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 2025, organized by date to make planning easy for your family.
Looking for something else? Lights? Treats? Events?….
FREE SANTA Photos: Quick List
Details in the day-by-day listings below this graphic.
See Santa in Charleston, SC : All Season
Visit with Santa at Northwoods Mall (North Charleston)
Date: Santa arrives November 19, 2025 – reservations strongly recommended
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: Weekends from November 28, 2025 through December 22, 2025 — 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: November 28 – December 21, 2025
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. 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
Location: 24 Calhoun Street, Charleston, SC 29401
Holidays at the South Carolina Aquarium
Details:
- Visit with Santa and get a photo on weekends
- See Scuba Claus during Aquarium Aglow
Daniel Island Ferry’s Milk and Cookies with Santa Cruise
Dates: First three weekends in December 2025 (45-minute cruises)
Location: Departs from the Daniel Island Ferry (Daniel Island, SC)
Daniel Island Ferry – Milk & Cookies with Santa
Details:
- 45-minute holiday cruise where kids meet Santa
- Kids can share their wish lists
- Adults may purchase beverages such as mimosas and champagne
- Tickets: $40 adults (12+) / $30 kids (0–11)
James Island County Park’s Festival of Lights – Visit with Santa (Charleston)
Dates: November 14 – December 23, 2025, 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 Wonderland of Lights (Cottageville)
Dates: November 21 – December 23, 2025: 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 visits November 21-23, 26, 28-30th & December 3, 5-7, 10, 12-14, 17-23, 2025
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: Starting December 6, 2025- all season long
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: Now through December 24th, 2025
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
See Santa in November (2025 Charleston, SC)
Free Photos with Santa at the Happy Southerner
Date & Time: November 28th, 2025 from 10 am to 1 pm
Location: 1036 Johnnie Dodds Boulevard, Mount Pleasant
Free Photos with Santa Perry at The Happy Southerner
Holiday Festival at Wild Dunes Resort (Isle of Palms)
Date & Time: November 28, 2025, 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Location: 5757 Palm Boulevard, Isle of Palms, SC 29451
See Santa at Wild Dunes Resort
Details:
- Santa lights the Christmas tree at sundown
- 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+) $60; Children (4–12) $30; Kids 3 and under free
Breakfast with Santa
Date: November 29, 2025 at 9 am to noon
Location: Folly Beach Methodist Church
Details: Full buffet with photos with Santa. $20 per child. Proceeds are used to purchase gifts for children at MUSC.
Folly Beach Methodist Facebook
Santa at Annie’s Hot Donuts- FREE
Date: November 29th, 2025, 9 am to 11 am
Location: Annie’s Hot Donuts, 1247 Ben Sawyer Blvd, Mount Pleasant, SC
Details: Santa will be at Annie’s from 9 to 11 to visit with families for free. Haven’t been to Annie’s Hot Donuts? We have! Check it out: Play and Eat at Annie’s Hot Donuts.
Annie’s Hot Donuts Facebook
Thanks to Annie’s Hot Donuts for providing the pictures below!
Tea with Santa at Hotel Bennet, Camellias (Charleston)
Dates & Times: November 29 and November 30, 2025 (afternoon seatings)
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
- Pricing: Adults $98, Children under 12 $68
- Great for families looking for an upscale, magical experience
See Santa in Charleston: December 2025
Old Time Summerville Christmas Celebration (Summerville)
Date & Time: December 2, 2025, 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Location: Hutchinson Square, 102 S Main St., Summerville, SC 29483
Old Time Summerville Christmas Celebration
Details:
- Tree lighting, photos with Santa, letters to Santa, live window displays, and more
Family Tips: - Charming downtown event that feels festive and community-focused
- Arrive early for parking and a good view
Tree Lighting Ceremony at Gabrielle Plaza (Downtown Charleston)
Date & Time: December 4, 2025, 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Location: Gabrielle Plaza at Hotel Bennett, 404 King Street, Charleston, SC 29403
Tree Lighting at Hotel Bennett
Details:
- Celebrate the season with a magical evening under the stars
- Enjoy live carolers, festive giveaways, and a surprise visit from Santa
Family Tips: - Free
- A lovely downtown option to kick off the season with family and friends in a sparkling setting
Credit One Stadium Tree Lighting (Daniel Island)
Date & Time: December 5, 2025, 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm (tree lighting at 7:00 pm)
Location: 161 Seven Farms Drive, Charleston, SC 29492
Daniel Island Tree Lighting
Details:
- Free holiday celebration with live music, a chance to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, snow show, and cookie decorating
Family Tips: - Great event for all ages in a big open-air space
Free Photos With Santa – Hosted by The Husted Team
Date: December 6th, 2025, 11 am to 1 pm
Location: 1331 College Park Road, Summerville
FREE photos with Santa, Free crafts & festivities, Sign-up required (spots limited)
More information and Sign-up in Advance here
Santa’s Soirée at the Charleston Tea Garden (Wadmalaw Island)
Date & Time: December 13, 2025, 11:00 am
Location: Charleston Tea Garden, 6617 Maybank Hwy, Wadmalaw Island, SC 29487
Details:
Santa’s Soiree
- Celebrate with Santa and his elves in a peaceful tea garden setting
- Holiday treats, family-friendly activities, and plenty of cheer
Family Tips: - $10 in advance, $15 day-of
- Mid-morning start makes it a great option for little ones
Christmas at City Hall (North Charleston)
Date & Time: December 13, 2025, 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Location: 2500 City Hall Lane, North Charleston, SC 29406
Details:
- Huge holiday giveaway event featuring Santa, free bikes, coats, toys, and more
- Activities include game trucks, jump castles, gingerbread decorating, music, vendors, and community partners
Family Tips: - Free to attend, but registration is required for bike giveaways (deadline: November 17)
- Limit 2 bikes per family — more info at Every1VoiceMatters.org
📍 Pictures With Santa – Low Country Harley-Davidson (North Charleston)
Date: December 13, 2025 • 1–3 pm
Location: 4707 Dorchester Rdoad, North Charleston
- FREE photos with Santa
- Optional donations benefit Carolina Children’s Charity
- Family-friendly holiday event — Santa arrives on a Harley!
- Santa at Low Country Harley
Breakfast with Santa at Wild Dunes Resort (Isle of Palms)
Date & Time: December 14, 2025, 8:30 am – 10:30 am
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.
