🎅What’s Inside: Nearly 20 places to visit Santa near Greenville, SC, including professional photos, breakfast with Santa, and free Santa photo events.
Are you searching for “places to see Santa near me”? Or hoping to run into Santa near Greenville, SC this season? We are tracking his sleigh and reindeer to be sure that you get the inside scoop on where Santa will be visiting this Christmas. This list includes everything from free events to professional photos and even a couple of spots to grab breakfast or brunch with Santa!
Where to see Santa near Greenville, SC in 2026 at a glance: these are the Santa visits with 2026 dates confirmed by their organizers as of October 23, 2026. Details for each are below.
While we do our best to offer accurate information, please check with these venues and organizations before visiting. Please help keep Kidding Around Greenville free by not copying and reproducing this content without permission.
Did we miss anything? Submit your event to let the community know where they can see Santa at your next event!
Where to See Santa All Season
Santa is here for weeks at these spots. Reserve ahead where noted.
Nov 8–Dec 24 · free 4×6 photo with a reservation
Bass Pro Shops, Woodruff Road
Santa on select dates, Nov 27–Dec 24
Grand Bohemian Lodge, Downtown Greenville
Find Santa Near Greenville, SC, and Spartanburg 35 events
On multiple dates
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Back by popular demand! Enjoy an interactive story time with readings of The Polar Express and How the Grinch Stole Christmas, plus photos with Santa and, of course, milk and cookies. The 50-minute show is best for early elementary kids.
On Sale Now!
SEASON PACKAGE-10% OFF
Wednesday, November 25 at 6:00 PM
Tuesday, December 1 at 6:00 PM-Pay What You Can on sale 11/24/26
Wednesday, December 2 at 6:00 PM
Tuesday, December 8 at 6:00 PM
Wednesday, December 9 at 6:00 PM
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Get into the holiday spirit at the Greenville Convention Center’s Holiday Fair Presented by Bon Secours! For more than 55 years, families have gathered to shop, eat, celebrate and make memories together.
The three-day event returns to the Greenville Convention Center December 3 – 5, 2026, bringing together hundreds of local crafters and vendors offering handmade goods, holiday décor, specialty foods and boutique gifts.
As presenting sponsor, Bon Secours will be part of the Holiday Fair experience from the moment guests arrive through their last stop in the aisles. After listening to feedback from past attendees, Holiday Fair Presented by Bon Secours returns this year with a renewed focus on the elements that have made it a Greenville favorite for generations: supporting local businesses, discovering one-of-a-kind gifts and creating family memories that last well beyond the holiday season.
Browse hundreds of local vendors offering one-of-a-kind gifts, handmade goods, holiday décor, specialty foods and more. Bring the whole family to visit Santa Claus, and don’t miss the return of the incredible modular train display, a favorite for collectors and Christmas enthusiasts of all ages.
December 3–5, 2026
Thursday & Friday: 10am–8pm Saturday: 9am–8pm
Admission is $12 for adults $11 for seniors (60+), and children 12 and under are FREE! Parking is $10.
Event URL: https://meetgcc.com/holiday-fair/
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Stroll a European-style Christmas market on the Village Green in downtown Pendleton! Inspired by the holiday markets of Germany, this festive outdoor market features juried local vendors, and you can shop the Town Square after.
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Take a photo with Santa Claus at the Greenville Christmas Market at Grand Bohemian Lodge, where European-style holiday festivities meet Southern tradition with local vendors, live music and festive food and drinks.
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Meet Santa at the Alexander Amphitheater in Seneca! Enjoy free hot chocolate, holiday train rides and the holiday light show, from 6 to 8:30 pm.
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Bring your furry family members to meet Santa at Anderson Mall! Part of the mall’s Special Santa Experiences in Center Court, photography by Dead Horse Studios. No reservations required.
Nov 9–15
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Holly Jolly Holiday Fair’s Sunday is made for families!
Sunday, Nov. 15th, 10-5p | $8
Limited tickets. Buy online!
What’s happening:
- 10-12: Live music while you shop
- 12-1: Princess interaction & story time
- 1-2: Magic show
- 3-5: Santa, with free professional photos while you share your wishes
- Free gift wrapping station
- 200 handmade, holiday & vintage vendors
- Food, drink & dessert trucks
Kids: Under 8 are free.
