The Lowcountry abounds with festive charm and cheer during the holidays, providing a host of fun events to entertain families from festivals and Christmas markets to dazzling light displays and parades.
With all these activities, it can be hard to keep track of everything, but we did you a solid and made a list of the major holiday happenings in the Greater Charleston Area. Feel free to check it twice, as we’ve been nothing but nice to our dear readers.
AQUARIUM AGLOW
When: November-December
Where: South Carolina Aquarium
Aquarium Aglow is an intricate light show that stretches throughout the aquarium. Using thousands of lights and an array of colors, the aquarium transforms its space into something truly magical.
HOLIDAY FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
When: 11/14-12/31 nightly from 5:30 p.m.-10 p.m.
Where: James Island County Park
This enchanting festival transforms the park into a winter wonderland, bedecked with millions of dazzling lights. Visitors can stroll or drive through a 3-mile tour featuring the city’s finest light displays.
INCLUSIVE HOLIDAY HOEDOWN
When: 12/3 from 6-8 p.m.
Where: Park Circle Community Building
People with disabilities and their families and friends are invited to our annual Holiday Hoedown! Come dressed in your favorite Western gear to welcome the holiday, country style.
HOLIDAY FARMERS MARKET
When: 12/6, 12/7, 12/13, 12/14, 12/20 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Where: Marion Square
Stroll through Charleston’s Holiday Farmers Market, where the season comes alive with fresh local produce, artisan goods, handcrafted gifts and festive treats. It’s the perfect place to shop for holiday treasures while supporting local growers and makers.
HOLIDAY STREET FESTIVAL
When: 12/6 from 2-7 p.m.
Where: Front Beach, Isle of Palms
This annual holiday celebration on Isle of Palms features arts & crafters, food vendors, children’s activities and live entertainment, local shopping and restaurants, Santa Claus and an announcement of Holiday Deck the Door Contest winners.
HOLIDAY PARADE & TREE LIGHTING
When: 12/7 at 3 p.m.
Where: Broad Street at Rutledge Avenue
The City of Charleston invites you to kick off the season at this lively holiday parade! The procession begins on Broad Street at Rutledge, makes its way up Meeting Street and finishes at Calhoun Street. After the parade, the celebration continues with the annual tree lighting in Marion Square at 6 p.m.
DR. SEUSS’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS! THE MUSICAL
When: 12/9-12/14
Where: North Charleston Performing Arts Center
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 heartwarming holiday classic.
MOUNT PLEASANT HOLIDAY MARKET & CRAFT SHOW
When: 12/13 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where: Mount Pleasant Farmers Market Pavilion
Annual holiday market with handcrafted gifts by local artists and artisans, local produce and prepared foods, live entertainment, children’s activities and more.
HOLIDAY PARADE OF BOATS
When: 12/13 from dusk-8 p.m.
Where: Charleston Harbor
The Holiday Parade of Boats transforms Charleston Harbor into a dazzling display of holiday cheer. Watch as a glittering fleet of boats, adorned with twinkling lights and festive décor, sails across the water in a magical procession that has become one of the Lowcountry’s most beloved seasonal traditions.
MOUNT PLEASANT CHRISTMAS LIGHT PARADE
When: 12/14 from 5:30-8 p.m.
Where: Parade starts at Live Oak Drive heading south down Coleman Boulevard
Brilliantly-lit floats and community groups will march up West Coleman Boulevard as the Mount Pleasant Christmas Light Parade sets sail to the delight of thousands of residents and visitors.
NUTCRACKER! MAGICAL CHRISTMAS BALLET
When: 12/26 at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m.
Where: North Charleston Performing Arts Center
Give the gift of a spectacular holiday experience featuring an international cast, whimsical puppetry and opulent costumes and sets, handcrafted by the finest artisans of Europe.
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