Guide to the Holidays in Charleston
Charleston is a wonderful place to visit for the holidays. There is nothing like Christmas in Charleston with the rich history and tradition that can make you feel as if you have gone back in time. The mild temperatures make this an ideal time of year to visit and soak up the grandly decorated Charleston homes. There is just something about the Palmetto trees adorned in twinkling holiday lights. Here are a few of our favorite New Years and Christmas activities in Charleston, SC for the holidays.
Guide to the Holidays in Charleston:
- Aquarium Aglow
- James Island County Park Holiday Festival of Lights
- Holiday Charleston Speed Boat Adventures tour
- First Friday ArtWalk
- Holiday Street Festival
- Marion Square Holiday Market
- A Very Merry Footlight Holiday Special
- Hotel Bennett
- Wine Under the Oaks
- Deck the Hall Oyster Roast
Aquarium Aglow
The wonder of the season comes alive at Aquarium Aglow, elegant evenings of holiday celebration in the heart of downtown Charleston. Boom emerged in the waves of color from tens of thousands of lights. Installations from warm and nostalgic to awe-inspiring and contemporary, transform the aquarium. Combined with interactive displays and refreshments, Aquarium Aglow will please the whole family. New Year’s is a friendly evening filled with festive fun, lively music and a special ball drop before bedtime. This event also has a DJ spinning party music, face painting and more surprises.
Photo credit: South Carolina Aquarium
James Island County Park Holiday Festival of Lights
Visit the James Island County Park Holiday Festival of Lights to get all the Christmas in Charleston feels! Your visit isn’t complete until you see Santa at Santa’s Village. You can ride the carousel, climb the climbing wall, enjoy a meal and festival fun foods. Smores kits are always a highlight. Convenient first allows you to warm and toast your marshmallows. There is also a reindeer workshop where you can build a furry friend to spend the holidays with. Giant Holiday Greeting Cards created by local students for holiday art competitions are on display.
Photo Credit: Visit Historic Charleston
Holiday Charleston Speed Boat Adventures tour
Gather friends and loved ones to journey through the Charleston Harbor on a Holiday Charleston boat tour with Speed Boat Adventures. Christmas in Charleston can also be enjoyed on the water seeing historical sites and breathtaking views while making Christmas memories. The excitement of being your own captain but the reassurance of having an experienced tour guide lead the way is bound to be the best thing you do in Charleston! This adventure is sure to become a holiday tradition for many years to come. The reviews are glowing!
First Friday ArtWalk
Fun and inspiring monthly first Friday ArtWalk happens in the downtown Charleston galleries. The Charleston Gallery Association organizes the Art Walk. Go to the (CGA) Maps page to get a printable PDF or on Google Maps to plan your own Artwalk. Whilst stroking the galleries you will see studding Christmas lights in the Charleston area.
Photo Credit: Charleston Gallery Association
Holiday Street Festival
Head to the beach to enjoy the annual Holiday Street Festival at Front Beach, Isle of Palms, with tree lighting ceremony, live entertainment, food, crafts, visits from Santa and children’s activities.
Marion Square Holiday Market
The Marion Square Holiday Market is sure to get you into the Christmas spirit. The market is located in downtown Charleston in the historic Marion Square. You’ll find all sorts of holiday gifts and cheer at this event.
Photo Credit: Charleston Empire Properties
Very Merry Footlight Holiday Special
A Very Merry Footlight Holiday Special is a show you won’t want to miss. The Holiday variety show @ the Queen Street Playhouse brings all the holiday cheer you can handle in one sitting! Featuring a variety of your favorite yuletide hits, special guests and novelty acts as well as comedy skits. It’s a big cozy cup of nostalgia wrapped in one big and beautiful package.
Hotel Bennett
Christmas in Charleston just got even sweeter thanks to Hotel Bennett! Hotel Bennett’s Gabrielle Plaza overlooking Marion Square is transforming into a downtown Charleston destination for holiday magic. Discover nightly movies, cozied up by the fire with decadent stores kits and festive specialty cocktails.
Wine Under the Oaks
Wine Under the Oaks is an annual holiday festival at Boone Hall Plantation with a selection of wines, plus desserts, oysters, and other food from local restaurants, wine, and cooking demonstrations, and live music.
Photo Credit: Boone Hall Plantation and Gardens
Deck the Hall Oyster Roast
Attend the Deck the Hall Oyster Roast at Drayton Hall. Delight in the historical significance of these local delicacies. All you can eat oyster & chili bar and local beverages will ensure you have a great time all while supporting the Drayton Hall mission.
Photo Credit: Drayton Hall
Be sure to book a Charleston Harbor tour during the holidays in Charleston! This will be a memorable holiday experience you and your family will look back on for years to come.