When: November-December
Where: SOUTH CAROLINA AQUARIUM
Experience the South Carolina Aquarium from a whole new perspective! This unique event features an intricate light show that stretches throughout the aquarium. Using thousands of lights, the aquarium transforms its space into something magical. This memorable event is ticketed, with prices varying depending on the day you attend.
When: TBD
Where: JAMES ISLAND COUNTY PARK
Embrace the magic of the holiday season at the Charleston Holiday Festival of Lights, a cherished annual event held at James Island County Park in Charleston, South Carolina. This enchanting festival transforms the park into a winter wonderland, bedecked with millions of dazzling lights. Visitors can stroll or drive through a three-mile tour featuring the city’s finest light displays. They also feature a sculpture made from 50 tons of sand, a holiday train, an enchanted walking trail, a Victorian carousel, Santa Claus, Santa’s sweet shop, gift shops, marshmallow roasting, and more! Get your tickets today for this heartwarming, family-friendly experience that captures the true spirit of the season!
When: TDB
Where: Credit One Stadium
Credit One Stadium transforms into a winter wonderland this season with the arrival of Skate The Stadium, a custom-built synthetic ice rink! Lace up your skates and join the festive atmosphere as you glide across the ice amidst the twinkling lights and holiday cheer.
Warm up by cozy fire pits, indulge in delicious concessions, and create lasting memories with loved ones. Skate The Stadium offers a unique and affordable way to celebrate the season, with tickets priced at only $10 per person, including skate rental and a 45-minute skating session.
When: TBD
Where: Magnolia Plantation
Immerse yourself in the holiday spirit with this exclusive experience at Magnolia Plantations. Magnolia Plantation will offer tours highlighting Norwood and Sara Hastie, who were the owners of the plantation for 30 years. During their ownership, they entertained lavishly and hosted many prominent figures, including presidents, first ladies, innovators, and A-list celebrities of the time. Visitors can expect to hear fascinating stories about the Hasties and their impressive guest list, making for an unforgettable experience. Don’t miss out on this one-of-a-kind experience this holiday season!
When: December 1-30
Where: Begins at 117 Broad Street
Take a stroll where history meets hospitality in its finest array of Dickens past! Learn the stories behind the displays and take an intimate look at what makes Christmas in Charleston special!
When: TBD
Where: Dock Street Theatre
As the holiday season approaches, Charleston’s Historic Dock Street Theatre prepares to once again immerse audiences in the timeless tale of A Christmas Carol. This beloved production, adapted by Julian Wiles and directed by Sam Henderson, is renowned for its captivating performances, stunning visuals, and heartwarming message. This show is a must-see event. Purchase your tickets today!
When: Saturdays TBD
Where: 329 Meeting Street
During the holiday season, the Charleston Farmers Market features many additional Holiday Vendors! You will find holiday produce, food, and art as well as live music, caroling, and activities for kids including free photos with Santa u0026amp; Mrs. Claus! More information coming soon!
When: TBD
Where: Charleston Music Hall
Get in the holiday spirit with the highly acclaimed Charleston Jazz Orchestra. Enjoy the sounds of holidays past and present. There are two times available to enjoy the big band—5-6:30 pm or 8-9:30 pm.
When: TBD
Where: Various locations
Illumination Charleston is a series of unique holiday-themed events put together by Explore Charleston, Southern Living, and the Historic Charleston Foundation. Events range in price depending on the activity. Enjoy holiday workshops, live interviews, walking tours, and more! More information coming soon!
When: TBD
Where: Boone Hall Plantation Back Lawn
Wine Under the Oaks is for adults over 21 and perfect for wine lovers and those looking to get out and socialize. This ticketed event will have live music, a variety of wine samples, desserts, and oysters! More information coming soon!
When: TBD
Where: Charleston Harbor
This holiday spectacle transforms the Charleston Harbor in an array of dazzling lights and decorated boats. Participants, ranging from private boat owners to local businesses, transform their vessels into floating masterpieces, adorning them with thousands of twinkling lights, festive ornaments, and creative holiday scenes. The parade route winds its way through the Ashley River, past the iconic Battery Park, and into the Cooper River, offering spectators a mesmerizing view of the illuminated vessels. Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor to Charleston, this enchanting spectacle is sure to leave you feeling dazzled and filled with holiday cheer.
