Santa Claus Is Coming To Woodbridge: Where To See Him

WOODBRIDGE, VA — Visits and pictures with Santa Claus are treasured traditions for many Woodbridge families. In Woodbridge, kids have several chances to see jolly old St. Nick in person.

Here are the details:

Stonebridge at Potomac Town Center Tree Lighting

The tree lighting will take place Friday, Nov. 22 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. with an artisan market, live entertainment, balloon art, face painting, holiday crafts, letters to Santa and more. Santa will arrive at 7 p.m. for the tree lighting, and selfies with Santa will follow until 9 p.m.

Sing-a-Long with Santa

Occoquan will host a sing-a-long for kids on Dec. 7 at 11 a.m. at River Mill Park. Santa will arrive by fireboat at 10:30 a.m. Santa and friends will then parade down Mill Street to River Mill Park. The event is free to attend.

From Nov. 23 to Dec. 15, Occoquan has special North Pole mailboxes at Town Hall and Tiny Supply Co. to send a letter to Santa. Those who include a return address will get a personalized response back.

Santa Train

Santa Train is returning to the rails on Dec. 14, according to the Virginia Railway Express. Each year, families can ride a VRE train to meet Santa and his friends. Santa and his helpers will hand out candy canes and coloring books while sharing rail safety and the Operation Lifesaver’s “Look, Listen and Live” campaign. Trains leave from the Manassas, Burke Centre, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania and Woodbridge stations.

Tickets will go on sale in person on Dec. 2 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at five vendor locations. Tickets are $5 by cash or check and $6 by credit card and are available until sold out. Online tickets will be available through Eventbrite until sold out starting at 10 a.m. on Dec. 3.

Locations to buy tickets in person are:

• Spotsylvania Visitors Center, 4704 Southpoint Parkway, Fredericksburg, VA 22407
• Fredericksburg Visitors Center, 601 Caroline Street, Fredericksburg, VA 22401
• Woodbridge Station, 1040 Express Way, Woodbridge, VA 22194
• Manassas Visitors Center, 9431 West Street, Manassas, VA 20110
• Supervisor James Walkinshaw’s Office, 9002 Burke Lake Road, Burke, VA 22015

Santa is also holding court at several shopping malls in the local area, including:

Potomac Mills

Santa’s Arrival Party will be held Nov. 22 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. in the Grand Court next to TJ Maxx. Guests will enjoy face painting, festive balloon twisting, holiday characters, giveaways and a letter writing station while supplies last. Santa photos can be purchased.

Photos with Santa: Nov. 22 to Dec. 24

Military Kids Santa Party: Dec. 5

Caring Santa: Dec. 8