Tysons Corner Center and Fair Oaks Mall are getting into the winter holiday spirit with Santa Claus gliding into both shopping centers tomorrow (Thursday).
At Fair Oaks, the man in red will set up shop for photo sessions at Santa’s Flight Academy in Center Court, starting around 2 p.m. Tysons Corner Center will greet Santa with a VIP arrival event from 10 a.m. to noon on the mall’s lower level near Wasabi.
Pre-registration is required for the Tysons Santa arrival event, which will give kids the chance to meet Santa before his chalet officially opens at the mall. There will also be a red carpet, holiday cookie decorating, gift bags, Santa letter-writing and crafts.
While the event is free, Tysons Corner Center is encouraging attending families to donate at least $10 per kid for Make-A-Wish Mid Atlantic, the Maryland-based nonprofit that supports children with critical illnesses.
Santa’s arrival will precede a busy season of holiday activities at Tysons Corner Center, including a kick-off celebration on Nov. 15 from 6-8 p.m. Sponsored by Creative Collective, which opened a holiday pop-up shop inside the mall last month, the kick-off on the Plaza will feature a market with 12 local artisans starting at 2 p.m.
“Join us for an enchanted evening to celebrate the start of the Holiday season!” Tysons Corner Center developer and owner Macerich said in a press release. “Enjoy Santa’s grand arrival, Holiday performances, complimentary s’mores and custom beverages, a fireworks display, retailer market, giveaways, and more.”
In the release, Macerich announced that it has some new offerings planned for this year’s winter holiday festivities, including interactive light installations and appearances by Santa at different retailers.
A stunning Walkable Light Experience on the Plaza, sponsored by George Mason University. Collaborating with Enchant DC, the center aims to create the largest free light experience in the DMV. This year, the Plaza will feature 11 new interactive light installations, providing even more opportunities for the community to celebrate and enjoy the holiday season.
Santa Photos offer an updated experience this year, with a brand-new location, an upscale Signature Santa Experience featuring a Kids’ Holiday Lounge, elves on staff, Santa’s Wishlist, expanded décor, and more! Santa’s Chalet will now be located on the Lower Level near Wasabi.
“I’m with Santa” (Nov 8-Dec 20) – Shoppers can visit their favorite Tysons Corner Center retailers this holiday season for shopping, cocktails, workouts and more with Santa himself. Santa will be popping up throughout the center at retailers such as Kiehl’s providing personal skin consultations, pedaling fun at Peloton, to Santa delivering cocktails and other holiday delights from Barrel & Bushel and Nordstrom. Full schedule of appearances is located here.
Make A Wish Foundation Charity Partnership – Make-A-Wish Foundation is a celebrated non-profit organization dedicated to granting wishes for children with critical illnesses, providing life-changing experiences to bring hope and joy. Shoppers are encouraged to donate to Make A Wish Mid Atlantic in which 100% of donations directly benefit their organization. Shoppers will see fundraising efforts activated throughout the property, and Macerich will be donating $1,500 to the charity and honoring Make A Wish Foundation’s Local Hero at the annual Breakfast with Santa with a $500 gift.
Stay + Shop – Hyatt Regency Tysons Corner Center is offering a valuable getaway package this holiday season with their Tysons Corner Center Holiday Shopping package. The package features discounted room rates at Hyatt Regency Tysons Corner Center, exclusive shopping discounts, a reusable shopping bag, logo’ed coffee cup, and complimentary coffee to help recharge holiday shoppers. Guest can claim this offer when they book using promo code SHOP. Link.
Santa will stay at both malls through Dec. 24. Families interested in getting photos can book 15-minute time slots online.
