The Best Festive Christmas And Holiday Activities in Charleston 2024 (And Early 2025)
Snow falling, shivering in the cold, wearing thick coats and boots. Christmas. Except for one thing, it is usually in the 60s and sometimes in the 70s in Charleston during the holiday season. Christmas in the South and Charleston is a little different than the normal Christmas you see on TV. I am here to help. These Christmas activities in Charleston will help bring out the full holiday spirit.
Charleston becomes magical during the holiday season. Christmas activities in Charleston are taken very seriously with many options on how to celebrate. If you are looking for an amazing way to celebrate Christmas, look no further than Charleston.
Charleston was named one of the best places to visit by Travel + Leisure Magazine during the holiday season. The city likes to go all out with the winter festivals, parades, plays, light displays, concerts, and holiday walking tours.
Christmas in Charleston is truly a great experience. It is like taking a trip back in time when visiting certain places. There is nothing like doing all the Christmas activities in Charleston.
The Best 24 Christmas Activities in Charleston Plus Extras
There are a lot of holiday activities in Charleston to choose from. Charleston has many options from parades, lighting, events, markets, and tours. What is great is that the weather is not too cold so you can enjoy any activity outside.
Whichever type of holiday and Christmas activities you are looking for, you will be able to find them in Charleston. So take your mittens off, put a beanie on, have a nice sweater or hoodie, and enjoy all the best holiday festivities in Charleston.
Charleston Christmas Activities: Lighting and Parades
For many people, holidays and parades go together. Charleston and the surrounding area have Christmas parades each year to celebrate the season. Make sure to check out all of the parades if you can but the main one is the Charleston Christmas Parade.
Charleston takes holiday lighting to another level. There is just something about the warm colors of Christmas lights that are just soothing to know that it is the holiday season. If you are looking for the best Christmas lights in Charleston, I have where you need to go.
1. Holiday Festival of Lights
When: November 15th – December 31st, 2024
The Charleston Holiday Festival of the Lights at James Island County Park is a Charleston staple for the Christmas season. This is Charleston’s most popular event during the holidays for families to come and see. There are an estimated two million lights that bring the joy of the holidays to many.
The Charleston Holiday Festival of Lights is mostly known for the 3-mile driving tour that you tune your radio to and enjoy the show. Besides the drive, there is also the 50-ton sand sculpture, a holiday train, a Victorian carousel, and an enchanted walking trail.
No holiday or Christmas festival is complete until you meet Santa Claus. Make your way to Santa’s Village and experience all types of food including burgers, funnel cakes, hot chocolate, and much more. Stop by the Reindeer Workshop and build your very own reindeer. Once you are finished, make sure to stop by Santa himself and tell him what you want for Christmas.
2. Charleston Christmas Parade
When: December 7th, 2024
The Charleston Christmas Parade is a staple in Charleston. Come out and enjoy the parade and watch your favorites go by in celebration. You will see bands, floats, performers, marchers, and a Santa parade through the historic streets of Charleston.
The parade will start on Broad Street at Colonial Park and travel north on Broad Street until Meeting Street. After which, it will go down Meeting Street and end at Calhoun Street at Marion Square. The tree lighting will follow the parade in Marion Square.
Make sure to check out the Christmas parades for Folly Beach and Mount Pleasant as well.
3. Charleston Tree Lighting
When: December 7th, 2024
After the Charleston Christmas Parade ends at Marion Square, the time to light the Christmas tree will happen. Every year, the Mayor of Charleston will light the tree with all the spectators looking at it.
Sitting in the middle of Marion Square is a 64-foot Holiday Tree of Lights. The Charleston Tree Lighting takes place while the Charleston Symphony Brass plays all your favorite Christmas classics. The Holiday Tree of Lights is the official City of Charleston Christmas Tree.
4. Holiday Parade of Boats
When: December 14th, 2024
The Holiday Parade of Boats takes place every year in Charleston Harbor. This parade of boats starts in Mount Pleasant in the Cooper River, goes through Charleston Harbor, and then ends in the Ashley River. You will see boats loaded up with Christmas lights from bow to stern.
What is more Charleston than having a holiday boat parade in the harbor? Anyone with a boat can participate in the event, you will need to register and then decorate your boat. The parade ends with a fireworks display.
5. Chanukah In The Square
When: December 29th, 2024 from 4 PM – 6 PM
Chanukah in the square will take place in Marion Square in downtown Charleston. Come together to light the giant Menorah. Charleston hold’s this annual event for all members of the community.
