Looking for Santa in Charleston, SC this holiday season?
Whether you’re hoping for classic mall photos, festive carriage rides, or sweet holiday tea with the big guy himself, we’ve got the scoop on where to see Santa in Charleston, SC this year.
From downtown Charleston to Summerville, North Charleston to Wadmalaw Island, there are so many magical ways for your kids to meet Santa — and maybe even whisper a wish or two. Some events are free, others require reservations, but every one is full of holiday cheer so there is something to fit EVERY budget.
Keep reading to find the best Santa sightings happening all around Charleston in 2026, organized by date to make planning easy for your family.
Looking for something else? Lights? Treats? Events?….
See Santa in Charleston, SC: Special Events By Date
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Pick out the perfect tree and soak up the holiday spirit! Families can make Christmas crafts and decorations, snap photos in the photo booth, enjoy live music, and visit Santa (12–6 pm). Fresh-baked cookies and holiday treats are available for purchase.
🎟️ Cost: Free admission – no ticket required
📍 Location: Boone Hall Farms, 2434 N Hwy 17, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
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Kick off the holiday season with the official lighting of the towering Christmas tree, live music, Santa’s grand arrival, treats, and kids’ activities.
📍 Location: Mount Pleasant Towne Centre, 1200 Belk Drive, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
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Pick out the perfect tree and soak up the holiday spirit! Families can make Christmas crafts and decorations, snap photos in the photo booth, enjoy live music, and visit Santa (12–6 pm). Fresh-baked cookies and holiday treats are available for purchase.
🎟️ Cost: Free admission – no ticket required
📍 Location: Boone Hall Farms, 2434 N Hwy 17, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
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Kick off the holiday season at Wild Dunes! Join Santa as he leads the countdown to the Christmas tree lighting at 5:30 PM, then enjoy a festive oyster roast and holiday fare, gingerbread house and ornament decorating, and a letters-to-Santa station. Santa makes special appearances throughout dinner. Cash bar available.
🎟️ Cost: Adults (13+) $78; Kids (4–12) $40; Ages 3 & under free (plus 25% service charge and 11% tax)
📍 Location: Osprey Terrace & Ballroom at the Sweetgrass Inn, Wild Dunes Resort, 5757 Palm Blvd, Isle of Palms, SC 29451
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Get into the holiday spirit at Summerville’s annual Old Time Christmas Celebration! Enjoy the tree lighting ceremony (right at 6 PM), food trucks and vendors, a chance to mail letters to Santa and meet him, and the Live Window Display Competition among local businesses. Expect street closures on Doty, Richardson, and Main Street starting at 2 PM.
🎟️ Cost: Free
📍 Location: Hutchinson Square, 102 S Main St, Summerville, SC 29483
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Meet Santa and soak up the holiday cheer at James Island County Park.
🎟️ Cost: $85 for a group up to 5.
📍 Location: James Island County Park, 871 Riverland Dr, Charleston, SC 29412
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“While you’re chatting with jolly old St. Nick, our professional photographer will take photos of your group of up to 5 people with Santa. If your group has more than 5 people, please book multiple spots. You’ll receive the full digital package with all images of your visit. No personal photography will be allowed. A maximum of 6 families will be able to register for each 1-hour time slot, and each visit with Santa will be on a first-come, first-served basis during that time slot.
A sensory-friendly visit with Santa during the Holiday Festival of Lights at James Island County Park.
🎟️ Cost: $40.00
📍 Location: James Island County Park, 871 Riverland Dr, Charleston, SC 29412
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Meet Santa and soak up the holiday cheer at James Island County Park.
🎟️ Cost: $85 per group up to 5
📍 Location: James Island County Park, 871 Riverland Dr, Charleston, SC 29412
👉 Read more
“While you’re chatting with jolly old St. Nick, our professional photographer will take photos of your group of up to 5 people with Santa. If your group has more than 5 people, please book multiple spots. You’ll receive the full digital package with all images of your visit. No personal photography will be allowed. A maximum of 6 families will be able to register for each 1-hour time slot, and each visit with Santa will be on a first-come, first-served basis during that time slot.
