Experience the charm of Charleston, SC, this holiday season with a variety of festive activities perfect for locals and visitors alike. Stroll through the mesmerizing Holiday Festival of Lights at James Island County Park, where over 2 million twinkling lights illuminate the night. Discover unique, handcrafted gifts at the Gibbes Museum Holiday Market, set against a backdrop of stunning Southern art.
Step into the past with a captivating performance of A Christmas Carol, bringing Victorian-era London to life in Charleston's historic theater district. Join the celebrations and create lasting memories with these enchanting holiday experiences in the heart of the Lowcountry.
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The Top Christmas Events in Charleston
- Holiday Festival of Lights
- A Christmas Carol
- Gibbes Museum Holiday Market
- Charleston Symphony Orchestra Holiday Pops
- Holiday Parade of Boats
- Charleston Christmas Special
- Holiday Market at Middleton Place
- Charleston Holiday Parade
- Holiday Swing Jazz Concert
- Winter Wonderland at Magnolia Plantation
Charleston Holiday Light Displays
Holiday Festival of Lights
What to Expect:
Over 2 million lights in custom-designed displays
Description:
Charleston's James Island County Park transforms into a dazzling spectacle with over 2 million twinkling lights. This annual tradition features custom-designed displays that illuminate the night sky. Visitors can embark on a scenic drive through the park, marveling at intricate light sculptures. The festival pays homage to Charleston's maritime heritage with nautical-themed displays. Dating back to 1990, this event has become a cherished part of the Lowcountry's holiday season. You'll discover a blend of traditional and innovative light designs that captivate guests of all ages.
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Winter Wonderland at Magnolia Plantation
What to Expect:
Nature-focused holiday displays in historic gardens
Description:
Magnolia Plantation's centuries-old gardens transform into a nature-inspired winter celebration. The event emphasizes the beauty of the natural world, with light displays that complement rather than overshadow the historic landscape. Visitors can embark on guided nighttime nature walks to observe nocturnal wildlife. The plantation's rich history, dating back to 1676, is woven throughout the experience. Magnolia Plantation played a crucial role in introducing azaleas to America, and this horticultural legacy is highlighted in the winter displays. The event offers a serene alternative to more commercial holiday attractions, allowing guests to connect with nature during the festive season.
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Winter Wonderland at Magnolia Plantation
Charleston Holiday Markets and Shopping
Gibbes Museum Holiday Market
What to Expect:
Artisan-made gifts inspired by museum collections
Description:
The Gibbes Museum of Art hosts a curated holiday market showcasing local artisans and their unique creations. Vendors offer handcrafted gifts inspired by the museum's extensive collection of Southern art. The market takes place in the museum's stunning Beaux Arts-style building, providing a refined backdrop for holiday shopping. Visitors can join guided tours to learn about the connection between the market's offerings and the museum's exhibits. Founded in 1905, the Gibbes Museum has long been a cornerstone of Charleston's art scene. You'll find one-of-a-kind presents that reflect the rich cultural heritage of the Lowcountry.
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Holiday Market at Middleton Place
What to Expect:
18th-century-inspired market at a historic plantation
Description:
Middleton Place, a National Historic Landmark, hosts an 18th-century-inspired holiday market on its picturesque grounds. Artisans and craftspeople demonstrate traditional skills and sell handmade goods reminiscent of colonial times. The market is set against the backdrop of America's oldest landscaped gardens, adding to its historic ambiance. Visitors can participate in hands-on workshops to learn colonial crafts. Middleton Place, established in 1741, offers a glimpse into Charleston's plantation era. You'll step back in time as you browse unique gifts and experience holiday traditions from centuries past.
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Holiday Market at Middleton Place
Christmas on King Street
What to Expect:
Open-air holiday market on historic shopping street
Description:
King Street, Charleston's premier shopping destination, hosts an open-air holiday market that spans several blocks. Local artisans and boutiques spill onto the sidewalks, offering a curated selection of gifts and seasonal items. Street performers add to the lively atmosphere with holiday-themed acts. Visitors can sample traditional Lowcountry holiday treats from food vendors lining the street. King Street's architecture, featuring buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries, provides a charming backdrop for the festivities. You'll discover a blend of modern and traditional holiday shopping experiences in this historic setting.
