Welcome to The Charleston Santa:
A Magical Holiday Tradition
Join us for a heartwarming celebration at the Best Friend Train Museum in downtown Charleston, home to America’s first passenger locomotive, The Best Friend of Charleston, which debuted on Christmas Day 1830.
The Best Friend Train
The Experience
The Charleston Santa, presented by Explore Charleston and Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry, welcomes families seeking a magical Santa experience. This holiday celebration also creates an educational opportunity for visitors to learn about the Best Friend of Charleston and invites guests to make a meaningful impact by supporting Toys for Tots.
Give a gift of joy- Toys for Tots
Capture the moment with a FREE photo with Santa
Explore the Best Friend Train Museum
Be Part of the Tradition
In our second year, we invite you to become part of a Charleston tradition. Visiting Santa is free, but reservations are required due to limited space. Secure your spot on the nice list by reserving a free, timed ticket!
Give the Gift of Joy to “Fill the Train” in Support of Toys for Tots
The Charleston Santa experience is unique as it encourages visiting families to give back. We invite you to bring a new, unwrapped toy to ‘fill the train’ for children in need. Let’s come together to spread joy and make a difference in the lives of those less fortunate.
You can also purchase a toy to donate to Toys for Tots from the Convenient Pop-up Explore More Store beside the train. Your purchase is sales tax-free and benefits the Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry’s outreach efforts in the community.
Capture the Moment with a FREE Photo
Every family will receive a complimentary photo with Santa, capturing the joy and magic of the holiday season. Photos are available for pickup after your Santa visit at the Explore Charleston Welcome Center. Additional photo packages are available for purchase. For questions about your photos, please contact customerservice@rkdp.com.
Make Your Reservation
Don’t miss out on this enchanting experience! Secure your free reservation with The Charleston Santa. Santa will be available for reservations every 15 minutes November 29, 30, December 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22. If a time or day has been fully booked, it will not be available on the calendar.
You only need 1 time slot reservation per family (not per person).
No reservations are left if no times are showing for the date you want. If someone cancels their reservation, the time will become available, so you can keep checking back.
If you would like to change your reservation day or time, please cancel your current reservation and book a new one.
