The Magical Experience
The Upstate Santa Experience brings a warm, story-driven Santa session to families in Spartanburg, Greenville, and throughout the Upstate of South Carolina.
Designed to feel like stepping into a Christmas story, this private experience gives your child uninterrupted time with Santa in beautifully crafted sets — Santa’s Kitchen and Santa’s Library — where real interactions lead to authentic, heartfelt portraits and unforgettable holiday memories.
Keep reading for a more detailed breakdown of the full experience and our mini session options.
Join our 2026 waitlist for release dates
-Aisha
“A wonderful experience for our family and, most importantly, our little one ♥️ Taylor does a phenomenal job of capturing these special moments each year and making us feel comfortable and valued as customers. The Upstate Santa Experience is highly recommended by this family and we will be returning again! I would also give a big shout out to Santa Joe who our little boy adores, and to Taylor’s husband who is always so kind and helpful to us. If you are looking for a fun and unique way to capture the magic of Christmas for your family, this is it!”
-Kayla
Experience a truly magical Santa visit designed for families in Spartanburg, Greenville, and throughout the Upstate of South Carolina. The Upstate Santa Experience is more than photos — it’s a story-driven, interactive session that brings your child straight into Santa’s world.
Here’s what’s included in your 30-minute private experience:
A Personalized, Handwritten Letter from Santa
Before your session, your child receives a handwritten letter from Santa delivered to your home — a sweet way to build excitement and make the experience feel personal from the very beginning. Personalized based off your answers in a questionnaire during booking.
A Custom Apron Embroidered with Your Child’s Name
Each child receives a beautifully embroidered apron to wear in Santa’s Kitchen and take home as a keepsake. This instantly becomes part of the story and makes the portraits feel cinematic and timeless.
Immersive North Pole Sets
Explore two fully designed, interactive sets:
- Santa’s Kitchen, where your child “bakes” cookies with Santa (no flour involved but there will be cookie baking!)
- Santa’s Library, where they discover the Nice List, peek inside Santa’s bag, and share quiet moments of wonder
These sets create the perfect environment for real emotions and genuine expressions.
Exclusive One-on-One Time with Santa
Your child has uninterrupted time to play, talk, laugh, and enjoy Santa at their own pace — no lines, no rushing, no awkward posing.
Beautiful Family Portrait Opportunities
Parents are welcome to join select photos, creating meaningful family Christmas portraits perfect for holiday cards or framing.
In-Person Portrait Reveal & Product Options
After your session, you’ll enjoy a personalized ordering appointment where you can select your favorite portraits and choose from heirloom-quality products. Optional add-ons include:
- Custom ornaments
- Fine art prints
- Storybook albums
- Holiday cards
- Wall art and more
Two Magical High-Resolution Digital Portraits
Your session includes two beautifully edited digital portraits that capture the heart of the day. Additional portraits and products may be purchased at your ordering appointment.
Create a Christmas memory your family will treasure for years. The Upstate Santa Experience is $490 and offered exclusively in Spartanburg, SC for families across the Upstate.
Join the 2026 Waitlist below
Mini Sessions with Santa Claus
Our Santa Mini Sessions offer a shorter slice of Christmas magic — perfect for young children or families wanting a simple, memorable moment with Santa. These 15-minute sessions give your child time to warm up, interact naturally, and enjoy Santa without feeling rushed.
Minis include one beautifully designed set and are offered on two dates in 2026:
Santa’s Kitchen Mini
Step into Santa’s warm, cozy kitchen where your child can help “bake” cookies, stir the bowl, and share sweet moments at Santa’s table. This set creates adorable, storytelling portraits that feel straight out of a Christmas book.
Santa’s Library Mini
Your child will explore Santa’s quiet library — finding the Nice List, peeking into Santa’s bag, or sharing a story moment with him. This set is soft, magical, and wonderful for shy children or those who love cozy, intimate scenes.
Each Mini Session includes:
- One immersive set (Kitchen or Library)
- Two high-resolution digital portraits
- Optional family portrait — simply come dressed and ready
- A warm, child-led experience designed to feel magical, not rushed
Mini Sessions are a wonderful way to create treasured Christmas portraits while enjoying a relaxed, meaningful moment with Santa.
