Christmas in Charleston SC 2026 [Events and Holiday Activities]
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This article is all about Christmas in Charleston SC. Charleston is a truly magical experience during the holiday season.
Keep reading to discover unforgettable events and activities in Charleston for Christmas time.
Best Charleston Christmas events to add to your calendar
- Holiday Festival of Lights
- Charleston Christmas Parade
- Charleston Tree Lighting
- Aquarium Aglow
- Parade of Boats
- Marion Square Farmers Market
- Charleston Strolls Holiday Walking Tour
- Folly Beach Christmas Parade
- Nightly Snowfalls at Market Street Circle
- Nutcracker Tea at The Charleston Place
- Stay in the Sleigh Suit at French Quarter Inn
Things to do around Christmas in Charleston SC
Christmas in Charleston SC is a truly magical time of year. These are the best Charleston Christmas events and festive markets you’ll want to add to your Charleston bucket list.
Holiday Festival of Lights
Dates: November 13 to December 31, 2026, nightly from 5:30 to 10 p.m.
The Charleston Holiday Festival of Lights takes place at James Island County Park. Take in twinkling light displays, savor delicious foods at concessions, and check out the enormous sand sculptures that capture Christmas magic.
Charleston Christmas Parade
Date: Usually the first Sunday afternoon in December, with the Charleston Tree Lighting in Marion Square to follow. Check the City of Charleston website for 2026 times.
The Charleston Holiday Parade winds through historic Charleston ending at Calhoun Street with the Charleston Tree Lighting. This is a perfect chance to join in on an annual Charleston event and kick off the Christmas season.
Charleston Tree Lighting
Date: Right after the Charleston Christmas Parade, usually the first Sunday in December.
The Charleston Tree Lighting in Marion Square is pure magic. Gather round the square and catch the Charleston Symphony Brass performance. This is followed by the lighting of the 64 foot Holiday Tree of Lights.
Duck into next door Hutson Alley for a quick photo op or night cap after the event.
Aquarium Aglow
Dates: Select nights from November 20 to December 31, 2026, 5:30 to 9 p.m., with a special New Year’s Eve celebration.
Walk through Aquarium Aglow, a true winter wonderland at the South Carolina Aquarium. What better way to get in the holiday spirit that exploring aquarium exhibits decked in holiday lights. Plus, where else can you see Santa (aka Scuba Clause) diving every night?
Food and beverages, including drinks for those 21+ are available for purchase.
Holiday Parade of Boats
Date: Usually the second Saturday evening in December. Check the City of Charleston website for 2026 details.
Charleston Harbor holds the annual Holiday Parade of Boats event you absolutely must attend if you’re in Charleston at Christmas time.
The procession of glowing boats starts at Cooper River, continues through Charleston Harbor, and ends at Ashley River. You can grab a spot along the river to watch, or pick a nearby restaurant (book reservations ahead of time).
Good viewing points for the Parade of Boats:
- Riverfront restaurants like
- Mt. Pleasant Waterfront Park Pier
- South Carolina Aquarium
- Liberty Square
- Battery Area
Marion Square Farmers Market
Date: Every Saturday, 8 a. m. to 2 p.m. through late November.
Dates for Holiday Market: December 5–6, 2026, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
If you’re in Charleston for the holidays, visit Marion Square Farmers Market.
Not only is it home to the 64′ Christmas Tree that is the center of the annual Charleston Tree Lighting each year. It is also a perfect spot for unique holiday shopping.
This is the ideal place to buy local gifts and foods for Christmas gifts with a Charleston flair at a curated holiday market.
Charleston Strolls Holiday Walking Tour
Dates: Mid-November through early January.
One of my favorite parts about Charleston are its charming Antebellum mansions and historic homes. The best way to see this side of Christmas in Charleston SC is with a Holiday Walking Tour.
Take to the cobblestone streets with an experienced local guide who will tell you everything you want to know about Charleston’s rich history.
Plus, when you book for the holidays you get to see Charleston’s homes decked out for the holidays, and an exclusive tour of Edmonston-Alston Museum House.
Folly Beach Christmas Parade
Date: Held the second Saturday in December.
Jump straight into the Christmas spirit with the annual Folly Beach Christmas Parade. Folly Beach hosts its own holiday parade each year, kicking off at Second Street and West Ashley Avenue.
The community gets into this event in full force, decking out everything from golf carts to fire trucks. There is also an Arts and Crafts Show at Folly River Park, perfect for holiday shopping.
