Are you celebrating Christmas in Charleston SC this year? If yes, I have the perfect list of Charleston Christmas activities for you!
The city is filled with historic charm and beautiful architecture and holds several festival events during the Christmas holidays.
So, whether you live here or are planning a holiday to enjoy Christmas in South Carolina, Charleston is the perfect place to experience this festive season.
Are you searching for the best Christmas activities in Charleston? Then, read the below list of the 12 Festive Christmas in Charleston Activities to experience!
Christmas in Charleston SC: 12 Festive Charleston Christmas Activities
Best Places For Christmas Vacation: Wine Under The Oaks
For adults, one of the top ways to enjoy Charleston at Christmas is by attending the annual ‘Wine Under the Oaks’ event.
This elegant activity is held at the Boone Hall Plantation Lawn and features an evening filled with wine tasting, live entertainment, and gourmet food selection.
The tickets sell out early so, make sure you book in advance.
The best part is that you enjoy all this amidst the live oak setting of the plantation so, it is a truly charming experience.
Amazing products that you can take as gifts for your family and friends are sold here by local artisans.
Trust me, if you are a wine lover who wants a memorable Christmas in Charleston, then don’t forget to attend this event!
Check Out: Charleston: Local History Guided Walking Tour
Christmas In South Carolina: Holiday ‘Sleigh’ Ride
Charleston is one of the best places to visit for the holidays and one of the best things to do here is the Holiday ‘Sleigh’ Ride.
On your Charleston vacation, enjoy the 25-minute sleigh ride with your friends and family as you explore downtown Charleston.
You can sing carols, enjoy the holiday lights and decorations, and admire the historic city views.
Trust me, a Christmas in Charleston is incomplete without this holiday activity!
Check Out: Charleston: Historic Downtown Food Tour
Aquarium Aglow at South Carolina Aquarium
One of the best Christmas vacation destinations in the USA, Charleston is also home to the famous South Carolina Aquarium where you can visit the Aquarium Aglow event.
This Christmas event takes place every year from November to January and is one of the best Christmas activities to enjoy with the entire family.
The aquarium is decorated with light installations and Christmas decor with plenty of interactive displays to enjoy.
You can get festive treats along with wine and beer to enjoy here.
Overall, this is one of the best place Christmas events to enjoy in South Carolina!
Check Out: Charleston: Wadmalaw Island Wine Tasting and Tea Garden Trip
NUTCRACKER Magical Christmas Ballet
Of course, no Christmas holiday vacation is complete without a Christmas performance in the theater.
So, when visiting Charleston in Christmas, don’t forget to watch ‘The Nutcracker’.
The Dance Conservatory of Charleston presents this every year and it is one of the biggest Christmas events to attend here.
There are two showings of this every day during the season so, you have ample chance to watch it.
Trust me, this is one Christmas activity you cannot miss in Charleston!
Check Out: Charleston: Fort Sumter Entry Ticket with Roundtrip Ferry
Check Out: Charleston: Historic City Highlights Guided Bus Tour
Christmas In Charleston SD: Holiday Parade of Boats
Are you spending Christmas in South Carolina? I
Watching the Holiday Parade of Boats is one of the best things to do in Charleston at Christmas
Watch as the brightly lit boats sail from Cooper River into Ashley River through the Charleston Harbor.
During the Christmas holidays, watch the boat procession from the waterfront or you can even decorate your boat and be part of the parade.
Most importantly, this Christmas event is free of charge!
Check Out: Charleston: Sunset Harbor Cruise
Check Out: Charleston: Luxury Harbor Dinner Cruise
Visit the Charleston Holiday Market
Since Charleston is one of the best places to go on a holiday in December, you cannot miss the vibrant Charleston Holiday Market in Marion Square!
Generally, this is the Charleston Farmers Market but during the holidays, you will find the Charleston Holiday Market here.
You will find Charleston Christmas Lights decorating the market.
Also, there are Christmas treats and gifts to buy from local vendors here! Visit this market and take some gifts for your friends and family members.
Check Out: History and Architecture Guided Walking Tour
Charleston Christmas Activities: Participate in the Charleston Reindeer Run
Are you bringing your pet on the Christmas holidays?
Well, then you should attend the Charleston Reindeer Run!
This pet-friendly Christmas event is a great way to spend quality time with your family as you run/walk together to complete this.
There is a fee to register which goes to the charities in Charleston so if you are in a giving mood this Christmas, this is a good place to do that.
There is also a costume contest and you can win amazing prizes for your festive clothes!
This is why this is one of the best ways to celebrate Christmas in Charleston.
Check Out: Historic City and Southern Mansion Combo Tour
Christmas Activities: Charleston’s Holiday Festival of Lights
If you want to see the Christmas Lights in Charleston SC, The Festival Of Lights is one of the ultimate Charleston Christmas Activities!
It is located in James Island County Park, Charleston SC for Christmas. You pay an admission fee and then drive through the light show. Multiple times if you want.
