Santa Claus is coming to town! Get your list ready and check it twice. There are plenty of places to see Santa in the DMV. Whether you go to a tried-and-true Santa every year or want to catch sight of Santa somewhere new, families have ample opportunities to see St. Nick. Maybe you can use seeing Santa as an excuse to check out a new fun activity or holiday display. This year, you can see Santa flying through the sky, gliding across the water, riding the rails or in a classic mall setting to capture the perfect holiday card photo.
Your kids won’t be little forever, so be sure to make the most of this magical season.
College Park Aviation Museum
College Park, MD
Every year, Santa flies into the College Park Airport and Aviation Museum. This unique event is a rare chance to see Santa descending from the sky, just as he does on Christmas Eve. The annual Santa fly-in event is a great way to catch a glimpse of St. Nick, create Christmas crafts and get into the holiday spirit. Photos are available, but a separate reservation is required.
The Alexandria Waterfront
Alexandria, VA
Santa is better known for being pulled across the skies by reindeer. However, before he presses Ruldoph into service, Santa floats along the Potomac River as a motorboat pulls him along. Waterskiing is a great way for Santa to have some fun before he sets off to travel around the world, and families are invited to wave as he jets by. Arrive early to grab a good spot.
National Capitol Trolley Museum
Silver Spring, MD
The National Capitol Trolley Museum’s annual Holly Trolly Fest features a very special guest. Every year, Santa himself rides on one of the museum’s historic trolley cars, and families are invited to hop aboard and take a mile-long ride through the woods with him. There are photo ops, holiday crafts and a magnificent holiday model railroad display. Reservations are required.
Tyson’s Corner Mall
Tysons, VA
Tyson’s Corner Mall isn’t just a go-to spot for holiday shopping. It’s also a great spot to hand over your holiday list to Santa and take a photo for your holiday card. Visiting Santa at Tyson’s Corner is a yearly tradition for many families. We recommend making a reservation, especially if you go on a weekend. Be sure to wear your holiday best for this classic photo op.
The Wharf
Washington, D.C.
Around the holidays, The Wharf is filled with holiday cheer, from a giant Christmas tree to twinkling lights along the waterfront. A highlight of the holidays at the Wharf is its annual Holiday Boat Parade. Stay for photos with Santa, then grab your ice skates for a spin on The Wharf’s rink or stay and grab a holiday-themed drink at one of the many restaurants at The Wharf.
Worth the Drive
Great Wolf Lodge, Perryville
Great Wolf Lodge isn’t just a great place to swim all winter long. It’s also a great place to have a meet-and-greet with Santa. The big guy himself makes an appearance at Great Wolf Lodge’s Snowland extravaganza. Families can also make winter crafts, go on a scavenger hunt throughout the lodge and more.
