Santa is busy during the holiday season attending Washington DC area parades, Christmas tree lighting ceremonies and visiting a variety of shopping malls. So be sure to take time to visit him and take some great photos. Here is a guide to help you find the best places to see Santa in Washington, DC, Maryland and Virginia.

See photos of Santa in the Washington, DC area

Santa at The Capital Wheel
Every Saturday from November 15 to December 20, 2014, 2 - 4 p.m.

National Harbor, MD. Take a ride on the enclosed and heated ferris wheel and see spectacular views of the Washington DC area. Take photos with Santa.

The Water-Skiing Santa
December 24, 2014, 1 p.m. Rain, snow or shine. In Alexandria, VA this year! This unusual annual event also features flying elves, the Jet-skiing Grinch, and Frosty the Snowman performing on the Potomac River.

Santarchy DC
December 13, 2014. Downtown Washington DC. Find a Santa suit and join hundreds of Santas as they visit major sites and spread some holiday cheer around the nation's capital.

Manassas Christmas Parade
December 6, 2014. Old Town Manassas, VA. Celebrate the Christmas season each year with a weekend of old-fashioned family fun at the "Merry Old Town" celebration. Festivities include a parade, Christmas tree lighting ceremony, visits with Santa, free carriage rides and more.

Roof Terrace Restaurant at the Kennedy Center
November 30, December 13-14, 20-21, 2014.  John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street, NW Washington, DC.

Sunday brunch with Santa. Seatings begin at 10 a.m. Admirers will get a chance to visit with Santa and sit on his lap to share their holiday wish lists while also indulging in some of their favorite fare. Price: $45 for adults and $20 for children ages 4-11.

Mount Vernon Triangle Santa Celebration
December 11, 2014, 4:30 - 8 p.m. 5th & K Streets, NW Washington DC. Enjoy photos with Santa and a free hot chocolate bar with fun fixings, holiday cookies, fresh popcorn and of even treats for your dog. After your photo op, warm up at Le Pain Quotidien at 433 Mass Ave. for a warming winter wonderland neighborhood event with free Belgian chocolate, organic hot beverages and more holiday treats.

Bethesda Winter Wonderland
December 6, 2014. Downtown Bethesda, MD. The annual Winter Wonderland is a community holiday celebration featuring a variety of entertainment and performances, a live ice sculpting presentation and a visit from Santa Claus.

Reston Town Center
November 28-December, 2014. Reston, VA. Reston Town Center hosts many holiday activities including a holiday parade, visits with Santa, a Christmas Tree lighting ceremony and much more.

Holly TrolleyFest
Saturdays and Sundays through December. National Capital Trolley Museum, 1313 Bonifant Road Silver Spring, MD. Ride with Santa on the street cars and enjoy a model garden railway and holiday village.

Breakfast with Santa at the Kentlands Mansion
December 6-7, 2014. 320 Kent Square Road, Gaithersburg, MD. Children will visit with Santa while dining on a delicious breakfast buffet that features pancakes, scrambled eggs, hash browns, sausage, breakfast pastries and fruit. The Mansion is beautifully landscaped with manicured lawns, lovely trees and shimmering lakes, making a perfect setting for a holiday gathering. Reservations are required. Call 301-258-6425.

Ticonderoga Farms Winter Christmas Festival
November 28-30, December 6-7, 13-14, 20-21, 2014. Route 613 (Ticonderoga Road), Chantilly, VA. (703) 327-4424. The event includes Breakfast with Santa, hayrides and a wide variety of farm attractions for the whole family. The farm sells Christmas trees and decorative items such as wreaths, fresh garland roping, greens, pine cones, and holly, as well as fire wood, local honey, and other gift items.

Shopping Mall Santas - Visit Santa throughout the holiday season at the following shopping malls in the Washington, DC area.

• Mazza Gallerie - 5300 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, Washington DC
   
• Lake Forest Mall – 701 Russell Avenue, Gaithersburg, MD
   
• Potomac Mills – 2700 Potomac Mills Circle, Woodbridge, VA
   
• Dulles Town Center - 21100 Dulles Town Circle, Sterling, VA
   
• Tysons Corner Center – 1961 Chain Bridge Road, Tysons, VA
   
• Fair Oaks Mall - 11750 Fair Oaks Mall, Fairfax, VA