Re-entry: Tickets are good from the listed time through the weekend. Snap a photo at the exit with the re-entry sign to come back in anytime.
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Come join the Patriot Band Booster Club for a festive afternoon of treats, crafts, and SANTA ASHTON!
This is a free event that’s open to the public. However, registering for tickets on EventBrite is FREE and each one comes with a complimentary raffle ticket upon arrival!!
This event is a fundraiser for the Powdersville High School Patriot Band Booster Club. Donations are greatly appreciated, but not required.
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Vendor Fair
Come and get in the holiday spirit with the Patriot Band Booster Club! A wide variety of vendors will be present with handmade crafts, jewelery, home decor, baked goods, and MORE!
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Food Trucks
We will have Boujee Beverages, Coastal Cafe, La Casita del Nino, and Xtreme Cheesecakes on-site for a quick snack, full meal, or just a tasty beverage!
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Pictures with Santa Ashton
Bring the little ones to get your their Christmas list in early to Santa Ashton and mark that holiday photo off your list early in the season.
Nov 16–22
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For children of all ages and abilities and their families (service animals welcome!)
Nov 23–29
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The Hopkins Holiday Market is right around the corner!
Join us for a festive day of shopping local and celebrating the season!
Shop with local vendors to find the perfect gifts.
Bring your family and friends for a photo with Santa at our beautiful pond-side setup for ONLY $5.
Come hungry and visit the on-site food trucks!
It’s the perfect way to kick off the holidays — shop, sip, eat, and make memories at Historic Hopkins Farm!
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Saturday, November 28th
Join us for a festive day of Christmas crafts, cookies, hot cocoa, and a special visit from Santa! 🎅🍪☕ Kids can choose from a variety of fun Christmas craft workshops throughout the day, and Santa will be at the studio from 12:00–1:30 PM for meet-and-greets with all class participants!
🎅 Santa Meet & Greet: 12:00–1:30 PM
Please plan to arrive early or stay a little later depending on the class you choose so your child has time to visit with Santa.
🍪 Cookies & hot cocoa will be available all day!
🎨 Class Schedule
11:00–11:45 AM | Christmas Stuffie Workshop
Create your very own gingerbread or reindeer stuffed animal and decorate a festive T-shirt for your new furry friend! 🦌🍪
11:45 AM–12:30 PM | Santa Canvas Painting
Join us for a step-by-step guided canvas painting class! Kids will create a whimsical Christmas painting featuring Santa. Recommended for ages 6 and up. 🎨🎅
12:30–1:15 PM | Light-Up Wooden Reindeer
Paint and decorate a festive wooden reindeer decoration that lights up! A fun Christmas project to display at home all season long. 🦌✨
1:30–2:30 PM | Gingerbread House Scene
Paint and decorate a wooden gingerbread house, then create a cheerful Christmas scene around it using colorful baubles and other fun decorations! 🍭🏠
Most classes are recommended for ages 3 and up.
Come spend the day with us and enjoy a little Christmas magic at the studio! Spaces are limited, so reserve your seat early! 🎄🎅🍪✨
Nov 30–Dec 6
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Breakfast with Santa & the Animals Saturday, December 5 · 9:00–11:00 AM
Cost: $20
All ages
Santa comes to the farm for one morning. Breakfast, a visit with Santa, and time with the Highland cows and donkeys. A Sunday brunch version follows on December 6, 12:00–2:00 PM.
Purchase tickets here: donkeyriverfarm.com/products/breakfast-with-santa-the-animals
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All aboard for a magical Polar Express experience, including ornament making, cocoa, and photos with Santa. Materials available to the first 200 children under 12.
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Line Main Street in Fountain Inn for the town’s Christmas parade.
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A Merry Mauldin Christmas brings live holiday music, a holiday market, pictures with Santa, train rides, food trucks and the annual tree lighting (7 p.m.), plus a stroll down the Merry & Bright Holiday Light Trail. Parking and entry are free.
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Seatings at 5:30 PM & 7:00 PM – space is very limited, so pay online today to secure your spot!
