Spending Christmas in Charleston is like taking a trip back in time. Antebellum mansions adorn with garland, holiday traditions passed down from the earliest settlers, and Gullah spirituals and holiday tunes.
December is jam-packed with Christmas activities to get you in the holiday spirit. The mild temps make this an ideal time of year to visit and soak up some of Charleston’s fascinating history. Winter festivals, holiday walking tours, parades, plays, concerts and light displays are just a few reasons why Travel + Leisure named Charleston one of the best places to visit during the holiday season.
Holiday shopping is another activity that draws visitors to Charleston this time of year. Whether you are gift shopping or shopping for yourself, Charleston has lots of options, including the iconic King Street shopping district, the Historic City Market, the Holiday Market in Marion Square, and several outlet and open air malls in the area.
After a day of sightseeing and shopping, relax and enjoy some mouthwatering Southern food and holiday favorites at one of the many award-winning restaurants in Charleston.
Christmas draws lots of visitors, and numerous hotels in Charleston offer special holiday packages. Remember to book well in advance to ensure you can find a place to stay.
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Holiday Festival of Lights at James Island County Park
Nov. 15 - Dec. 31, 2024
The Holiday Festival of Lights at James Island County Park is known for its three-mile driving tour, decorated with two million dazzling lights. Visitors can also walk the enchanted trail, wander through festival shops, make s’mores and sip on hot chocolate, and explore Santa's village.
Charleston Christmas Parade
Dec. 7, 2024
The holiday tradition is better than ever, as miles of bands, floats, marchers, and performers parade through downtown Charleston.
Charleston Tree Lighting
Dec. 7, 2024
Enjoy musical interludes leading up to Mayor Tecklenburg lighting up the tree in Marion Square as part of Illumination Charleston.
Tree Lighting Ceremony at Hotel Bennett
Dec. 5, 2024
Hotel Bennett's annual Tree Lighting Celebration returns on Thursday, December 7 on the Gabrielle Plaza. Prepare to immerse yourself in an evening beneath the twinkling stars, filled with enchanting music, delightful festive giveaways, and heartwarming surprises from none other than Santa himself.
Holiday Parade of Boats
Dec. 14, 2024
The Charleston Holiday Parade of Boats is held yearly in Charleston Harbor. Participants must register and decorate their boat from stem to stern while spectators view the parade from either Mt. Pleasant or Charleston along the harbor.
Folly Beach Christmas Parade
Dec. 14, 2024
The event will feature floats, marching bands, and an Arts & Crafts Show at the Community Center. It’s the perfect place to get a unique gift you won’t find anywhere else. After the parade, head down to Folly River Park to receive goodies from Santa.
Mount Pleasant Christmas Parade
Dec. 15, 2024
Brilliantly lit floats and community groups will march up West Coleman Boulevard as the Mount Pleasant Christmas Light Parade sets sail to the delight of thousands of spectators. The festivities begin at 5:30 p.m. with a fireworks show, immediately followed by the start of the parade.
Aquarium Aglow
Nov. 21 - Dec. 30, 2024
Aquarium Aglow is a one-of-a-kind holiday experience. This immersive holiday light spectacular brings forth the joy and magic of the season, with tens of thousands of lights displayed throughout the Aquarium. Enjoy food, beverages and live entertainment.
Festival of Trees at the Charleston Place
Nov. 29 - Dec. 25, 2024
A beloved tradition that started at the hotel in the 1990s is back.Throughout the festive season, 16 Christmas trees will be on display throughout the hotel's 2nd floor corridor, each creatively decorated by a different local business or organization.
Holy City Christmas 2024
Nov. 29 - Dec. 22, 2024
Experience the JOY this holiday season with a new family tradition - Holy City Christmas at Holy City Brewing! Enjoy an immersive walk through Santa's workshop, interact with festive characters such as elves, Mrs. Claus, and Santa himself!
