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
The Charleston Music Hall comes alive with holiday cheer this weekend, as Brad & Jennifer Moranz present their yearly gift to the low country with the Charleston Christmas Special. The annual holiday show runs for 11 performances from Dec 11th through Dec 21st, with nightly performances at 7pm and a few select matinees. If you're looking for one event that will put you in the true holiday spirit than this is the one. Now in it's 30th year. Discover more here https://charleston.com/charleston-insider/arts-culture/charleston-christmas-special-celebrating-30th-year For more visit https://www.charlestonmusichall.com/
The Charleston Holiday Parade of Boats for 2025 is set for Saturday, December 13, 2025, starting at 6:00 PM, featuring beautifully decorated boats parading from the Cooper River, through the Harbor, and into the Ashley River, with great viewing from Waterfront Park, The Battery, and Mt. Pleasant. This beloved Lowcountry tradition offers festive lights and holiday cheer from the water, culminating in potential fireworks and a stunning display for spectators along the shore.
The 34th Annual Reindeer Run/Walk takes place on Saturday Dec 13th. Presented by The Charleston Place, the event is a family-oriented, pet-friendly 5k run/walk located in downtown Charleston, SC. They're bringing back a crowd favorite, the costume contest! So be sure to dress up in your festive best for the race! For more details or to sign up visit https://www.reindeerrun.org/
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 all three days and nights. At the PAC enjoy 'How the Grinch Stole Christmas the Musical'. Discover the magic of Dr. Seuss’ classic holiday tale as it comes to life on stage. Featuring the hit songs “You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch” and “Welcome Christmas,” The Grinch discovers there’s more to Christmas than he bargained for in this heart-warming holiday classic. Max the Dog narrates this family friendly presentation. Shows all weekend long. At the coliseum your SC Stingrays play host to the Greenville Swamp Rabbits 7pm Friday night and to the Savannah Ghost Pirates at 3pm on Sunday afternoon. More at https://www.northcharlestoncoliseumpac.com/events
Wit's End Comedy Lounge in North Charleston present the comedy stylings of Jason Salmon. A Texas born, NYC based standup, Salmon's comedy has been described as “…like getting the best advice you’ve ever gotten…from the dumbest guy you know.” Four performances, two each Friday & Saturday nights. Info and tickets at https://www.witsendcharleston.com/events/121449
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/
The Moncks Corner Holiday Lights Driving Tour happens nightly now thru Dec 30th. Hop in the car with your family and friends and follow a picturesque path through thousands of brilliant, twinkling lights. Admission is $10 per vehicle ($20 per bus) and proceeds benefit local charities. Enter the Holiday Lights Driving Tour at One Riverwood Drive, Moncks Corner. Closed Christma eve and Christmas Day. Details at https://www.celebratetheseason.org/Events/index.aspx
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.
The 2025 North Charleston Christmas Festival & Parade is scheduled for Saturday. 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. Bring your family for a walk or drive around the circle (4800 Park Circle) in North Charleston to enjoy the splendor of the holiday lights following their official tree lighting. The lights will shine until New Years Day.
The City of Hanahan is also hosting a Holiday Tree Lighting and Vendor Market on Friday, December 12th, from 5–8:30 p.m. at the Hanahan Amphitheater.
