Santa Days at the State Museum – Train Rides and More
Museum Hours
Fri: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sat: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sun: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Museum General Admission
Adult: $8.95
Senior (Ages 62 +): $7.95
Children (ages 3-12): $6.95
Winter Fest: Meet Santa at the State Museum
Dec. 21 – 23
The State Museum is the perfect destination for holiday family fun this season!
Meet Santa and take a train ride on the SCSM North Pole Express on special days. Plus, enjoy the 4D theater holiday show, THE POLAR EXPRESS 4-D EXPERIENCE and more when you visit the South Carolina State Museum!
Enjoy:
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A chance to meet Santa! Dec. 21 and 22 from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. and Dec. 23 from Noon – 4 p.m. (included with museum admission or membership)
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Special holiday picture with Santa available for purchase, includes a free digital copy.
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Train rides on the SCSM North Pole Express, $3 per ride gen. public and $2 for museum members. From 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
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Special 4D Theater and Planetarium shows. Click HERE for show admission pricing.
Special Offer!
FREE train ride with purchase of Santa holiday picture
Holiday Fun in 4-D!
THE POLAR EXPRESS 4-D EXPERIENCE
Now Showing
You’re invited on an extraordinary 4-D adventure this holiday season on THE POLAR EXPRESS! When a doubting young boy takes an extraordinary train ride to the North Pole, he embarks on a journey of self-discovery that shows him that the wonder of life never fades for those who believe. Run time: 15 mins.
Tickets and Showtimes
More Museum Holiday Fun
More to Explore
South Carolina and Reconstruction, 1865-1876 
Now Open
This exhibition uses artifacts from the time period to examine the devastation of the war, the changes in labor, society, and the law. Visitors will learn that while Reconstruction ended in 1876, we continue to struggle with its promises today. Click HERE to learn more.
30th Anniversary Exhibit 
Now Open
In celebration of the State Museum’s 30th Anniversary this exhibit showcases artifacts and fossils acquired from 1988 – 2018. One iconic artifact or fossil from each year the museum has been opened will be on display, some for the very first time. Click HERE to learn more.
Dinosaur Gallery
Now Open
Travel millions of years into our ancient past when you explore the museum’s dinosaur and Natural History exhibits. See fossils and life-like recreations of the animals that once called South Carolina home so long ago. Make sure to meet Finn, our giant megalodon shark!
Shop the Cotton Mill Exchange
Open each day
The Cotton Mill Exchange offers a surprising array of unique items from beautiful linens and jewelry to decorative items for your home or office, gourmet food and more. The 4,000 square foot museum store features a spectacular range of gifts representing the palmetto state.
Crescent Cafe
Open each day
No need to leave to for lunch, just visit the museum’s Crescent Cafe on the second-floor mezzanine. Enjoy snacks, a delicious array of sandwiches and wraps, sweet treats, coffee and more. Children’s menu available as well!