Christmas in Charleston, SC
As the weather in Charleston begins to cool off in December, a festive spirit finds its way along the historic streets of our iconic Southern city. Sparkling lights and garlands adorn storefront windows, homes, and churches. Decked out in all its holiday finery, this historic city embraces the charm and magic of the season like nowhere else.
A Charleston Christmas offers a fantastic blend of captivating history, delicious holiday cuisine, mild weather, and numerous festivities, making it a dream destination for the holidays. Use this guide to discover events, performances, and holiday cheer to celebrate Christmas in Charleston with friends, family, and loved ones.
Christmas in Charleston, SC [2024]
Wine Under The Oaks
Boone Hall Plantation Back Lawn
December 8, 2024
The highly anticipated Wine Under The Oaks event has become a staple of the Charleston social scene during Christmas. Attendees will be treated to wine samples from various distributors and winery partners, complimentary desserts, oysters, and live musical entertainment. Other highlights include specialty-themed tents with food sampling and unique gift options to pick up that perfect gift for friends or family. This is an adult-only event for ages 21 and up. Book ahead, as General Admission tickets, VIP tickets and boutique wine tent tickets tend to sell out!
Drayton Hall Oyster Roast
Drayton Hall
December 8, 2024
The annual oyster roast is a beloved tradition for locals and visitors and one of the best Lowcountry events of the holiday season! Indulge in the historical delicacies of our region with unlimited oysters, a delicious chili bar, and locally crafted beverages. You will have a great time supporting the Drayton Hall mission! Make sure to arrive early and explore the fascinating exhibits before the Oyster Roast begins; your ticket includes admission to the grounds.
Tickets to the 2024 Drayton Hall Oyster Roast make the perfect gift for friends, family, or business associates and clients.
Holiday Parade of Boats
Charleston Harbor
December 7, 2024
Experience one of the most cherished Christmas events in Charleston, the holiday parade of boats! This dazzling parade of brightly lit boats sails from the Cooper River, through the Charleston Harbor, and into the Ashley River. This family-friendly celebration promises to become a holiday staple for everyone.
Observe the procession along Charleston's picturesque waterfront, or join the festivities by decorating your boat and becoming part of the parade. The event begins at 5:00 p.m. along the shores of Mount Pleasant, with viewing from the downtown peninsula starting around 7:30 p.m. This event is free of charge.
The Charleston Christmas Special
Charleston Music Hall
December 15, 2024
Now in its 30th year, Charleston’s beloved holiday tradition delights audiences of all ages with song, dance, and funny, heartwarming holiday stories performed by a troupe of some of the country's most talented singers, dancers, musicians, and actors. This is an all-new show this year, so come out again for a new take on this family favorite holiday classic.
Holiday Festival of Lights
James Island County Park
November 15-December 31, 2024
Marvel at the display of more than two million dazzling lights over three miles of holiday wonder at one of the city’s best seasonal traditions. As you make your way through the park, be sure to visit the Holiday Sand Sculpture, which features a different festive theme each year created from over 50 tons of sand! In addition, check out what local students are up to with the Annual Holiday Greeting Card competition. Admire the giant 4x8 foot cards that feature the talents of many Lowcountry students.
To top off the event, satisfy your sweet tooth with a visit to Santa's Sweet Shop for hot chocolate, kettlecorn, ice cream, and freshly roasted s'mores! Seating is available in the shop or at picnic tables near the concession stands.
Sippin’ Santa Pop-Up Bar
Prohibition
December 2024 - Dates TBC
Back for its fourth year, the holiday wonderland of festive sips pops up at Prohibition Charleston. This event includes an array of seasonal cocktails with a nod to the classic prohibition-era favorites and a featured menu of nibbles and bites. Live music, including DJs and bands, will be performed throughout the month-long festivities. Check back at Prohibition Bar for all the details.
Holiday "Sleigh Ride"
Old South Carriage Co.
Select afternoons and evenings through December 23.
The popular tour is back again this year! Climb aboard a specially decorated horse-drawn carriage driven by one of Santa’s faithful elves for a 30-minute tour through historic Charleston! This one-of-a-kind holiday experience is complete with caroling and more. The last stop is Santa’s stable (just behind our barn), where you’ll join Old St. Nick and his elves for hot cocoa and cookies. Hurry! Tickets are selling out fast; reserve your spot today.