Celebrate the season with a festive Breakfast with Santa at Indigo Rooftop! Enjoy a chef-prepared breakfast of holiday favorites, while little ones visit Santa for photos and wish-list sharing and adults sip from the mimosa bar. Each seating lasts 90 minutes, and advance reservations are required.
🎟️ Cost: Adults (13+) $55; Kids (4–12) $35; Ages 3 & under free (plus 25% service charge and 11% tax)
📍 Location: Indigo Rooftop at Wild Dunes Resort, 5757 Palm Blvd, Isle of Palms, SC 29451
👉 Read more
A sensory-friendly visit with Santa during the Holiday Festival of Lights at James Island County Park.
🎟️ Cost: $40.00
📍 Location: James Island County Park, 871 Riverland Dr, Charleston, SC 29412
👉 Read more
See Santa in Charleston, SC : All Season
Visit with Santa at Northwoods Mall (North Charleston)
Date: 2026 Santa arrival date not yet announced – reservations strongly recommended
Pet Photos with Santa: Mondays, November 23 – December 14, 2026
Location: 2150 Northwoods Blvd., North Charleston, SC 29406
See Santa at Northwoods Mall
Details:
- “Santa’s Workshop” photo op, Dear Santa letters, and mailbox drop
Family Tips: - Indoor mall setting makes it easy with younger kids
- Reservations help avoid long waits
The Charleston Santa at The Best Friend Train Museum (Downtown Charleston)
Dates: November 27, 28, 29 and December 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20, 2026, 10 am – 4 pm — reservations required (FREE)
Location: 23 Ann Street, Charleston, SC (The Best Friend Train Museum)
Charleston Santa
Details:
- Reservations fill up quickly — grab your spot early
- Free photo with Santa when you make a timed reservation
- Help “fill the train” by bringing a new, unwrapped toy for the holiday toy drive (Toys for Tots)
Family Tips: - Combines Charleston history with a festive Santa visit for free
Holy City Christmas at Holy City Brewing
Dates: Opens Friday, November 27, 2026 (opening night 6–8:30 pm) — see the online calendar for nightly dates and times
Location: 1021 Aragon Ave., North Charleston, SC 29405
Holy City Christmas
Details:
- A walk-through festive journey featuring Santa’s house, toy workshop, elves, Mrs. Claus, snow, and treats for the whole family
- Includes a photo with Santa and plenty of holiday surprises. VIP tickets include additional rooms in Santa’s house.
- Ticket prices vary by experience and time: General Admission is $25.99 per person and VIP is $39.99 per person (kids 2 and under are free). See all the details here: Holy City Christmas Tickets
Family Tips: - Reservations are recommended as ticketed sessions may sell out
- The indoor/outdoor venue is stroller-friendly and great for all ages
- Perfect if you’re looking for a full experience, not just a quick photo
South Carolina Aquarium Santa
Dates: Weekends at the aquarium — 2026 Santa details to be announced (the aquarium says “Holiday magic will return in 2026”)
Location: 100 Aquarium Wharf, Charleston, SC 29401
Holidays at the South Carolina Aquarium
Details:
- Visit with Santa and get a photo on weekends
- See Scuba Claus diving in the Great Ocean Tank nightly during Aquarium Aglow (select nights November 20 – December 31, 5:30–9 pm)
James Island County Park’s Festival of Lights – Visit with Santa (Charleston)
Dates: November 13 – December 23, 2026, Santa visits nightly from 6 pm to closing
Location: 871 Riverland Drive, Charleston, SC 29412
James Island Festival of Lights – Santa Visits
- Visiting Santa at the Festival of Lights is free with admission
- Digital photo packages are available for purchase
- Families sign in with one of Santa’s elves to join a virtual queue
- Enjoy the Festival of Lights attractions while you wait — you’ll receive a mobile notification when it’s your turn
Photo package pricing:
- Santa’s Special (Digital): $41.99
- Platinum Package: $36.99 – (2) 5×7’s, (4) wallets, (2) 3×5’s
- Gold Package: $30.99 – (4) 3×5’s
- Silver Package: $25.99 – (2) 5×7’s
- Bronze Package: $16.99 – (1) 5×7
Bee City Zoo’s Christmas Festival of Lights (Cottageville)
Dates: November 20, 2026 – early January 2027: Santa visits on select nights.
