Christmas in Charleston SC is one of the most wonderful places to be during the most wonderful time of year! The weather is fabulous and this charming city outdoes itself with its gorgeous Christmas decorations, events, shopping, and festive tours. As a lifelong Charlestonian, I am sharing all of my favorite traditions and things to do during the holidays in Charleston.
Table of Contents
- Christmas Events in Charleston
- Christmas Lights in Charleston SC
- Things to do in Charleston at Christmas
- Charleston Shops for Gifts
- Charleston Themed Gift Ideas and Charleston Ornaments
- Where to Stay for Christmas In Charleston: Festive Hotels
- Christmas Themed Bars in CHS
- Restaurants Open on Christmas Day in Charleston
- Charleston Weather in December
- Charleston Outfit Ideas
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Events for Christmas in Charleston SC
There is always something going on in Charleston and Christmas time is no different. From annual events that locals cherish to new festivals this year, here are some of the best events to discover. And don’t forget, it is parade season so I have included some of the best ones around the area!
Holiday Festival of Lights
November 12-December 31, 2023
The Holiday Festival of Lights is an annual event that I have been going to my whole life. It’s held at the James Island County Park and you drive in your car (with a cup of hot cocoa), tune into the Christmas station and cruise through the miles long light displays. After you drive through a few times, stop in the village to see Santa, ride the train, checkout the gingerbread house competition and more. It’s one of the iconic Charleston Christmas traditions.
Illumination Charleston
December 1-2, 2023
Illumination Charleston is presented by Southern Living and features workshops, parties, and a holiday market with southern tastemakers.
Charleston Boat Parade
The Charleston Boat Parade is always a fun tradition here in Charleston. It takes place in the Charleston Harbor and you can watch from anywhere with a view of the Cooper River. Enjoy seeing the boats lit up as night falls (around 6pm). No tickets required – good spots to watch are Patriots Point, Waterfront Park, and the Battery.
Charleston Christmas Parade
The Charleston Christmas Parade will be on December 4th beginning at 3pm on Broad and Rutledge heading toward Meeting Street where it will end at the Calhoun and Meeting St Intersection.
Mount Pleasant Parade
Sunday, December 10th, 2023
The Mount Pleasant Christmas Parade is one of the absolute bests! It will be on Sunday, December 10th, 2023 beginning at 5:30pm running down Coleman Boulevard beginning at Live Oak Drive and ending at Patriots Point Rd.
Folly Beach Parade
Saturday, December 9th, 2023
The Folly Beach Christmas Parade is always low-key and very festive! It will be on Saturday, December 9th, 2023 beginning at 1:00pm running down Center Street.
Reindeer Run 5K
Saturday, December 9th, 2023
The Reindeer Run will be held on Saturday, December 9th, 2023 at 9am. The event is super popular and has up to 3500 runners. Race through beautiful downtown Charleston in your best holiday costume. It is a fundraiser for MUSC Children’s Hospital so you’ll be supporting a great organization!
Christmas Tree Lighting
The lighting of the official Christmas tree is one the best traditions. Gather in Marion Square for the celebration as this 64-foot Christmas tree comes to life!
Christmas Lights in Charleston SC
Charleston really shows off this time of year. Here are the best places to see Christmas light displays.
Holiday Festival of Lights
Mentioned above, this is the best place to see Christmas lights in Charleston and get in the holiday spirit!
Charleston Boat Parade
Also, I talked about the boat parade above. It’s a very Lowcountry way to see festive Christmas lights. Even better if you have a boat and want to participate!
Aquarium Aglow
Begins Thursday, November 16, 2023
Aquarium Aglow at the South Carolina Aquarium is a family-friendly event. Take your kids to enjoy thousands of lights throughout the aquarium along with interactive displays. And, there’s beer and wine available! Win-win! The event opens to the public on November 16, 2023 and runs from 5:30pm until 9:30pm.
Things to do in Charleston at Christmas
A few of my favorite things to do in Charleston for Christmas. These are some of the tours and attractions that are worth your time.
