Events in Charleston - December 15th 2023 - January 14th 2024

December is magical in the Lowcountry! From a Christmas light show to lights on the water, Charleston sparkles this time of year. It may not be a white Christmas in the Lowcountry but we definitely know how to celebrate the Holiday season! There is quite a lot going on, but these are some of my favorites in December and beyond:

It’s not the holidays until you visit the Festival of Lights! Bright lights in the Lowcountry! TheAnnual Holiday Festival of Lights is back at the James Island County Park and running through December 31st ! For more details and ticket information, visit: CCPRC.

Open select nights in November and December, Aquarium Aglow is a one-of-a-kind holiday experience in downtown Charleston! This immersive holiday light spectacular brings forth the joy and magic of the season with tens of thousands of lights displayed throughout the Aquarium, from elegant and innovative to festive and nostalgic. Enjoy an unforgettable evening at the Aquarium with friends and loved ones, complete live entertainment! Food and beverages, including beer and wine, will be available for purchase during the event. Buy tickets and learn more at scaquarium.org/aglow.

Make sure to check out the holiday events at the Charleston Place Hotel in Downtown Charleston. The holiday train display is located in the center of the Hotel, this tiny town replica is a wonder for kids and adults alike. It’s a must see while visiting downtown. The train is setup through the holiday season. Also experience snow in Charleston! Every day at 6 pm, 7 pm, and 8 pm, you can catch it snowing right outside the hotel around the beautiful giant tree. Visit their website for a list of all of their experiences this holiday season. 

Magnolia’s historic house will be open to the public through January 6th for Home for the Holidays. Head over to Magnolia Plantation to see the house decorated for Christmas in holiday jewel tones, reminiscent of the 1920’s. Enjoy holiday decor, winter snacks at the Peacock Cafe, and the chance to explore the plantation house. Check out their website for event information. 

Shop Local this Holiday Season at the Annual Charleston Holiday Market in Marion Square on December 16th from 9am-2pm. Enjoy a bounty of fresh local produce & homegrown creativity with additional vendors and decorations!

Hop over to the ChristmasinCharleston.com Advent Calendar and reveal Day 1 for a free 2-hour parking pass courtesy of the City of Charleston!

Harness some holiday fun and climb aboard the Old Carriage Co. specially decorated carriage driven by one of Santa’s elves. Holiday Sleigh Rides are a festive 30-minute experience includes a 25-minute ride through downtown Charleston – complete with caroling – and is sure to make you merry. Last stop is Santa’s magical stable (just behind our barn) where you’ll join Old St. Nick, Mrs. Claus, and Rudolph for hot cocoa and cookies. Bring your camera, and we’ll snap photos of you and Santa in his sleigh. A holly, jolly Christmas awaits! 

Celebrate the start of 2023 and end of 2023 on December 31st aboard a SpiritLine Dinner Cruise. The New Year’s Eve cruise provides you with the unique opportunity to celebrate in style as you enjoy incredible food all while taking in sweeping views of the historic Charleston skyline. You will enjoy the best that Charleston has to offer while cruising aboard the elegantly decorated Spirit of Carolina and enjoying live entertainment provided by Jacob Poole and Matt Jordan.

Plunge into the New Year with the 10th Annual Bill Murray Look-alike polar plunge on January 1st on Folly Beach. Luckily the event doesn’t start too early if you have a late night on New Years - with the costume contest judging at 12:30pm and the big plunge at 1:30pm. What a fun way to start the year with a contest and a challenge! https://visitfolly.com/bill-murray-polar-plunge/