Santi's Restaurante Mexicano

About Santi's Restaurante Mexicano

Celebrate Christmas surrounded by hundreds of colorful ornaments, twinkling lights, and upside-down Christmas trees at Santi's Restaurante Mexicano, one of Charleston's most festive holiday dining destinations.

Santi's has been decorating for Christmas since 2003, when owner Santiago Zavalza faced a simple problem: there wasn't enough room on the restaurant floor for a traditional Christmas tree.

His solution was to hang the tree upside down from the ceiling.

More than two decades later, that creative decision has grown into one of Charleston's most recognizable holiday traditions.

Every Christmas season, Santi's transforms its dining rooms, bars, and outdoor seating areas into a colorful wonderland filled with suspended trees, garlands, ornaments, and sparkling lights.

The decorations have become increasingly elaborate over the years, with partner Javier Valladares continually adding new pieces to the collection.

The result is an immersive Christmas experience where almost every corner offers something festive to discover.

Unlike ticketed holiday pop-ups or expensive seasonal dining experiences, Santi's remains a casual Mexican restaurant, making it especially appealing for families, groups, and anyone who wants to enjoy Christmas decorations over an affordable meal.

Guests can enjoy Mexican favorites such as al pastor tacos, enchiladas, chilaquiles, and caldo de res while surrounded by the restaurant's elaborate holiday displays.

All three Santi's locations participate in the Christmas tradition, including the original Meeting Street location, West Ashley, and Mount Pleasant.

Whether you're planning a casual holiday dinner, a festive family outing, or a Christmas-themed night with friends, Santi's offers one of Charleston's most memorable seasonal restaurant experiences.