Enjoy many activities that include: live music, hot food, drinks, and treats. This is a family-friendly festive event with a lively atmosphere. Make sure to get your tickets HERE.
Charleston Christmas Activities: Holiday Markets
Christmas and holiday markets are an ideal staple for the holiday season. Charleston loves to put together some amazing holiday markets for people to shop and explore. Enjoy the local products and events as you stroll through the markets.
Many of the holiday markets will have performers performing classic Christmas carols. You will be able to find local crafts and goods to purchase for your Christmas presents. Walking through these markets will get you in the holiday cheer and ready to celebrate the holidays.
I love to walk around the area looking at all the goods and seeing families coming together and enjoying their days. Seeing kids’ faces lighting up with all the Christmas magic around them is spectacular. Walking around the holiday markets really puts you in the Christmas mood.
6. Holiday Market at Middleton Place
When: November 25th and November 26th, 2022 (2024 TBD)
The Holiday Market at Middleton Place will kick off its season with an open-air market. This market will include vendors, local artisans, and live musicians performing Christmas and holiday carols.
Enjoy the charm of Middleton Place as you walk around the Holiday Market taking in the sites. Take some time to visit all the locations of the plantation while you visit it for the holidays. You can tour the plantation as normal but it will be decked out with Christmas decorations.
7. Holiday Market in Marion Square
When: December 7th, 8th, 14th, 15th, and 21st, 2024
The Charleston Farmers Market takes place in Marion Square in the heart of downtown Charleston. Charleston Farmers Market is filled locally by Lowcountry farmers, and you can buy from locally owned businesses that have prepared/packaged food.
You will see artisans, crafters, and live performers with community groups and activities. The variety of local produce, plants, herbs, and local breakfast and lunch vendors will help you fall in love with Charleston.
Every December, The Charleston Farmers Market transforms into the Holiday Market in Marion Square. The hours will be extended during the holidays. You will notice that the area will look like a great holiday market with the Charleston Christmas Tree in the center of the square.
8. Miracle on Market Street
When: December 15th – 17th, 2023 (2024 TBD)
Miracle on Market Street takes place at Charleston Place and they transform Market Street into a European-style holiday market. You will be able to enjoy live community performances, a pop-up market featuring Charleston retailers, amazing food, and beverages. Make sure to look for workshops and 4D movies.
The best part though, they will create snowfall on the street to give it that true Christmas look and feel. Getting the snow is an extra treat while being in an area that does not normally receive snow during the holidays.
9. Annual Holy City Holiday Market
When: December 20th – 22nd, 2024; 11 am – 5 pm
The holidays and great drinks go great well together. And for most people, it is a necessity during the holidays. The Annual Holy City Holiday Market is the perfect place for this to happen.
Holy City Brewing will host over 250 local vendors. Besides local craftsmen, you will see lots of vendors for drinks. Get a great sampling from Holy City Brewing,Firefly Distillery, and The Station Park Circle. There are many choices to get a great drink at the Holy City Holiday Market.
This is an amazing event to everyone to try out. There is a free hop-on hop-off shuttle to take you to all the locations throughout the event. Enjoy this great event with friends and family.
Charleston Christmas Activities: Holiday Events
Holiday events in Charleston are a great way to get into the holiday and Christmas spirit. The city of Charleston and private businesses will put on many events for people to enjoy during the holiday season.
These events will consist of parties, shopping, drinking, eating, and activities to share with one another. You will be able to enjoy everything Christmas during the events that are put on.
These events are a great way to see everyone in the holiday spirit and celebrate life and their happiness. Something always happens around the holiday season where people are just so happy and it is an amazing thing to see.
10. Aquarium Aglow
When: November 21st – December 30th 2024
The Aquarium Aglow is a unique experience that combines Christmas and the sea. These are elegant evenings that take place at the South Carolina Aquarium. You will immerse yourself in the tens of thousands of lights as you walk through the aquarium.
The awe-inspiring look of the aquarium will bring out your entire holiday spirit. You can use interactive displays during the event. The event will also have food and beverages for purchase. Make sure to get your tickets from the website here and make this a new tradition for you and your family.
11. Holiday Events at Charleston Place
When: November 24th – December 31st, 2024
Holiday Events at Charleston Place make the magic of Christmas come alive. Every evening at 6 pm and 8 pm through New Year’s Eve, it will magically snow on Market Street Circle. The snow will cover all the holiday trees in the area and create a beautiful layer of snow on the ground.