$5.00 per person (toddlers, kids of all ages, and adults must pay the entry fee)
5:30 – 6:30 pm – https://square.link/u/F0OXl0uE 7:00 – 8:00 pm – https://square.link/u/h6wKhv09Details
Enjoy cookies and hot cocoa with Santa at historic Reigel Hall Venue in Ware Shoals, SC. $15 per child and each child will receive a gift. Reservations are required- please call (704) 472-8721
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Breakfast with Santa – City of Greer
Families can start the holiday season with breakfast, crafts, letters to Santa, and a photo with Santa himself.
- When: Saturday, December 5, 2026
- Sessions: 8:00–9:15 a.m., 9:45–11:00 a.m., or 11:30 a.m.–12:45 p.m.
- Where: The Cannon Centre, 204 Cannon St., Greer, SC 29651
- Price (per table of up to 8): $40 for City of Greer residents, $48 for non-residents
- Tickets: On sale Monday, November 2, 2026 at 7 p.m. After clicking Get Tickets, navigate to Programs/Classes or Special Events to find the event.
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Enjoy breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus hosted by the Greater Mauldin Chamber of Commerce. Tickets are on sale at the Chamber office or by phone at 864.297.1323.
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Whether it’s your child’s first Santa photo or part of your beloved annual tradition, this event is the perfect way to kick off the season and document the magic as your little ones grow. Come ready to laugh, smile, and capture a moment you’ll treasure forever!
$10 per family at the door- Cash
Here’s What to Expect:
A festive photo op with Santa Claus
A joyful holiday atmosphere full of wonder
Magical memories that mark the season
In the heart of Uptown GreenwoodDetails
The parade is part of Main Street Inman’s Light Up Inman (5:15 – 9 pm), with festive lights, family fun and Santa.
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❤️ Caring Santa Event: This is a private, sensory-friendly experience exclusively for children with special needs. Only one reservation is needed per family.
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Line up on Main Street in Anderson to see the Christmas parade. The city says the parade is free and open to the public.
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After the Campobello Christmas parade, have your picture taken with Santa.
Dec 7–13
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The Tryon Christmas Parade begins at 6pm on Trade Street in Downtown Tryon.
Kick off the holiday season with festive lights, music, and community spirit as you celebrate together in downtown Tryon.
When the parade ends, bring the family to the Tryon Firehouse for the Santa Bash, where children can meet Santa, enjoy balloon animals and fun games, and warm up with complimentary hot cocoa and hot cider.
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Put on your coziest pajamas and visit Santa at Anderson Mall! Part of the mall’s Special Santa Experiences in Center Court, photography by Dead Horse Studios. No reservations required.
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This year the parade moves to a Thursday evening. It begins on North Main Street and ends at Chiquola Baptist Church. Wave to Santa, enjoy festive floats and marching bands as the “Little Town with a Big Heart” comes alive with Christmas spirit.
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Christmas at BridgeWay is back for its fourth year with a Holiday Market, photos with Santa, festive holiday crafts, carolers, live music and meet-and-greets with Elsa, Anna and the Grinch. The Christmas carousel also returns Dec. 10
Friday, December 11th – Sunday, December 13th
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The Upstate Santa Experience is a private, 30-minute visit with Santa designed to feel calm, magical, and unrushed.
Your child will spend time with Santa in his gingerbread kitchen, helping create a special recipe straight from Santa’s North Pole Cookbook. The experience continues in Santa’s Library, where quieter moments unfold as your child finds their name on Santa’s Nice List, explores Santa’s bag, and enjoys genuine one-on-one interaction.
Families booked in the evening will also enjoy the home beautifully lit for Christmas, adding an extra layer of magic to an already special experience.
There are no lines, no crowds, and no pressure — just your child, Santa, and time for the moments to happen naturally.
Included with your experience:
✔ A private 30-minute visit with Santa
✔ Two edited portraits
✔ A custom embroidered red apron, personalized with your child’s name
✔ Reindeer food to take home
✔ A relaxed, story-driven experience
Up to two children may participate at no additional charge, and parents are welcome to join at the end for a family portrait.
Optional holiday keepsakes are available for families who wish to bring home even more of the magic.
