Children look up to their parents, superheroes, and even Santa Claus, so it’s not surprising for them to want to meet one that looks like them.
Where can I find Black Santa in DC and across the DMV?
- Shops at Iverson Mall
- Mall at Prince George’s
- Mondawmin Mall
- Neiman Marcus at the Tysons Galleria
Why is Black Santa important?
Until the second grade, I wanted to be the tooth fairy when I got older. In my mind, it was a job like any other. Engineer, firefighter, tooth fairy – these were all legitimate options, right? You couldn’t tell me that the tooth fairy wasn’t a real person because where’s the magic in that?
Imagine how I felt when I realized that the tooth fairy had to be a petite, Caucasian female because that’s how she was portrayed any time I came across her. I was sad for a bit, but I licked my wounds and focused on being the next Jasmine instead.
Black Santa Near Me in the DMV
It’s important for children to see their idols in a way they relate to, whether it be the color of their skin or how a person is differently-abled. You can visit these malls in the DMV to take this year’s holiday picture with a black Santa Claus.
Mall at Prince George’s
- Address: 3500 East-West Hwy, Hyattsville, MD 20782 | Website
Children visiting the Mall at Prince George’s always smile just a little bit wider when they see that Santa Claus looks like them. The mall has had an African-American Santa Claus fly down from the North Pole for decades, delighting kids in the process.
At this mall, Santa Claus represents so much more than an old man with gifts; Santa represents diversity and culture and will continue to do so for years to come.
Shops at Iverson Mall
- Address: 3737 Branch Ave, Hillcrest Heights, MD 20748 | Website
The Shops at Iverson Mall has a long history of hosting black Santas for the season – in fact, mall goers can’t remember a time when they didn’t have a black Santa Claus visiting the mall.
People come from far and wide so their kids can sit on Santa’s lap – a Santa that they relate to – and tell him what they want for Christmas that year.
Mondawmin Mall
- Address: 2401 Liberty Heights Ave, Baltimore, MD 21215 | Website
Visiting Santa Luke is a highly-anticipated Christmas tradition for many Baltimore families. Santa Luke has been bringing joy and cheer to children for over 40 years.
73-year-old Lucas Durant is the longest running black Santa in Baltimore, and probably, the nation. He has spent half his life putting smiles on the faces of kids who flock to see him and tell him whether they’ve been naughty or nice that year. Catch him in his crisp red suit at Mondawmin Mall every holiday season.
Neiman Marcus at the Tysons Galleria
- Address: 2255 International Dr, McLean, VA 22102 | Website
In recent years, the Neiman Marcus at the Tysons Galleria has partnered with “Santa Just Like Me” to make sure they are more representative of the Washington DC-metro area communities.
Now, this being Neiman Marcus, you do need a paid ticket to enjoy Santa Warren at their store, which can set you back about $45-$75 for a personal visit with Santa (5-10 minutes long). With the more expensive packages, you will get photos to take home, plus hot chocolate and cookies before you wander the store looking for gifts.
Black Santa Locator App
Still can’t find a Black Santa near you? Check out this Black Santa Locator app that a Black mother, Jihan Woods, created because she was fed up with not being able to find a Santa that looked like her and her children in her community.
Moms are all about fixing problems, because if one of us has a problem, chances are many of the rest of us do too. Woods has found Black Santas across the country, and even a few abroad if you are traveling for the holidays.
More Black Santas in Virginia
- Black Santa in Hampton Roads, VA
- Miracle at Waterside Drive in Norfolk, VA