Holiday Weekend Entertainment at Freshfield Village
Nov. 29 - Dec. 1, 2024
Kick off the festive season with us on Friday, November 24th as we welcome Santa to the Village Green! In addition to photos at Santa’s Surf Shack, guests can enjoy our Holiday market (on Saturday only), live music, strolling carolers, and interactive performers each day.
Skate the Stadium
Nov. 24 - Dec. 30, 2024
Skate The Stadium is a custom-built synthetic ice rink at Credit One Stadium. Visitors are invited to come celebrate the season with skating, cozy firepits, concessions and special holiday events.
Illumination Charleston
Dec. 6 - 7, 2024
Enjoy demonstrations, tours of historic houses, a market featuring the Southern Living Tastemakers, inspired vignettes at the historic Aiken-Rhett House, engaging talks from some of the brightest stars in the design world, and fabulous nighttime gatherings.
Holiday Street Festival on IOP
Dec. 7, 2024
Arts & Craft Vendors, local restaurants, food vendors, children's activities, live entertainment and Santa from 2 pm - 7 pm.
Christmas Made in the South
Dec. 6-8, 2024
Experience the beauty of the holidays at the 30th Annual Christmas Made in the South, a fine arts & crafts festival, December 1-3 at The Exchange Park/Fairgrounds, Ladson, SC!
Wine Under the Oaks
Dec. 8, 2024
Wine Under the Oaks is a casual and elegant affair that welcomes patrons to sample fine wines and delicious gourmet foods from Lowcountry chefs. Featuring live music, specialty gifts, a fine selection of wines, and edible delicacies.
Drayton Hall's Oyster Roast
Dec. 8, 2024
The Deck the Hall Oyster Roast is the highlight of Charleston’s Christmas season – a Lowcountry tradition and a premiere holiday event. The oyster roast includes oysters with all the fixings, chili, beer, wine and live music on the most beautiful historic landscape in Charleston.
Charleston Reindeer Run
Dec. 14, 2024
The Reindeer Run is a family-oriented, pet-friendly 5k run/walk located downtown Charleston. The costume contest is a crowd favorite and we are bringing it back again! So don’t forget to dress up in your festive best and compete for prizes and bragging rights!
Holiday Market in Marion Square
Dec. 7, 8, 14, 15 & 21, 2024
Shop Local this Holiday Season at the Annual Charleston Holiday Market in Marion Square on Saturdays & Sundays, 9am-2pm for the first three weekends in December. Enjoy a bounty of fresh local produce & homegrown creativity with additional vendors and decorations!
Holy City Holiday Market
Dec. 20-22, 2024
Jingle on down to Old Park Circle on Saturday, December 21, 2024 from 11:00 am - 5:00 pm to shop 250+ vendors across Holy City Brewing, Firefly Distillery and The Station Park Circle. The event is free, family-friendly and open to the public to attend.
Holidays on the Hutson
Dec. 5 - 23, 2024
Beginning December 5th, and lasting throughout the month, Hutson Alley will deck the halls with lights, ornaments, trees, and all the sparkle befitting the most wonderful time of the year. The fun kicks off in the evenings at 5pm with vendors selling all kinds of holiday treats and gifts Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights through the 21st.
Charleston Tea Party's Christmas Tour
Dec. 1 - Dec. 31, 2024
Join an expert guide and native Charlestonian Laura Wichmann Hipp on a festive behind-the-scenes Christmas tour of private homes and gardens. The tour ends with High Tea. Monday - Friday, 9 - 1:30, reservations required.
Colonial Charleston Christmas Stroll
Dec. 1 - Dec. 22, 2024
You are invited to don your festive attire for a Merry Christmas stroll where history meets hospitality in its finest array of Dickens' past. Relive Colonial Charleston's influence on how we celebrate the season today and learn the stories behind the displays as we stop for a holiday tasting along the way.
