Charleston is a quaint port city characterized by cobblestone streets, horse-drawn carriages, and colorful houses. Its nostalgic ambiance combined with the coastal climate makes the holiday spirit more vivid in December. Some seasonal festivities you can experience here include crowd-filled parades, tree-lighting events, and spectacular light shows. You can also enjoy stall-hopping in the holiday markets to buy gifts, a tradition culturally imprinted in the season of giving. Make the most of your Christmas by experiencing a sleigh ride around downtown with Christmas-themed stopovers.
If you are curious about what else is in store for you during the Christmas holidays, check out this list of the best things to do at Christmas in Charleston, South Carolina.
1. Be dazzled by the Holiday Festival of Lights
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
The calendar turning to a new year means the end of the Holiday Festival of Lights. We can't thank everyone enough for...
Posted by Holiday Festival of Lights on Saturday, January 1, 2022
The Charleston Holiday Festival of Lights will be holding its 33rd edition starting November this year. This event will run from November 11 to December 31. James Island County Park will again light up with approximately a couple of million lights that will leave spectators wonderstruck.
Visitors can marvel at these dazzling light displays in two ways. First is through wandering through the enchanted trail on foot to appreciate every inch and corner of the festival to the fullest extent. Alternatively, guests not keen on lengthy strolls can opt for the 3-mile (4.8-kilometer) driving tour.
The Charleston Holiday Festival of Lights
Address: James Island County Park, 871 Riverland Drive, Charleston, SC 29412
Website: The Charleston Holiday Festival of Lights
Opening hours: 5:30pm - 10pm (daily)
Price: from 35 USD
2. Catch a holiday show at the historic Dock Street Theater
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever is just one among the many live shows performed at the historic Dock Street Theater, drawing a flock of audiences who want to be entertained annually.
On December 10 and 17, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever will be back on stage to delight viewers, especially the little ones. This holiday show centers around the amusing storyline of the Herdman siblings’ scandalous pursuits. The classic performance, adapted from Barbara Robinson’s Christmas film of the same name, creatively narrates a heartwarming tale of rediscovering the meaning of Christmas in a rowdy and chaotic affair.
There are other holiday shows at the theater as well.
Holiday Shows at Dock Street Theater
Address: 135 Church Street, Charleston, SC 29401
Website: Dock Street Theater
Price: from 34.50 USD
3. Spectate the holiday boat parade from the shores
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Watch the procession of lighted boats as they float on the Cooper River all the way to Ashley River. Charleston Holiday Parade of Boats has been an annual tradition for over four decades, and this year will be its 41st edition. The event will take place on December 10 this year.
This event is expected to gather a crowd of spectators in the downtown peninsula and other vantage points for public viewing. If you have a skill for ornamenting, you are welcome to join the festivity by decorating your own vessel.
Charleston Holiday Parade of Boats
Address: Charleston Harbor
Website: Charleston Holiday Parade of Boats
Opening hour: 5:30pm
Price: Free
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4. Soak up the history of Charleston (from USD 35.0)
The Holiday Decorations and History Walking Tour allows you to soak up Charleston’s history in a two-hour guided stroll and admire the seasonal illuminations and decorations adorning the structures along the way. Take the time to learn about Charleston’s storied past during the 19th century in the historic Edmondston-Alston House, which served as a refuge for General Robert E. Lee during the American Civil War.
Aside from the expert English-speaking tour guide, this package includes the entrance fee to the Edmondston-Alston House for added convenience.
Charleston: Holiday Decorations and History Walking Tour
Duration: 2.0 hour
5. Head to South Carolina Aquarium and enjoy the Aquarium Aglow event
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
A day trip to Aquarium Aglow is an unmissable experience that you should include in your itinerary, especially when you are coming to Charleston with your family during the holidays. The South Carolina Aquarium is set to light up on select nights from November 18 to December 31.
Saunter through the maze of glowing lights combined with interactive displays while catching sight of the variety of aquatic beings floating in an expansive tank. You can also greet the New Year here with fun-filled festivities, including live music and a special ball drop event.
