Celebrate Christmas in Charleston SC. Charleston commemorates Christmas and the holiday season with a brilliant light display, festive holiday markets, musical performances, and celebrated traditions. It is a magical time of the year to visit the Lowcountry.
Here are our local recommendations for things to do at Christmas in Charleston, SC, to get you into the holiday spirit during your Christmas vacation.
Access our complimentary Sea Islands Vacation Guide if you want additional ideas to celebrate.
Whether you plan to visit Kiawah Island, Seabrook Island, or historic Charleston, SC, the guide has year-round recommendations for Charleston’s top attractions, events, shopping, dining, and more.
We can’t wait to welcome you to our Yuletide paradise!
Christmas in Charleston - Events and Holiday Markets
Planning a festive getaway? Our guide to holiday events in Charleston, SC highlights the best Christmas lights, parades, markets, concerts, and family-friendly things to do across the Lowcountry. From the dazzling Holiday Festival of Lights to historic home tours, tree lightings, boat parades, church concerts, and New Year’s Eve celebrations, we’ve got dates, locations, and ticket tips to make your season sparkle. Read on for can’t-miss Charleston holiday events—perfect for locals and visitors looking to sip cocoa, stroll cobblestone streets, and soak up the city’s signature Southern cheer. Christmas in Charleston - Events and Holiday Markets.
The Holiday Festival of Lights at James Island County Park
Experience the magic of the Holiday Festival of Lights in Charleston—a beloved Lowcountry tradition at James Island County Park featuring millions of twinkling lights, larger-than-life displays, and festive family activities. From the dazzling drive-through light show to marshmallow roasting, train rides, carousel, sand sculpture, Santa photos, and holiday shopping, this award-winning Charleston Christmas event delivers cheer for all ages. Plan your visit early, check hours and ticket options, and discover why the Charleston Holiday Festival of Lights is a must-see on every seasonal itinerary.
- November 14, 2025 to December 31, 2025
- 5:30 pm to 10:00 pm
Christmas in Charleston SC must include a trip to see the spectacular holiday lights display at James Island County Park.
The Charleston Festival of Lights drive-thru holiday light show is the perfect, family-friendly event of the season!
There is so much more than lights at this traditional holiday event.
The festival celebrates each year at James Island County Park. It runs nightly beginning in November and continues through the end of year. The festival opens at 5:30 p.m. and closes at 10 p.m. nightly. Featuring over 750 light displays, this annual holiday light tradition also offers Santa’s Sweet Shoppe, gift shops, festival train rides, and a massive sand sculpture carved from 50 tons of sand!
- Marshmallow Roasting
- Festival Train Rides
- The Amazing Dancing Light Display
- Enchanted Walking Trail
- Old-Fashioned Carousel
- Santa’s Sweet Shoppe and concessions: hamburgers, kettle corn, and hot chocolate
- Gift Shops
- Climbing Wall
On New Year’s Eve, a fireworks display commemorates the end of the year! So pack the family, crank up the holiday tunes, and put this on your must-do holiday happenings list. For more information on the holiday festival of lights visit their website.
Fields Farm Christmas Market
This holiday season, Fields Farm is your go-to destination for everything festive—from Christmas trees and stocking stuffers to decorative poinsettias, firewood, and, most importantly, wholesome, healthy eating options. Visit the farm to choose a NC Fraser Fir or locally grown poinsettias at your convenience.
Poinsettias from Rogers’s Greenhouses and NC Fraser Firs (6ft-10ft) are available. Great quality at reasonable prices!!!
- Visit Fields Farm at 3075 River Road, Johns Island
- Open Tuesday through Saturday, 10am 'til 5pm.
Restaurants Open on Christmas in Charleston SC
Christmas in Charleston SC wouldn’t be complete without five-star dining from your friends at Kiawah Island Golf Resort. From harvest dinners to traditional suppers, you don’t have to sacrifice home cooking for this year's great holiday vacation. Call ahead to reserve your table.
Here is a list of some restaurants open on Christmas in Charleston SC. Use Open Table for reservations and see more options and available seating times.
Festive Local Favorite Holiday Activities
- Christmas at Charleston Place Hotel: Nothing says Happy Holidays like the over-the-top decorations at Charleston Place Hotel. The village scene, with a big train in the hotel lobby, snow, and decorations outside, is not to be missed! A special holiday, "Nutcracker Tea," is their holiday version of high tea.
- Christope Artisan Chocolatier Scroll through the cobblestone streets with a delicious hot chocolate
- The Holiday Market in Marion Square is open Saturday mornings through December 16. Come find the perfect gift for that hard-to-buy loved one!
