It's official, CHS — Santa's coming to town. Explore Charleston and the Children's Museum of the Lowcountry are teaming up to bring The Charleston Santa to the Best Friend Train Museum this holiday season.

Beginning next Friday, Nov. 24, and each weekend leading up to Christmas, children of all ages are invited to visit with jolly old St. Nick himself at the Best Friend Train Museum, conveniently situated between the downtown Visitor Center and the Children's Museum.

Families will receive a free photo to commemorate the occasion, and there will be plenty of holiday cheer to go around. Visitors and locals can get into the holiday spirit while giving back and learning more about the Best Friend of Charleston train, America's first passenger steam locomotive, which began service on Christmas Day 1830.

Sign up to see the little Saint Nick

To meet The Charleston Santa, simply reserve your free, timed ticket. Reservations are required as space is limited.

Give back to Toys for Tots

Visitors are encouraged to get in the spirit of the season by helping Explore Charleston and the Children’s Museum reach their goal to “fill the train” with new, unwrapped toys in support of Toys for Tots.

Additional holiday activities

Families can make the most of their visit to the Best Friend Train Museum by stopping by:

The holiday pop-up store at the Children’s Museum, where you can purchase gifts to help “fill the train” for Toys for Tots or to give to your friends and family. Purchases from the shop are tax free and underwrite museum admission for under-resourced families.
The Elf Emporium, a children-only store where kids 8 and under can select pre-wrapped gifts for their parents, siblings, grandparents + pets.

There will also be a special sensory-friendly event on Friday, Dec. 10 from 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Reserve your free tickets