Check the website for details on times for when it will snow. You can expect snow almost daily during this time.
Make sure to get there beforehand as guests are allowed in the area 15 minutes before the start of each snowfall. The lines will start one hour before the snowfall.
12. Uncorked
When: December 1st, 2023 (NOT TAKING PLACE IN 2024 BUT WILL BE BACK FOR 2025)
Uncorked is a Christmas event that kicks off the Wine Under The Oaks Weekend. It is a collaboration between Boone Hall Plantation and Charleston Radio Group. The event is an optional black tie exclusive Christmas holiday event at the Cotton Dock venue at Boone Halle Plantation.
Uncorked is an enchanting evening that is full of wines and cocktails. Hors d’oeuvres are catered in and available to you along with food stations and desserts. Enjoy the night while the band plays all your Christmas favorites. There will be a photo booth, cigar roller, and much more to enjoy at this event.
You will want to get your tickets fast and early because this event sells out fast.
13. Skate The Stadium
When: November 29th – December 30th, 2024
Skate The Stadium is back for another season. This will take place on Daniel Island at the Capital One Stadium. It opens on November 29th and will coincide with the Daniel Island tree lighting.
Skate The Stadium will be a custom-built rink made specifically for ice skating. There are pop-up cafes and fire pits around the rink. You will be able to enjoy great concession options like cinnamon sugar pretzels and smores kits. Be sure to get some hot chocolate, coffee, cider, and a full bar with seasonal beers and specialty cocktails.
Tickets are $10 per person and will include skate rentals for a 45-minute session. Skate The Stadium will be open Thursdays and Fridays from 5 pm – 9 pm, Saturdays from 10 am – 9 pm, and Sundays from 12 pm – 5 pm. Skate The Stadium will be closed on December 7th, 24th, 25th, and 31st.
Purchase your tickets HERE.
14. Wine Under The Oaks
When: December 8th, 2024
Wine Under The Oaks is a holiday classic at Boone Hall Plantation. It is an elegant and casual event that has patrons sample fine wines and delicious gourmet food from many Lowcountry Chefs.
You can enjoy live music, a fine selection of wine, and specialty gifts. Several VIP tables will be available with tickets. Along with that, there are regular general admission tickets.
Wine Under The Oaks has become one of the highlights in the Charleston area during the Christmas holiday season.
You will want to get your tickets fast and early because this event sells out fast. Get your tickets HERE.
15. Drayton Hall’s Oyster Roast
When: December 8th, 2024
Drayton Hall’s Oyster Roast is an annual Christmas favorite in Charleston. Bring your family and friends out to Drayton Hall and partake in shucking oysters and having local beverages. Enjoy all the Christmas decor as you hang out on the plantation enjoying your oysters.
These oysters are all-you-can-eat with the purchase of the ticket. There is also a chili bar that will help you stay warm during the day. Take time to explore Drayton Hall as it is one of the best plantations in Charleston. Your purchase of the event ticket will work as an entrance ticket for the entire plantation.
16. Charleston Reindeer Run
When: December 14th, 2024
The Charleston Reindeer Run is an annual event that has grown to include over 3,500 runners for the 5K event. This is a great run that is family-oriented and pet-friendly. You can have your dog run the 5K with you!
Proceeds of the Charleston Reindeer Run are split up between the Medical University of South Carolina Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital and the Charitable Society of Charleston’s endowment.
The run is a 5K run that takes you in a loop and goes along The Battery. You will enjoy many amazing houses decked out with Christmas decorations. The run starts at 9 am. Once finished, enjoy the after-party in the official Beer Garden or have fun in the many restaurants and bars in the area.
Check out the website here to register yourself and your dog for the run.
Charleston Christmas Activities: Holiday Tours
Charleston has so much Christmas and holiday cheer spread throughout the city that it is hard to see all of it sometimes. One of the best ways to see everything and get into the holiday spirit is to take tours. There are plenty of tours around the city to get you to see all that you want to see during the holiday season.
Be it going on tours to see lights, drinks, or even sitting back in a sleigh, Charleston has you covered. Enjoy the beauty that is Charleston during the Christmas season with tours of the area.
I remember riding in a car as a kid as my mother would drive around the town to see all the Christmas lights. That is why I knew it was Christmas time. Doing these tours puts me right back in that mindset. I hope it does the same for you.
