Charleston is one of those places where you can keep coming back, time and again, and still be able to rediscover things. Christmas is the one time of year that i feel like its history shines through, whether you’re strolling through the Battery looking at all the decorations to taking advantage of one of the many items Charleston offers during this Season. If you ever find yourself in the low country during the Holiday, I hope you’re able to take advantage of some of my favorite things to do!
9 Things to Do During Christmas in Charleston
1. Aquarium Aglow
Downtown
Let the Holiday magic of the wildlife dazzle you while you’re exploring the South Carolina Aquarium here in Charleston. Available in November and December on select nights starting at dusk, select beverages available during this experience, also great for families. Recommend purchasing tickets ahead of time.
2. Check out the Plantations
Christmas at Boone Hall
Mount Pleasant, SC
Included with regular paid admission, check out and tour Boone Hall Plantation + Gardens plantation home as it’s delightfully decorated for the Christmas season during December (dates vary, check website for details).
Home for the Holidays – Magnolia Plantation + Gardens
Ashley River Plantation District – Charleston
Home for the Holidays event is a delightful and festive experience, offering visitors a chance to step back in time and enjoy the charm of the 1920s. The embellishment of the Magnolia House in jewel tones from that era adds a touch of nostalgia and elegance to the holiday season. For those interested in attending, it’s advisable to check the event’s official website or contact the organizers for specific details, including ticket information, and tour schedules. Enjoy the journey back in time and the holiday festivities at Magnolia!
3. Cougar Night Lights
Downtown
The Cougar Night Lights holiday light show at historic Cistern Yard sounds like a fantastic annual event at the College of Charleston. For the public showings, it’s a great opportunity for locals and visitors to experience the holiday magic with a festive musical light show in the historic Cistern Yard. Attendees can enjoy the lights, music, and the overall holiday atmosphere.
4. Explore the Hotels
Downtown
The Charleston Place
Celebrate the magic of the Holiday Season at The Charleston Place, from its classic Train display in the Lobby and hallways from King to Meeting Streets to sipping on its selection of Holiday Comforts at the Thoroughbred Club. From around Thanksgiving through select dates in December, The Charleston Place also offers a its Festival of Trees (2nd floor of hotel) Nightly Snowfall (outside courtyard), Nutcracker Tea, and Snowflake March, with advanced reservations or bookings are encouraged.
Hotel Bennett
Stop by and admire the enchantment of Hotel Bennett’s holiday decorations and view life-size Gingerbread House in the rear lobby of Hotel Bennett, while you’re sipping and savoring its hot chocolate service from 12:00 – 19:00 from late November to the end of December. You also have opportunities to have tea with Santa on select weekends, along with other festivities the hotel has to offer.
5. Explore + Tour the Holy City
Downtown
Holiday Walking Tour
Only offered during the Holiday Season, join this Charleston Strolls Holiday Walking Tour and venture where it takes you through the historic district of Charleston, seeing Charleston’s Four Corners of Law, and also private neighborhoods throughout The Battery. Comfortable shoes are highly encouraged, as they lead you on this 2-hour tour.
For an adults-only event, join the Holiday Strolls Cocktail Tour for Bulldog Tours’ holiday culinary walking tour offers a delightful blend of history, festive ambiance, and signature cocktails. Visit three of the Historic District’s most festive lounges, enhancing the holiday experience.
Historic Home Tour
Step back in time and experience the magic of Christmas and tour one of the Historic Homes in Downtown Charleston. Some favorites are the Aiken-Rhett House, Joseph Manigault House, and the Nathaniel Russell House.
6. Holiday Festival of Lights
James Island, SC
Located at James Island County Park, this massive display of twinkling lights is a must see while you’re here. Fortunately, this location does offer a center for some Holiday shopping and the opportunity to mingle with Kris Kringle! Open from around mid-November to December 31 from dusk until 22:00.
7. Holiday Markets + Festivals
To find the latest information on holiday markets and festivals in Charleston, I recommend checking local event websites, this is a great way to check out
Charleston Holiday Market – downtown
Located in Marion Square, check out this festive market held on Saturdays and Sundays the first 2-3 weekends in December.
Christmas Made in the South – Ladson, SC
Located at the Exchange Park/Fairgrounds in Ladson, SC, this annual market offers a wonderful display of southern vendors. Dates vary in select cities throughout the southeast (usually around the 1st weekend in December for the Low Country), check their webiste for more details.
Christkindlmarkt Charleston – Awendaw, SC
This German-themed market makes you feel like you’re in a European market. Nestled at the Riveroaks in Awendaw, this market is open select afternoons and evening sessions the first few weekends in December.
Holy City Holiday Market – North Charleston, SC
Visit this outdoor Holiday market as it hosts 200+ vendors and food locations can be found throughout as Holy City Brewing, Firefly Distillery, and the The Station partner up for this large event held on one date. Check the website for details including parking.
8. See A Christmas Carol
Downtown
Check out the adaptation of Charles Dickens’s story come to life at this historic theatre. Runs late November to most of December. Production hosted by The Historic Dock Street Theatre. Advanced ticket purchases are recommended.
9. Sip Something Festive
Enjoy these Holiday Pop-Up bars in the area, featuring festive drinks and tacky decor.
Harold’s Cabin Holiday Pop-Up – Downtown
Laughing Gull – Wild Dunes Resort | Isle of Palms, SC
Jingle all the way to Laughing Gull as it transforms into Beachbum Berry’s Sippin’ Santa Tiki Bar, an island-inspired holiday wonderland featuring over-the-top decor and a festive tiki-themed experience featuring the iconic cocktail menu offering an array of new clever cocktails served in the signature kitschy glassware. Sip on the classic favorites, plus new cocktails this year, including Island of Merry Spritzmas, HO HO HO Hot Buttered Rum, North Pole Bow, plus more! Open to the public.
Miracle Pop-Up at Handcraft Kitchen + Cocktails
Prohibition – Downtown
The event promises floor-to-ceiling décor, creating a festive and immersive atmosphere. This suggests a visually appealing and holiday-themed environment that patrons can enjoy. it seems like Sippin’ Santa is not just about the drinks but also about creating a visually appealing and festive ambiance, making it a complete holiday experience. Patrons can enjoy the unique cocktails, purchase themed glassware, and indulge in holiday-inspired menus.
Looking for more to do in Charleston? Check these out:
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