Where To See Santa Around McLean This Christmas Season

MCLEAN, VA — Santa Claus will be back in McLean 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 McLean area, children have several chances:

• Milk & Cookies With Santa: Saturday, Dec. 10 from 10 a.m. to noon at McLean Community Center. $20 per family. Free for children age 2 or younger. Meet and greet Santa and other holiday characters and enjoy cookie decorating and crafts. 1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean, VA.
• McLean Volunteer Fire Department Santa Truck: Starting Saturday, Dec. 3, Santa and his elves will be handing out candy canes in neighborhoods around McLean.
• Santa at Tysons Corner Center: Daily through Dec. 24, Fashion Court lower level, 1961 Chain Bridge Rd., Tysons Corner, VA.
• Santa at Tysons Galleria: Daily through Dec. 24, 2001 International Drive, McLean, VA.
• Breakfast with Santa at Tysons Corner Center: Saturday, Dec. 3 from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., level 3 food court, 1961 Chain Bridge Rd., Tysons Corner, VA.
• Santa Cares sensory-friendly event at Tysons Galleria: Sunday, Dec. 4 from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., 2001 International Drive, McLean, VA.
• Pet Night with Santa at Tysons Galleria: Monday, Dec. 5 at 7 p.m., 2001 International Drive, McLean, VA.
• Pet Night with Santa at Tysons Corner Center: Monday, Dec. 5 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Fashion Court lower level, 1961 Chain Bridge Rd., Tysons Corner, VA.
• Santa at Mosaic District: Select days through Dec. 24, 2910 District Ave. Fairfax, VA.

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