Whether you are a local or visitor, I’m sharing all the best things to do in Charleston during winter. From Christmas festivities to the best events in February, you’ll want to add these to your Charleston winter bucket list!
As a Charleston native, winter is actually one of my favorite times in the city. While the spring and fall are busy with tourist season and summer sees balmy temperatures, winter is a welcome reprieve. Charleston experiences mild winters which allows for comfortable weather to enjoy the best of Charleston.
In this guide, I’m sharing some of the best things to do in Charleston during the winter by month. Whether you are making plans for December, January, or February, I have rounded up the best events, activities, and things to do in Charleston whether you are a local or visitor.
Read on the explore the ultimate Charleston winter bucket list and start filling your calendar!
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Charleston Winter Bucket List
Short on time? Here are my TOP 5 things for your winter bucket list in Charleston, SC!
- Have cocktails at The Dewberry during Christmas
- See “A Christmas Carol” at the Dock Street Theater in December
- Attend the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition in February
- Enjoy Oyster Season at Leon’s Oyster Shop
- See the Camellias bloom at Middleton Place in January and February
Read on to explore all of my favorite winter activities in Charleston!
Things to do in December in Charleston
December is one of the best times to be in Charleston to enjoy all of the holiday festivities. Below are are some can’t miss winter activities in Charleston, SC.
✅ Attend “A Christmas Carol” at the historic Dock Street Theater
One of my favorite holiday traditions is seeing the iconic play at America’s oldest theater, the Dock Street!
✅ See it “snow” at The Charleston Place Hotel’s Market Street Circle
Every year, The Charleston Place puts on a spectacle at Market Street Circle. Visitors are invited to see it “snow” around the Christmas tree and sip hot chocolate. Be sure to make reservations in advance!
✅ Have a girls night at The Ryder Hotel’s Little “Pine” Bar Holiday Popup
Charleston has plenty of bars that go all out in decorations, but one the best is a The Ryder Hotel. The onsite restaurant, Little Palm, transforms into “Little Pine” complete with cozy chalets and festive cocktails.
✅ Sign up for the Reindeer Run 5K
The Reindeer Run is a 5K through downtown Charleston where everyone dresses in their more festive attire.
✅ Sit on the patio to indulge in the local oysters at Leon’s Oyster Shop
December is prime oyster season and on a nice day, there is no better place to enjoy them than the patio at Leon’s Oyster Shop!
✅ See the lights at the Holiday Festival of Lights at James Island County Park
I’ve been going to the Holiday Festival of Lights for 30+ years and it never gets old. It doesn’t quite feel like Christmas without seeing the lights!
✅ Visit the South Carolina Aquarium for “Aquarium Aglow”
The South Carolina Aquarium lights up for the holidays with aquatic light displays in November and December.
✅ Buy a Christmas sweater from Uncle Kyle’s Sweater Emporium
You aren’t ready for holiday parties until you have a sweater from Uncle Kyle’s. He started many years ago as a holiday pop up selling tacky Christmas sweaters and has grown into a King Street mainstay.
✅ Shop for holiday gifts on King Street
There is no better place to do your holiday shopping than on charming King Street.
✅ Watch the City of Charleston Christmas Parade
The Charleston Christmas parade will take place on Sunday, December 7th at 3pm beginning at Colonial Lake and ending at Marion Square.
✅ See the lighting of the Christmas Tree at Marion Square
Attend the celebration to see the City of Charleston light the 64 foot Christmas tree in Marion Square. This usually takes place following the parade.
✅ Plan a Holiday Wine Exchange with Your Friends
Get into the holiday spirit with a gift exchange with your best friends!
✅ Get Matching Christmas Pajamas at LAKE
Get matching pajamas for the whole family at LAKE on King Street.
✅ Make Your Own Christmas Candles at a Candlefish Workshop
Candlefish offers a candle making workshop and December is the perfect time to attend. You’ll get to make two candles of your very own scent!
✅ See the Decorations at The Dewberry
The Dewberry Hotel always goes all out with gorgeous decorations. Plan to have drinks in the Living Room where they always feature the most beautiful trees. At the entry way, you have to see the light display hanging overhead! All make for the best photo ops!
✅ Attend Southern Living’s Illumination Charleston
Southern Living’s Illumination is a holiday event featuring a holiday market and demos on everything from cooking to decorating!
Things to do in January in Charleston
Ring in the new year in Charleston, South Carolina with wellness events like the Charleston Half Marathon. It’s a great time for foodies with events like Charleston Restaurant Week and A Taste of Folly.
January is a great time for visitors to come to Charleston. You can enjoy lower rates on hotels, but also some great deals like the “museum mile pass” and restaurant week specials during January.
✅ Celebrate New Year’s Day with a Polar Plunge on Sullivan’s Island
New Year’s Day is always best spent on Sullivan’s Island at the Polar Plunge. Take a dip in the chilly water then warm up with an infamous gamechanger at Home Team.
