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Winter in Charleston

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WINTER IN CHARLESTON

Charleston Events in December: Seasonal Highlights & Activities

Explore Charleston events in December with our curated guide to holiday markets, light displays, cozy retreats, and seasonal activities that reflect timeless charm.

Second-story piazza decorated with magnolia garland, with St. Michael's Church steeple in the background, highlighting Charleston Events in December.
Statue at Middleton Place gardens in Charleston, framed by live oaks, Spanish moss, and winter camellias

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WINTER IN CHARLESTON

Charleston’s gardens take on a different kind of beauty in the winter. Find serene spots and the quiet elegance of nature during this less crowded season.

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WINTER IN CHARLESTON

Stroll through Charleston’s quieter side this winter with 6 serene walks. From hidden alleys to historic streets, discover the charm and beauty of the season.

Stohl's Alley in Charleston during February, featuring a historic lamp post and pink Chinese magnolias in bloom.
Elegant coffee setting at The Dewberry Charleston, one of the best cozy spots in Charleston for winter

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WINTER IN CHARLESTON

Best Cozy Spots in Charleston for Winter Ambiance

Escape the winter chill in Charleston’s cozy spaces, where you're invited to linger and savor the season’s beauty.

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Explore Charleston Like a Local:
Travel Tips, Hidden Gems,
and Must-Sees in the Lowcountry

Rooftop view from the Citrus Club at The Dewberry, a local favorite in Charleston, showcasing the city skyline.

Journey beyond the well-trodden tourist trails and explore Charleston like a local—dive into the heart of what locals do to savor the slow life in Charleston.

Hank’s Seafood, one of 11 restaurants featured in ‘Savor Charleston,’ capturing the culinary soul of the city with fresh seafood and historic charm.

Discover the heart of Charleston’s culinary scene, where 11 local favorites bring the city’s culture to life through unforgettable flavors.

Rainbow Row in Charleston, an iconic must-see featured in ‘17 Iconic Must-Sees in Charleston, SC,’ highlighting the city’s vibrant historic district.

Discover Charleston’s most captivating sights while avoiding the tourist traps. From hidden gems to iconic landmarks

Sunrise in Charleston over Shem Creek, one of the best spots to catch a vibrant pink, yellow, and blue sunrise, as featured in ‘Sunrise in Charleston: Best Places From a Local.

For a gorgeous display of colors, birds, dolphins and solitude that make sunrise in Charleston SC a must-see, here are 7 favorite places.

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EDITOR'S PICKS

featured itinerary

White bridge at Magnolia Plantation, surrounded by live oaks and marsh, a highlight of 2 days in Charleston, SC

This isn't just any ol' visit; this is your all-access, sun-drenched, culinary adventure-pass to explore Charleston like a local from someone who calls it home.

Broad Street in Charleston, with pastel buildings and St. Michael's Church steeple, a must-see during 2 days in Charleston, SC.
Boardwalk at Sullivan’s Island Beach, with golden and blue hues, a serene stop in a local’s 2-day Charleston itinerary.

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EAT & DRINK

One of the best coffee shops in Charleston: Flat white and 7-layer pastry at Harken Cafe, known for its cozy vibe and exposed brick walls.

Here are the 5 best coffee shops in Downtown Charleston that this local visits on the regular and takes guests.

Al fresco dining at The Mercato at Sorelle, one of the top places locals eat lunch in Charleston, showcasing the city’s vibrant culinary scene.

Explore Charleston like a local with these 10 delightful lunch spots—popular with locals yet often missed on mainstream guides and editorial lists.

Breakfast plate and pancakes at Miller's All Day in Charleston, a top choice for breakfast and brunch in the city.

When in Charleston, a Lowcountry Southern breakfast is a must-try. And for quicker or lighter options we’ve got you covered there too.

12-layer Coconut Cake and Flat White at Benne’s by Peninsula Grill, one of the top dessert spots in Charleston.

