Review of HGTV's Santa HQ at Tysons Corner Center

by Jenny Lin

We were invited to attend the Santa HQ premiere event at Tysons Corner Center which was kicked off by Tommy McFly of 94.7 Fresh FM.  After a local school’s choir sang holiday songs, Santa made his grand entrance, giving out high-fives and fist bumps before entering the HQ.  The elves are friendly helpers, and effective at keeping the kids distracted while waiting in line to enter Santa HQ.  Kids are encouraged to take advantage of the face-painting elf’s talents while waiting for their turn to enter Santa HQ. 

HGTV’s Santa HQ is a fun, winter wonderland experience for kids and their families!  After stepping into Santa HQ, kids start by stepping onto the Naughty or Nice O’Meter to see where they fall on the “scale.”  Preschoolers will enjoy seeing which list their name appears on after stepping on the scale.  Moving into the workshop, kids and their families are encouraged to take Elfie Selfies; up to five selfies can be included in a fun holiday video that can be viewed again at home via email.  Be sure to use #SantaHQ and #loveHGTV when taking selfies with your own devices. 

Next, the North Pole Observatory is filled with holiday lights and images; families are encouraged to download an app to their phone prior to entering the Elf-Ray Vision room to view the room in 3-D, but we were able to do the same with an Elf-helper and her tablet.  The North Pole Observatory also includes a Control Center for kids to explore, showing the schematics of Santa’s Sleigh.  After exiting the Observatory, there is an opportunity for a family portrait in front of a winter scene, and the last visit in Santa HQ is with Santa seated on his impressive and festive sleigh.  Photos are available for pick-up within minutes of leaving Santa’s sleigh, providing lasting memories of a fun visit with Santa!

Visit Santa's Headquarters located in the Fashion Court at Tysons Corner Center near Nordstrom.  Santa HQ is open November 14-December 24, 2015. For operating hours and more details, please click here.