- Christkindlmarkt Charleston: The German Christmas Markt in Charleston offers a festive and authentic European Christmas experience. Inspired by a German Christmas market, it features traditional German handcrafts, local artisan goods, and international finds from various European countries. The market provides a delightful atmosphere with live music, delicious food, and warm drinks, making it a perfect place for family outings, date nights, or gatherings with friends.
Candlelight Tours at Historic Drayton Hall
Drayton Hall is the oldest, nonrenovated, colonial home open to visitors. This year guests are invited to experience Drayton Hall by candlelight for a unique way to understand this historic home. Tours are offered on select dates from mid-November to mid-December. Reservations are required. Book early as availability is limited.
- Candlelight tours are conducted by audio broadcast
- Pre-registration is required
- This tour is not recommended for the visually or auditorily impaired
Charleston SC — 2025 Holiday Highlights
Get ready to celebrate in true Lowcountry style. Here is a spotlight of the City of Charleston’s official holiday events, from the sparkling Holiday Parade of Boats and lively Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting to Light the Lake, Chanukah in the Square, and festive Holiday Markets. Whether you’re a local planning family traditions or a visitor soaking up the season, we’ve gathered the must-see happenings with dates, locations, and tips to make the most of Charleston’s cheerful calendar. Let’s dive into the city’s brightest holiday highlights.
Light the Lake
Sun, Nov 30 • 5:00–7:00 PM • Colonial Lake
Kick off the season the Sunday after Thanksgiving with live music, tasty bites, and the magical lighting of Colonial Lake.
Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting
Sun, Dec 7 • Parade 3:00 PM • Tree Lighting 6:00 PM • Marion Square
A festive city parade rolls through downtown, followed by music, activities, and the lighting of Charleston’s Tree of Lights.
Holiday Parade of Boats
Sat, Dec 13 • Dusk–8:00 PM • Charleston Harbor
A sparkling procession of decorated boats glides through the historic harbor—one of Charleston’s most dazzling traditions.
Chanukah in the Square
Sun, Dec 14 • 4:00–7:00 PM • Marion Square
The city’s official menorah lighting with traditional foods, music, and a warm community celebration.
Holiday Farmers Markets
Dec 6, 7, 13, 14 & 20 • 9:00 AM–3:00 PM • Marion Square
Shop seasonal produce, local gifts, and festive treats from Charleston’s favorite makers and farmers.
Christmas in Charleston SC: The Holiday Boat Parade
December 13, 2025
The Charleston Holiday Boat Parade is a Lowcountry tradition! Launching from the shores of Mt. Pleasant at 5 pm the viewing from downtown Charleston starts around 7 pm.
Enjoy the procession of holiday-themed boats as they make their way along the Cooper River. Rumor has it Santa will be in the boat parade too!
Christmas in Charleston, SC Ice Skating
2025 Dates Still TBA
Perfect for holiday vibes, The Credit One Stadium on Daniel Island has offered ice skating! This event was a huge success. We hope the stadium will host this event again in 2025. As of mid-October, dates have not been confirmed. Stay tuned for more information. Christmas in Charleston, SC, is so much more festive with ice skating. If announced, book early as sessions sell out quickly.
The fire pits, seasonal treats, hot cocoa, and craft cocktails created a festive mood. It was the perfect activity for those who love a frosty holiday season. More details and tickets.
Charleston Harbor Resort creates a winter wonderland with a synthetic ice rink, fire pits, s'mores, and much more! Celebrate Christmas in Charleston.
Illumination Charleston
December 5-6, 2025
Illumination Charleston (Dec 5–6, 2025) is a festive weekend from Southern Living and Explore Charleston featuring a curated Holiday Market at the Charleston Visitor Center (375 Meeting St.) with all-day live demos and seminars led by Southern Living editors, chefs, and authors—plus meet-and-greets and special workshops like the Bouquets & Bubbles Signature Experience. Tickets are available for Friday/Saturday programming; the market runs Saturday, 10 am–4 pm.
Experience demonstrations, tours of historic houses, a market featuring the Southern Living Tastemakers, inspired vignettes at the historic Aiken-Rhett House, engaging talks from some of the brightest stars in the design world, and fabulous nighttime gatherings.
You won't want to miss these highly anticipated festive events!
