It’s highly unlikely we’ll see a winter wonderland here in the Lowcountry this season, but nonetheless, Charleston is a quite a festive place to experience the holidays. From lovely historic churches and classic holiday decor adorning the streets of downtown, to the massive display of lights at James Island County Park and the annual Parade of Boats in Charleston Harbor, the season takes on a unique flare all its own here. And with countless special events for all ages, you’ll have all kinds of ways to celebrate. We have compiled a list of our favorite festive activities that are sure to get anyone into the holiday spirit!
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28th Annual Holiday Festival of Lights
November 10 – January 1st
James Island, SC
One of Charleston’s most popular holiday attractions is back for its 28th year! An estimated two million sparkling lights will be on display and open to the public from November 10th until December 31st. This event will feature a three-mile drive through an illuminated winter and holiday wonderland, various family attractions, shopping, dining and much more! For more information please visit the James Island County Park website.
Old Village Holiday Streetfest
November 30 | 5:00 PM
Mt. Pleasant, SC
The annual Old Village District Holiday Streetfest will be held November 30th on Pitt Street. There will be a variety of food trucks, live musical entertainment, plenty of holiday vendors, artisans and more. Visit the event website for more information.
Celebrate the Seasons at Colonial Lake
December 1 | 5:30 PM
Charleston, SC
Kickoff the month of December with the lighting of the Christmas tree in the middle of Colonial Lake in historic downtown Charleston. The Charleston Park Conservancy invites everyone to join in for this holiday celebration featuring food trucks, hot chocolate and a live DJ playing everyone’s favorite Christmas tunes. Click here for further details.
27th Annual Reindeer Run
December 2 | 9:00 AM
Charleston, SC
The Reindeer Run, presented by Half-Moon Outfitters, is a family-friendly community event held in downtown Charleston. All funds generated from this 5k walk/run are donated to the MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital and the Charitable Society of Charleston’s endowment. Click here for more information and to sign up for this event.
Daniel Island Holiday Festival
Daniel Island Holiday Festival
December 2 | 11:00 AM
Daniel Island, SC
Join us at Volvo Car Stadium for the 2017 Holiday Festival on Daniel Island! Bring the whole family out and enjoy this “feel good” holiday community event. Enjoy fabulous holiday shopping, featuring scores of Charleston’s finest craft vendors, as well as outstanding live entertainment and special activities for the kids! This family-friendly, Charleston holiday tradition has been voted as one of the “Top 10” Best Holiday Season events in the Lowcountry. The festival is the perfect way to kick off your holiday season. For more information, click here.
Wine Under the Oaks: Boone Hall
December 3 | 1:00 PM
Mt. Pleasant, SC
You don’t want to miss one of the most popular holiday events of the Lowcountry. This is an adults-only (21 and older) event that features wine and food pairings, complimentary desserts, wine and cooking demonstrations. This is also a great opportunity to see the beautiful plantation home at Boone Hall Plantation decked out in the finest holiday decor. For more information, click here.
City of Charleston Holiday Parade
December 3 | 2:00 PM
Charleston, SC
The City of Charleston and the Charleston County Fire Department will host the annual Charleston Holiday Parade on December 3rd. The parade runs through downtown Charleston and ends on Calhoun Street at Meeting Street. This is a wonderful family-friendly event. For more information click here.
Island of Lights Luminary Event
December 3 | 6:00 PM
Daniel Island, SC
This special night is designed to celebrate community on Daniel Island. Businesses and residents light luminaries and set them along the sidewalks to visually connect the island’s streets and neighborhoods. For more information, please visit the Daniel Island School PTA website.
Films on the Field: Polar Express
December 8 | 5:00 PM
Daniel Island, SC
This screening of “Polar Express” is the finale of the Films on the Field series at MUSC Health Stadium. This family-friendly event includes concessions, beverages for adults and children, food trucks and jump castles for the kids. Gates will open at 5:00 PM and the movie will start at 6:00 PM. For more information click here.
Breakfast with Santa
December 9 | 8:15 AM
Charleston, SC
Santa Claus will be making a special appearance on the Spirit of Carolina on December 9th. This Christmas cruise around the harbor will include a delicious breakfast, a visit with Santa and a keepsake photo. To reserve your spot, click here.
36th Annual Holiday Parade of Boats
December 9 | 5:00 PM
Charleston, SC
Watch a procession of festive boats parade through Charleston Harbor at this Lowcountry holiday tradition. You can participate as an observer from the waterfront along the Battery in downtown Charleston, or get in on the action and participate on your own boat in the parade! For more information click here.
Charleston Sleigh Ride
December 15 – 25
Charleston, SC
Pegasus Charters offers the “orignal” Charleston sleigh ride throughout the month of December. This is a 1.5 hour Charleston Harbor cruise that features Christmas music, stories about the history of Christmas in Charleston and warm holiday drinks. It’s a wonderful family-friendly outing that celebrates the holidays from the water! Click here to reserve your spot.
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