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Join AID-L for some holiday magic with Santa at Holland Park Church located at 1131 Holland Rd, Simpsonville, SC 29681! We are excited to offer a sensory friendly quiet time from 9 – 10:30 am. Sensory time sign ups are required so that we can limit the number of people in the space. Following the sensory friendly time, pictures with Santa will be open to the public from 10:30-12:00! If you will be attending the open community time, please RSVP below so that we can prepare accordingly.
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Santa is coming back to Happy Cow! Bring the kiddos, snap a picture with Santa, and make sweet holiday memories, with a Happy Cow hot chocolate bar on hand.
Hot chocolate bar: $5 regular cup, $6 with toppings
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FREE to the public!
Join us for our Merry Little Market 2026 and find the perfect handmade gifts for everyone on your Christmas list this year! There will be over 40 local, small businesses to shop from OUTSIDE the venue and an open house full of wedding vendors inside! There will also be some amazing food trucks to grab lunch from, warm drinks and SANTA!!! You don’t want to miss it!
Event is rain or shine, but will be reassessed if dangerous weather is in the forecast.
Dec 14–20
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FREE to the public!
Join us for our last market of the year -Trailblazer Christmas Market 2026! – to find those last minute gifts for everyone on your Christmas list this year, and maybe a few things for yourself
You’ll find perfect hand crafted products, decor, candles, pet products, wood burned art, farm goods, sourdough, sweets, salsa and SO MUCH MORE! We proudly present a wide variety of vendors! There will be over 60 small businesses in attendance for you to shop from, delicious food trucks, hot coffee, face painting, pictures with Santa, and MORE!
This is an all OUTSIDE event! It is rain or shine but will be reassessed if dangerous weather is expected
Dec 21–27
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Pajama Party | Dec. 22nd 11 AM – 1 PM.
Enjoy holiday crafts, special offers, and capture the memories of the holiday season with a photo with Santa
Reserve you photo time with Santa here. > Read More
Some of Santa’s Biggest Events
Kids free
Dec 3–5 · Thu–Fri 10 AM–8 PM, Sat 9 AM–8 PM
Greenville Convention Center
Santa, hundreds of local vendors and the modular train display. $12 adults, $11 seniors, kids 12 and under free; parking $10.
Nov 13–15
Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium
Three days of shopping. Tickets $5 in advance, $10 at the door. Cookies with Santa is Nov 14 (see Dine with Santa).
Professional Photos with Santa
Reserve ahead
Nov 6–Dec 24 · arrives Nov 6 at 5 PM
Lower Level Belk Court, Haywood Mall
Santa’s Arrival Event is at the Texas de Brazil entrance, and the first 100 kids get a free gift ticket.
Free photo
Nov 8–Dec 24 · arrives Nov 7 at 5 PM
Bass Pro Shops, 1025 Woodruff Road
A free 4×6 photo and shareable video with a reserved time slot. Reservations open Nov 1.
Reserve ahead
Nov 14, Nov 21 & Dec 11 sessions
Spartanburg
A private 30-minute visit in Santa’s gingerbread kitchen and library, with no lines or crowds. Minis $290 + tax, Full Experience $490 + tax.
Here’s what a visit to Santa at Bass Pro Shops looks like:
Non-Professional Santa Photo Events
These events typically want you to snap a photo of your own, so be sure to bring your phone or camera!
Sat, Nov 28 · 3–7 PM
Main Street, Travelers Rest
Tree lighting, a kids’ craft station, photos with Santa and free kid train rides.
Santa 4–6 PM: Nov 27–29, Dec 5, Dec 12 & daily Dec 17–23 · 12–3 PM Dec 24
Grand Bohemian Lodge, Downtown Greenville
The market runs Nov 20–Dec 27. Hours vary, so check the schedule.
Thu, Dec 3 · 5–8 PM
Mauldin Outdoor Amphitheater
Santa photos, holiday music, a market, train rides, food trucks and the tree lighting at 7 PM.
2026 dates coming soon
Fountain Inn
Meet Santa, share Christmas wishes and snap a keepsake photo.
Dec 11–13 · Santa times coming soon
BridgeWay Station, Simpsonville
Santa photos, plus Elsa, Anna and the Grinch meet-and-greets.
Sells out
2026 date coming soon
Eden Farms
Pony rides, craft stations, a bake sale and a visit with Santa. $10 per person, $15 at the door.