From exquisite pastries that whisk you away with their fluffy perfection to delectable treats that capture the essence of the South.

WINTER EDIT

Christmas in Charleston by Monica Edwards

Winter in Charleston through the Eyes of a Photographer

Middleton Place gardens in Charleston during winter, showcasing a statue framed by live oaks with Spanish moss and blooming camellias

Charleston’s gardens take on a different kind of beauty in the winter. Find serene spots and the quiet elegance of nature during this less crowded season.

Elegant coffee setting at The Dewberry Charleston, one of the best cozy spots in Charleston for winter warmth and ambiance

Escape the winter chill in Charleston’s cozy spaces, where you're invited to linger and savor the season’s beauty.

Historic lamp post with pink Chinese magnolias blooming in February along Stohl's Alley in Charleston

Stroll through Charleston’s quieter side this winter with 6 serene walks. From hidden alleys to historic streets, discover the charm and beauty of the season.

charleston-decorated-house-december_

Explore Charleston events in December with our curated guide to holiday markets, light displays, cozy retreats, and seasonal activities that reflect timeless charm.

Launching December 2024

WINTER EDIT

Experience Charleston’s winter charm through a photographer’s lens, capturing quiet streets, soft coastal light, and the city’s timeless beauty from December through February.

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SEE & DO

Sullivan’s Island Beach, one of the best beaches in Charleston, with waves crashing along the shore.

See which beach is best for you—which one is laid back and natural, more commercial, or lively and kitschy.

Live oaks draped in Spanish moss at McLeod Plantation on James Island, a top plantation to visit in Charleston

Whether looking to gain a glimpse into this former life or simply stroll the gorgeous gardens of today, these are the 5 to choose.

3-story free-flying staircase at the Nathaniel Russell House in Charleston, a top historic house tour in the city.

We have curated the list and here are the 5 best historic houses in Charleston SC you can actually tour. Plus 10+ more to tour in....

Exterior of the Gibbes Museum in Charleston, one of the best museums to visit in the city.

In 2024, whether you're an avid culture-craver or a casual history buff, these are the best museums to visit in Charleston..

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INTINERARIES

Broad Street Charleston SC Itinerary

The best of Charleston in just 2 days. Insider tips on where to explore historic sites, indulge in delicious food, & soak up the coastal charm.

What to Wear in Charleston by Monica Edwards

Dive into Charleston style, the weather by seasons, events and the best time to visit, plus what to pack and wear in Charleston SC.

What Locals Do in Charleston by Monica Edwards

Journey beyond the well-trodden tourist trails and explore Charleston like a local—dive into the heart of what locals do to savor the slow life in Charleston.

Charleston Skyline with St Philips Church by Monica Edwards

Experience the heart and soul of Charleston in 1 week – from historic tours to beach strolls, uncover the best local insights for an unforgettable trip!

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LIVING CHARLESTON

Lower Church Street in Charleston, with towering live oaks and historic brick-paved streets, a favorite street to explore, loved by locals.

Favorite streets in Charleston that exude tranquility, rich history, captivating architecture, and well-preserved historic homes.

White mansion with piazzas and purple wisteria in bloom, embodying Charleston’s charm and etiquette, perfect for traveling like a local.

From greetings to dining and social gatherings, what to wear and photo etiquette, immerse in Southern elegance to explore Charleston like a local.

Walking path around Colonial Lake in Charleston, a peaceful morning stroll featured in ‘23 Hikes & Walks In and Around Charleston, SC.’

Known for its history and architecture, it's also a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Here are the locals' picks for best Charleston SC hikes and walks...

Close-up of shark’s teeth on a shell found on a Charleston beach, one of the best beaches for finding shark’s teeth in South Carolina.

South Carolina beaches are a treasure trove for finding shark teeth - if you know where and when to look. Here are the best beaches to find shark teeth in South Carolina plus insider tips...

Get Charleston’s hidden gems, secret itineraries + weekly Lowcountry tips!

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