Charleston truly comes alive during the Christmas holiday season with a festive charm that ignites a holiday spirit in people of all ages. From twinkling lights and holiday parades, cultural celebrations, and family-friendly activities, there’s no shortage of ways to get into the spirit of the season in the Holy City. Whether you’re looking for new family traditions or just hoping to feel the magic of the season this year, Charleston hosts a wide range of activities, sights to see, and fun things to do! Here are 6 holiday events that will turn any Grinch into Buddy the Elf this holiday season!
The Holiday Train Display at Belmond Charleston Place is a beloved seasonal tradition that captures the charm and magic of the holidays. This exhibit showcases intricately detailed model trains that wind through a miniature winter wonderland amidst festive decor, glittering lights, and scenes perfect for the holiday season. Aside from the refined train displays, visitors can enjoy the beautiful Charleston Place, which offers dining, shopping, and stunning architecture to view.
The display and hotel atrium is free to the public, drawing locals, tourists, and visitors of all ages! Visit from November 29th – January 2nd and add this to your annual list of holiday traditions!
Looking for a place to see the classic shining gingerbread houses, glittering evergreens, and twinkling nativity scenes? At the James Island County Park, you can do just that at their annual Holiday Festival Of Lights! From November 15th to December 31st from 5:30 – 10 PM, you and your family can drive through a 2-mile stretch of lit scenes that celebrate the magic of the season! In addition to the lights, the festival offers activities like a holiday train ride, a carousel, and the chance to give Santa your Christmas wish list! For those looking to get out of the car, there’s also a walking path to enjoy the lights up close, along with hot cocoa and festive treats.
While admission is not free, costs are affordable, as they charge only a small fee per car. Additional fees may apply for activities such as dining and rides.
One of Charleston’s most beautifully enchanting traditions it Aquarium Aglow, where the South Carolina Aquarium turns from an aquatic oasis to a shimmering winter wonderland! From mid-November through early January, the aquarium’s exhibits are illuminated with thousands of festive lights, providing fun that the entire family can enjoy! Visitors can stroll through the aquarium’s glittering halls, enjoy themed light displays, and even meet Santa Claus underwater. It’s a perfect way to add a splash of holiday cheer to your families’ lives, giving you an opportunity to enjoy seasonal decor while diving into marine life.
Tickets can be purchased on their website up to 60 days in advanced for the price of 20-30 dollars, depending on the day. That’s even cheaper than standard ticket costs, so consider this their Christmas gift to you this year! Get your tickets now and enjoy an underwater winter wonderland that the whole family can enjoy!
The Dock Street Theatre in Charleston is a beloved hub for lovers of play and musical performances every month of the year, but especially during the holidays. From November 30th to December 22nd, the theatre hosts A Christmas Carol frequently, so performance lovers can get into the holiday spirit through song! Audiences can expect expert performances, accurate costumes, and a complete immersion in a Christmas tale. Whether you frequent performance shows or are looking for a new holiday tradition, you won’t be disappointed at Dock Street Theatre.
Ticket prices range from 55-102 dollars depending on age and showtime, but the experience makes it a worthwhile experience and purchase. You can even buy ticket as a gift!
Join a beloved Lowcountry holiday tradition this year at the Holiday Parade of Boats! Held annually along the Charleston Harbor, this event features an array of beautifully decorated boats, all decked out in twinkling lights and holiday-themed decorations. The boat parade proceeds from the Cooper River, through the Charleston Harbor and into the Ashley River. Festivities begin on December 9th, along the shores of Mount Pleasant at 5:00 p.m., but viewing from the downtown peninsula does not start until around 7:30 p.m. Visitors can enjoy the parade from various points along the Battery or in Waterfront Park, as decked out boats sail by, bringing bright holiday charm to the whole city.
Whether you’re hoping to see glittering boats or take your own boat for a spin, admission is completely free to every participant. Bundle up with the family and join the fun this holiday season at the Charleston Holiday Parade of Boats!
6. Holiday Sleigh Ride
Take a ride on Santa’s sleigh this year with the whole family with the Old South Carriage Company! Visitors can enjoy a horse-drawn, 25 minute carriage ride through Charleston’s historic streets with Santa and Mrs. Clause. Wrapped in cozy blankets, guests can relax and take in the sights of seasonally decorated homes and shops and stunning waterfront views, all while sipping on warm drinks and soaking up the spirit of the season. This ride makes a great holiday date night, or even a family tradition!
This attraction is only available seasonally near Christmastime, and costs 35 dollars per rider. Visit their website for more information on meeting location.
Charleston comes to life during the holiday months, with traditions and events for people of all cultures and ages to enjoy. There’s something for everyone, from light displays, holiday performances, cultural celebrations, and more! Savor local treats, listen to in-season music, and share the love in the Holy City this holiday season with friends, family, and loved ones of all ages!
Written by Alexis Boatner
