2012 Charleston SC Holiday Challenge

Take the 2012 Charleston SC Holiday Challenge to get in the holiday spirit!

Experience the sights, tastes, and smells of Christmas at Charleston's favorite holiday events. We challenge you to get in the holiday spirit by attending as many Charleston holiday events as possible this holiday season! Print the 2012 Charleston SC Holiday Challenge check list and hang it on your fridge today. Check off each holiday event as you go and post holiday pictures on our Facebook page. Share this Holiday Challenge with family and friends so that you can celebrate the holidays together.

Visiting Charleston from out of town this holiday season? Take advantage of excellent discount hotel rates from our local hotel partners. How many holiday events can you fit in during your Charleston visit?

Read more about the events featured in our 2012 Charleston SC Holiday Challenge and get in the Christmas Spirit today with some exciting holiday fun.

23rd Annual Holiday Festival of Lights
Open until December 31, 2012
James Island County Park comes alive with illumination at Charleston's most beloved nighttime event. The Holiday Festival of Lights is a great place to gather family and friends to capture the magic of the holiday season. The journey begins with a three mile drive through hundreds of breathtaking light displays featuring millions of twinkling lights. At the end, visitors can park the car and experience exciting attractions custom-designed for holiday cheer at Santa's Village and Winter Wonderland. Learn more about the Holiday Festival of Lights and start making plans today!

A Christmas Story
November 30, 2012 - December 16, 2012
The only thing little Ralphie Parker wants for Christmas is a Daisy Brand Red Ryder BB rifle. The only things standing in his way are his no-nonense 'You'll shoot your eye out" parents, a freezing flagpole, and the mis-haps and misadventures that plague poor ten year old Ralphie. Call 843-577-7183 for tickets.

Sound of Charleston Holiday Show
November 30, December 7, 14, 21 & 28, 2012
Experience the unique sounds that define Charleston's rich musical heritage including gospel, Gershwin, music of the Civil War, light classics and jazz. Professional artists will amaze the audience in this unforgettable 75 minute concert. Holiday music of the period is included. Join the cast for wassail and cookies after each performance. Call 843-270-4903 for tickets.

22nd Annual Reindeer Run
December 1, 2012 at 9:00AM
Get in the holiday spirit at the 22nd Annual Reindeer Run in Charleston, South Carolina. The race route starts and finishes in front of Southend Brewery. Once you cross the finish line, join the party for music food, and drinks! Contact the Race Director with any questions at racedirector@reindeerrun.org.

Holiday Cocktail Cruises in Charleston SC
December 1, 8, & 15, 2012
Sail the harbor on the Carolina Queen while you enjoy live cabaret-style entertainment with Christmas classics and a few fun medleys. Each Holiday Cocktail Cruise includes professional entertainment, holiday treats and desserts, coffee and cocoa and a fully stocked cash bar with special holiday drinks available for purchase. Call 800-979-3370 to reserve your tickets.

Marion Square Tree Lighting
December 1, 2012 from 4:30PM - 6PM
Join the Mayor and Santa Claus at the annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. This official City of Charleston Christmas Tree is 60 feet tall! Join us between King and Meeting Street at Marion Square for this exciting holiday event. Call 843-724-7305 for more information.

Charleston Boat Parade
December 1, 2012 at 5:00PM
Kick off the holiday season with the Charleston Boat Parade. The parade will begin at 5PM along Mt. Pleasant. Viewing from the peninsula will begin at 6:30PM. Call 843-724-7305 for more information.

Kids Christmas Cruises
December 1, 8, & 15, 2012
Join Twinkle the elf and her friends, Jingle and Jangle, in this holiday spectacular for kids. Sing, laugh, and enjoy cookies and cocoa on this Charleston cruise. Mr. and Mrs. Claus will be making a special appearance! Call 800-979-3370 for tickets.

North Charleston Christmas Festival
December 1, 2012 from 4:00PM - 9:00PM
The North Charleston Christmas Festival features a Holiday Market with children activities, craft vendors, food vendors, and live musical performances on three stages. The Christmas Parade begins at the corner of Montague and Mixson Avenues. Immediately following the parade, the Mayor will light the City's Christmas tree. Call 843-554-5700 for more information.

Holiday Whodunit With Spirit - A Sweet T Christmas Show
December 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 13, 14, 15, 16, 20, 21, 22, 23, 27, 28, 29, & 30, 2012
On the eve of Christmas in Charleston, there's more than a freak snowstorm falling at Sweet T.'s B&B. There's the happy but hapless handyman dropping the ball on wiring up a downright deadly light display. There's the beauty school drop out who falls fast for any man with nice hair and a full set of teeth, and a whole lot more! If all you want for Christmas is to share a few smiles with those you love or can otherwise endure, drop in for a comic mystery that will suit your holiday to A Sweet. T. Christmas. Call 843-937-6453 for more information.