FAQ: The Upstate Santa Experience
1. What’s the difference between the full Santa Experience and the Mini Session?
The full experience is a 30-minute interactive visit with Santa in two immersive sets — Santa’s Kitchen and Santa’s Library. Minis are 15-minute sessions with one set and are great for little ones or families who want a shorter, simple Santa moment.
2. How many images will I receive?
Your session includes two high-resolution digital portraits. At your in-person reveal appointment, you’ll be able to view the full gallery and choose additional portraits or products if you’d like.
3. Is this experience good for shy or nervous children?
Absolutely. The sets are designed to make children feel comfortable and curious, and Santa gives each child time to warm up naturally. Many of our sweetest images come from quiet, gentle moments.
4. What ages does this work best for?
Children ages 6 months to 12 years tend to love this experience, but we welcome all ages — every child interacts with Santa in their own unique way.
5. Can parents be in the photos?
Yes! Parents are welcome to join select photos for meaningful family portraits.
6. What should my child wear?
After booking, you’ll receive a style guide with simple, timeless outfit suggestions that photograph beautifully.
7. Where does the session take place?
All sessions are held in Spartanburg, SC, convenient for families traveling from Greenville and the surrounding Upstate area.
8. What products are available at the reveal appointment?
You’ll be able to choose from fine art prints, custom ornaments, holiday cards, storybook albums, wall art, and more.
9. How early should I arrive?
Please arrive 5 minutes early. This gives your child a moment to settle in before the magic begins.
10. Do sessions sell out?
Yes — sessions often fill from the waitlist alone. Joining the waitlist gives you early access when the booking calendar opens.
Create beautifully custom storybooks, matted prints, ornaments, Christmas Cards and more.
Optional Add-Ons
During booking or your in-person ordering appointment, you’ll have the option to purchase additional items to complement your Santa Experience or Mini Session. Popular add-ons include:
- Custom storybook albums
- Additional digital images
- Fine art prints and wall art
- Custom holiday cards
- Personalized embroidered apron and hat sets
- Seasonal keepsakes such as ornaments, mugs, and cutting boards
These optional add-ons can be selected during booking or after your ordering appointment and are a beautiful way to deepen the storytelling of your child’s Santa experience.
Santa Joe Carey
In 1995, a dear family friend approached me with a unique opportunity: to embody Santa Claus for two special events she was organizing. She thought I’d be perfect for the role, given my natural “padding” and love for children. Throughout my life, countless kindhearted individuals had volunteered their time to support my involvement in sports and the Boy Scouts. So, when presented with this chance to give back, I eagerly embraced the opportunity.
I’ll never forget the moment when I entered the event hall, dressed as Santa for the first time. The doors opened to reveal thirty excited children rushing towards me, eager to embrace Santa and share their Christmas wishes. It was in that moment that I truly became Santa Claus, enveloped in the magic of the season and the joy of the children. From that day forward, the red suit chose me, and my life changed forever.
Now, my mission is to preserve the enchanting spirit of Christmas for as many children as possible, young and old alike. In this role, I strive to embody the authenticity, wonder, and grace of the North Pole, spreading cheer and happiness wherever I go. I am blessed to have the unwavering support of my loving wife of 30 years, our two incredible children, their amazing spouses, and our four beautiful grandchildren.
Who would have thought that a single day spent as Santa Claus would lead to such a meaningful journey? The responsibility I hold as Santa is one I take to heart, and I hope that the joy I bring to children and their families is as profound as the fulfillment I receive in return.
Taylor Johnson
I?m Taylor, and after growing up in Greer, SC, and exploring the world, I?ve settled in Spartanburg, South Carolina. This location is perfect for my passions?mountains, waterfalls, hiking, foraging, and kayaking. When my daughters were born in 2019 and 2021, I wanted a Santa portrait session that was personal and unrushed. I sought an experience where my girls could warm up and truly enjoy the moment.
In 2020, I began developing The Upstate Santa Experience. After interviewing several Santas, I chose Santa Joe Carey, whose presence has truly enchanted our families. Many parents have told me that their children believe Santa Joe is the real Santa, with other Santas being just helpers. We continually strive to enhance this magical experience, creating lasting and loving memories for families. I?m thrilled to offer this special experience to the Upstate community.