Location: 1066 Holly Ridge Lane, Cottageville, SC 29435
Bee City Zoo Christmas
Details:
- Daytime zoo + nighttime holiday light displays
- Santa’s 2026 visit nights haven’t been posted yet — check the zoo’s holiday schedule before you go
Family Tips: - A fun combo of animals, lights, and Santa
- Check the schedule to confirm Santa’s appearances
Holiday Sleigh Ride with Santa – Old South Carriage Company (Downtown Charleston)
Dates: Available seasonally around Christmas — check the booking calendar for 2026 dates
Price: From $35 (ages 3 & up); infants 0–2 ride free on a lap
Location: 14 Anson St., Charleston, SC 29401
Book your Holiday Sleigh Ride
Details:
- 30-minute festive carriage ride through downtown Charleston
- Ends with cocoa, cookies, and a visit with Santa at his stable
Family Tips: - Magical and memorable experience
- Space is limited — book ahead
Photos with Santa at Citadel Mall (Charleston / West Ashley)
Date: 2026 dates to be announced
Location: 2070 Sam Rittenberg Blvd., Charleston, SC 29407
Reserve a spot with Santa at Citadel Mall
Details:
- Santa photo sessions, including pet photo nights on select Mondays
Family Tips: - Indoor location, easy access
- Watch the mall’s site for dates and booking info
Dine With Santa
Holiday Festival at Wild Dunes Resort (Isle of Palms)
Date & Time: November 27, 2026, 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm (tree lighting at 5:30 pm)
Location: Osprey Terrace & Ballroom at the Sweetgrass Inn, Wild Dunes Resort, 5757 Palm Boulevard, Isle of Palms, SC 29451
See Santa at Wild Dunes Resort
Details:
- Christmas tree lighting at 5:30 pm
- Festive oyster roast, gingerbread-house decorating, ornament crafting, and a letters-to-Santa station
Family Tips: - Beautiful resort setting for all ages
- Pricing: Adults (13+) $78; Children (4–12) $40; Kids 3 and under free (the resort notes prices are subject to a 25% service charge and 11% tax)
Tea with Santa at Hotel Bennett, Camellias (Charleston)
Dates & Times: Select dates November 28 – December 23, 2026 (seatings 11 am–1 pm and 2–4 pm, plus 5–7 pm seatings on select dates)
Location: Camellias at Hotel Bennett, 404 King Street, Charleston, SC 29403
Tea with Santa
Details:
- A festive afternoon tea with Santa, featuring holiday-themed treats, whimsical tea blends, and a keepsake for each child
- Champagne addition available for adults
Family Tips: - Advanced reservations required
- Great for families looking for an upscale, magical experience
Breakfast with Santa at Wild Dunes Resort (Isle of Palms)
Date & Time: Sunday, December 13, 2026, 8 am – 12 pm (90-minute seatings)
Location: Indigo Rooftop at Wild Dunes Resort, 5757 Palm Blvd., Isle of Palms, SC 29451
Breakfast with Santa
Details:
- Enjoy a festive breakfast with a visit from Santa himself
- Adults can sip from the mimosa bar while kids meet Santa and soak in the rooftop views
- One-and-a-half-hour reservations — advance booking required
Family Tips: - Pricing: Adults (13+) $55, Kids (4–12) $35, Ages 3 & under free
Day Trip to See Santa
Ride the train with Santa at the South Carolina Railroad Museum in Winnsboro, SC. We did!
Here’s our adventure meeting Santa aboard the North Pole Express.
Find lots more Christmas events and holiday fun in our Charleston, SC Holiday Guide.
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