Christmas in Charleston SC [Events and Holiday Activities]

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.

List of Best Things to do for Christmas in Charleston SC

• 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

Keep reading for a full explanation of the best things to do in Charleston SC at Christmas.

Christmas in Charleston SC

Christmas in Charleston SC is a truly magical time. And if you get the chance to visit, these are the best Charleston Christmas events and festive markets you won’t want to miss.

Holiday Festival of Lights

Dates: November 15 to December 31, 2025.
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: December 7, 2025, 3 p.m. Charleston Tree Lighting in Marion to follow.
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: December 7, 2025, right after the Charleston Christmas Parade.
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: November 17 to December 31, with a special New Years 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: December 14, 2025.
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 spots to see 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 November 23, 2025.
Dates for Holiday Market: December 7, 8, 14, 15, and 21, 2025. 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: November 2025 to January 4, 2026.
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 of each year. In 2025, this is December 14, 2025.
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: November 30 to December 31, 2025. 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: December 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, and 24, 2025. 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: December 9, 2025 to January 1, 2026.
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.

Charleston at Christmas Weather

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.