Meet Santa at Tri-State Nissan: A Holiday Tradition Begins

December 2017 | Winchester, Virginia: In early December 2017, the showroom at Tri-State Nissan transformed into a winter wonderland. The reason? Our very first Meet Santa event—a brand-new, heartwarming initiative created to bring the magic of the holidays to families across Winchester and surrounding communities. We understand that not every family can afford the high cost of mall Santa photos. That’s why our team at Tri-State Nissan decided to close that gap. We wanted to ensure that every child had the opportunity to meet Santa and take home a keepsake from the moment. So we opened our doors, rolled out the holiday décor, and welcomed the public—free of charge. Held in our main showroom, the event featured a cozy holiday backdrop, festive music, and of course, Santa himself. Families were greeted with warmth and smiles from our team, and each child had the opportunity to chat with Santa and get their photo taken.

A Digital Keepsake for Every Family

Rather than print on-site, each photo was delivered digitally. This way, families could download, print, or share the image however they liked—without paying a cent. The goal was simple: create a joyful memory and remove the financial barrier that sometimes stands in the way of holiday magic. We saw more than 100 families come through our doors that day. Each one brought their own energy, laughter, and gratitude. For us, this was more than a photo op. It was a celebration of community and compassion. 

Greg Strosnider, one of our Sales Manages, reflected on the experience: “It was incredible watching kids light up when they saw Santa. One mom even teared up and told us she hadn’t been able to afford mall photos for years. That made everything worth it.”

Aligning With Our Core Values

Events like this align perfectly with Marlow Auto Group’s core values: Community, Integrity, Relationships, Innovation, and Exceeding Expectations. At Tri-State Nissan, we strive to be more than just a dealership. We want to be a positive force in people’s lives. By hosting free events like Meet Santa, we deepen our relationships with local families, foster community spirit, and create spaces where people feel welcome—whether they’re buying a car or not.

Meet Santa at Tri-State Nissan: A Holiday Tradition

While this was our first Meet Santa event, it certainly won’t be the last. In fact, we’re already looking ahead to next year. Thanks to the incredible turnout and feedback from families, this holiday event is quickly becoming a tradition we’re proud to continue. Events like these remind us that small gestures can have a lasting impact. A smile, a moment, a photo—these simple things help strengthen the community fabric and bring people together.

Looking Ahead to 2018

As we wrap up 2017, we look back with gratitude and forward with optimism. We’re thankful for everyone who made our first Meet Santa event a success: our volunteers, our staff, and especially the families who came out to celebrate the season with us. We’re already planning new ways to connect, serve, and celebrate with the Winchester community in 2018. More than just transactions, our business thrives on relationships, and we look forward to growing them further in the new year.

Join Santa at Tri-State Nissan Next Year

Did you miss this year’s Meet Santa at Tri-State Nissan? Don’t worry—we’ll be back next December with more magic, more photos, and more holiday cheer. Follow us on Facebook or check out our website for updates on community events and dealership news. Because at Tri-State Nissan, we don’t just sell cars—we build relationships and support the people who make our region great.

About The Marlow Auto Group

Marlow Auto Group has proudly served the Northern Shenandoah Valley for over 75 years—but our story begins in 1947 with a decision that set us apart from the start. In the post-World War II era, when cars were scarce and buyers waited months for delivery, our founder, Guy Marlow, chose a different path. Rather than wait in line, he opened a dealership—not just to secure a car for his family, but to help others in the community do the same. That bold, people-first mindset remains at the heart of everything we do.

Over the decades, that one decision grew into a regional family of dealerships: Marlow Motor Company in Front Royal, Tri-State Nissan in Winchester, and Marlow Ford in Luray. As a locally owned and woman-operated business, we continue to grow by staying true to our five core values: Innovation, Integrity, Community, Relationships, and Exceeding Expectations. You’ll find those values in everything we do—from extended service hours that reduce downtime for local businesses to long-standing partnerships with local schools and nonprofits. We believe dealerships should do more than sell and service vehicles. They should solve problems, support their communities, and build trust that lasts. Because at Marlow, doing things differently isn’t just how we started. It’s how we lead.