
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
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
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.
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)
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.
Holiday Events
- November 20, 2022: Rat King: The Untold And Twisted Tail Of A Nutcracker Christmas
- November 25-26, 2022: Holiday Market at Middleton Place
- November 26, 2022, December 2, 9, 16, 22, 26, 30, 2022: The Sound of Charleston
- November 30, 2022, December 2, 3, 4, 8, 9, 10, 2022: A Christmas Carol
- December 1-2, 2022: Riviera Rockin’ Holiday Special
- December 1, 2022: Tree Lighting Ceremony
- December 1, 2022: Sparkles & Spirits at Little Palm
- December 1-4, 2022: Illumination Charleston
- December 3, 2022: Girl’s Night Out – Holiday Edition
- December 3, 2022: Old Village Street Fest
- December 3-4, 10-11, 17, 2022: Charleston Holiday Market
- December 4, 2022: Charleston Holiday Parade
- December 4, 2022: Winter Bazaar
- December 4, 2022: Wine Under The Oaks
- December 4, 2022: Lights & Love
- December 4 & 11 2022: Brunch with Santa at New Realm Brewing
- December 9-11, 2022: Field + Supply Holiday Market
- December 9, 2022: Holiday Palooza!
- December 10, 2022: Holiday Market & Craft Show
- December 10, 2022: Annual Reindeer Run/Walk
- December 10, 2022: Folly Beach Christmas Parade
- December 10, 2022: Christmas on King Street Bar Crawl
- December 10, 2022: eXp Holiday Party
- December 11, 2022: Mount Pleasant Christmas Light Parade
- December 11, 2022: Holidays at Riverfront Park
- December 12, 2022: Jingle & Mingle
- December 13, 2022: Jingle Ball
- December 14, 2022: Holiday Karaoke Caroling and Ugly Sweater Party
- December 16, 2022: Fierce and Frothy Drag Christmas Show
- December 16-18, 2022: Miracle on Market Street
- December 16-18, 2022: Vienna Light Orchestra Christmas Concert
- December 17, 2022: Holy City Holiday Market
- December 20, 2022: Winter Wonderland Succulent Globe Workshop at Frothy Beard Brewing Company
- December 21, 2022: The Charleston Christmas Special
- December 23, 2022: 5th Annual Funky Jingle Ball
- December 23, 2022: Sleigh The Night Holiday Oyster Roast