Virginia’s most unique places to meet Santa this holiday season

From train rides to animal parks, here are some of the most unique places Virginians can meet Santa this holiday season. 

While going to the mall for a photo-op with Santa Claus can be a fun experience, you can make your child’s holiday even more special by meeting Santa at one of the many unique places he’ll be visiting this year. Families can spend time with Santa while taking a festive train ride, petting live animals, roaming a museum, and roasting marshmallows.

Here are some of the most unique places to meet Santa this holiday season in Virginia.

1. Santa’s Workshop at Mosaic

Dates:  Saturday, Dec. 20, Sunday, Dec. 21, Monday, Dec. 22, Tuesday, Dec. 23, Wednesday, Dec. 24

Location: 2911 District Ave., Fairfax, VA 22031

Santa is setting up his workshop in the lobby of Angelika Film Center in the Mosaic District. He arrived in the district on a firetruck during the Annual Merry Mosaic Tree Lighting + Parade on Friday, Nov. 28. Santa’s Workshop at Mosaic opened that day at 7 p.m., and will remain open through Christmas Eve.

Free photos with Santa are on a first-come, first-served basis.

2. The Santa Express 

Dates: Saturday, Nov. 29-Sunday, Dec. 28

Locations: 103 Church Ave., Louisa, VA 23093 and 415 Bridge St., Staunton, VA 24401

There’s no better way to get into the holiday spirit than to take a ride on The Santa Express. Operated by the Virginia Scenic Railway, the express features a festively decorated train, holiday music, seasonal treats, and a jolly Santa Claus.

The 60-minute ride costs between $51 and $76 per person. Passengers are encouraged to wear festive attire. Make sure you get one of the souvenir Santa coins.

3. Christmas Village at Leesburg Animal Park

Dates: Friday, Dec. 5-Tuesday, Dec. 23

Location: 19246 James Monroe Hwy., Leesburg, VA 20175

The Christmas Village at Leesburg Animal Park is where Santa will be stationed for photos from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The Grinch will also visit the village on several of the dates. Visitors to the village should expect giant illuminated hill slides, a Christmas craft room, indoor kid’s play zone, miniature Christmas train rides, pony rides, animal petting and feeding in the illuminated barn, holiday photos with live animals, and a bonfire where marshmallows will be roasted.

Tickets are $16.95 per person, with those 2 and under free.

4. Storytime with Santa at Merrifield Garden Center

Dates: Wednesday, Dec. 10, Friday, Dec. 12, Wednesday, Dec. 17, Friday, Dec. 19

Location: 12101 Route 29, Fairfax, VA 22030

Storytime with Santa at Merrifield Garden Center goes far beyond the simple telling of a story, rather it includes Santa telling Christmas stories, singing songs, and even holding a press conference where children can pose questions to him. The one-hour event also allows children to pose for a picture with Santa. Ticket sales benefit Children Life Services at Inova L.J. Murphy Children’s Hospital.

5. Pictures with Santa at the Train Station

Date: Saturday, Dec. 13

Location: 200 N. 21st St., Purcellville, VA 20132

Don’t miss the Pictures with Santa at the Train Station event from 2 to 5 p.m. Visitors are encouraged to bring their camera so that they can snap pictures with the big man while he visits the Purcellville Train Station.

6. Santa at the Mill

Date: Saturday, Dec. 13

Location: 10017 Colvin Run Rd., Great Falls, VA 22066

Santa at the Mill offers an old-fashioned holiday experience at Colvin Run Mill. Guests will get to visit with Santa, tour the Miller’s House that’s decked out in holiday décor, roast marshmallows, and sip cocoa. The event will also feature festive music and children’s crafts.

Tickets are $10. The event starts at 3 p.m.

7. Cookies with Santa at Merrifield Garden Center 

Dates: Saturday, Dec. 20

Location: 6895 Wellington Rd., Gainsville, VA 20156

The Merrifield Garden Center is also hosting a Cookies with Santa event, which allows families to decorate Christmas cookies and spend time with and pose for photos with Santa. One photo is needed per child with ticket sales benefiting Child Life Services at Inova L.J. Murphy Children’s Hospital.

This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.

Related: Yes, Virginia, There IS a Santa Claus!