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 in 2023 in Charleston.
NOTE: This is a running list! We’ll be adding more events as they are announced. Submit events for consideration here.
Holiday Activities & Pop-Ups
Skate at The Stadium
November 29, 2024 – December 29, 2024
Enjoy the holidays by attending Skate The Stadium in a custom-built synthetic ice rink at the Credit One Stadium on Daniel Island from November 29, 2024, through December 29, 2024. The experience is open Thursday through Sunday. Attendees can enjoy skating, cozy fire pits, concessions that include s’mores kits, and special holiday events. Tickets are $10 per person, which includes skate rentals and a 45-minute skating session. An adult must accompany children 13 and under.
Tickets: $10
Life-Size Gingerbread House
November 24, 2023 – January 6, 2025
Hotel Bennett has created a life-sized gingerbread house for guests to enjoy this holiday season. Come and view this beautiful holiday masterpiece. Hot Chocolate service will be available from 12:00pm to 7:00pm, daily.
Tickets: No tickets or reservations required.
Holiday Festival of Lights
November 15, 2024 – December 31, 2024
The annual Holiday Festival of Lights at James Island County Park is nightly from 5:30pm to 10:00pm from Friday, November 15, 2024, through Tuesday, December 31, 2024. 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.
Tickets: $15 to $150 per vehicle
Aquarium Aglow
November 21, 2024 – December 30, 2024
Aquarium Aglow will take place on select dates from Thursday, November 21, 2024, through Monday, December 30, 2023, from 5:30pm to 7:30pm (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.
Tickets: $25.95 to $29.95
The Christmas Tree Festival
November 23-24, 2024
Head to Boone Hall on Saturday and Sunday, November 23-24, 2024, from 10:00am to 8:00pm for the Annual Christmas Tree Festival. While at the event, attendees can purchase a Christmas Tree, holiday wreath, and Christmas decorations. There will also be festive food trucks, holiday cookie decorating, and a chance to meet Santa, who will be there on both days from 12:00pm to 6:00pm.
Tickets: FREE
Let it Snow at The Charleston Place
November 29, 2024
Celebrate the the holiday season with the Let It Snow experience starting Wednesday, November 30, 2024 to Tuesday, December 31, 2024 at The Charleston Place. In the Market Street Circle, snowfall times are 5 PM, 6 PM, and 7 PM daily, with an additional 4 PM show on Saturdays and Sundays. From December 26 to 31, snow will fall at 6 PM only. This enchanting experience is complimentary and open to the public, but reservations are encouraged due to capacity limits.
Tickets: Free and open to the public (Reservations are required as space is limited)
Holiday Shop with Rebecca Illustrated
November 24, 2024 – January 2, 2025
Head to the beautiful and historical Mills House hotel for a one-stop holiday pop-up shop experience. Local artist Rebecca Meixner, known for her custom and vibrant watercolor designs ranging from coastal landscapes to wedding invitations, is hosting a gallery space at The Mills House from November 24 – January 2, 2025. The space will be transformed to feature artwork and holiday gifts, including prints, mugs, tote bags, and custom Mills House-designed merchandise by Meixner.
The North Charleston Christmas Festival and Parade
December 7, 2024
The North Charleston Christmas Parade is Saturday, December 7, 2024, from 4:00pm to 8:00pm at The Park Circle Community Building and Grounds. Attendees can enjoy festive food, children’s activities, thousands of twinkle lights, visits with Santa, and a lively parade. The Parade will begin at 5:00pm. Guests are encouraged to bring their own chairs and/or blankets.
Tickets: Free Admission
Holiday Street Festival Isle of Palms
December 7, 2024
The Holiday Street Festival is Saturday, December 7, 2024, from 2:00pm to 7:00pm at Front Beach on Isle of Palms. Attendees can enjoy festive arts and crafts, local food vendors, children activities, and live entertainment.
Tickets: Free Admission
Holiday Walking Tour
December 1-31, 2023
Bulldog Tours offers a Charleston Holiday Walking Tour in Downtown Charleston every day in December except Sundays. The tours leave at various times each day from The Mills House Hotel (115 Meeting Street). While they do accept walk-ups, reservations are recommended.
Tickets: $45 adults | $35 children (4-12) | free babies and toddlers (0-3)
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