Tysons Corner Center To Welcome Santa, Kick Off Holiday Season

TYSONS, VA — Tysons Corner Center in McLean has lined up a full slate of family friendly entertainment and activities for the 2025 holiday season, including the opening of Santa's Chalet and the Enchant Light Experience on PenFed Plaza.

"With more than 300 shopping, dining, and entertainment brands, Tysons Corner Center will bring a festive mix of entertainment, family activities, new store openings, and community partnerships designed to bring holiday cheer to the Northern Virginia area," according to a release.

In November and December, Tysons Corner Center is partnering with Make-A-Wish Mid-Atlantic, the nonprofit that grants life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses.

During the holiday season, shoppers are encouraged to donate via QR codes found throughout the center, with 100 percent of the proceeds benefiting Make-A-Wish. Macerich will donate $1,500 to the charity while honoring a Make-A-Wish Local Hero at the Holiday Kick-Off Celebration, which was presented by PenFed Credit Union.

Santa’s Chalet Open Through Dec 24, Lower Level Near Wasabi

• Capture the joy of the season with professional photos with Santa Claus at his Chalet. Guests can enjoy a festive, family-friendly setting complete with craft station to write letters to Santa, cheerful holiday décor, and photo experience. Visits with Santa are always free, and professional photo packages are available for purchase, offering a variety of digital and print options.
• Book appointments in advance and receive a complimentary personalized digital message from Santa, powered by Portable North Pole. tysonscornercenter.com/SantaPhotos.

Enchant Light Experience Through February)

• Returning this season, the Enchant Light Experience on PenFed Plaza will illuminate the holidays with 14 interactive light sculptures is already open and will continue through February, transforming the space into a magical, immersive environment. Sponsored by George Mason University.

Holiday Kick-Off Celebration

Presented by PenFed Credit Union, the evening will welcome Santa to Tysons Corner Center, from 6 to 9 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 14, at PenFed Plaza at Tysons Corner Center. Enjoy holiday performances, fireworks, giveaways, seasonal bites and beverages, and Tysons Corner Center retailer market.

Performance schedule:

• Dance Academy of Loudoun, 6:05 p.m.
• Fairfax Ballet, 6:45 p.m.
• George Mason University Green Machine, 6:45 p.m.

Retailer market participants include Aerie, American Eagle, Barrel & Bushel, Eddie Vs, Eggcellent, Grown Brilliance, Hobbs London, Kizik, L’Occitane, Laderach, Lush, Madewell, Mejuri, Purple, Seasons52, Squishable, and Studs

Experience the charm of the holidays with PenFed Credit Union this year. Join us for a holiday market on PenFed Plaza. We’ll have fresh donuts, mulled cider, giveaways, and more! PenFed members will get a VIP gift when they show their PenFed card or app. To continue the festivities, PenFed will launch a 12 Days of Gifting website experience where visitors can receive a new promo from a Tysons Corner Center retailer (Participants include: Banana Republic, Hobbs London, Kate Spade, Kendra Scott, Kiehls, Kizik, Mejuri, Studs, Yeti, Under Armour) each day. Visit Tysons.PenFed.org/holiday on Nov. 14 for details.

Pet Nights at Santa’s Chalet

• From 6 to 8 p.m., Nov. 17 and 24, and Dec. 1 and 8, bring your furry friends for photos with Santa. Enjoy treats and pet-friendly giveaways during this beloved annual tradition. Sponsored by Veterinary Emergency Group.

Salvation Army Angel Tree

• Santa Wing, Lower Level near Wasabi from Nov. 10 through Dec. 24. Support local families in need by selecting a tag from the Angel Tree and fulfilling a holiday wish for a child in the community. To donate, visit https://www.salvationarmyusa.org.

Santa Cares: Sensory-Friendly Experience

• Saturday, Dec. 7, from 9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. Enjoy a calm, sensory-friendly experience for children and families who prefer a quieter visit with Santa. Hosted in partnership with Autism Speaks.

Sights & Sounds of the Season

• Throughout November and December, enjoy festive performances from local choirs, musicians, and DJs spreading cheer throughout the center.