Join Explore Charleston and Southern Living for an unforgettable experience as we light up the season with Southern Living editors, special guests, and a curated holiday market in the magical city of Charleston, South Carolina. Highlights include:
- The Southern Living Illumination Holiday Market featuring local and regional vendors curated by Southern Living editors
- A full day of demonstrations on cooking, decorating, and holiday entertaining
- A tour of the 2024 Southern Living Idea House in Kiawah River, which will be decorated for the holidays
- Book signings with notable Southerner authors
- Meet and greets with Southern Living editors and contributors
Holiday Market
- The Charleston Visitors Center
- 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
- $85.00
- Saturday, December 6
Southern Living will once again transform the Charleston Visitor Center into a holiday market featuring a full day of demonstrations and seminars hosted by Southern Living Editors, notable chefs, authors, and Southern personalities. A selection of pop-up booths will feature gifts available for purchase, food and beverage samplings, and more. Illumination Village attendees will receive complimentary refreshments, including light bites, beer, and wine.
Christmas in Charleston SC Holiday Walking Tours
December
If you have ever been on a historic walking tour in Charleston, you already know this type of excursion gives you a “behind the scenes” view of the Holy City.
The Holiday Walking Tour presented by Bulldog Tours does this and more.
Stroll down streets and alleyways that carriages and motor coaches can’t access, listen to stories about Charleston’s history, and view incredible holiday decor.
This tour is offered at 10 a.m. daily during the month of December.
New Year’s Eve in Charleston, SC
If you’re spending New Year’s Eve in Charleston, there are many ways for you to celebrate! Here are some ideas for ways to celebrate the New Year in Charleston SC. If you are looking for an unforgettable, romantic dinner, Circa 1886’s New Year’s Dinner is a memorable experience at one of the city’s finest restaurants.
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Marion Square New Year's Celebration
Enjoy a super family-oriented celebration. The fun kicks off early with alcohol-free activities, food trucks, and lively festivities! This event typically runs from 4 pm to 10 pm.
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Charleston Wonderland
Ring in the new year at Charleston’s high-energy, 21+, all-inclusive bash featuring a premium open bar, live bands & DJs, Cirque-style performers (aerialists, acrobats), variety acts, specialty photo booths, a silent disco, a champagne bar, and a massive midnight balloon drop—all set to a state-of-the-art A/V countdown. Tickets include access to all entertainment all night. Charleston Wonderland Tickets
Kiawah Island New Year's visitors don't miss the New Year's Eve Celebration in Night Heron Park.
Ring in 2025 with friends and family, featuring glow golf, music, and fireworks. Full à la carte dinner service is available until 9 pm. Fireworks start promptly at 9 pm. The evening is full of entertainment suitable for families and groups of all ages.
The New Year’s Eve Family Celebration at Night Heron Park is limited to Kiawah Island guests and residents. Admission to the festival is complimentary. This event is complimentary, no reservation is required. No coolers permitted. Food and glow gear are available for purchase. We ask that you leave pets at home during fireworks for their comfort and safety. The flying of drones in fireworks areas is prohibited. The schedule is subject to change.
New Year's Celebration on Kiawah Island.
You Charleston Home Away from Home
Charleston’s most beautiful homes aren’t limited to downtown. If you are searching for your very own Charleston-style home for sale, consider exploring Charleston’s beloved sea islands. You’ll find Kiawah Island and Seabrook Island away from the hustle and bustle of Downtown Charleston and surrounded by the Lowcountry’s most stunning natural scenery.
Just 30 minutes away from the bustling Holy City, the resort beach communities of Kiawah Island and Seabrook Island offer private homes and villas where you can create your own holiday magic.
During the Christmas season, bring your family to decorate cookies and holiday s’mores at The Sanctuary Hotel on Kiawah Island.
Enjoy elegant holiday menus at Kiawah Island’s Jasmine Porch, The Ocean Room, or The Atlantic Room.
Visit Freshfields Village located between Kiawah and Seabrook Island for holiday events and shopping opportunities.
The Journey to Ownership Often Begins with a Vacation Rental
Find the perfect setting for your family to gather for a safe, relaxing celebration together. Whether you’re a golfing family searching for fairway and lagoon vistas, or a large family searching for that perfect home with a beach view, Kiawah Island and Seabrook Island offer many options from which to choose.
Their vacation rentals are well appointed with stylish décor, quality WIFI for streaming all your devices, fully stocked kitchens for festive holiday dining suited and plenty of space for the entire family.
Their Seabrook Island portfolio of homes and villas even include several pet friendly options where FIDO can join you.
Best of all, Kiawah Island and Seabrook Island are an easy drive into historic Charleston, but just far enough outside the city to enjoy the tranquility of nature and no crowds. Enjoy the holidays on island time!