- Attend the Food & Wine Classic (Nov 14–16, 2025)
- This three-day culinary celebration will showcase local chefs, cooking demos, tastings, and Southern Living’s Lowcountry Tailgate.
- Kick off the Holiday Festival of Lights (starting Nov 14)
- At James Island County Park, drive or stroll through millions of twinkling lights, holiday displays, and themed nights.
- Go on a “Christmas in Charleston” holiday walking tour
- Several local tour companies run festive walking tours in November and December, with decorated historic homes, stories, and lights.
- Explore the “Christmas on The Battery” event
- Attend caroling, candlelight, and Gullah Christmas storytelling along The Battery waterfront.
- Visit the South Carolina Aquarium during “Aquarium Aglow”
- A holiday lighting and aquatic display event that usually takes place in December—but you can check for early previews or off-peak nights.
- See a holiday performance at Dock Street Theatre
- Catch a seasonal play or musical—past years have included holiday editions of local shows.
- Enjoy hot cider and Gullah Christmas stories
- Local storytellers often host evening events combining history, culture, and holiday spirit.
- Attend the city’s December holiday lineup announcement & preview events
- The City of Charleston typically unveils its seasonal parade, market, and lighting schedule in November.
- Drive through decorated neighborhoods & light displays
- After dark, stroll or drive through South of Broad, historic districts, and local streets to enjoy festive decor. (Locals often mention “decorations south of Broad” as a favorite)
- Roast oysters & enjoy Lowcountry holiday food traditions
- November marks the start of oyster season in the Lowcountry. Host or join a holiday oyster roast, serve red rice, and share Lowcountry holiday dishes.
December
- Celebrate the City Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting (e.g., Dec 7, 2025)
- The city’s official parade and lighting of the Christmas tree is often held in early December.
- Shop Marion Square Holiday Market
- Local artisans and vendors set up in Marion Square for holiday shopping, crafts, and festive ambiance.
- Attend Southern Living Illumination Charleston (Dec 5–6, 2025)
- A festive weekend of a holiday market, workshops, cooking demos, and seasonal inspiration curated by Southern Living editors.
- Go to the Holy City Holiday Market (Dec 19–21, 2025)
- Head to Old Park Circle in North Charleston for over 200 local vendors, live music, food trucks and a festive atmosphere.
- Catch “The Charleston Christmas Special” concert
- On December 14, enjoy a holiday music event at the Charleston Music Hall.
- See “A Christmas Carol” at Dock Street Theatre
- The classic Dickens tale is a perennial favorite during December in Charleston.
- Visit the lifesize gingerbread house & sip hot chocolate (e.g. Hotel Bennett)
- Many Charleston hotels and luxury venues erect large gingerbread displays or decorative holiday installations offering treats.
- Meet Santa and Mrs. Claus at The Dewberry or Charleston Visitor Center
- Special Santa appearances are scheduled at local hotels and the Visitor Center during December.
- Attend a Gullah Christmas Concert (e.g. at Boone Hall Plantation)
- Local concert series highlight Gullah music, holiday traditions, and storytelling.
- Ring in New Year’s Eve in Charleston
- Participate in fireworks, special dinners, and waterfront celebrations to cap off the holiday season.
Tips & Notes
- Check exact dates & ticketing: Many events change annually. Always verify on official Charleston or event sites.
- Book early: Popular performances, dinner events, and market previews often sell out.
- Dress in layers: December in Charleston can be mild but chilly at night.
- Mix indoor & outdoor: Enjoy both cozy theater or music events, and outdoor lighting displays and evening strolls.
- Support local: The holiday markets, artisan booths, and performances help support Charleston makers, musicians, and culture.
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