Charleston SC Holiday Events

Celebrate the holiday season in Charleston, South Carolina with festive events and activities including the world renowned Holiday Festival of Lights, the annual Holiday Parade of Boats and the Yorktown Countdown New Year's Eve Celebration!

Enjoy Thanksgiving Day races, Christmas festivities and New Year's Eve Celebrations this November and December in Charleston, South Carolina! Race against family and friends in the 38th Annual Turkey Day Run & Gobble Wobble, view millions of multicolored lights during the Holiday Festival of Lights and celebrate the start of 2016 at the Yorktown Countdown New Year's Eve Party! There are exciting celebrations and family friendly events happening all season long in Charleston, South Carolina. Make plans today so that you can enjoy the holidays with family and friends!

Visiting from out of town? The Staybridge Suites Charleston and the Hyatt Place Charleston Airport hotel are offering excellent rates for the holiday season. Enjoy complimentary breakfast, free parking and free WiFi at these premier Charleston hotels. Make your hotel reservations today!

2015 Charleston South Carolina Holiday Events:

Holiday Festival of Lights Fun Run & Walk
November 11 and 12, 2015
Join us for a two-mile non-competitive fun run and walk and special preview of the Holiday Festival of Lights at James Island County Park. After reaching the finish line, participants are invited to enjoy all that the festival has to offer. Get Some Exercise & Sneak Peek of the Holiday Festival of Lights! Click here for additional information.

Holiday Festival of Lights
November 13, 2015 - January 3, 2016
Believe In...Holiday Magic! Each year, thousands of families create lasting memories at the Holiday Festival of Lights, where millions of multicolored lights illuminate the sky throughout 52 enchanting nights. Journey through three miles of over 700 magical light displays of all shapes and sizes. Park your car and enjoy family activities, shopping, food, entertainment, and so much more! The Holiday Festival of Lights has been recognized around the country and the world. More than just a driving tour, the Holiday Festival of Lights invites you to park your cars and explore all that is offered including a magnificent sculpture made from over 50 tons of sand, an up-close look at the lights via the holiday train, mouth-watering treats from Santa's Sweet Shoppe, handmade gingerbread houses, giant greeting cards created by local students and a Victorian carousel. Click here for additional information about this spectacular Charleston holiday event.  

Festival of Lights Tour with Adventure Sightseeing
November 13 - December 31, 2015
Join Adventure Sightseeing for a magnificent time at the Charleston Festival of Lights!  There are over 700 displays and 2 million lights.  Running daily from November 13th thru December 31st (with the exception of Thanksgiving and Christmas).  The tour will leave from the Charleston Visitor's Center located at 375 Meeting St. at 5 p.m. Transportation provided in a climate controlled 25 passenger bus. Click here for additional information and tickets.

Charleston Holiday Market
November 13 - 15 , 2015
Charleston's Holiday Market is the Lowcountry's Holiday shopping place to be! All the food & fun, music & magic, gifts & glitter of the season come together at this great event.  A shopping experience like no other! Shop HUNDREDS of specialty vendors from across the country; aisle after aisle of boutiques, gourmet food and drink (and sampling is encouraged!), original art & craft creations, trendy holiday fashions and accessories, tips on holiday decorating, gifting, cooking & entertaining, and so much more. SANTA will be here, ready to hear wishes from people of all ages – don’t forget your camera! Click here for additional information. 

Munich Symphony
November 14th, 2015
Joining forces with renowned guitarist, Pepe Romero, and the timeless Romeros Quartet, the Munich Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Phillippe Entremont, will return to the United States in the 2015-2016 season with a repertoire of German and Spanish music. Acclaimed worldwide for the elegance and virtuosity of his playing, and his outstanding interpretive abilities on the podium, the pairing of Philippe Entremont with the Munich Symphony Orchestra proves to be a stunning collaboration. Regular concerts in Bavaria and numerous tours throughout Germany as well as in Europe, Asia and the Americas have firmly established the reputation of the Munich Symphony Orchestra. Click here for additional information. 

Make Room for Turkey Climb
November 25, 2015
This year, start a new family tradition that keeps the kids away from the iPods and the extra pounds off the waistlines. Bring the entire family to Wild Blue Ropes on Wednesday November 25th from 10AM – 10PM for their 'Make Room for Turkey' initiative (only $25 per person). They will also be OPEN all day Black Friday so you can #OptOutside instead of shopping! Open Thanksgiving weekend Saturday & Sunday too! Click here to make reservations. 

