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VIRGINIA — The holidays are nearly here and one of the most cherished traditions for Northern Virginia families is getting that annual picture of the kids or Fido with Santa Claus.
Malls in the Commonwealth are a popular and reliable way to get that special photo, so Patch has compiled a list to make planning that outing a little easier.
Here are some places to get a picture with Santa, as well as dates, hours and other available details:
Find out what’s happening in Old Town Alexandriawith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Fredericksburg
Photos with Santa are available now through Dec. 24 at Spotsylvania Towne Centre’s Center Court. Hours are 12-7 p.m. Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, and 12-6 p.m. on Sunday. Extended hours start Dec. 2. Photo packages are available for various prices.
Find out what’s happening in Old Town Alexandriawith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Prince William County
Visit Santa this holiday season at Manassas Mall. Get your photos with Santa starting Nov. 27 through Dec. 24. Hours vary by day and week. Walk-ups are welcome, but registration is encouraged.
Pet nights will be held Dec. 2-3 from 5-7 p.m. A sensory-friendly event with Santa is also scheduled on Dec. 8 from 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Santa will be at Potomac Mills near the entrance by TJ Maxx starting Nov. 22 through Christmas Eve. Hours vary by week. A complete list of hours is available online. Reservations are recommended but walk-ups are welcome.
A sensory-friendly event with Santa is also scheduled on Dec. 8 from 9:30-10:30 a.m.
Head to Virginia Gateway on Dec. 14 from 5-8 p.m. for the annual Holiday Open House at The Promenade. Enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides, visits with Santa and other holiday characters, music, and crafts. This event is free and open to the public.
If you’re ready for some holiday cheer, grab the family and head to Stonebridge at Potomac Town Center’s annual tree lighting on Nov. 22 from 5-9 p.m. The event will feature a holiday artisan market, live entertainment, selfies with Santa and more.
Tysons
Pictures with Santa are available now through Christmas Eve at Tysons Corner Center. A complete list of hours is available online. Reservations are recommended.
Pet nights are held from 6-8 p.m. on Mondays through Dec. 9. A sensory-friendly event with Santa is also scheduled on Dec. 8 from 10-11 a.m.
Visit Santa this holiday season at Tysons Galleria. Get your photos with Santa now through Dec. 24. Hours vary by day and week. Walk-ups are welcome, but registration is encouraged.
Pet nights will be held from 4-7 p.m. on Mondays and Tuesdays starting Nov. 25 through Dec. 10. A sensory-friendly event with Santa is also scheduled on Dec. 8 from 9:30-10:30 a.m.
Arlington
Don’t miss Santa pictures at Ballston Quarter. Santa will be at the mall from Nov. 29 through Christmas Eve. Hours will be 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 12-6 p.m. on Sundays. A complete list of hours is available online. Walk-ups are welcome but reservations are encouraged.
Pet nights will be held from 4-7 p.m. Monday and Tuesday on Dec. 2-3 and Dec. 9-10. A sensory-friendly event with Santa is also scheduled on Dec. 8 from 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Fashion Centre at Pentagon City
Santa is at the center’s Nordstrom Court now through Christmas Eve. Hours vary by week. A complete list of hours is available online. Reservations are recommended but walk-ups are welcome.
Pet nights will be held Dec. 1 and Dec. 8 from 6:30-8 p.m. A sensory-friendly event with Santa is also scheduled on Dec. 8 from 9:30-10:30 a.m.
Loudoun County
Pictures with Santa are available now through Christmas Eve at Dulles Town Center. A complete list of hours is available online. Reservations are recommended.
Pet nights will be held from 4-7 p.m. on Mondays and Tuesdays starting Dec. 2 through Dec. 16. A sensory-friendly event with Santa is also scheduled on Dec. 8 from 9:30-10:30 a.m.
Get your photos with Santa at One Loudoun’s annual tree light scheduled for Dec. 7 from 5-7 p.m. The night will be filled with entertainment, a holiday train ride, vendors, ice sculptures, free children’s activities and more.
kick off the holiday season with an afternoon full of fun for the whole family at the Twinkle & Cheer Tree Lighting on Nov. 23 starting at 4 p.m. The evening will be packed with events including live entertainment, free balloons for the kids and photos with Santa from 5-7 p.m. Be sure to bring your camera.
Fairfax
Visit Santa this holiday season at Fair Oaks. Get your photos with Santa now through Dec. 24. Hours vary by day and week. Walk-ups are welcome, but registration is encouraged.
Pet nights will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Nov. 18 and Dec. 2. A sensory-friendly event with Santa is also scheduled on Dec. 8 from 9:30-10:30 a.m.
Springfield
Visit Santa in the Grand Court to capture your holiday memories. Photos with Santa are available now through Dec. 24. Hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 12-6 p.m. on Sunday. Extended hours start Dec. 13. Family pet photos are available every Monday through Dec. 16. Reservations are strongly recommended as walk-ups are not guaranteed.
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