Aquarium Aglow
Address: South Carolina Aquarium, 100 Aquarium Wharf, Charleston, SC 29401
Website: Aquarium Aglow
Opening hours: 5:30pm - 8pm (select nights from November 18 to December 31)
Price: from 26.95 USD
6. Participate in the Marion Square tree-lighting ceremony
A tree-lighting ceremony is one of the highlights of year-end festivities and the primary marker that the Christmas season has begun. Witness the glorious spectacle of the 64-foot (19.5-meter) Christmas tree once the magical lights are switched on, which happens after the musical performances by the Charleston Symphony Brass.
Marion Square is a lush space in downtown Charleston that hosts several bustling events and celebrations. Mingle with other guests and meet new friends throughout the gaiety. Note that the schedule for this year’s tree-lighting ceremony has yet to be announced.
Marion Square Tree Lighting
Address: Marion Square, 329 Meeting Street, Charleston SC 29403
Price: Free
7. Watch the Charleston Christmas Special at Charleston Music Hall
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
The Charleston Christmas Special is set to run for the 27th time from December 15 to December 22 this year. This holiday concert invites an audience of all ages to great musical stages of holiday classics and contemporary songs arranged to instill a Christmas vibe.
Brad and Jennifer Moranz present the annual show to gather families together and let them experience the Christmas season’s warmth through extensive and carefully curated family-friendly holiday-themed performances. If you wish to avail of tickets, walk-ins and online bookings are possible.
The Charleston Christmas Special at Charleston Music Hall
Address: Charleston Music Hall, 37 John Street, Charleston, SC 29403
Website: Charleston Christmas Special at Charleston Music Hall
Price: from 40 USD
8. Meet the sisters at the Daughters of St. Paul Choir Christmas Concert
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Daughters of St. Paul Choir on Thursday, January 16, 2020
This Christmas concert is held annually to honor the years of service of the Diocese of Charleston and the surrounding states. The annual community event is to commence on December 11 this year with the theme: “Come to Bethlehem.” Come and welcome new beginnings in this season of love.
Meet with the sisters and take the time to celebrate the birth of Jesus in a meaningful and entertaining way. A group of Pauline Sisters as the Daughters of St. Paul Choir use music and choral recordings to communicate with the Almighty and bridge attendees to Him.
Daughters of St. Paul Choir Christmas Concert
Address: Charleston Gaillard Center, 95 Calhoun Street, Charleston, SC 29401
Website: Daughters of St. Paul Choir Christmas Concert
Opening hour: 3pm
Price: from 25 USD
9. Join the Reindeer Run
Looking for a fun activity with your fur babies during the holiday in Charleston? In that case, Reindeer Run is just right for you. This pet-friendly annual marathon celebrates its 31st year and is set to transpire on December 10 this year. Each participant will be given a race t-shirt and antler ears as complimentary souvenirs for the price they pay to join the race.
Feel free to dress up in your holiday-themed costumes and get the chance to claim big prizes and bragging rights if you get chosen as the lucky winner. Match your costume with your four-legged buddies to make the event more special and memorable.
The best part? The proceeds for this event will be donated to the MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital.
The Reindeer Run
Address: Downtown Charleston
Website: The Reindeer Run
Opening hour: 9am
Price: from 25 USD
10. Visit the Holiday Market in Marion Square
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Charleston Farmers Market on Thursday, October 25, 2018
Visit this outdoor market at Marion Square during the holidays to complete your Christmas trip in Charleston. Gift shopping is one of the best parts of the season of giving. For last-minute Christmas shopping, you can choose from the wide selection of local products offered here.
The first three weekends of December in the farmers market will surely wow you as it transforms into a holiday market where you can enjoy live entertainment and shop until late at night. You can also sample some local delights as you stroll around. Feel free to bring your well-behaved pets too.
Charleston Farmers Market
Address: Marion Square, 329 Meeting Street, Charleston SC 29403
Website: Charleston Farmers Market
Opening hours: 9am - 2pm (every Saturday)
Price: Free admission
Feel the Christmas spirit in Charleston
These days, the traditional festive Christmas celebrations are slowly becoming out of fashion. But Charleston is an exception. Spending the holidays in Charleston will transport you back to when Christmas was considered the merriest day of the year. Feeling lost about where to start in planning your holiday itinerary? Use this list of best things to do at Christmas in Charleston, South Carolina, as a guide.
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