Santa Claus | ARLnow.com

Morning Notes

Published December 24, 2020 at 6:00AM

Rain drops hang onto Red Fountain berries in the Bon Air Park Rose Garden (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

Va. Supreme Court Passes on Pot Prosecution Case — “The Virginia Supreme Court has rejected an effort by Arlington’s chief prosecutor to rein in judges who are skeptical of her refusal to prosecute marijuana possession. But the court did not resolve the conflict, saying it could not weigh in because it had not been asked to consider any specific case.” [Washington Post]

Big Response to Mailbox — “‘We’ve collected at least probably 500 letters in the two weeks that we’ve had the [Santa] mailbox out,’ Rachael Tolman, the Park Manager at Gulf Branch Park said. ‘It’s a lot of letters.’ The lists some children put in the mailbox looked different, with requests for masks and good health.” [WUSA 9]

Around Town

Arlingtonians Find New Ways to Bring Each Other Holiday Hope and Cheer

By Jo DeVoe

Published December 23, 2020 at 3:15PM | Updated December 23, 2020 at 6:01PM

Santa -- aka Paul Showalter -- drives through Lyon Park (Image courtesy Paul Showalter)

(Updated at 6 p.m.) This year, Arlingtonians spread Christmas cheer in new ways to bring hope to people virtually or from a distance.

Choir directors at Arlington Public Schools and Bishop O’Connell High School spent hundreds of hours stitching together student videos to create virtual Christmas concerts. A troop of Brownie Scouts virtually judged a gingerbread contest for folks at a local retirement home. And Santa is making special stops in Arlington in his pickup truck, visiting with children from a distance.

News

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com

Published December 7, 2020 at 6:00AM

Dorsey’s Bankruptcy Case Dismissed — “Arlington County Board member Christian Dorsey, whose ethical and financial difficulties have tangled him in a web of false statements over the past year, fraudulently misrepresented his assets while filing for bankruptcy, a federal court ruled Friday… It was ‘an act of overt misrepresentation,’ [bankruptcy trustee] Thomas P. Gorman told the court at a hearing on Thursday, and ‘misconduct . . . so over the line’ that punishment was warranted.” [Washington Post]

Holiday Shopping Safety Tips — “ACPD wants you to have a happy and safe holiday season. While many are choosing to shop online this year, those shopping in-store are encouraged to be mindful of these safety tips.” [Twitter]

Around Town

Want to Reach Santa This Year? Mail a Letter from the Gulf Branch Nature Center

By Jo DeVoe

Published December 4, 2020 at 1:30PM

Gulf Branch Nature Center (Staff Photo by Jay Westcott)

Kids who want to talk to Santa Claus can drop off letters at the Gulf Branch Nature Center through Dec. 14.

For the first time, the park is collecting letters to send to St. Nick, rather than facilitating a weekend of in-person visits with the jolly one himself. In non-pandemic years, Santa visits typically drew up to 300 kids and families, park manager Rachael Tolman said.

Events

Miracle on 23rd Street Holiday Event Goes Virtual Tonight

By James Cullum

Published December 4, 2020 at 10:30AM

Even though the Christmas tree lighting, Santa Claus’ arrival, face painting and hot cocoa can’t be enjoyed in person this year, the Miracle on 23rd Street holiday tradition is still happening.

The event has been hosted at 750 23rd Street S. in Crystal City for more than 50 years, in front of what is now Melwood, the employment and job training nonprofit for people of differing abilities.

Around Town

Yes, Virginia, There Is a Santa Claus (At the Mall This Year)

By ARLnow.com

Published November 3, 2020 at 10:35AM

Santa Claus awaiting visits at the Pentagon City mall in 2016

One might think that taking photos with Santa is the kind of thing that would get nixed in a pandemic, particularly one that has closed schools. Not so, at least in Arlington.

In an early Christmas miracle, Santa is set to arrive at the Fashion Centre at Pentagon City later this month, mall owner Simon announced Monday evening.

Events

‘Winter Festival of Lights’ Comes to Lee Highway Saturday

By Catherine Douglas Moran

Published November 26, 2018 at 11:00AM

The Winter Festival of Lights is set to brighten up various spots along Lee Highway with 10,000 lights on Saturday (Dec. 1).

From 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., locals can check out the free festival’s four different venues, which will have holiday music, shopping, performances, art, food and photos with Santa.

Around Town

Pentagon City Mall Adds Five New Stores Ahead of Holiday Shopping Season

By Alex Koma

Published November 19, 2018 at 10:45AM | Updated November 19, 2018 at 11:26AM

As the busiest shopping season of the year draws near, the Pentagon City mall is adding five new stores.

The Fashion Centre at Pentagon City announced Thursday (Nov. 15) that it would be welcoming the new retailers, with some opening right away and others rolling out in the coming weeks.

Events

‘Miracle on 23rd Street’ Holiday Event Planned for Friday

By ARLnow.com

Published December 1, 2016 at 4:45PM

Linden Business Resources (750 23rd Street S.) is again hosting its family-friendly Miracle on 23rd Street holiday event. It’s scheduled to start at 6 p.m. on Dec. 2.

The tree lighting ceremony is scheduled for 6:25, Santa is expected to arrive via fire truck at 6:30 and a 50/50 raffle will take place at 8 p.m. Unlike past years, this year’s event will be held completely outside.

Around Town

Santa Has Arrived at Pentagon City Mall

By ARLnow.com

Published November 21, 2016 at 11:00AM

Santa Claus awaiting visits at the Pentagon City mall in 2016

Jolly Old Saint Nick has set up shop at the Fashion Centre at Pentagon City for boys and girls who want to get their Christmas wishes heard early.

Santa Claus has been keeping office hours at the mall since Veteran’s Day (Nov. 11). He’ll continue to be available for photos right up until 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve, according to a Facebook post.

Around Town

‘Traveling Santa’ is Making His Way Around Arlington

By Jennifer Currier

Published December 9, 2015 at 10:40AM

A short, plastic visitor with blue eyes, a red suit and a long white beard has been popping up on porches around the county.

The Arlington, VA Traveling Santa began his journey shortly after Thanksgiving. Since then, he’s been visiting families throughout the county, showing up on their doorsteps unannounced. Similar to a holiday chain letter, Santa is trying to make as many stops as he can before Christmas Day.