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Last updated: November 11, 2024

Celebrate the festive wonders of Charleston with our comprehensive event guide. Whether you're rediscovering Charleston or experiencing it for the first time, our guide is your festive season companion.

One highlight of the holiday season is the enchanting Holiday Festival of Lights, where dazzling displays and cheerful decorations illuminate the night. In addition, the Tree Lighting Ceremony at The Charleston Place features a stunning tree adorned with twinkling lights, making it a picturesque gathering for families. And the Skate the Stadium is something you definitely don’t want to miss, offering fun for all ages as you glide on ice beneath the stars. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!

Contact information and details below.

Charleston Holiday Light Displays

What to Expect:

Dazzling light displays and festive activities.

Description:

The Holiday Festival of Lights at James Island County Park features a three-mile driving tour with over 750 light displays, including the refurbished Cooper River Bridge display. Guests can park and explore family attractions, shopping, dining, and more. Highlights include marshmallow roasting, festival train rides, an enchanted walking trail, an old-fashioned carousel, and Santa’s Sweet Shoppe.

Where: James Island | More Info: Holiday Festival of Lights

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What to Expect:

Immersive holiday light display with unique Santa encounter.

Description:

The South Carolina Aquarium presents Aquarium Aglow, a dazzling holiday light spectacular featuring larger-than-life installations, festive photo opportunities, and a unique Santa encounter. Enjoy dozens of exhibits adorned with magical holiday lights and décor as you sip and snack on specialty refreshments.

Where: Charleston | More Info: Aquarium Aglow

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Charleston Holiday Markets and Shopping

What to Expect:

Seasonal produce and local artisan goods.

Description:

The Charleston Farmers Holiday Market offers a variety of local produce, plants, herbs, and cut flowers, along with breakfast and lunch vendors, live entertainment, and juried arts and crafts from local artisans. This event supports Lowcountry farmers, growers, prepared/packaged food vendors, artisans, crafters, live performers, and community groups.

Where: Charleston | More Info: Charleston Farmers Holiday Market

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What to Expect:

Holiday market with live demonstrations and author meet-and-greets.

Description:

Illumination Charleston is a holiday event featuring a curated market, live demonstrations, and special guests. Local and regional vendors showcase their wares, while the 2024 Southern Living Idea House at Kiawah River is decorated for the holidays. Book signings with notable Southerner authors and meet-and-greets with Southern Living editors and contributors add to the festive atmosphere.

Where: Charleston | More Info: Illumination Charleston

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What to Expect:

Community-driven holiday activities with diverse entertainment options.

Description:

Holiday Weekend Entertainment at Freshfields Village features a variety of activities and events designed to enhance the holiday season, including holiday markets, entertainment, and community gatherings.

Where: Kiawah Island | More Info: Holiday Weekend Entertainment at Freshfield Village

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Charleston Holiday Shows and Entertainment

What to Expect:

Live holiday concert with historic church decorations.

Description:

The Sound of Charleston Holiday Edition features a 75-minute live concert at historic Circular Congregational Church, blending gospel, Gershwin, Civil War songs, and jazz with festive decorations and special holiday selections.

Where: Charleston | More Info: The Sound of Charleston Holiday Edition

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What to Expect:

Dazzling costumes and spectacular acrobatic feats celebrating the holiday season.

Description:

Cirque Dreams: Holidaze is a specially themed holiday show featuring 30 performers from over 12 countries in 20 acts. The show transforms Christmas ornaments into costumed characters performing astonishing feats that celebrate the holiday season with a spectacular blend of imagination and whimsical joy. The original musical score combines some of America's holiday favorites with dazzling costumes and a sparkling stage set.

Where: Charleston | More Info: Cirque Dreams: Holidaze

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What to Expect:

Dazzling original adaptation with over 50 iconic characters.

Description:

Charleston Stage presents a dazzling original adaptation of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, featuring breathtaking scenery, gorgeous costumes, and a delightful score of classic carols. The show brings to life more than 50 iconic characters, including Scrooge and Tiny Tim, in a spirited musical that captures the heartfelt essence of Christmas.

Where: Charleston | More Info: A Christmas Carol

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What to Expect:

Celebrates individuality through a timeless holiday story.

Description:

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical brings beloved characters from the classic TV special to life on stage. This heartwarming adventure teaches that what makes you different can be what makes you special, featuring Santa, Mrs. Claus, Hermey the Elf, Bumble the Abominable Snow Monster, Clarice, Yukon Cornelius, and of course, Rudolph.

Where: Charleston | More Info: Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical

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What to Expect:

Elegant string quartet performance in a candlelit setting.

Description:

Immerse yourself in a serene setting at Carriage House, Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, where a string quartet performs timeless Christmas carols under the gentle glow of candlelight. The evening features a selection of beloved holiday classics, including "Angels We Have Heard on High," "Deck the Halls," and "Silent Night."

Where: Charleston | More Info: Candlelight: Holiday Special Featuring "The Nutcracker"

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What to Expect:

Live ballet performance in a hotel lobby setting.

Description:

Families are invited to step into the famed story of The Nutcracker and enjoy a graceful pop-performance by the Dance Conservatory of Charleston in the lobby.

Where: Charleston | More Info: Snowflake March

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Charleston Other Holiday Activities

What to Expect:

Ice skating event with holiday treats and firepits.

Description:

Celebrate the holiday season at Skate the Stadium with ice skating, cozy firepits, and seasonal concessions like s'mores kits and cinnamon sugar pretzels.

Where: Daniel Island | More Info: Skate the Stadium

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What to Expect:

Traditional Christmas decorations using local materials.

Description:

Boone Hall Plantation transforms into a festive holiday destination with beautifully decorated Christmas trees, unique ornaments made from local materials, and a traditional southern holiday atmosphere. The plantation mansion and grounds are adorned with a variety of Christmas decorations, including trees made from sweetgrass, cotton, and berries grown on the plantation.

Where: Mount Pleasant | More Info: Christmas at Boone Hall Plantation

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What to Expect:

Community-driven holiday celebration with festive lights and activities.

Description:

The North Charleston Christmas Parade and Festival is an annual community event featuring music, children's activities, festive food and decorations, thousands of twinkling lights, visits with Santa, and a parade. The event takes place in the Park Circle neighborhood, with the green space surrounding the traffic circle and major thoroughfares lined with lighted snowflakes, Christmas trees, and holiday scenes.

Where: North Charleston | More Info: North Charleston Christmas Parade and Festival

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What to Expect:

Traditional boat parade honoring Mount Pleasant's shrimping and fishing industry.

Description:

The Parade of Boats features a ceremonial procession of shrimp and fishing fleets, accompanied by live music and a festive atmosphere.

Where: Mount Pleasant | More Info: Parade of Boats

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