Thanksgiving at Middleton Place
November 26, 2015
Served among the ancient Live Oaks of Middleton Place in the Pavilion and under a graceful sailcloth tent, Thanksgiving at Middleton Place promises to be a wonderful gathering for families who are invited to stroll “America’s oldest landscaped gardens” before and after dinner. Make plans to spend Thanksgiving Day at Middleton Place with a traditional buffet meal by the Middleton Place Restaurant. Click here for additional information.

38th Annual Turkey Day Run & Gobble Wobble
November 26, 2015 at 9AM
Wobble before you gobble this Thanksgiving! The 28th Annual Turkey Day Run and Gobble Wobble features live music for the lively, free beer, a kids run and family activities, and free food and drinks for everyone provided by Earth Fare! Download the Turkey Day Run App to your smartphone today! Strollers are allowed in the last corral only. Click here for additional details about the Turkey Day Run & Gobble Wobble.

7th Annual Holiday Pub Crawl
November 27, 2015 - January 10, 2016
Charleston is so lovely doing the Holiday season: the Colonial candles in the windows, the festive decorations, the many traditions and celebrations from over hundreds of years. Join us for a special Holiday Pub Tour this 2015 Christmas season and experience the Holy City at its most festive. Come with your family and friends or share the holiday spirit with fellow travelers as we tour bars and pubs on a 2.5 hour walking history tour in one of the most historic parts of downtown Charleston. Our pub crawl visits 3-5 locations and we provide some tasty appetizers along the way. You can purchase your favorite festive drinks, share some wine, or enjoy some of our local craft beer. As a treat for our guests for the 7th Annual Holiday Pub Crawl, we will provide delicious Christmas cookies. Touring in Charleston is always a special treat during any month of the year, but it is especially wonderful during this time of joy and celebration. Click here for additional information.

A Lowcountry Christmas
November 27-29, 2015
December 3-6, 10-13, 16-23, 26-31, 2015
January 1, 2016
The Christmas season comes alive at Boone Hall Plantation with an exciting new special event that is designed to bring some holiday magic and joy to people of all ages! This inaugural event will include a magical 3D tour of Santa's Castle, a stroll through Christmas Town and a 20 minute holiday hayride. Meet Santa in Santa's Castle, enjoy holiday shops and seasonal treats in Christmas Town and hear the wonderful Christmas story of Ebenezer Scrooge on the holiday hayride. Click here for additional event details.

The Kris Kross Show
November 27-29, 2015
December 1-6, 8-13, 15-23 and 26-27, 2015
A merry madcap mystery! Holiday laughter with friends, family, coworkers. A socialite's holiday party hits the skids when her cherished Maltese Fruitcake is stolen, and all clues point to a certain Jolly Old Soul who’s sure to take the rap — until his old friend Inspector NoClue discovers that invited guests include members of the local chapter of the N.L.A ... Naughty List Anonymous! Featuring roles for volunteer audience actors and pre-show caroling, it’s the night Inspector NoClue almost saved Christmas! Rated PG. Runs Thanksgiving through New Year's. Click here for additional information.

Holiday Dinner Cruise
November 27, 2015
December 11, 19 & 26, 2015
A holiday celebration Lowcountry style! The 2015 Holiday Dinner Cruise features a 2 hour scenic Harbor Cruise and a gourmet buffet holiday dinner. Enjoy a joyful mix of holiday favorites and Gullah spirituals! The cruise boards at 6:30PM. Tickets are $52.95 per person. Call now at 888-224-5037 to book. Click here for additional information.

Holiday Market at Middleton Place
November 27 & 28, 2015
The Garden Market & Nursery and Museum Shop kick-off the shopping season with an open-air market including local artisans and vendors, live musicians performing festive carols, complimentary hot cider and treats, and featured items in both shops. Click here for additional information.

Holiday Festival at Freshfields Village
November 28, 2015
Freshfields Village decks the halls on Saturday, November 28 as this annual celebration returns to the Village Green from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Free children’s activities include face painting by Cupcake the Clown, an inflatable obstacle course, jump castle, and rides on the Mechanical Reindeer. There will also be a variety of complimentary holiday craft and activity booths. Enjoy live music from an interactive kid’s band throughout the afternoon. Delicious treats will be available for purchase from local food vendors. Click here for additional information.

