Drive-In Movie, Grinch's Grotto: Holidays At Tysons Corner Center

TYSONS, VA — The holidays are upon us, and there are plenty of ways to celebrate at Tysons Corner Center. Santa will be returning for photos in a socially-distant format, along with other events.

As the holiday shopping season ramps up, the mall outlined safety precautions in response to the coronavirus pandemic. The mall says it has a "top quality" HVAC system, has increased cleaning and sanitizing, and uses electrostatic sprayers. Retailers have contactless payment options, plexiglass shields at checkout, social distancing and mask requirements, and more. The mall has also launched holiday signage outlining the health and safety protocols. It is also introducing a program "Wellness Rewards" where shoppers are randomly awarded gift cards and other small prizes when mall ambassadors witness them following protocols.

Aside from visiting stores and restaurants this holiday season, families can check out special events on select days. Along with the option for socially-distant Santa photos, guests have the chance to meet the Grinch in the Grinch's Cave. Other events include drive-in movies, stuff-a-truck event, holiday blood drive and a virtual holiday performance.

More details on the events are below.

Socially Distanced Santa (select days from Nov. 20 to Dec. 24)

Fashion Court, at the intersection of the Nordstrom and Bloomingdale's wings

Santa will greet guests from a distance with a physical barrier to prevent anyone from sitting on his lap. Santa and visitors must wear masks and maintain a safe distance in this contactless visit and photo session. Hand sanitizing stations will be provided by the mall. Reservations are recommended.

Holiday Drive-In Movie: Nov. 20 "Home Alone" (sold out) and Dec. 4 "Elf," from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Tysons Corner Center is bringing back it's Drive-In Movie Nights for the first of two limited holiday engagements. The events will kick off at 5 p.m. and movies start at 7:30 p.m. Food will be available from participating eateries as well as live entertainment, trivia, and music prior to the show. Tickets for Elf will be released during the week of Nov. 23.

Reservation are required with a donation of $10 or more to Food for Others, a local nonprofit providing food to neighbors in need. Reservation link.

Grinch’s Grotto: Nov. 27 to Dec. 31

Level 2 next to A Christmas to Remember

2020 has been a mean one, so it's appropriate to have a visit with the Grinch. Visit the Grinch's cave to interact with him and pose for a photo. Admission for up to five guests includes a 6X8 printed photo with a playful Grinch catchphrase and a collectable Grinch ornament. Social distancing and mask usage will be followed.

Stuff-A-Truck Event with WGTS and Salvation Army: Dec. 4 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

WGTS, the official radio sponsor of the Salvation Army’s Angel Program, will broadcast the the Johnny and Stacey show live from the Hyatt Regency Tysons Corner Center near the Plaza, where listeners will be encouraged to "stuff the truck" with toys for donation to the Salvation Army.

Holiday Blood Drive: Dec. 21, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Tysons Corner Center will be partnering with INOVA Blood Donor Services for a holiday blood drive in support of community blood needs throughout the holiday season. Donors who participate will be treated to season treats.

Those Funny Little People's Virtual Holiday Performance: Dec. 12 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Those Funny Little People is entertainment company with life-sized puppets who dance, sing, and make people laugh. Those Funny Little People appeared on "America's Got Talent" as four elves, an agent, and a showgirl. The performance will be viewable from home.

For more information, visit www.tysonscornercenter.com/holiday.

This article originally appeared on the McLean Patch