Holiday Decorations at the Joseph Manigault House
Dec. 7 - Dec. 26, 2024
Annually, the Garden Club of Charleston uses this impressive house as a backdrop for their creative holiday arrangements, using plant material that would have been available in the Lowcountry during the first quarter of the 19th century. This year, the GCC has chosen the theme A Lowcountry Christmas.
Christmas on the Battery
Dec. 5 - 6, 2024
Enjoy a special evening at the historic Edmondston-Alston House. Take a self guided tour of the festively decorated house by candlelight, and hear the Charleston Caroling Company. Warm up in the courtyard with a glass of wine or hot cider and Gullah Christmas stories.
Holiday Sleigh Rides
Nov. 30 - Dec. 19, 2024
Climb aboard our specially decorated carriage driven by one of Santa’s elves. This festive 20-minute ride through downtown – complete with caroling – is sure to make you merry. Last stop is Santa’s workshop, where you’ll join Old St. Nick, Mrs. Clause, and Rudolph for hot cocoa and cookies.
Christmas at Boone Hall Plantation
Dec. 4, 2024 - Jan. 1, 2025
Tours of the plantation home during the Christmas holidays are included, with regular paid admission to Boone Hall Plantation. There is no additional charge to tour the mansion beautifully decorated for the Christmas holidays.
Holidays Strolls Cocktail Tour
Nov. 29, 2024 - Dec. 31, 2024
Stroll your way into the holiday spirit with Bulldog Tours’ merriest culinary walking tour. Combine our yuletide history tour featuring stories of Charleston’s Christmases past with three stops by the Historic District’s most festive lounges for a signature holiday cocktail.
Charleston Strolls Holiday Walking Tour
Dec. 3, 2024 - Jan. 4, 2025
Enjoy the holiday spirit and seasonal decorations on the 2-hour Charleston Strolls Holiday Walking Tour. Tour where carriages and motor-coaches are not allowed, and take a fascinating walking tour with stories and traditions revealing Charleston’s colorful past.
Home for the Holidays Magnolia House Tour
Dec. 6, 2024 - Jan. 6, 2025
Immerse yourself in the charm of the 1920s, with festive decorations and an intriguing new narrative. Discover the evolution of Santa Claus, explore vintage ornaments, and explore Southern holiday traditions.
Grand Illumination and Dinner
Dec. 12 - 14, 2024
Join actors in period costume as they take you back to the Christmas of 1782. This event celebrates the return of Arthur Middleton from Philadelphia, the end of the Revolutionary War in the South, and the departure of the British troops from Charleston. Feast on early American cuisine.
Largo's Christmas at the Copa
Nov. 21 - Dec. 28, 2024
A spectacular NEW Christmas musical featuring a washed-up 70’s soap star. Join us as the innovative 34 West Theater celebrates 10 Years in Charleston!
A Christmas Carol
Nov. 30 - Dec. 22, 2024
Experience the enchantment of the holiday season with Charleston Stage's dazzling original adaptation of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol! Every season, audiences are captivated by the breathtaking scenery, gorgeous costumes, and mesmerizing effects.
A Christmas Story
De. 6 - 22, 2024
Based on the 1983 classic holiday film, A Christmas Story follows 9-year-old Ralphie Parker in his quest to get a genuine Red Ryder BB gun under the tree for Christmas. Ralphie pleads his case before his mother, his teacher and even Santa Claus himself.
2024 Charleston Christmas Special
Dec. 12 - 22, 2024
See why thousands of people make the Charleston Christmas Special part of their holiday tradition. Produced by Moranz Entertainment, this holiday spectacular for all ages runs Dec. 12 to Dec. 22 at the Charleston Music Hall.
The Sound of Charleston
Nov. 30 & Dec. 6 & 30, 2024
The Sound of Charleston Holiday Edition features rich musical heritage, from gospel to Gershwin, including selected holiday songs of the period. The Circular Congregational Church will be decorated for Christmas to provide a beautiful backdrop for this enchanting evening.
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