The Charleston Christmas Lights Festival runs from November to New Year’s Eve. However, the tickets go on sale in October so plan ahead.
This is one of the best Christmas lights events to attend in Charleston!
Check Out: Small Group Food Tour – Savor the Flavors
Check Out: Boone Hall & Historic City Tour Combo
Watch Charleston Stage’s ‘A Christmas Carol’
One of my favorite Christmas stories, ‘A Christmas’ Carol is a staple of a Christmas in Charleston.
During November and most of December, you can attend a showing of this beautiful performance at The Historic Dock Street Theatre
Watch 50 iconic characters come to life with amazing scenery, gorgeous costumes, and magical effects.
Trust me, this musical is one of the top things to do during Charleston at Christmas.
Check Out: 90-Minute Ghost and Dungeon Walking Tour
Check Out: Magnolia Plantation Entry & Tour with Transport
Attend The Tree Lighting Event
One of the best places to visit for the holidays, Charleston at Christmas is a mesmerizing sight.
This is why I feel that one of the top things that you cannot miss during Christmas here is the Tree Lighting event.
The 64-foot-high Christmas Tree is located in Marion Square and is a delight!
Watch the Christmas Lights in Charleston SC come to life here as the tree lighting ceremony takes place in early December.
That’s not all, you can enjoy a musical performance from Charleston Symphony Brass before the lighting.
Trust me, watching this magnificent tree lit up at night during the Christmas Season is one of the best free things to do in Charleston.
Check Out: Patriot’s Point Haunted USS Yorktown Tour
South Carolina Christmas Activities: Folly Beach Christmas Parade
One of the best places for a holiday for Christmas in South Carolina is Folly Beach!
The Folly Beach Christmas Parade is held every second Saturday in December every year and is a fun Christmas tradition to celebrate.
This is the official beginning of the Christmas season for locals and tourists. Even ‘Sandy’ Claus is here!
If you are looking for more fun, get together a group and register a float to win prizes. Sounds pretty festive, right?
Good Holiday Destinations: The Charleston Christmas Special
Every year, one of the best events in Charleston SC for Christmas is the Charleston Christmas Special.
This is a favorite holiday show that features professional dancers, and musicians. You can watch wonderful comedy skits and holiday classics featuring amazing talent on the same stage.
It generally takes place from mid-December and is available for a limited time. This is why I recommend you buy tickets in advance if you don’t wish to miss this marvelous event.
Plan to attend this show with your family for a memorable Christmas in Charleston SC!
Check Out: You are the Paranormal Investigator in Charleston, SC
Check Out: Charleston: Walking History and Bar Tour
Christmas In Charleston Packing List
Here are some tips on packing lightly for your visit to South Carolina.
This unisex RFID-blocking concealed travel pouch is lightweight and comes in several colors.
These RFID sleeves would be handy in preventing identity theft.
World Traveler adapter kit can charge several devices at the same time.
This Anker high-speed phone charging battery is the exact one I carry with me on all of my trips.
My daughter gifted me this FugeTek Selfie Stick and Tripod for my birthday.
I never leave home on a trip without my Bobble filtration bottle. The 18.5-ounce size is perfect for travel.
The Bobble replaceable carbon filter ensures fresh clean water whenever and wherever you fill the Bobble.
Then this collapsible silicone foldable water bottle would work well for you.
I was never a fan of packing cubes until I tried them out! Now I am sold. These Bagail packing cubes are the exact ones I use whenever I travel.
This foldable water-resistant backpack would be great.
I also sometimes bring my Vionic Tides flip-flops depending on the time of year. The toe post is so comfortable.
This cotton unisex lightweight scarf is versatile and can be worn in any season.
These unisex polarized sunglasses come in lens colors and frame designs and are extremely affordable.
If you are fond of aviator-style sunglasses these polarized aviators may interest you.
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Best Places For A Christmas Vacation: Where to Stay
Hilton Club Liberty Place Charleston – If you want to visit South Carolina for the Christmas holidays, then Hilton Club Liberty Place Charleston is a good choice.
This 3-star hotel features fully-equipped rooms with all amenities, a restaurant, a bar, shared lounge, and a fitness center. It is also close to major attractions.
Check Prices on Booking.com
The Spectator Hotel – The Spectator Hotel is a great choice for Christmas Holiday vacations in SC.
This is a 1920s-inspired boutique hotel that features a speakeasy-styled bar, personalized butler service, and free public WiFi.
Also, it is within walking distance from the historic Charleston City Market and Charleston Port.
Check Prices on Booking.com
SpringHill Suites By Marriott Charleston Airport & Convention Center – One of the best 3-star hotels in SC that you should check out is SpringHill Suites By Marriott Charleston Airport & Convention Center.
Apart from gorgeous rooms, the hotel is also home to a fitness center, a bar, and a shared lounge. It is slightly away from the attractions but is just 4km from the airport.
Check Prices on Booking.com
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