December Holiday Events in Charleston

Individuals with special needs, along with their families and friends, are invited to a festive evening at our annual Holiday Hoedown. Dress in your best western attire and celebrate the season with a country-style holiday celebration. Enjoy light refreshments while meeting Mrs. Claus and the Holiday Festival of Lights mascot, Wattson, for a night to remember.

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!

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.

Enjoy live holiday entertainment, children’s activities like balloon art and caricature drawings, and a special visit from Santa. It’s the perfect chance to find one-of-a-kind gifts while supporting local makers. Admission and parking are free—join us for a joyful holiday shopping experience!

Relax with a Patriots Point Pilsner, cozy up by the firepits with s’mores, sip on warm hot cocoa, or rent a private firepit experience near the rink or gondolas with stunning harbor views. Kids can enjoy jump castles, games, and more! Gather your family and friends for a holiday celebration packed with festive fun for everyone.

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. They also feature a sculpture made from 50 tons of sand, a holiday train, an enchanted walking trail, a Victorian carousel, Santa Claus, Santa’s sweet shop, gift shops, marshmallow roasting, and more! Get your tickets today for this heartwarming, family-friendly experience that captures the true spirit of the season!

Check out the South Carolina Aquarium from a whole new perspective with Aquarium Aglow. This one-of-a-kind event has quickly become a Charleston holiday tradition. 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 on attending. Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity in Charleston!

Credit One Stadium transforms into a winter wonderland this season with the arrival of Skate The Stadium, a custom-built synthetic ice rink! Lace up your skates and join the festive atmosphere as you glide across the ice amidst the twinkling lights and holiday cheer.

Warm up by cozy fire pits, indulge in delicious concessions, and create lasting memories with loved ones. Skate The Stadium offers a unique and affordable way to celebrate the season, with tickets priced at only $10 per person, including skate rental and a 45-minute skating session.

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.

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!

Join Explore Charleston and Southern Living for an unforgettable holiday experience in the enchanting city of Charleston, South Carolina. This festive event will feature Southern Living editors, special guests, and a carefully curated holiday market. Highlights include the Southern Living Illumination Holiday Market, showcasing local and regional vendors selected by the editors, along with a full day of demonstrations on holiday cooking, decorating, and entertaining. Guests will also enjoy a tour of the 2024 Southern Living Idea House in Kiawah River, beautifully decorated for the season, and have the opportunity to attend book signings with notable Southern authors. Plus, you’ll have the chance to meet and mingle with Southern Living editors and contributors.

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.

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 Charleston Christmas Special is a heartwarming and entertaining show that is sure to get everyone in the Christmas spirit.

Join us at this family-friendly event with Chanukah in the Square! 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. Don’t forget to stop by this event on your visit to Charleston.