Holiday Walking Tour
I always recommend a walking tour for first time visitors. It’s a great way to get a lay of the land! By walking, you’ll get better up close views of the scenery and historic architecture. And at Christmas time, expect beautiful decorations at these stately homes.
This Holiday Walking Tour will take you on a tour through the historic district hearing stories and traditions from Charleston’s rich history.
I also suggest the Holiday Cocktail Tour (yes, you read that right). Stop into some of the area’s festive bars for 3 cocktails and an abbreviated walking tour to learn about Charleston’s history.
Dock Street Theater
Experience America’s oldest theater, the Dock Street for their annual Christmas performances. Plan to see A Christmas Carol with showings November 29 – December 22. It is truly such a special place to see a play and is located on one of my favorite streets in Charleston!
Hear the Sound of Charleston
The Sound of Charleston performs in the Circular Congregational Church with sounds including gospel, Gullah, jazz, and classics. The Holiday Show is not to be missed – enjoy holiday songs, cider and cookies!
Charleston Place Hotel – Train Display & Snow
The Charleston Place Hotel is the most iconic hotel in Charleston and has become known for their incredible train display during the holidays. Visit their lobby to see it in action. They have also added a really cool experience where it snows – yes, snows – daily at 6pm and 8pm in the Market Street Circle. You have to see this luxury hotel in all its Christmas glory!
Charleston Holiday Farmers Market
The Charleston Farmers Market will take on the holidays beginning in December on Saturday & Sunday’s from 9am until 3pm at Marion Square.
Christmas Shopping on King Street
There is no better place to shop for Christmas gifts than King Street. You will find festive decorations at the local boutiques, men’s stores, national retailers, and local art galleries. I’m sharing my favorite Charleston gifts below!
Drinks at The Dewberry
The Dewberry is one of my favorite hotels in the city. It is super swanky and does a unique light display. Have drinks in their lobby, referred to as the Living Room. It’s super cosy with lounge seating inside and tables outside on the patio overlooking Marion Square. It’s one of my favorite spots on a cool, winter night. Or head upstairs to The Citrus Club for drinks and a great view of the 64-foot Christmas Tree lit up at Marion Square.
Get Hot Chocolate at the Lifesized Gingerbread House
Hotel Bennett is right in the heart of the city at Marion Square. They do a lifesized gingerbread house in their main lobby serving hot chocolate! Such a great family friendly activity to see their luxury decorations, too.
Attend Special Events
A no-brainer! You have to attend any of the wonderful Christmas events I mentioned above if you are spending Christmas in Charleston SC!
Local Charleston Shops for Christmas Gifts
A collection of my favorite stores to do your Christmas shopping and pick out new Charleston ornaments for your tree.
- LAKE Pajamas
- Croghan’s Jewel Box (also, great for ornaments this time of year)
- Old Whaling Company
- M. Dumas and Sons (mens’ store)
- Jordan Lash (mens’ store)
- WonderWorks (kids)
- Candlefish
- HART Jewelry
- Blue Bicycle Books
- Copper Penny (women’s clothing)
- Preservation Society Gift Shop – a hidden gem for local items in one place
- Gold Creations (jewelry)
- Rhodes Boutique
Charleston Gifts and Charleston Ornaments
Some of my go to gifts that are locally made in Charleston from small businesses plus a few ornaments for your tree 🙂
Charleston Ornaments
Lake Pajamas
I love everything that LAKE Pajamas sells. Their pajamas are the softest material and come in lovely prints for the whole family. Get your matching Christmas Day pjs here!
Rewind Candles
Lowcountry Olive Oil
Always a great hostess gift for those holiday parties. I love this olive oil and the many flavor options!
Daiyse Syrups
These syrups go great with coffee or a cocktail! They are completely organic made with minimal ingredients so you can feel good about indulging. The salted caramel is amazing in a cup of coffee!
Old Whaling Co Body Butter
I have been a big fan of this company for years. They make great products with amazing scents. I like the body butter because it’s not too thick and the salt scrubs!
Red Clay Hot Sauce
A good hostess gift or stocking stuffer for the man in your life!
