The seasonal Holiday Festival of Lights is taking place over at the James Island County Park. For 36 years, the festival has been a beloved holiday tradition. Whether you're home for the holidays or visiting the Lowcountry for a holiday getaway, we promise you'll create lasting memories with millions of multicolored lights, fun family activities, holiday shopping, delicious treats, visits with Santa, and so much more! Open nightly 5:30-10pm thru Dec 31st. More a https://ccprc.com/3665/Holiday-Festival-of-Lights
Enjoy Aquarium Aglow at the South Carolina Aquarium through December 30th. Enter an enchanting world of holiday lights at Aquarium Aglow! This November–December, the South Carolina Aquarium opens after dark, transformed by captivating colors and inspiring illuminations! From festive-photo ops and sweet treats to immersive installations and Scuba Claus, discover Charleston’s most unique holiday tradition at Aquarium Aglow! For more details visit https://scaquarium.org/aquariumaglow/?utmsource=Vesta&utmmedium=Referral
The Charleston Place invites you into a world of holiday elegance. At the heart of the season the beloved Holiday Train winds its way through a festive scene designed to delight guests of all ages. Surrounding the tracks, beautifully decorated trees, classic garlands, and ornaments fill the space with warmth and tradition. Just steps away at American Gardens, take a stroll through a glowing wonderland of twinkling lights, past a 30ft live Christmas Tree, before taking a ride on an enchanting carousel. Wander through their Holiday Market, where you'll discover artisan goods, warm treats, and delicious bites, perfect for checking everyone off your list. Discover even more holiday magic at the Riviera Theater. For all that's taking place at Charleston Place visit https://charlestonplace.com/experiences/#!/e/charleston-s-holiday-headquarters-2649bd04
A Christmas Carol, presented by Charleston Stage at Dock Street Theatre returns for the holidays. Return to Victorian era London once more and join Ebenezer Scrooge on a magical journey through time in the heartwarming, original adaptation of the beloved Charles Dickens’ classic. 15 performances running Nov 29th - Dec 21st with several matinees. Discover more at https://charlestonstage.com/shows-and-tickets/a-christmas-carol
Ice skating returns to the Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina. It all happens at the Lookout Pavilion, as they bring skating to the waterfront on a synthetic rink. Skate Thursdays through Sundays all season long thru January 19th 2026. Sip on hot cocoa, chill out with a Patriots Point Pilsner from Holy City Brewing, and warm up by the fire pits or cozy gondolas overlooking the harbor.
The North Charleston Coliseum is busy Friday & Saturday nights. Friday night enjoy Motown Christmas, a powerful, family-oriented show combining Motown's greatest hits with everyone's favorite holiday classics at North Charleston Performing Arts Center. Event starts at 7pm. Over at the coliseum the Harlem Globetrotters continue their 100 Year Tour. Game starts at 7pm. On Saturday at the PAC enjoy One Vision of Queen. GET READY TO ROCK WITH MARC MARTEL, whose voice bears an uncanny resemblance to rock n' roll icon Freddie Mercury. Show kicks off at 7:30pm. Originally scheduled for Feb. 28, 2024. Previously purchased tickets will be honored for the new date. And over at the coliseum your SC Stingrays play host to the Greenville Swamp Rabbits. Take part in their annual Teddy Bear toss, to benefit local charities! It's also ugly sweater night at the Rays, an ornament giveaway, specialty jerseys, and a Grinch™ character meet and greet for the holidays. For more on these shows and more visit https://www.northcharlestoncoliseumpac.com/events
The Credit One Stadium is busy this weekend. On Friday they host the 18th annual Holiday Classic presented by Safelite features a range of events, including Women’s Doubles, Men’s Doubles (for levels 2.5 – 4.5 & Open), Mixed Doubles (6.0 – 9.0 & Open divisions) and a pickleball tournament. There's also a tree lighting ceremony taking place at 6pm, with a host of family friendly holiday festivities also on tap. For more on their events visit https://creditonestadium.com/events/
Friday night at the Charleston Music Hall legendary SC rockers The Marshall Tucker Band perform. Singer songwriter Hunter Flynn is the special guest. Music begins at 8pm. Saturday night at the hall Charleston Jazz Orchestra present Holiday Swing. Under the direction of Robert Lewis, with featured guests Lowcountry Voices, this concert promises a jubilant celebration of the holiday season through the lens of jazz. Performances at 5pm and 8pm. For more visit https://www.charlestonmusichall.com/
Wit's End Comedy Lounge in North Charleston host comedian, writer, storyteller, and performer Sean Patton. A seasoned stand up Patton has performed on Patton has appeared on Comedy Central’s Live at Gotham, Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, Conan, and his Comedy Central Half Hour and album were released in 2013. He has four shows, two each on Friday and Saturday nights. For times and tickets visit https://www.witsendcharleston.com/events/114815
Friday night the Flowertown Players under the direction of Kendall Kiker present A Seussified Christmas Carol, a whimsical reinvention of Dickens’ most beloved Christmas story in wacky rhymed couplets. Weekend performances run through Dec 21st. For more visit https://www.flowertownplayers.org/a-suessified-christmas-carol/
Pure Theatre in downtown Charleston continue their run of 'Eureka Day', a comedy that reflects the times. At Eureka Day School, where every decision must please everyone, a health crisis exposes just how fast, and hilariously, progressive ideals can unravel. Weekend performances run thru Dec 6th. More at https://puretheatre.org/eureka-day/
The following are annual Christmas and holiday related events: Keep in mind, outdoor festivities are often postponed or delayed due to weather. It's best to check before heading out.
Join the City of Charleston Sunday, December 7th for this fun, high energy parade which will commence on Broad Street at Rutledge, travel North on Meeting Street, and conclude on Calhoun Street at Meeting Street. Participants include musical ensembles, clubs and organizations. Parade starts at 3pm followed by a tree lighting in Marion Square.
The 2025 North Charleston Christmas Festival & Parade is scheduled for Saturday, December 6, 2025. The parade begins at 5 p.m. and will feature holiday scenes and decorations in the Park Circle area. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own chairs and use walking, biking, or ridesharing for transportation.
The 2025 Hanahan Christmas Parade is on Saturday, December 6, at 10 a.m.. The City of Hanahan is also hosting a Holiday Tree Lighting and Vendor Market on Friday, December 5, from 5–8:30 p.m. at the Hanahan Amphitheater.
