Charleston Holiday Events & Activities

January 1, 2023

Ready to get in the holiday spirit? There are a lot of fun holiday events and activities in Charleston to get you in the mood for hot chocolate, candy canes, and cozy fires. Here are some of the top holiday happenings this year in Charleston.

Holiday Activities & Pop-Ups


Holiday Festival of Lights

The annual Holiday Festival of Lights at James Island County Park is nightly from November 11, 2022, through December 31, 2022. This event features over 700 displays and two million lights. Drive through the display and then park to enjoy all the other offerings, including Santa’s Village, a holiday train, treats at Santa’s Sweet Shoppe, a carousel, a holiday sand sculpture, and more. This family-friendly event is suitable for all ages and takes place rain or shine. Pricing is based on regular nights and peak nights.

  • Times: 5:30pm to 10:00pm
  • Tickets: $15-$30

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Aquarium Aglow

Aquarium Aglow will take place on select dates from Friday, November 18, 2022, through Saturday, December 31, 2022, from 5:30pm to 8:00pm (entry times) at the South Carolina Aquarium. Guests can expect an immersive holiday light experience featuring tens of thousands of lights and multiple installations. There will also be a variety of food and beverages. Ticket prices vary on the guest’s age and day of attendance.

  • Times: 5:30pm to 8:00pm (entry times)
  • Tickets: $22.95-$29.95

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Illumination Charleston

Illumination Charleston is a four-day event taking place Thursday through Sunday, December 1-4, 2022, at various locations throughout Downtown Charleston. This event will bring together some of the South’s most exciting designers, artisans, and tastemakers for a celebration of Charleston’s creative spirit. The four-day celebration will feature demonstrations, tours of historic houses, a Southern Living holiday market, engaging talks, and fun nighttime gatherings. Ticket prices vary based on events.

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Holiday Walking Tour

Bulldog Tours is offering a Charleston Holiday Walking Tour in Downtown Charleston every day in December except Sundays. The tours leave at various times each day from 115 Meeting Street. While they do accept walk-ups, reservations are recommended.

  • Days: Mondays through Saturdays in December
  • Tickets: $45 for adults, $35 for children (4-12), and free for little ones (0-3)

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Holiday Pub Crawl

The annual Holiday Pub Crawl hosted by The Original Pub & Brewery Tours of Charleston will take place from November 25, 2022, through January 8, 2023 (will not occur on Christmas Day). The two-and-a-half-hour holiday pub crawl visits several historic pubs in downtown Charleston. There will be daily tour times at 1:00pm, 4:00pm, and 7:00pm. The cost is $50 per person and includes holiday treats and appetizers. Drinks can be purchased at each stop.

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Holiday Events

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