December & Holiday Events in Charleston

Check out the South Carolina Aquarium from a whole new perspective with Aquarium Aglow. Aquarium Aglow is an intricate light show that stretches throughout the aquarium. Using thousands of lights and an array of colors, the aquarium transforms its space into something truly magical. This memorable event is ticketed, with prices varying depending on the day you plan to attend.

Embrace the magic of the holiday season at the Charleston Holiday Festival of Lights, a cherished annual event held at James Island County Park in Charleston, South Carolina. This enchanting festival transforms the park into a winter wonderland, bedecked with millions of dazzling lights. Visitors can stroll or drive through a three-mile tour featuring the city’s finest light displays.

Enjoy the annual musical lights show at the Cistern Yard in front of Randolph Hall. The light show is free and open to the public and runs nightly, every half hour between 5:30-9:00 pm.

Circa 1886 travels back in time this holiday season to retell a classic Christmas story. At our 23rd annual Dickens Dinner, storyteller Tim Lowry takes guests to Victorian England for a lively retelling of English novelist Charles Dickens’ beloved novella, “A Christmas Carol.” The performance is accompanied by a four-course dinner inspired by the novel, prepared by Chef Marc Collins.

Celebrate the holiday season in Charleston with Explore Charleston and Southern Living. This weekend of festive inspiration brings together local vendors, expert-led demonstrations, and interactive workshops—along with the chance to meet the editors and contributors of Southern Living. From unique holiday shopping to hands-on floral design and seasonal entertaining tips, it’s a one-of-a-kind celebration set in one of the South’s most enchanting cities.

Celebrate the holidays with the soulful sounds of A Motown Christmas, starring The Motortown All-Stars. Featuring former members of Ali Woodson’s Temptations, The Contours, and The Miracles, this high-energy performance blends Motown’s greatest hits with beloved holiday classics. Complete with dazzling choreography and rich harmonies, it’s a family-friendly show that brings timeless music and festive cheer to the stage.

One of Charleston’s best traditions, First Friday Artwalks are a way of debuting the city’s vibrant art scene. This special occasion occurs on the first Friday of every month (excluding January and July) and highlights dozens of art galleries and studios across the entire city. This is your chance to check out local art studios and mingle with local artists.

Stroll through Charleston’s Holiday Farmers Market, where the season comes alive with fresh local produce, artisan goods, handcrafted gifts, and festive treats. It’s the perfect place to shop for holiday treasures while supporting local growers and makers.

Arts & Crafters, Food vendors, children activities and live entertainment, local shopping and restaurants, Santa Claus, Announcement of Holiday Deck the Door Contest Winners. Santa Claus will be there!

Get ready to swing into the holiday season with the Charleston Jazz Orchestra’s annual Holiday Swing concert! This festive event features the talented musicians of the Charleston Jazz Orchestra performing classic holiday tunes with a jazzy twist. The concert will be held at the historic Charleston Music Hall, creating a magical atmosphere for the entire family. So grab your loved ones and join us for an unforgettable evening of holiday cheer and soulful music!

The Charleston Christmas Special is a beloved holiday tradition in Charleston, South Carolina. This annual show features a cast of 28 professional singers, dancers, and musicians. The show is an all-new production each year, featuring a family-friendly blend of holiday classics, new songs, comedy skits, and more.

The Holiday Parade of Boats transforms Charleston Harbor into a dazzling display of holiday cheer. Watch as a glittering fleet of boats, adorned with twinkling lights and festive décor, sails across the water in a magical procession that has become one of the Lowcountry’s most beloved seasonal traditions.

The annual Holiday Market & Craft Show offers a festive shopping experience with fresh produce, baked goods, hot food, and homemade preserves, along with unique handcrafted gifts from local artisans. Browse a beautiful selection of Christmas ornaments, glasswork, whimsical crafts, and original art from talented potters, artists, and photographers.

Every second Sunday of the month from noon until 5 pm, the City of Charleston shuts down King Street from Queen to Calhoun to through traffic. In addition, no cars are allowed to park, giving pedestrians the ability to stroll through the street and visit businesses they might not have known about. There are also artists displaying their work on the street and unique food vendors tempting guests with their fare.

This vibrant festival brings together the Jewish community and the wider community to commemorate the holiday season. This year’s event will feature live entertainment, a variety of food stations, and various children’s activities for families. The event also includes the lighting of the menorah candles at sundown.

Experience the South Carolina Aquarium after dark as it comes alive with sparkling light displays and festive cheer. Stroll through the galleries, snap holiday photos at immersive stations, enjoy seasonal refreshments, and meet the one-and-only Scuba Claus for a night of family fun.