17. Candlelight Tours of Drayton Hall
When: Fridays and Saturdays – November 30th, 2024
Candlelight Tours of Drayton Hall is a magical and special way to tour and visit the plantation. Drayton Hall is an eighteenth-century historic plantation house and is the oldest untouched home that is open to the public in The United States. Take a tour and experience the plantation house that many do not get to see, by candlelight.
The house will have candles all over it and you will be led by a tour guide by candlelight throughout the house. It is amazing to see the plantation house from the perspective of night and candlelight. It creates a whole new experience.
Once finished with the tour, you are invited to enjoy a warm cup of seasonal beverage as you walk back to the visitor’s center. Make sure to check out the website here to learn of the select dates that this special tour happens during the season.
18. Christmas on The Battery
When: December 5th and 6th, 2024
Christmas on the Battery is a special and unique event that is filled with carols, candlelight, and Gullah Christmas stories. This event takes place at the historic Edmondston-Alston House. The tours are self-guided and take place every half hour. You will need to purchase tickets for this event.
The house will be decked out in holiday decorations. You will be able to warm up in the courtyard with a glass of hot cider or wine while you listen to local storytelling that will perform Gullah Christmas stories. Make sure to click here to purchase tickets for the event. When done, take some time to walk The Battery to enjoy one of the best places in Charleston.
19. Christmas at Boone Hall
When: December 4th, 2024 – January 1st, 2025
Tour one of the most beautiful plantations and plantation houses in The United States during Christmas. Christmas at Boone Hall is truly special. The entire grounds are decked out in holiday decorations for the Christmas period. But, it is the house that makes the visit worthwhile during the holidays.
There will be plenty of amazing Christmas trees throughout the house, and yes, they will be in every room. You will notice that all the ornaments are unique. Some are made with local sweetgrass, whereas others are made from cotton and berries from the plantation. There are no plastic decorations throughout Boone Hall Plantation. This is traditional Christmas decorating at its finest.
Make sure to click here to get tickets to Boone Hall Plantation to enjoy Christmas at Boone Hall.
20. Grand Illumination and Dinner
When: December 12th – 14th, 2024
The Grand Illumination and Dinner is a time travel Christmas journey that takes you back to 1782. This event is a celebration of the return of Arthur Middleton from Philadelphia at the end of the Revolutionary War. It also celebrates the departure of the British troops from Charleston at the end of the war.
You are treated to a presentation of these events by actors in period costumes. After the presentation, you will feast on early American cuisine from the colonial period. You will be surrounded by torch-lit gardens and warm fires that will make Grand Illumination a memorable part of the holiday season.
The event takes place in two parts. The presentation and then the dinner. You will enjoy the Christmas decorations set in the colonial period in this once-in-a-lifetime holiday experience. Make sure to get your tickets here because they sell out fast.
21. Charleston Strolls Holiday Walking Tour
When: December 3rd, 2024 – January 4th, 2025
Enjoy the two-hour Charleston Strolls Holiday Walking Tour through the historic district of Charleston and see all the holiday and Christmas decorations. You will enjoy a full walking tour that will give you stories and traditions about Charleston’s rich history.
The tour will take you through private neighborhoods that show off their Christmas decorations. The Charleston Strolls Holiday Walking Tour will take you past the Edmondston-Alston House to view a glimpse of nineteenth-century Christmas decor.
Charleston Strolls Holiday Walking Tour has been featured in Southern Living and recommended by the AAA Tour Book and The New York Times. Make sure to purchase your tickets here to enjoy the amazing tour.
22. Holiday Sleigh Rides
When: November 30th – December 23rd, 2024
The Holiday Sleigh Rides by Old South Carriage Company is perfect for enjoying the holidays in Charleston. You will climb aboard one of the decorated carriages that are led by one of Santa’s elves and tour the Christmas setting of Charleston. Enjoy a 25-minute ride downtown that includes caroling as you build the perfect Christmas memory.
Once you are finished with the tour, stop by Santa’s magical stable. You will be able to enjoy hot chocolate and cookies with Santa, Mrs. Claus, and Rudolph. Make sure to bring your camera with you so you can take all the photos you want.
Make sure you purchase your tickets ahead of time here so you can make sure to get the perfect memory for you and your family.
23. Holiday Strolls Cocktail Hour
When: November 29th – December 31st, 2024 only on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays
There is nothing like a great Christmas tour with drinks. The Holiday Strolls Cocktail Hour is exactly what this is all about. Enjoy Charleston’s history tour while stopping by to get a few drinks on the way.