Brackish
Beautiful handmade bowties from duck feathers. They also have a ladies line with earrings and bracelets that are gorgeous!
Cheese Boards from reclaimed wood
A local company that uses wood from downed hurricanes and other things to create custom tables. They also make smaller cheese boards that make a stunning gift!
Where to Stay for Christmas in Charleston
My top picks for a festive hotel stay during the holidays!
French Quarter Inn
Book a hotel room at the French Quarter Inn to stay in one of their “Sleigh Bell Suites”. It comes decked out in holiday trimmings including mistletoe and lots of garland. You will also enjoy milk & cookies by the fireplace and an egg nog station.
The Charleston Place Hotel
The Charleston Place is THE holiday headquarters. By far the most festive hotel in Charleston. I have already talked about the train display and daily “snow” in Market Street Circle. It would be so fun to spend time here during the holidays. Book their holiday package to enjoy extra special amenities like an in-room Christmas Tree or Menorah, hot chocolate, and a room with a view of the snowfall!
The Dewberry
The Dewberry is one of my favorite places to stay in Charleston. They go all out for the holidays with a festive light display and a holiday room package. Book for complimentary drinks, afternoon cookies, transportation for shopping, and more.
Hotel Bennett
Book your stay at Hotel Bennett to enjoy the festive decorations, holiday amenities, and perfect location overlooking Marion Square’s giant Christmas Tree display!
Christmas Themed Bars in Charleston
If you are looking for a Christmas themed bar that has gone all out in decking the halls, read on. These are some of the most festive places this holiday season.
Bar Mash
Bar Mash is referring to their holiday spirit as “Mashmas”. The place is festive from top to bottom and features fun bites and cocktails. Their themed cocktail menu includes: Cousin Eddie’s Eggnog, North Pole Night Cap, Yule Shoot Your Eye Out and mocktails including Drop it Like it’s Hot…Coco.
Miracle at Handcraft Kitchen and Cocktails
A favorite among locals, this was the first place in Charleston to turn into a Christmas bar during December. Expect decorations throughout, fun cocktails, and a kid-friendly breakfast with Santa event!
Sippin’ Santa
Sippin’ Santa is a fun pop-up bar for the holiday season with a Hawaiian theme. There are lights everywhere and a fun cocktail menu. The drinks come in festive tiki themed vessels that you can buy to take home. I’m going for the Jungle Bird which has pineapple rum!
Harold’s Cabin Holiday Bar
Harold’s Cabin is a cozy neighborhood bar that locals love. They have gone all out this year for Christmas with floor to ceiling decorations. Their themed menu includes hot toddy, egg nog, and ice cream sandwiches!
Little Pine at Little Palm
From November through February 15th, you’re invited to “deck the palms” at one of the trendiest bars in Charleston. Little Palm has a holiday pop-up on their pool deck with festive fare and beverages. Reserve a cabin to seat 6 people. Make reservations early!
Restaurants Open on Christmas Day in Charleston
It is still a little early and many restaurants have not announced plans to be open at this point. Most places are usually open on Christmas Eve with many closing early before dinnertime. Pretty much nowhere is open on Christmas Day, however, a few places do typically open in the evening. I will update this section as plans are announced!
Charleston Weather in December
Charleston weather in December is typically pretty glorious. I love this month in the city because it’s not too crowded and most of the college students head home for the holidays.
The weather could go either way, but often we see daytime temperatures in the 60’s and evenings dip into the lower 50s to 40s. I’ve experienced 80 degree Christmas Days before – where I had to dig for something lightweight to wear!
I would plan to pack for Charleston in December with the following list for women and check out my complete guide for what to wear in Charleston, too!
- Jeans
- Chic Trousers
- Lightweight sweaters or long sleeve blouses
- Sweater Dresses or Maxi Dress
- Tights
- Coat, blazers
- Boots and Booties
- Comfortable sneakers for walking
- Crossbody Purse
Charleston Outfit Ideas
Festive outfits whether you are going to a holiday show, dinner, or shopping!
If you go to Charleston
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