Santa Visits At Springfield Town Center Adjusted For Pandemic

SPRINGFIELD, VA — Photos with Santa are a holiday tradition for many families, but the normal procedures at Springfield Town Center won't be happening due to the pandemic. This holiday season, Santa will be available behind a plexiglass protection shield and through a virtual experience.

Santa will arrive on Nov. 6 and be available through Christmas Eve, Dec. 24. Visits will be available by reservation Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. Virtual visits are also available by reservation. And we can't forget our furry friends — family pet photos will be held Mondays through Dec. 14 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

For the in-person visits, Santa will be behind the shield, and visitors can interact with Santa on a bench in front of the shield. When it is time for pictures, guests and Santa will be permitted to remove their masks. Pictures are provided in print and digital formats.

Safety procedures for Santa and his helpers include mask wearing, daily temperature checks, sanitizing the set between each visit, and hand sanitizer use. Guests must wear masks at all times, except when allowed to remove them for photos. Greeters will check in families for reservations and take temperatures.

On Monday through Thursday, visitors can also upgrade their experience and schedule story time with Santa. Families can also make reservations to use a holiday backdrop for photos without Santa.

For those who prefer to stay home, a virtual experience with Santa is offered through Zoom. Families can take part in a five-minute one-on-one call with Santa. The recording will be provided to the families.

See the available photo packages and make reservations here.