Nightly snowfalls at Market Street Circle
Dates: Nightly from late November through December 31. Check The Charleston Place for 2026 show times. Snowfall occurs over 10 minutes during select evening hours.
This may be your only chance to see snow in Charleston. Let it Snow at Market Street Circle is a cozy holiday moment where everyone gathers on Market Street circle to watch “snow” fall.
Arrive at The Charleston Place early to grab your spot and take in the beautiful atmosphere of lights and shops surrounding the circle and Market Street.
American Express cardholders have exclusive access to the Flag Pole Terrace Lounge to enjoy the event. After the snowfall ends, continue on to the shops and restaurants along Meeting Street and Market Street.
Nutcracker tea at The Charleston Place
Dates: Select weekend dates in late November and December. Book early at The Charleston Place. From 11a.m to 1 p.m. Reservations required.
The holiday celebrations are in full swing at The Charleston Place. And, what better way to get into the holiday spirit than the Instagram-worthy Nutcracker-themed afternoon tea?
The event includes sweet and savory treats and a special performance by the Dance Conservancy of Charleston.
Stay in the Sleigh Bell Suit at French Quarter Inn
Dates: Dependent on availability, book at the French Quarter Inn website.
If you want to really dive into Christmas in Charleston SC, book a stay at the Sleigh Bell Suit inside the French Quarter Inn. The suit is hosted inside the highly rated boutique i
The suit is decked out for the holidays, making a perfect cozy retreat. The room includes a real fireplace, Christmas decor, and of course, fresh baked Christmas cookies.
Christmas at Boone Hall Plantation
Dates: Early December through January 1. Check Boone Hall’s website for 2026 dates and hours.
Tour Boone Hall Plantation, the most photographed plantation in the United States. During Christmas at Boone Hall Plantation you can tour the grounds, from the 276 year old oak trees to the themed Christmas trees adorning each room of the giant plantation home.
Where to Stay in Charleston for Christmas
Charleston fills up fast in December, especially on parade weekends, so book your stay early. I recommend staying downtown in the historic district so you can walk to the Market Street snowfall, the King Street shops and the tree in Marion Square.
The Charleston Place
This is the place to stay if you want to be in the middle of the holiday magic. It’s right on Market Street, home of the nightly Let It Snow snowfall and the Nutcracker Tea, and its lobby tree and gingerbread village are a Charleston tradition. Check rates at The Charleston Place.
French Quarter Inn
A cozy boutique hotel in the French Quarter with festive garlands and wreaths throughout the lobby. It’s also home to the Sleigh Bell Suite, so it’s a fun pick for a holiday getaway. Check rates at French Quarter Inn.
The Dewberry Charleston
This stylish mid-century hotel sits on Marion Square, steps from the tree lighting and the holiday farmers market. Its holiday decor goes all out with gold ornaments and warm, moody lighting. Check rates at The Dewberry.
Hotel Bennett CHARLESTON
Another luxury pick overlooking Marion Square, decorated with Spanish moss garlands for the season. It’s a great base for a walkable Christmas weekend on King Street. Check rates at Hotel Bennett.
The Lindy Renaissance Charleston Hotel
I stayed at The Lindy and loved it. It’s on Upper King Street, close to restaurants and an easy walk to Marion Square. Read my full review of The Lindy Renaissance Charleston Hotel or check rates here.
What is the weather like in Charleston around Christmas
Wondering about the weather in Charleston at Christmas Charleston’s weather is mild year round. That doesn’t mean it doesn’t get cold! But you won’t see the temperature dips you see in the North East.
Charleston’s temperatures average between about 60 degree highs and mid 40 degree lows around December. The temperature can dip to freezing in December and January, but snow is rare.
Is Charleston a good place to visit for Christmas
The answer is YES. Charleston is one of the south east United State’s most scenic and historic cities. The entire city lights up for Christmas, with festive decor and holiday events that make Christmas a wonderful time of year to visit.
Plus, Charleston’s pleasant year round weather is perfect for escaping the cold at Christmas time.
Christmas in Charleston SC: Wrapping Up
This article was all about things to do around Christmas in Charleston SC. I hope you have a wonderful holiday experience in the Holy City. Christmas and the New Year is a perfect time of year to visit Charleston.
If you’re debating visiting Charleston SC or Savannah GA, check out this article to discover what makes each place so special and unique.
Planning your trip? Here’s my Charleston SC weekend itinerary for couples and my review of The Lindy Renaissance Charleston Hotel.
Planning more of your trip? Browse my full South Carolina Travel Guide, or find more seasonal getaways in my Holiday Travel guides.