This tour will take you on a two-and-a-half-hour tour around the area while stopping at three lounges to get three signature cocktails. The cocktails that you receive on this tour have been created just for this event.
Make sure to purchase your tickets here because these tours do sell out fast.
24. Charleston Holiday Pub Crawl
When: December 9th, 2024 – December 31st, 2024
What is a better and more fun way to celebrate the holidays than with friends and doing a holiday pub crawl? The Charleston Holiday Pub Crawl is exactly what this is and a great way to have the most fun with your friends. You will visit historic taverns and pubs that are decked out with Christmas decor.
This is a two-and-a-half-hour tour that will visit three to five pubs along the way. You will enjoy festive cocktails, local beer, and local food at each location. The tables in the pubs will be topped with many different hors ‘doeurves. The Charleston Holiday Pub Crawl is based on the famous European pub crawls.
This holiday pub crawl will start at three different times throughout the day, 1 pm, 4 pm, and 7 pm. I suggest purchasing tickets as soon as possible because they sell out fast. Purchase tickets here for $50 apiece.
Charleston Christmas Activities: Concerts and Orchestras
If you are looking for lots of great Christmas concerts and orchestras, you will have many to choose from. There are many venues around the city to enjoy holiday music. In your list of Charleston Christmas activities, listening to holiday music should be up toward the top.
You will be able to listen to and watch many great classic Christmas concerts and plays. Just to name a few, A Christmas Carol, The Sound of Charleston, Riviera’s Rockin’ Holiday Special, and much more. These amazing performances can be found at the majority of the popular venues in Charleston.
Make sure to click on the venue’s name to find your way to the website to see which acts are available and to purchase your tickets.
Where to Stay During the Holiday Season?
Charleston offers many great locations to stay in while visiting. The good news is that it is not the height of the tourist season so the hotels will be less expensive. In fact, during this time, a lot of the hotels will have holiday packages and discounts.
I have put together a great list of hotels in all areas of Charleston for you to choose from. Remember to book well in advance to ensure you can find a place to stay and take advantage of the holiday deals.
Weather in Charleston During the Holiday Season
The weather in Charleston during the holiday season is quite comfortable. You are not looking at temperatures that are too cold. You can expect Charleston to be between 55°F and 65°F during the day and in the upper 40°s at night. Now there will be a few days where it can get down into the 40°s and the nights into the 30°s, but that is not common.
You can expect some rain during the holiday season, but the rainy season has passed by this point along with the hurricane season. As for snow, it is rare, but it does happen from time to time. I would not count on seeing snow when visiting Charleston.
Charleston’s weather is nice for celebrating the holidays. It makes doing all the outdoor events doable since it is not too cold. But if you are from the north and are used to the full white Christmas, it does take a little bit to get used to. But once you do, the Christmas activities in Charleston are amazing during the southern winter.
Is Charleston Worth Visiting in December?
As you can see, December is full of amazing activities to do that involve Christmas and the holidays. Charleston does not disappoint the visitors during the month of December. Whether you are looking for Christmas activities in Charleston or just a standard vacation, December is a great time to visit.
With the temperature a bit cooler, this is an ideal time to take in everything that Charleston has to offer. Enjoy the history, tours, and everything else while the majority of the tourists are not in Charleston. If you are looking to visit many different locations besides the holiday ones, get your Charleston Tour Pass here and save money.
Have Your Bags Picked Up While You Explore With Charleston Bag Valet
Don’t want to haul your luggage all around Charleston while waiting for your flight to leave or for your hotel to be ready? Good News! Charleston Bag Valet will help you out with that. As they say, you explore, they store.
Charleston Bag Valet will pick up your bags curbside anywhere in Charleston and secure each item with a customizable tamper-proof lock. They will store your bags in an insured and secured climate-controlled environment while you explore. When you are ready, they will deliver your bags to you where you want them and when you want them. You can even have them delivered to the airport for your ease.
The Best Christmas Activities in Charleston: In Conclusion
As you can see, there are a lot of Christmas activities in Charleston to choose from. There are many more than just this list, but these are the best holiday things to do in Charleston. Just doing this list alone will take you almost the entire month to enjoy the holiday season.
I hope that this list of the best Christmas activities in Charleston will help spread the Christmas spirit around. Please enjoy any and all the events of Charleston Christmas activities.
Be merry, and enjoy a great holiday drink with friends and family. Merry Christmas, and Happy Holidays.
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