Visit with Santa

He’s making his list, and he’s checking it twice - Santa Claus is most definitely coming to town. Visits with Santa will be available at the festival and during the day at the appointment-only Mingle with Kringle and Inclusive Visit with Santa. 

At the Festival

A visit with Santa is at the top of the list for many visitors to the Holiday Festival of Lights. Santa will be at this year’s event from Nov. 19 through Dec. 23. Guests can sign in with one of Santa’s elves to be added to our virtual queue. Families will be able to take advantage of all the event has to offer while waiting in the virtual queue. Then, guests will receive a notification on their cell phone when their time to see Santa is approaching. 

Santa has many helpers, and we are proud to have Santas at the festival that embody the spirit of the season and reflect the diversity of our community.

November 19 - December 23

  • 6 – 8 p.m.
  • 8:20 – Closing
Directions sign to visit with Santa

Visiting with Santa at the festival is free. Digital photos from Coleman Photography are available for an additional fee.

  • Package A $31.99 (two 5x7, four wallet-sized, and two 3x5)
  • Package B $27.99 (one 5x7, four wallet-sized, and two 3x5)
  • Package C $26.99 (four 3x5)
  • Package D $21.99(two 5x7)
  • Package E $19.99 (two 3x5)
  • Package F $13.99 (one 5x7)
  • Digital Image Download $37.99 (delivered via link to photographer's website)

Mingle with Kringle

Book a private visit with the big elf himself outside of festival hours! When you Mingle with Kringle, you and your group of up to 5 people will have a chance to tell Santa Claus your Christmas wishes and receive a digital download of your photos from our professional photographer. Also included in the package is a Gift Pass to visit the Holiday Festival of Lights on another evening of your choosing.

  • Dec 4, 11, and 18
  • 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 12 p.m., 1 p.m., and 2 p.m.
  • $65.00
  • Advanced registration is required. Register Online (opens November 1)

Inclusive Santa Visit

People with disabilities and their families are invited to a photo session with Santa at James Island County Park. Join us to experience the time-honored tradition of a visit with Santa Claus during dedicated hours in a calming, subdued environment.

  • Sunday, December 12 
  • 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
  • James Island County Park - Winter Wonderland Terrace
  • $20 per group of up to five people
  • Advanced registration is required. Register Online (opens November 1)

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 five people, please book multiple spots. You'll receive one 5x7 souvenir photo of your visit and have the opportunity to upgrade to a multiple photo package onsite. No personal photography will be allowed. 

Santa will be fluent in ASL (American Sign Language). We are also excited to partner with KultureCity® for this event. To better accommodate guests with sensory difficulties, sensory bags equipped with noise-canceling headphones, fidget tools, and verbal cue cards will be available for guest use. A dedicated sensory space will also be available for guests who may feel overwhelmed by the environment. Ask our staff on-site for more information.