Santa Paws Sunday
November 29, 2015
Visit Santa’s Workshop with your pet on Sunday, November 29 for a photo opportunity with Santa! Each family will receive one free print compliments of the Village merchants. Donations will be accepted on behalf of local pet rescue groups. Santa will be available from 1-6PM for photos with children as well! Click here for additional information.

Holiday Walking Tour
December 1 - 31, 2015
Charleston Strolls invites you to enjoy our holiday spirit and seasonal decorations! Tour where carriages and motorcoaches are not allowed and take a fascinating stroll with stories and traditions revealing Charleston’s rich history and colorful past. Charleston Strolls has been featured in Southern Living and recommended by both the New York Times and the AAA Tour Book. Throughout December, the finale for this special tour is at the beautiful Mills House Hotel, where everyone will enjoy hospitality and holiday refreshments. Click here to purchase tickets.

A Christmas Story
December 2 - 20, 2015
All little Ralphie wants for Christmas is a genuine Red Ryder Carbine Action 200-shot Range Model air rifle. He's determined that neither a neighborhood bully nor a freezing flagpole, nor Ralphie's own "you'll shoot your eye out" mom and dad will stand in his way. Based on the beloved holiday movie classic and on Jean Shepherd's hilarious memoir, A Christmas Story returns to the Dock Street Theatre this December (with the famous leg lamp in tow) to light up the holiday season. Click here for additional details and tickets.

Miracle on 34th Street
December 4 - 20, 2015
Kris Kringle takes on the cynics among us in this musical adaptation of the popular holiday favorite. The perfect show for the entire family. In his inimitable style, Meredith Wilson, the author of The Music Man and The Unsinkable Molly Brown, tells us the classic story of a white-bearded gentleman claiming to be the real Santa Claus who brings about a genuine Miracle on 34th Street, spreading a wave of love throughout New York City, fostering camaraderie between Macy’s and Gimbel’s Department Stores, and convincing a divorced, cynical single mother, her somber daughter and the entire state of New York that Santa Claus is no myth. No small feat! Click here for additional information and tickets.

Charleston Holiday Farmers Market
December 5, 6, 12, 13, 19 & 20, 2015
Saturdays and Sundays 9AM - 3PM
Located in Marion Square in the heart of Historic District in Downtown Charleston, SC, the CFM is open each Saturday, from April 4th through November 28th, 8 AM to 2 PM with additional Sunday markets during the Piccolo Spoleto Festival in May and June as well as Saturdays and Sundays in December during Holiday Magic for our Holiday Market. The CFM is dedicated to the support and advocacy of Lowcountry farmers, growers, prepared/packaged food, artisans, crafters, live performers and community groups of all kinds. We offer a variety of local produce, plants, herbs and cut flowers as well as breakfast and lunch vendors, live entertainment and an assortment of juried arts and crafts from local artisans. Attracting locals and tourists alike, the CFM is the community connection, bringing together people from all parts of the Lowcountry and beyond. Whether you are a local that frequents the CFM or a tourist visiting for the weekend, we have something for you to enjoy. Click here for additional information about this free Charleston event.

Charleston Sleigh Ride
December 11 - 27, 2015
In December, Pegasus Charters offers the "Original" Charleston Sleigh Ride. Started in 2008, we depart from the Ripley Light Marina in Charleston upon the Charleston Explorer. We cruise for 1.5 - 2 hours listening to Christmas music and stories about Charleston's Christmas traditions. We provide hot chocolate to enjoy during the trip. Feel free to bring along a cooler with your own beverages and/or snack. Perfect for couples and families looking for a festive holiday outing. This is not a holiday lights tour, however, we know that viewing holiday lights is a high priority to our customers and we will travel along the Ashley River where the private homes in Charleston are located and then down the Intracoastal Waterway through James Island where we have a much better chance of seeing holiday lights. Be aware, we have no control over how people decorate their homes. The Charleston Explorer is a covered vessel with restrooms available on board. Coolers are allowed on board if you wish to bring along additional drinks. Alcohol is allowed. No glass bottles please. We reserve the right to switch to a smaller vessel, The Inlet Scout, if tickets sold don't warrant using our larger vessel. Click here for additional information and available dates.

Holiday Hoedown
December 12, 2015
People with special needs and their families and friends are invited to an unforgettable night at Wannamaker County Park! Dust off your dancing shoes and boogie the night away. Come dressed in your favorite western gear to welcome the holidays, country style! Enjoy light refreshments with Mrs. Claus and Holiday Festival of Lights mascot, Wattson! Click here for additional information.

