Explore Charleston and the Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry have a new collaborative attraction starting Nov. 24 that brings the Charleston Santa Claus, a South Carolina version of St. Nick, to town.
The Best Friend Train Museum — located between the downtown visitor center and the Children’s Museum — will give residents the opportunity to check out the Charleston Santa, a South Carolina version of Father Christmas.
Each weekend between Thanksgiving and Christmas, Santa Claus will greet and take photos with local children inside The Best Friend Train Museum on John Street.
Attendees will receive a commemorative photo of the experience, which is free, though reservations are required. Explore Charleston, which is the area’s visitors’ bureau, said the offering was created to provide a magical holiday experience and encourage educational opportunities around the Best Friend of Charleston train, America’s first passenger steam locomotive.
“In conversations with the Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry, we saw an opportunity to bring additional attention to the Best Friend of Charleston while simultaneously creating a quality experience for our community and visitors that adds to the magic of the Charleston area during the holidays,” said Helen Hill, CEO of Explore Charleston.
“Many people might not realize we’re home to America’s first passenger steam locomotive. When families visit with Santa, they’ll not only learn about this part of Charleston’s history, they’ll also have an opportunity to give back in a way that truly reflects our community’s values.”
Because it is the season of giving, the attraction will also host a toy drive in support of children in need.
Guests are encouraged to donate new, unwrapped toys, which the Explore Charleston and the Children’s Museum will give to Toys for Tots.
“It is sometimes challenging for parents during the holidays to find ways to instill in young children the importance of giving to others,” said Karen Coltrane, president and CEO of the Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry. “So, we were thrilled that Explore Charleston looked to us to bring this element to the partnership.”
For more information about the Charleston Santa or to reserve a spot for the free attraction, visit thecharlestonsanta.com.
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