Where To See Santa Around Burke This Christmas Season

BURKE, VA — Santa Claus will be back in Burke 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 the Burke area, children have several chances:

• Meet & Greets with Santa: The events will be held in the banquet hall at the Burke Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department fire station from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 7 and Wednesday, Dec. 14.
• Pancakes with Santa: The event will be held on Saturday, Dec. 10 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the banquet hall at Fire and Rescue Department fire station. Breakfast will include pancakes, sausage, fruit, coffee, hot chocolate, and juice. A ticket is required for all, regardless of age. The public should visit the fire department’s Pancakes with Santa page for details and to purchase tickets.
• Santa Pictures at Lake Accotink Park: Sunday, Dec. 18 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Come out and enjoy holiday goodies, prizes, pictures with Santa and much more. Bring your dog dressed for the holidays. Santa will take pictures with you, your friends, relatives, partner, and your four-legged friends. Large pavilion adjacent to LAP Marina at 7500 Accotink Park Rd., Springfield.
• 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.
• 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.

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