North Pole on the Plaza
Gabrielle Plaza at the Hotel Bennett
Various activities through early January, 2024
Experience the Christmas spirit by heading downtown to Gabrielle Plaza, where various holiday activities occur throughout December.
Admire the stunning seasonal decorations as you visit the first-floor lobby including the Tree Lighting Ceremony on Nov 26, and appearances from the Charleston Caroling Company and Ashley Hall Carolers. For some festive and tasty events, visit the plaza for the annual Holiday tea, an afternoon tea experience at Camelias, where guests can enjoy seasonal tea blends, holiday-themed treats, and sparkling Champagne for the adult guests.
Vienna Light Orchestra Christmas Concert
The Scottish Rite Theatre
December 21, 2024
Vienna Light Orchestra audiences have raved about this concert! “Mesmerizing, transcendent, and positively stimulating to the senses.” Since 1999, the Vienna Light Orchestra has been delighting audiences worldwide and illuminating orchestral music in a new light. Enjoy a world-class performance of the most beloved Christmas songs, illuminated by over 2,000 mesmerizing, flickering candles. Bring the whole family to experience this Christmas in Charleston for an incredible event performed by professional musicians from seven countries at one of Charleston’s most historic performance venues.
Aquarium Aglow
South Carolina Aquarium
Select evenings through December
Experience a mesmerizing light spectacle at the Aquarium during select nights this holiday season. As you wander through the aquarium, the diverse lighting effects will transport you from the mountainous icy starscape to the radiant neon coast. Allow the wildlife to guide you in celebrating the festive season and create unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime. Look out for "Scuba Claus" in the Great Ocean Tank and take advantage of multiple photo opportunities to capture those perfect moments. Indulge in delicious festive refreshments, including alcoholic beverages.
Charleston Holiday Market
Marion Square
Select Saturdays & Sundays in December
This December, Marion Square will be graced again by the Charleston Farmers Market and an array of special holiday vendors! Browse unique and locally crafted Christmas gifts while enjoying live music and caroling. Check back for more information about dates and events.
Holiday Theater Shows
Queen Street Playhouse
December 6-22, 2024, matinee and evening shows
Charleston's Queen Street Playhouse hosts classic and contemporary holiday musicals that bring festive cheer with a line up of holiday feel good favorites. This year's production is inspired by the beloved 1983 holiday classic, A Christmas Story , which chronicles the adventures of 9-year-old Ralphie Parker as he embarks on a determined mission to secure a genuine Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas. In his relentless pursuit, Ralphie passionately presents his case to his mother, his teacher, and even Santa Claus.
A Christmas Carol
Dock Street Theater
November 30-December 22, 2024
The Stage's original adaptation of Charles Dickens's A Christmas Carol, is an excellent production with scenery, costumes, and special effects. With a stunning score of timeless melodies and a cast of over 50 characters, including beloved figures like Scrooge and Tiny Tim, this joyous musical brings the enchantment of the holiday season to life once again. This Charleston Christmas production features exciting music underscoring the heartwarming story of Ebenezer Scrooge and reminds us all, despite our busy modern-day schedules, of the true meaning of Christmas.
The Nutcracker Magical Christmas Ballet
Charleston Music Hall
December 3, 2024
Experience the enchanting tradition that has captured the hearts of families for years – NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet! This performance features an exceptional international cast and Ukrainian principal artists performing the timeless beauty of classical European ballet at the highest level. You will be amazed by breathtaking acrobatics, larger-than-life puppets, and intricately designed sets and costumes that will transport you into a magical wonderland. Consider your Charleston Christmas complete with this performance!
Christkindlmarkt Charleston
4461 N US-17 Awendaw, SC
December 6-8, 13-15, 2024
Create a unique and meaningful tradition with your loved ones by visiting the Christkindlmarkt in Charleston, where you can explore the rich German heritage that permeates the market's atmosphere. The experience boasts an eclectic range of items, including locally made goods, seasonal decor, and various European imports hailing from France, England, Denmark, Austria, Sweden, and Nepal. Be sure to stop by the booths of traditional handcrafted German products meticulously crafted and sourced from the Seiffen region of the Ore Mountains.
Are you looking for more things to do in Charleston any time of year? Check out our blog for tips about traveling and discovering this unforgettable city.
