Santa Photos, Holiday Market, Other Events Coming To Springfield

SPRINGFIELD, VA — The holiday season kicks off early at Springfield Town Center with the arrival of Santa and other events. The mall will host holiday-themed events, pop-ups and interactive activities throughout November and December.

Here's a guide to the upcoming events, starting with the earliest dates.

Santa Photos and Pajama Party: Nov. 9 through Dec. 24

Santa will bring holiday cheer to Springfield Town Center's Grand Court beginning on Nov. 9. Santa will arrive accompanied by Fairfax County police are fire at a Pajama Party on Nov. 9. Guests can also enjoy caroling and hot cocoa at the Pajama Party event.

Below is the schedule for Santa photos:

• Nov. 9-Dec. 13: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday
• Dec. 14-Dec. 23: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday
• Christmas Eve, Dec. 24: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Pet Photos with Santa: Mondays, Nov. 11 through Dec. 16

Bring the whole family for photos on Mondays through Dec. 16 in Grand Court.

Snowflake Social: Dec. 16

Beginning at 11 a.m., enjoy holiday treats, crafts, festive music, and a meet and greet with Elsa, Anna and Kristoff from "Frozen." Children can participate in holiday games, have their face painted, and more. FastPass tickets are available for this event.

Holiday Performance Series: Dates Nov. 22 to Dec. 20

Head to the Grand Court lower level for performances on select dates. Spectator space is limited.

• Alexandria Community Nutcracker: Nov. 22 at 6 p.m.
• George Mason University Brass Quintet: Dec. 10 at 5:30 p.m.
• Lake Braddock Orchestra: Dec. 13 at 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• Potomac Harmony Choir: Dec. 18 at 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
• West Springfield High School Tube Caroling: Dec. 19 at 5:30 p.m.
• Frosty Follies:Dec. 20 at 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Black Friday Winter Expo: Nov. 29 through Dec. 1

Check out unique and local vendors during the expo, hosted during mall hours.

Holiday Market: Dec. 7 through 8

This pop-up Christmas market will feature artisans and crafters with selections of holiday decor and gifts. There will also be commercial vendor exhibits set up throughout the mall. Caterers will be showcasing holiday menus, florist will display center pieces, and home improvement companies will be on hand to help you get your home ready for the holiday entertaining season. The market takes place during mall hours.

Military Appreciation Weekend: Dec. 7 through 8

From 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. service members and their families can get exclusive deals and discounts from participating stores, free gift wrapping and contests for holiday gifts. Service members who purchase $500 or more during their visit will receive a fresh cut Christmas tree from Home Depot.

Holiday Donation Drives

Donation bins are located in Grand Court near Sheehy Auto’s display.

Food Drive: Oct. 28 through Nov. 17
Toys for Tots: Nov. 24 through Dec. 12

For more event information and mall hours, visit springfieldtowncenter.com/holiday.