Ride the Polar Express with Santa   A visit or photo with Santa is the thing to make many a kid’s holiday season.  If you’re looking for jolly old Saint Nick around DC, you can find him at many places — often along with extra fun and treats. Here’s  where he’ll be this season, from fre e gatherings to special brunches to holiday shows to train rides to classic photo stops at the mall. Christmas at Gaylord National Where: Gaylord National Resort | National Harbor, MD When: Through December 24 Admission: Varies by activity The Gaylord National Hotel at National Harbor goes all out during the holidays, offering all kinds of activities for families, including photos with Santa. You have to sign up for a time and purchase a package.  Plan to enjoy  more activities while you’re there, like Christmas light shows, ice tubing, gingerbread decorating, and ICE!  (Note that most cost extra.) Read more about Christmas at the Gaylord in this post from a few years ago. Light Yards Express Where: The Yards | Capitol Riverfront, DC When: December 10, 5:30-7:30pm Admission: Free Join The Yards for a family friendly festive event to celebrate the kick-off of Light Yards and the holiday season! Hop aboard a holiday-themed train for a magical ride through the enchanting Light Yards wonderland. Add some sparkle to your holiday outfit with dazzling glitter tattoos and dance the night away to merry tunes spun by a DJ.  Enjoy fun holiday giveaways like bells, reindeer ears, and light-up necklaces while supplies last. Don’t forget to bring your wish lists and share your dreams with the jolly man himself—SANTA! The BO Polar Express Where: BO Railroad Museum | Baltimore, MD When: December 13-14, 19-23 Admission: Starts at $50/child, $60/adult Climb aboard The Polar Express for a Christmas memory you’ll cherish forever! Bring the kids dressed in pajamas and kick off this two-hour immersive experience with a live performance of the Hot Chocolate song and dance, and receive the First Gift of Christmas, a silver sleigh bell, from Santa. Upon your arrival at the North Pole, his helpers will greet you and invite you to enjoy crafts, make s’mores, shop for themed goodies, and have your picture taken with Santa. Holly Trolley Fest Where: National Capitol Trolley Museum | Colesville, MD When: Through December 21, weekends Admission: $12.75 Explore a unique DC area museum this holiday season. Visit with Santa down a mile-long woodland railroad, featuring a holiday ride on our historic street cars. In addition, enjoy a holiday model railroad display in collaboration with the Washington, Virginia, Maryland Garden Railway Society, crafts for children, photo opportunities, and more. Reservations required. Brunch with Santa Where: Pinstripes | Georgetown, DC When: December 13-14 20-21 Admission: Cost of your meal We took the kids to this when they were little, and they loved the brunch buffet almost as much as they loved meeting Santa and getting photos with him. It includes lot of yummy options that will delight the whole family, and parents can make it extra fun with a little toast to the season! There is no photographer, but guests are encouraged to take pics when the man of the hour stops by. Brunch with Santa Where: District E | Penn Quarter, DC When: Sunday, 10am 12:30pm Admission: $33.60 Join District E, the sports entertainment venue in the heart of Penn Quarter, for a magical holiday experience at this brunch with Santa.  Along with a buffet featuring eggs, bacon, waffles, toast, and more, each reservation includes guaranteed time and photos with Santa, story time sessions, and a festive, family-friendly atmosphere straight out of a holiday movie. Photos with Santa Paws Where: Capital Wheel | National Harbor, MD When: Saturdays through December 20, 12-2pm Admission: $18/adult, $14.50/child Bring furry fiends for a ride on the Capital Wheel — and for all of you to meet Santa! Bring the fam on Saturdays for a howl-iday ride high above National Harbor and snap the paw-fect holiday photo with Santa Paws himself. Dogs ride FREE with a paying adult (up to 2 pups per adult ticket). Teddy Bear Tea Where: Four Seasons | Georgetown, DC When:  December 13, 14, 20, 21 Admission: $85-135 Guests and locals are invited to partake in a special holiday high tea featuring elevated tea sandwiches, scones, petits fours, and a choice of tea, hot chocolate, apple cider or sparkling wine, with a curated candy station for dessert. Each tea service will also feature festive live entertainment including a special appearance by Santa and other guest performers, with a percentage of proceeds benefiting Children’s National Hospital. Book online here. Brunch with Santa Where: Hank’s Old Town | Alexandria, VA When: December 13, 14, 20, 21 | 11am – 1pm Admission: $35/child, $55/adult Join Hank’s for a festive holiday gathering with special Brunch with Santa! Enjoy a delightful brunch buffet, live entertainment for kids, and a memorable visit from Santa. Held on our Second Floor, this family-friendly event is the perfect way to celebrate the season. Brunch with Santa Where: District E | Penn Quarter, DC When: December 15, 10am – 2:30pm Admission: $20 Join District E for a magical holiday experience at this brunch with Santa! A ticket includes a delicious breakfast buffet with coffee, tea, and soft drinks, a photo with Santa to capture the magic, a make your own ornament kit for a fun keepsake, and more holiday surprises! A Family Christmas Where: Kennedy Center | Foggy Bottom, DC When: December 20 24 Tickets: $20-59 Bring the kids to experience the magic of the holidays as the Choral Arts Chorus fills the concert hall with holiday classics just for them! We’ll take you on a merry tour of Christmas favorites that will have your family singing all the way home. Expect a special visit from Santa! This one hour concert is perfect for children ages 5+. Jingle Jump Where: Flight Adventure Park | Springfield, VA When: December 20, 10am – 12pm Admission: Starts at $14 Flight is hosting a morning of fun to celebrate the season. Jump for joy and experience festive craft stations and treats, and even meet Santa and his elves! The park also features trampolines, Lunar dodgeball, climbing structures, Airslam basketball, arcades, and more. Read more about Flight here. Brunch with Santa Where: Estuary | CityCenter, DC When: December 21, 11am – 2pm Admission: Cost of your meal Families can enjoy thi shighly anticipated Brunch with Santa right before Christmas. Jolly Ol’ St. Nick will be on site to greet families, take photos, and share in the joy of the holidays while guests enjoy a festive and flavorful brunch. Reserve here! Photos at the Mall Where: Malls around the DC area When: Throughout the holiday season Admission: Varies by place If you just want to get the classic photo with Santa at a shopping mall, here’s where you can find him: Pentagon City Tysons Corner Center Westfield Montgomery Mall Westfield Wheaton Mall Springfield Mall Prince George’s Mall   ...read more read less