✅ Sign up for the Charleston Half Marathon
If you’re kicking off the new year with some wellness activities, sign up for the annual Charleston Half Marathon that goes through scenic downtown Charleston.
✅ Make reservations at your favorite Charleston restaurants for Charleston Restaurant Week
Charleston Restaurant Week is the perfect time to try a new restaurant or one of your favorites. Be sure to make reservations early as the local’s love to dine out this quieter time of year!
✅ Try some mocktails for “dry January” at the best mocktail spots in Charleston
Charleston has some great bars serving up tasty mocktails. If you are doing “dry January” or if you just don’t drink, be sure to visit some of the best Charleston spots for mocktails. They usually get more creative in January with all the wellness oriented trends happening!
✅ Eat and Drink at “A Taste of Folly”
A Taste of Folly is the annual food festival on Folly Beach. Checkout all the best of the local Folly restaurants and bars along with art, clothing, and other unique goods at this street festival.
✅ See the museums during “Museum Mile Month”
Museum Mile Month is the best time to be a tourist in your own town. Grab the pass for only $35 and get to visit places like the Charleston Museum, Aiken Rhett House, Children’s Museum, Gibbes Musuem of Art, Nathaniel Russell House Museum and more!
It’s a great time for visitors to catch a deal and save a little money on a trip to Charleston!
✅ Have a Tea Party at Hotel Bennett’s Pink Bar, Camellia’s
January is the perfect time to warm up with a fancy tea party a Hotel Bennett’s all pink bar, Camellia’s. Grab this girls and pick a date because they do book up!
Things to do in February in Charleston
February is a great month to be in Charleston with plenty of fun events kicking off.
✅ Attend the Lowcountry Oyster Festival at Boone Hall
The Lowcountry Oyster Festival is the largest oyster festival in the country held at Boone Hall. This year is will be on February 2, 2025.
✅ Attend the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition held annually on President’s Day Weekend
The Southeastern Wildlife Expo (SEWE) is always the official kickoff to the season in Charleston. This wildlife event draws a big crowd to enjoy exhibits, renowned wildlife art, oyster roasts, dock dog competitions, and outdoor adventures.
✅ Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a Romantic Dinner at Zero George
Valentine’s Day calls for a romantic date night. It’s the perfect opportunity to treat yourself to the tasting menu experience at Zero George Restaurant.
✅ Take a historic Charleston Walking Tour
February is a great time for a walking tour around historic Charleston.
✅ See the Camellias bloom at Middleton Place
The camellias bloom at Middleton Place in January/February every year. Don’t miss the chance to see this STUNNING floral display.
✅ Catch a Stingray’s Hockey Game
Head to the North Charleston Colisuem to support our local hockey team, the South Carolina Stingrays. It’s a fun family friendly event.
✅ Cosy up at The Dewberry Hotel’s Spa
I frequent The Dewberry’s spa as a local and February is the perfect time to cosy up with a relaxing indoor activity. If it is warm out, head up to The Citrus Club rooftop after for a drink or if it cold out, downstairs to the moody Living Room space.
✅ Celebrate Galentine’s Day with Permanent Jewelry at AL&EM
You HAVE to celebrate Galentines Day with your best girls. Mark the occasion with matching permanent bracelets from AL&EM. Catch them popping up around town or book a private appointment for your group!
Is Charleston Worth Visiting in Winter?
Charleston is absolutely worth visiting in the winter. With mild winters, the weather is perfect to enjoy the best of Charleston in December, January or February without the crowds.
Visitors can look forward to lower hotel rates and specials at restaurants during Charleston Restaurant Week.
As a local, it is one the best times in the city with festive activities, fun events, and usually great weather.
What is the Weather Like in Charleston during Winter?
The weather in Charleston is fairly mild during the winter time. The average high is in the 60ºs with lows in the 40ºs. It’s great weather for sightseeing and enjoying the walkability of downtown Charleston.
However, anything can happen. As a lifelong native, I have seen 80º December days, but I’ve also seen it snow. Although, it typically never snows and would be very rare to see in Charleston. It’s more common to see sunny and 75º days. Overall, you can expect nice days and chilly nights during Charleston winters.
See this post for what to wear during the winter in Charleston. Always, check the 10-day forecast ahead of your visit to be prepared.
Here are the average temperatures by month in the winter time:
| Month | Average High (°F) | Average Low (°F) |
|---|---|---|
| December | 60 | 40 |
| January | 57 | 37 |
| February | 60 | 40 |
WHERE TO STAY IN CHARLESTON
In this guide, I am sharing all about the best Charleston neighborhoods – why I love them, the top hotels in each, my favorite restaurants and things to do nearby. Whether you plan to visit the historic district or nearby beaches, I’m walking you through everything you need to know.
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