 30: 11AM–8PM
Saturday, December 20: 12PM–8PM
December 21, 22 & 23: 11AM–8PM
December 24: 11AM–3PM
Pentagon City | 1100 S Hayes Street, Arlington
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Dates: November 14–December 24
Caring Santa: December 7 from 9:30AM–10:30AM
Springfield Town Center | 6500 Springfield Mall, Springfield
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Dates: November 22–December 24
Caring Santa: December 7 from 9AM–10:30AM
Tysons Corner Center | 1961 Chain Bridge Road, Tysons
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Dates: November 7–December 24, 2025
Caring Santa: December 7 from 9:30AM to 10:30AM
Rosslyn Cheer Holiday Market | Central Place Plaza, 1800 N. Lynn Street, Arlington
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Dates: December 6 + 7, from 10AM to 3PM
This market will feature dozens of local makers in Rosslyn’s Central Plaza. Santa will visit on Saturday from 11:30AM to 2PM, and on Sunday from 12PM to 2:30PM.
Holiday Market at Hotel AKA Alexandria | 625 First Street, Alexandria
Date: December 6 from 1PM to 4PM
This will be a cozy afternoon of shopping in the a. Lounge. There will be a charm bar pop-up with Old Town Girlies to create a personalized holiday keepsake, build your own bouquet at Old Town Flower Gal’s Bloom Bar, or join Santa Storytime at 3PM with Old Town Books in the lobby lounge for a magical experience. Guests can purchase all add-ons ahead of time or in person, pending availability.
The Lodge at National Landing | Metropolitan Park, 1330 S Fair Street, Arlington
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Date: December 6 from 1PM to 7PM
The Lodge is a ski-themed holiday festival that is free, and family- and pet-friendly. Celebrate the season with train rides, photos with Santa, cozy drinks, holiday market vendors, and live performances in Metropolitan Park. There will be live music, crafts, gingerbread chalets, and more.
Winter Wonderland at The Boro | 8350 Broad Street, Tysons
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Date: December 6, 12PM–3PM (Rain Date: December 13, 12PM–3PM)
This free, family-friendly event features craft stations, a large gingerbread inflatable slide, and holiday-themed photo backdrops. Santa will be available for pictures, and free hot chocolate will be provided for all attendees.
A Very Village Holiday | Village of Shirlington, 2700 South Quincy Street, Arlington
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Date: December 6 from 4PM to 7PM
Visitors can stroll through Shirlington and snap a pic with Santa at this free, family-friendly event. There will be live music, local vendors, and seasonal treats.
Reston Winterfest | Browns Chapel Park, 1686 Browns Chapel Road, Reston
Dates: Thursday, December 4–Saturday, December 6 from 5PM–9PM
This event features a lighted holiday forest trail, vendor market, and photos with Santa.
Pictures with Santa at the Train Station | 200 N. 21st Street, Purcellville
Date: Saturday, December 13, 2025 from 2PM to 5PM
Bring your own camera and your wish list for pictures with Santa at the Purcellville Train Station.
Holiday Winter Market at Shipgarten | 7581 Colshire Drive, McLean
Date: December 13 from 1PM to 6PM
This free, family-friendly holiday market features games, face painting, vendors, and music. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be on hand for photos, and s’mores will be available at the fire pits.
The Santa Social | 814 Ferndale Avenue, Herndon
Date: December 14 from 2PM to 4PM
A cozy afternoon of crafting and cocoa with a visit from Santa. Pre-registration is required.
Light Up Clarendon | Clarendon Metro Park, Arlington
Date: December 11 from 5PM to 8PM
This will be a joyful evening with holiday lights, live performances, caroling, cocoa, and photos with Santa.
Old Town Alexandria Christmas Market and Holiday Craft Show | John Carlyle Square, 300 John Carlyle Street, Alexandria
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Date: December 13 from 11AM to 4PM
Old Town’s largest holiday market features dozens of vendors, live music, a DJ, kids’ craft stations, food, beverages, and Santa photos. Free to attend.
Leesburg Animal Park Christmas Village | 19270 James Monroe Highway, Leesburg
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Dates: December 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21, 22 & 23 from 6PM–9PM
This charming family event includes a holiday village, festive lights, live animals, bonfires, crafts, a Christmas shop, and more. Children can visit with Santa, enjoy pony rides, and explore festive displays.
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