When: TBD
Where: Marion Square
Join us at this family-friendly event with Chanukah in the Square! This vibrant festival brings together the Jewish community and the wider community to commemorate the holiday season. This year’s event will feature live entertainment, a variety of food stations, and various children’s activities for families. The event also includes the lighting of the menorah candles at sundown. Don’t forget to stop by this event on your visit to Charleston.
When: December 8, 2024
Where: King Street from Queen to Calhoun
Every second Sunday of the month from noon until 5 pm, the City of Charleston shuts down King Street from Queen to Calhoun to through traffic. In addition, no cars are allowed to park, giving pedestrians the ability to stroll through the street and visit businesses they might not have known about. There are also artists displaying their work on the street and unique food vendors tempting guests with their fare.
When: TBD
Where: Downtown Charleston
Get in the holiday spirit at this high-energy parade which begins on Broad Street at Rutledge, travels North on Meeting Street, and concludes on Calhoun Street at Meeting Street. After the parade, head to Marion Square for the annual tree lighting. More information coming soon!
When: TBD
Where: Charleston Music Hall
Enjoy this Charleston staple—a musical show featuring some of the country’s most talented singers, dancers, and musicians— now in it’s 29th year!
When: January
Where: Meeting Street
Experience the Museum Mile sites throughout January 2024 with a single ticket purchase! The Museum Mile Month pass grants a month-long opportunity to immerse yourself in Charleston’s vibrant history and culture by visiting various sites along the route.
For only $35 per adult and $10 per child, access 13 different sites. Don’t miss out on exploring, discovering, and savoring all the wonders Charleston presents during Museum Mile Month!
When: TBD
Where: IBA Event Venue
Celebrate the beginning of Black History Month at an exclusive culinary event. Delight in culturally inspired cuisine crafted by Charleston’s finest community chefs! You’ll have the opportunity to savor an array of flavors curated by over a dozen talented chefs, showcasing the diverse influences of the African diaspora on Gullah Geechee culinary heritage. Enjoy live music, camaraderie, and craft cocktails. The event is rain or shine, and your receipt serves as your ticket—don’t forget to bring your ID for check-in.” Tickets are $85 and must be purchased in advance.
When: TBD
Where: Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens
Love oysters? If so, grab your oyster knives and look no further than this year’s Lowcountry Oyster Festival. Claiming to be the world’s largest oyster festival, this family-friendly event features live music, shucking and eating contests, imported beers, a children’s area, a food court, and—best of all—45,000 pounds of oysters! More information coming soon!
When: February 9, 2025
Where: King Street from Queen to Calhoun Street
Enjoy exploring Kings Street without traffic! You will find carefully curated artists showing their work on the street, unique food vendors, and other surprises! Enjoy discovering shops you might not have noticed before!
When: TBD
Where: Various locations
SEWE is the largest event of its kind in the United States that celebrates wildlife and nature through fine art, live entertainment, and special events. Be sure to visit the SEWE Marketplace located inside the Gaillard Center. There, you’ll find dozens of artisans, craftsmen, and tastemakers from across the country! More information coming soon!
When: TBD
Where: The Mirror Garden at Middleton Place Plantation
Don’t miss the most beautiful cocktail party that celebrates the 10,000 camellias that bloom each year at Middleton Place. Enjoy specialty cocktails, wine, small plates, and live music surrounded by breathtaking camellias in America’s Oldest Landscaped Gardens. This a 21 and up event.
When: TBD
Where: Various locations
Since 2005, this iconic week-long festival has been one of the area’s premier events. Originally started to promote and elevate Charleston’s culinary brand, the Charleston Wine and Food Festival brings out the best of the best to truly showcase the Charleston culinary scene. Those looking to participate can buy tickets to different unique events throughout the week. Ticket prices vary based on the event.
*Please note that all information included in this blog, such as times, ticket prices, and ticket availability, is subject to change.