Charleston Christmas Parade
December 2, 2012 from 2PM - 5PM
Visit historic downtown Charleston for this annual holiday tradition. Watch bands, floats, and performers parade through the streets of Charleston. The parade will begin at the intersection of Calhoun and Meeting Streets, and continue down King Street towards Broad Street. Call 843-720-1981 for more information.

A Merry Medieval Christmas
December 2, 2012 at 4PM
Boeing presents South of Broadway Theatre Company's A Merry Medieval Christmas. Enjoy a rousing and funny musical Christmas celebration featuring seasoned South of Broadway actors as well as young performers from the ShowBiz School. Call 800-745-3000 for tickets.

Holiday Workshop at Charleston Museum
December 6, 2012 from 3:30PM - 5PM
Celebrate the holiday season by decorating the little Heyward-Washington house in Kidstory. Enjoy hot chocolate, cookies, and craft making. Kids will create ornaments to take home. Call 843-722-2996 for more information.

Holiday Harbor Boat Cruise
December 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, & 22, 2012
Enjoy Charleston Harbor at sunset while listening to the fascinating history of the city during the holidays. Participate in this family friendly holiday event and share in the nostalgia of the most popular time of year in the Holy City. There will be complimentary hot chocolate and cookies. Beer and wine are available for purchase at the cash bar.

23rd Annual Cabooty Holiday Party
December 7, 2012 at 7:00PM
Join us at Memminger Auditorium in Charleston, South Carolina for the 23rd Annual Cabooty Holiday Party benefiting Camp Happy Days. Tickets are $5.00 per person and guests will enjoy Music by Plane Jane as well as silent and live auctions. Call 843-571-4336 for more information.

Charleston Sleigh Ride
December 7, 8, 14, 15, 16 - 31, 2012
Charleston Thriller presents a leisurely holiday excursion that is perfect for couples and families looking to spend some time together. The Sleigh Ride is one hour and will travel around the harbor viewing the sites along Mt. Pleasant and Charleston. Cuddle under a blanket for warmth and sip hot chocolate from a keep sake travel mug while listening to Christmas Carols on the stereo system. Call 843-276-4203 for tickets.

Holiday Breakfast with Santa Claus
December 8, 2012 - Boarding at 9:00AM
Begin a new tradition aboard the Spirit of Carolina. Create warm holiday memories for you and your family on our Breakfast with Santa Cruise. The cost of the cruise includes delicious breakfast items, a personal visit with Santa Claus himself, a keepsake photo and a special holiday gift for each child. Call 843-722-2628 for more information.

Isle of Palms Holiday Street Festival
December 8, 2012 from 3PM - 7PM
Enjoy a holiday street celebration featuring a visit with Santa, carnival rides, a photo booth, delicious food, jump castles, a climbing wall, and the lighting of a 22 foot Isle of Palms Holiday Tree. And guess what? Admission is free! Call 843-886-8294 for more information.

Madeline's Christmas
December 8 - 16, 2012 
It's off to Paris for this delightful musical adaptation of the children's classic Madeline. Madeline and her friends are off on adventures beyond their wildest dreams. Celebrate Christmas with a French accent this year! Call 843-577-7183 for more information.

Jim Brickman On A Winter's Night
December 9, 2012 at 3:00PM
In one spectacular concert, Jim Brickman weaves together classic and contemporary holiday favorites, plus all his hits. Enjoy incredible solo piano, vibrant vocals, warmth and humor. Call 843-529-5000 for ticket information.

Holiday Pops
December 14, 2012 at 7:30PM
The Charleston Symphony Orchestra and conductor James Stephenson present all of your holiday favorites at this spectacular Charleston event. Arrangements by James Stephenson have been performed by the Boston Pops, Cincinnati Pops, New York Pops, and more. Do not miss out on this exciting holiday event. Call 843-723-7528 for more information.

The Nutcracker
December 15 - 16, 2012
Invite your entire family to discover the spectacle and wonder of this timeless story seen through a child's eyes. Charleston Ballet Theatre presents The Nutcracker this December 2012 at the North Charleston Performing Arts Center. Enjoy incredible costumes, spectacular sets, a giant tree, and falling snow that blankets a winter wonderland. Call 843-723-7334 for tickets.

The Night Before Christmas Kids Concert
December 22, 2012
This Classical Kids Concert opens with an introduction to the musicians and their instruments followed by a selection of sing along songs. The highlight of the concert is the dramatic reading of a well-loved children's story set to classical music. A post-concert cookie and punch reception provides the audience with an opportunity to meet the musicians. Purchase your Night Before Christmas tickets today.

Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker
December 23, 2012
Visit the North Charleston Performing Arts Center on December 23, 2012 to see an incredible holiday performance. The Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker features 40 top Russian dancers, a Christmas tree that grows 7 stories tall, falling snow, charming silk puppets, and more. Call 843-529-5000 for more information.

Happy Holidays Everyone!

Danielle Snyder
Charleston SC Events