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Charleston Holiday Shows and Entertainment
A Christmas Carol
What to Expect:
Immersive Victorian-era setting and costumes
Description:
Charles Dickens' timeless tale springs to life in Charleston's historic theater district. This adaptation transports audiences to Victorian-era London with authentic costumes and set designs. The production incorporates live music, featuring traditional carols performed by a talented ensemble. Theatergoers can participate in a pre-show workshop to learn about 19th-century holiday traditions. The play honors Charleston's rich theatrical history, which dates back to the 1730s. Ebenezer Scrooge's transformation unfolds before your eyes, brought to life by skilled local actors who breathe new energy into this classic story.
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Charleston Symphony Orchestra Holiday Pops
What to Expect:
Blend of classical and contemporary holiday music
Description:
The Charleston Symphony Orchestra delivers a harmonious blend of classical and contemporary holiday music in this annual concert. The performance features both beloved carols and innovative arrangements of seasonal favorites. Guest vocalists join the orchestra, adding rich layers to the musical tapestry. Concertgoers can enjoy a pre-show talk with the conductor to gain insights into the program. The Charleston Symphony, founded in 1819, is one of the oldest continuously performing orchestras in the United States. The acoustics of the venue amplify the orchestra's sound, creating an immersive auditory experience for all in attendance.
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Charleston Symphony Orchestra Holiday Pops
Charleston Christmas Special
What to Expect:
Variety show blending local talent with national acts
Description:
The Charleston Christmas Special brings together local performers and national acts in a high-energy variety show. This production showcases a diverse range of talents, from comedy sketches to musical numbers. The show incorporates elements of Charleston's rich cultural heritage, including Gullah-inspired performances. Audience members can participate in interactive segments throughout the evening. Held in a historic theater, the venue itself is a testament to Charleston's long-standing entertainment tradition. The Charleston Christmas Special ignites the stage with a dynamic mix of holiday cheer and Lowcountry charm.
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Holiday Swing Jazz Concert
What to Expect:
Jazz interpretations of holiday classics
Description:
Charleston's jazz scene comes alive with holiday spirit in this swinging concert. Local and visiting musicians put a jazzy spin on beloved holiday tunes, creating fresh interpretations of classic songs. The concert pays homage to Charleston's significant role in early jazz history, particularly in the Gullah-influenced sound. Audience members can hit the dance floor to show off their best swing moves. Held in a historic jazz club, the venue itself is steeped in musical lore. The Holiday Swing Jazz Concert infuses the season with syncopated rhythms and improvisational flair, offering a unique auditory experience.
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Charleston Other Holiday Activities
Holiday Parade of Boats
What to Expect:
Illuminated boat parade in Charleston Harbor
Description:
Charleston's maritime heritage shines during this illuminated boat parade in the historic harbor. Vessels of all sizes, from kayaks to yachts, adorn themselves with dazzling light displays and holiday decorations. Spectators line the waterfront to witness this floating spectacle as it glides across the harbor. Participants compete for prizes in various categories, inspiring creative and elaborate designs. This tradition dates back to 1979, reflecting Charleston's deep connection to its coastal waters. You'll marvel at the ingenuity of boat owners as they transform their crafts into floating works of holiday art.
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Charleston Holiday Parade
What to Expect:
Blend of modern and historical parade elements
Description:
Charleston's Holiday Parade marches through the heart of the historic district, blending modern festivities with nods to the city's rich past. Floats showcase both contemporary designs and historical recreations, reflecting Charleston's evolution. Local marching bands fill the air with a mix of traditional carols and upbeat holiday tunes. Spectators can catch candy and small gifts tossed from parade participants. The parade route passes by buildings dating back to the 18th century, creating a unique juxtaposition of old and new. You'll witness a vibrant display of community spirit as diverse groups come together to celebrate the season.