Dine with Santa
Brunch with Santa at Up on the Roof
Sun, Nov 29 · 11 AM–3 PM
Up on the Roof, Greenville
Santa photos 11:30 AM–2:30 PM. $10 with two brunch entrées, $25 photo only (arrive by 2 PM). Bring your own camera.
Sells out fast
Sat, Dec 5 · seatings at 8, 9:45 & 11:30 AM
Cannon Centre, Greer
Tickets went on sale Nov 2 online or at 864.968.7008. $40 per table for residents, $48 non-residents, up to 8 per table.
Stay tuned for even more opportunities to see Santa in 2026! We’ll be updating this list throughout the season!
Learn where to mail letters to Santa and where to see Santa on a firetruck in Greenville, SC!
Santa Day Trips and Getaways
Santa at Winchester Creek Farm
Select dates, Nov 27–Dec 24
Waynesville, NC
A farm tour with alpacas, mini cows and horses, a visit with Santa, a sugar cookie and a candy cane. $15–$18, under 3 free.
Where to See Santa in Columbia
Kidding Around Columbia
Columbia, SC
Heading to the Midlands for the holidays? Here’s where Santa will be.
Kidding Around Charlotte
Charlotte, NC
Spending the holidays near Charlotte? Here’s where Santa will be.
Santa Near Greenville, SC: FAQ
Where can I see Santa for free near Greenville, SC?
Bass Pro Shops Greenville (1025 Woodruff Road) offers a free 4×6 photo with Santa and a free shareable video from November 8 through December 24 when you reserve a time slot; reservations open November 1. Community events like the Holiday Hop in Travelers Rest (November 28, 2026) and A Merry Mauldin Christmas (December 3, 2026) also offer chances to see Santa, so check each event page for details.
When does Santa arrive at Haywood Mall in 2026?
Santa arrives at Haywood Mall on Friday, November 6, 2026 at 5 pm and stays through December 24 in Lower Level Belk Court. Reservations are recommended.
Where can we have breakfast with Santa near Greenville?
Greer’s Breakfast With Santa is Saturday, December 5, 2026 at the Cannon Centre (tables are $40 for City of Greer residents and $48 for non-residents; tickets go on sale November 2 at 7 pm). The Junior League of Spartanburg’s Cookies with Santa is Saturday, November 14, 2026 ($20 for one child and one adult), and UP on the Roof hosts Brunch with Santa on Sunday, November 29, 2026.
When is the 2026 Holiday Fair in Greenville?
The Holiday Fair at the Greenville Convention Center is December 3–5, 2026 (Thursday and Friday 10 am–8 pm, Saturday 9 am–8 pm), with visits with Santa. Admission is $12 for adults, $11 for seniors (60+) and free for kids 12 and under; parking is $10.
While we do our best to offer accurate information, please check with these venues and organizations before visiting. Please help keep Kidding Around Greenville free by not copying and reproducing this content without permission.
Looking for more fun things to do this season? Here’s your magical guide to celebrating the holidays in Greenville, SC.
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- Best Christmas Tree Farms Near Greenville
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- Live Nativities Near Greenville
Please remember our VERY family friendly Holly Jolly Holiday Fair at the Anderson Civic Center! FREE Santa opportunities and so much more! Nov. 11th-13th Anderson Civic Center, http://www.HollyJollyHolidayFair.com
Artisans of Greenville will have Santa with on-site photos available for purchase on Nov. 26th, and the first 3 weekends in December. Please call for hours and appointments.
HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE on Augusta Street will have TWO SANTAS! Sunday, November 15 from 1-5 pm. http://www.onlyonaugusta.com
I may have misunderstood but thought I saw that Santa will be virtual for the breakfast with Santa in Greer.
Cocoa with Santa at Steam Coffee & Cream! Being mindful of Covid restrictions, we are requiring reservations and will be taking other precautions. One good thing about doing it this way is Santa can know your kid’s names ahead of time and really bring the magic! Children will receive a personalized gift from Santa as well as hot cocoa. Use the link below to sign up for a time!
https://m.signupgenius.com/#!/showSignUp/30E044BA5AC2DA4FB6-santa