Events in Charleston: November 15th - December 15th 2023

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite times of the year. There are so many holiday markets in Charleston and almost overnight the magic of the holiday season begins. This Thanksgiving season we have some shopping events, some outdoor activities to keep you moving during the holidays, and of course, some Christmas parades to get in the holiday spirit. 

It’s not the holidays until you visit the Festival of Lights! Bright lights in the Lowcountry! The 34th Annual Holiday Festival of Lights is back at the James Island County Park as of November 10th and running through December 31st! For more details and ticket information, visit: CCPRC. 

Shop local this holiday season at The Jasper apartment community on November 18th for their Holiday Market. Shopping starts from 10am - 2pm. 

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.

Need to grab some exercise before the big Thanksgiving dinner? Grab your sneakers and head outside to participate in the 46th Annual Turkey Day Run & Gobble Wobble on November 23rd. The race benefits charitable organizations in Charleston. Give back and burn some calories! It’s a win-win! To sign up, visit: http://www.turkeydayrun.com/

Illumination Charleston is happening December 1st - 2nd with various events, such as an opening party with snow, a holiday market by Southern Living, and a holiday cocktail fundraiser. The event kicks off at the Charleston Place Hotel on December 1st. For the full schedule and tickets, visit https://www.illuminationcharleston.com/. 

Join Magnolia Plantation starting November 24th and running through January 6th for their Home for the Holidays event. Enjoy festive decor as the house is transformed to the decor of the 1920’s, winter treats at the Peacock Cafe, and the beauty of the wildlife and gardens. Visit their website for more information: https://www.magnoliaplantation.com/magnolia-events/homefortheholidays23.

If you need more inspiration to get running, you can also sign up for the 32nd Annual Reindeer Run. The race is pet-friendly and starts at 8 am on December 9th. For more information to join in on the reindeer games, visit their website.

Don’t miss the 28th Annual Mount Pleasant Christmas Light Parade on December 10th! The festivities begin at 5:30 p.m. with a spectacular Pyrotecnico fireworks show, immediately followed by the start of the parade at Live Oak Dr. traveling south and ending at the intersection of W. Coleman Blvd. and Patriots Point Rd. For more information, check out the Town of Mount Pleasant Website.