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Holiday Oyster Roast at McLeod Plantation
What to Expect:
Traditional Lowcountry oyster roast with historical context
Description:
McLeod Plantation hosts a traditional Lowcountry oyster roast, combining local culinary traditions with historical education. Fresh, local oysters are roasted over open fires, offering guests a taste of authentic coastal cuisine. Historians provide context on the role of oysters in Gullah Geechee culture and the plantation's history. Visitors can try their hand at oyster shucking under the guidance of experienced locals. McLeod Plantation, established in 1851, tells the complex story of the Gullah Geechee people and their contributions to Charleston's culture. The event highlights the intersection of food, history, and community in the Lowcountry.
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Holiday Oyster Roast at McLeod Plantation
Christmas in Charleston Historic House Tours
What to Expect:
Behind-the-scenes look at holiday decor in historic homes
Description:
This exclusive tour grants access to some of Charleston's most prestigious historic homes, showcasing their holiday decor. Each house on the tour represents a different era of Charleston's architectural history, from Georgian to Victorian styles. Docents share stories of past Christmases and holiday traditions specific to each home. Visitors can admire period-accurate decorations and learn about their historical significance. The tour highlights Charleston's preservation efforts, which have maintained the city's historic charm since the 1920s. You'll gain insight into how the holidays were celebrated by Charleston's elite throughout different periods in the city's history.
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Christmas in Charleston Historic House Tours
Holiday Train Display at Charleston Place Hotel
What to Expect:
Elaborate miniature train village with Charleston landmarks
Description:
The Charleston Place Hotel lobby houses an intricate miniature train village, featuring detailed replicas of Charleston's iconic landmarks. The display includes moving trains that wind through the miniature city, passing by recognizable buildings and landscapes. Visitors can participate in a scavenger hunt to find hidden details within the display. The village showcases Charleston's architectural evolution, from colonial-era structures to modern buildings. This tradition began in 1999 and has since become a beloved part of Charleston's holiday season. You'll marvel at the craftsmanship and attention to detail in this charming miniature world.
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Holiday Train Display at Charleston Place Hotel
Nearby Events
Christmas at Boone Hall Plantation (Mount Pleasant)
What to Expect:
Antebellum Christmas celebrations and living history
Description:
Boone Hall Plantation recreates antebellum Christmas celebrations, offering visitors a glimpse into 19th-century holiday traditions. Costumed interpreters bring history to life, demonstrating period-accurate customs and activities. The iconic Avenue of Oaks is adorned with subtle lighting, enhancing the plantation's natural beauty. Guests can join in caroling sessions featuring songs popular during the plantation era. Boone Hall, founded in 1681, is one of America's oldest working plantations. The event provides a thought-provoking look at how different social classes celebrated the holidays in the antebellum South.
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Christmas at Boone Hall Plantation
Yorktown Christmas Tree Lighting (Mount Pleasant)
What to Expect:
Tree lighting ceremony on a historic aircraft carrier
Description:
The USS Yorktown, a decommissioned aircraft carrier, serves as the backdrop for this unique tree lighting ceremony. A massive Christmas tree is hoisted onto the flight deck, creating a striking visual against the Charleston Harbor. Veterans and active-duty military personnel play a special role in the lighting ceremony, honoring their service. Visitors can explore the ship's decks, which are decorated for the holidays. The USS Yorktown, commissioned in 1943, played a significant role in World War II and the Vietnam War. You'll experience a blend of patriotic pride and holiday cheer at this one-of-a-kind event.
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Yorktown Christmas Tree Lighting
North Charleston Christmas Festival & Parade (North Charleston)
What to Expect:
Community-focused festival with emphasis on local talent
Description:
North Charleston's Christmas Festival and Parade celebrates local talent and community spirit. The event kicks off with a parade featuring floats created by neighborhood associations and local schools. A festival follows, showcasing performances by community groups, from school choirs to dance troupes. Visitors can enjoy a craft fair featuring handmade items from area artisans. The event highlights North Charleston's cultural diversity, with performances and food representing various ethnic communities. Founded in 1972, North Charleston has rapidly grown into a vibrant city with a distinct identity. You'll experience the warmth and inclusivity of this close-knit community as they come together to celebrate the season.
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North Charleston Christmas Festival & Parade