The Magic of Santa Returns to Charleston!
Charleston, mark your calendars and get ready for some festive fun! This holiday season, the one and only Santa Claus is making his way back to town, and he’s bringing along plenty of cheer for families throughout the Lowcountry!
Santa’s Home Base: The Best Friend Train Museum
In a heartwarming collaboration, Explore Charleston and the Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry invite families to experience the joy and wonder of The Charleston Santa. Starting on Friday, November 29, families can visit the charming Best Friend Train Museum, conveniently nestled between the downtown visitor center and the Children’s Museum, to meet the jolly old elf himself!
Santa will be available every weekend from Thanksgiving until Christmas, offering children and families magical moments together. What’s even better? Each family will leave with a complimentary photo to capture the memories of meeting Santa. And the icing on the cake? This enchanting experience is absolutely free—though it’s important to note that reservations are required due to limited space.
Giving Back: Toys for Tots Initiative
This year, The Charleston Santa experience is even more special because it ties in an opportunity to give back to the community. Families visiting Santa are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy to contribute to the Toys for Tots campaign. In its inaugural year, the event managed to gather over 700 toys, and this year, the goal has been set higher—1,000 toys to fill the train!
Helen Hill, President and CEO of Explore Charleston, expressed her excitement, saying, “We are thrilled to partner with the Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry for the second time on The Charleston Santa, a one-of-a-kind experience that adds to the magic of the Charleston area during the holidays.” Since its inception, the event has encouraged families to learn about the Best Friend of Charleston, America’s first passenger steam locomotive, while also spreading holiday joy.
Fun for All Ages at The Children’s Museum
In addition to meeting Santa, families will find a variety of festive events and activities at the Children’s Museum. The museum has recently undergone renovations, and it’s ready to welcome families with an all-new experience. Parents can encourage their children to embrace the spirit of giving by purchasing a toy from the museum’s Pop-Up Store, right next to Santa’s station. This not only contributes to the holiday spirit, but also supports local families in need through the Museums for All program.
Additionally, the Children’s Museum will host an Elf Emporium situated inside the museum’s new lobby. This special shop allows children aged 8 and under to select pre-wrapped gifts for family members and pets, making the holiday experience all the more magical and memorable for young visitors.
Event Schedule and Reservations
The festive fun begins on November 29, when families can come by from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM to meet Santa! Following that, Santa will be available on November 30 and December 1 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and on December 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, and 22 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. To reserve your spot and for more details, visit thecharlestonsanta.com.
So, gather your family, don your best holiday attire, and head over to meet The Charleston Santa for a holiday celebration like no other!
