Here’s Where to Take Pictures When Santa Claus Comes to Tysons

Now that Halloween and the election, Santa Claus is coming to Tysons for photos with kids and pets.

Presented by HGTV, the “Santa HQ” is returning to Tysons Corner Center (1961 Chain Bridge Road) on Saturday (Nov. 9) to let families “explore the wonder of Santa in the digital age,” according to a press release.

More about the HGTV event:

HGTV Santa HQ guests can customize their individual experience by using augmented reality to view the Elf Academy in magical ways. Visitors can use the workshop’s Magic Mirror to transform into one of Santa’s elves.

Guests can virtually change their elf’s outfits, create customized Elf Academy ID collector cards at the Elf ID station, explore Santa’s Workshop and Elf Academy using ELF-RAY Vision and test out the Naughty O’ Nice Meter. Families can continue their adventure with a custom photo opportunity and an in-person visit with Santa inside his modernized sleigh.

Adding another dimension to the holiday experience, Tysons Corner Center will provide multiple camera angles to capture your family’s entire Santa experience.

Photo packages start at $39.99. Santa HQ will be available until Dec. 25, according to the press release.

Shoppers at the mall can also bring an unwrapped toy and participate in “Help Through Holiday Giving” that will support the Salvation Army’s Giving Tree.

Additional Christmas events at the mall include:

• Nov. 15: Holiday Tree Lighting on The Plaza from 6-9 p.m.
• Dec. 7: Breakfast With Santa from 8-11 a.m.
• Nov. 9-Dec. 24: Dreamworks Spirit Activation
• Tuesdays from Nov. 19-Dec. 17: Sensory Santa from 6-8 p.m.
• Dec. 9 and Dec. 16: Yappy Hour from 6-8 p.m.

Over at Tysons Galleria (2001 International Drive), kids can take photos with Santa from Friday, Nov. 15 through Tuesday, Dec. 24. People can sign up for free photo packages from Nov. 9-27.

Santa will also do pet pictures from Nov. 18 until Dec. 16. with photo packages starting at $39.99.

The “It’s a Wonderful Lifetime” photo takeover, Brookfield Properties and Autism Speaks are partnering up to offer “Santa Cares Day” — a sensory-friendly event for families with kids with autism and other special needs to take pictures with Santa — on Nov. 24.