Southern Living Illumination Charleston
Visitors can browse a curated selection of holiday market pop-up booths offering seasonal treats and unique gifts. The event features live demonstrations and engaging seminars led by Southern Living editors, celebrated chefs, acclaimed authors, and Southern personalities. Guests can also enjoy complimentary refreshments, including light bites, beer, and wine, or join a hands-on gingerbread house decorating workshop.
What to Expect
Holiday celebration with Southern Living editors, festive demonstrations, and a curated market.
Event Details
Ages
21+
Neighborhood
Downtown Charleston
Organizer
Southern Living
Food & Drink
Saturday guests can enjoy complimentary light bites, beer, and wine, while market booths offer seasonal treats; Friday's gingerbread workshop includes bubbly.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Adults 21+ who enjoy holiday shopping, food, and hands-on workshops
Vibe
Festive and hands-on
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
$$$
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: $125. – Get tickets
- Parking: Event parking information will be provided closer to the event date.
- Accessibility: Accessibility details are shared in advance, and attendees with specific needs can contact organizers by email.
- Pets: Animals are not permitted. Service/working animals are not considered pets and are exempt from this policy.
Tips & Advice
- Make sure everyone in your group is 21 or older, because the event is only open to adult attendees 21 and up.
- Dress for the weather, because the Holiday Market is held outdoors in a tented space and goes ahead rain or shine.
- If you have allergies, ask the chef, server or vendor about ingredients before eating, since dishes aren't guaranteed free of nuts, dairy or gluten.
- Get the Signature Experience Pass if you want the Friday gingerbread class, because it includes Saturday's Holiday Market and Festive Demonstrations ticket too.
- Watch your inbox after checkout, because tickets are delivered by email and all ticket sales are final and non-refundable.
Special Events & Promotions
- Friday Signature Experience: hands-on gingerbread house decorating with Courtney Dial Whitmore, with bubbly; separate pass, which includes Saturday's Holiday Market ticket.
- 2026 featured talent includes Courtney Dial Whitmore, James Farmer, Katie Lee, Ivy Odom and Michelle Wallace (subject to change).
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an age limit?
Yes, the event is open only to attendees 21 and older.
What is there to do at the Holiday Market?
There's a full day of live demonstrations and seminars led by Southern Living editors, chefs, authors and Southern personalities. You can also browse pop-up booths with gifts and seasonal treats. Attendees get free light bites, beer and wine.
What if I have a food allergy?
There's a wide variety of food and drink, but chefs can't guarantee dishes are free of nuts, dairy, gluten or other common allergens. Vegetarian options may not be available. Always ask the chef, server or vendor about ingredients.
What happens if the weather is bad?
The event is held outdoors in a tented space and goes ahead rain or shine.
How does the gingerbread workshop work?
Courtney Dial Whitmore leads a hands-on gingerbread house decorating class with bubbly, drawn from her book The Gingerbread Party. It needs the Signature Experience Pass, which also includes Saturday's Holiday Market ticket. You choose your session when you register.
More Christmas Events Near Charleston
More Christmas Events near Charleston
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.