Holiday Parade of Boats
December 12, 2015
‘Tis the season to jingle and mingle on the harborfront! The second annual Light Up the Night Holiday Parade of Boats combines two of the Lowcountry’s most beloved traditions – the allure of the harbor and twinkling holiday lights. A viewing party filled with the sounds of the season surrounded by captivating lights will be held at the Charleston Maritime Center on Saturday, Dec. 12, 2015. Boats adorned with colorful lights will promenade past the viewing docks while guests on shore fill the air with their favorite holiday carols and feast on the scrumptious tastes of the season. This family friendly event is sure to become a holiday tradition for young and old from near and far. Click here for additional information.

Best Christmas Pageant Ever
December 12 & 19, 2015
When the Herdmans, the worst kids in town, somehow wrangle the leading roles in the local Christmas Pageant it seems everything that is sacred will be lost and yet, through this motley crew of rough and tumble kids, the true meaning of Christmas is movingly rediscovered. Adapted from Barbara Robinson's widely acclaimed contemporary Christmas classic, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever continues to delight kids and their families year after year. Click here for additional information and tickets.

20th Annual Christmas Light Parade & Tree Lighting
December 13, 2015
More than 100 brilliantly lit floats will march down Coleman Boulevard as the Mount Pleasant Christmas Light Parade sets sail to the delight of thousands of residents and visitors. The festivities begin at 5:30PM with the lighting of the Town of Mount Pleasant Christmas Tree and fireworks display at Moultrie Middle School, immediately followed by the parade. Click here for additional information.

Christmas with the Charlestones
December 18, 2015
Charleston's premier a cappella quartet is sure to put you in the Christmas spirit as they bring the harmony to St. Matthew's Lutheran Church!  Performing an eclectic mix of barbershop, musical theater, spirituals, and pop tunes, the Charlestones have taken the Holy City by storm in the last year. You'll enjoy a cappella renditions of Christmas carols from bygone eras, lush and jazzy Christmas arrangements from the 40s and 50s, and modern pop stylings such as Pentatonix's Little Drummer Boy. Don't miss their only full-length holiday concert on the peninsula! Click here for additional information.

Classical Kids Concert - The Night Before Christmas
December 19, 2015
Celebrate the most magical holiday season with a special Christmas Classical Kids Concert at Sottile Theatre, 44 George Street. Sing along to favorite holiday songs and listen as well-loved stories come to life with classical music. This performance will feature musicians from CMC2, Chamber Music Charleston’s mentoring program, performing alongside CMC musicians. Classical Kids Concerts are 45-minute programs of sing-along songs and stories set to music. Tickets are $12 for adults, $6 children 4-16, and free for children 3 and under. Click here for additional information.

Elf The Musical
December 22 - 23, 2015
ELF THE MUSICAL is the hilarious tale of Buddy, a young orphan child who mistakenly crawls into Santa’s big bag of gifts and is transported back to the North Pole. Unaware that he is actually human, Buddy’s enormous size and poor toy-making abilities cause him to face the truth. With Santa’s permission, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father, discover his true identity, and help New York remember the true meaning of Christmas. This modern day Christmas classic is sure to make everyone embrace their inner ELF. Click here for additional information and tickets.

New Year's Eve Dinner at Circa 1886
December 31, 2015
Circa 1886 restaurant celebrates the arrival of 2016 with a festive six-course prix fixe New Year’s Eve dinner on Thursday, December 31. Cost is $125.00 per person excluding gratuity and tax, and cost includes a complimentary glass of champagne. Other beverages are not included in the cost.   Please call (843) 853-7828 for reservations.

YORKTOWN Countdown New Year's Eve Party
December 31, 2015
On Thursday, December 31st, 2015, the USS Yorktown Aircraft Carrier in Mount Pleasant, SC will not be occupied with the usual wanderers exploring a decommissioned ship. Instead, it will be transformed into the fourth annual Yorktown Countdown, Charleston’s largest New Year’s Celebration. This exclusive Charleston New Years Eve party will provide multiple admission level options, great live music and magnificent views for the holiday festivities. From 9PM until 1AM, guests of the event will see live bands and dj’s from all genres imaginable, including funk, rock, dance, and Top 40 Billboard hits. Headlining acts include MVP, a high-energy dance band with members that have been a part of major accomplishments in the music business. For more information, please visit www.yorktowncountdown.com.

Happy Holidays!
Charleston SC Events