The holidays are in full swing at the South Carolina State Museum. Winter Fest, sponsored by Cool Care Heating and Air, is an annual celebration packed with holiday fun for the whole family, December 20 through January 6. Enjoy Holidays Around the World, an exclusive Nutcracker performance, visits with Santa and a chance to ride the new SCSM North Pole Express. Guests of all ages will experience the joy of the holiday season at the museum.
In addition to the Winterfest events, Santa will visit the State Museum, December 21 – 23 for an opportunity for families to meet and get their photo taken with him. Guests that buy a photo with Santa will get a free ride on the SCSM North Pole Express. Prices for train rides without a photo are $3 for general public and $2 for museum members. There is no charge for guests to meet Santa.
Kids Holiday Spa Day, December 21
Kids are invited to create their own spa themed gifts for family and friends from 11 am until 1:30 pm Guests will receive two tickets per child with general admission. Each ticket will allow a child to create gifts like milk baths, sugar scrubs, foaming hand soap and bath salts.
Holidays around the World, December 22
Guests will travel around the world during this special event from 11 am until 4 pm Bright Star Entertainment will be performing “Sounds of the Season” at 11:30 am and Ann Brodie’s Carolina Ballet will perform scenes from The Nutcracker at 1 pm Guests will also experience international holiday celebrations like Kwanza, Hanukkah, and hear the stories of St. Lucia, Tomte, Christkind and more. Throughout the day the museum lobby will be filled with international crafts, food, music and dancing. This event is free with general admission.
Other Winterfest Activities (December 23 – December 26 | December 28 – January 6)
Guests visiting the museum during Winterfest will experience hands on winter crafts, scavenger hunts, building activities like making their own igloo, snowball fights and indoor sledding. All activities will take place from 11 am until 3 pm and are free with museum general admission.
Frozen Tea Party, December 27
This magical evening will spark young guests’ imagination from 6 until 9 pm, Wednesday, December 27. During the event, guests will watch Disney’s Frozen, meet and greet with their favorite Frozen characters like Anna, Elsa and Olaf, and enjoy crafts and activities. There will be light snacks and refreshments and Frozen costumes are highly encouraged. Frozen Tea Party tickets are $18 per person and $15 for museum members. Space is limited, advance ticket purchase is recommended. Be sure to check out our family room option for a more relaxed viewing experience. Tickets are on sale now at scmuseum.org.
Winter Break Camps (December 20 – 21 |December 26 – 28 | December 31 – January 4)
The State Museum is offering camps during Winter Break for children aged 6 – 12 years old. Each day will focus on a different subject matter and even includes a special Polar Express Day. Campers can customize their schedule. Every camp day features: morning social time with other campers, museum exploration time, hands-on and interactive activities, snack time and lunch time. Extended Day includes a snack time and activities. Visit scmuseum.org to learn more.
Holiday Shows – Now Playing Daily through January 6
The Polar Express 4D Experience
Star of Bethlehem – Planetarium Show
Laser Holidays – Planetarium Show
Trans-Siberian Orchestra Christmas Laser – Planetarium Show (Tuesday nights only)
For a full list of Winterfest activities, days and times for performances and tickets for the Frozen Tea Party, visit scmuseum.org.
