Charleston events in December bring the city to life with festive cheer, holiday charm, and timeless elegance. The historic streets are aglow with twinkling lights, while seasonal celebrations, holiday markets, and dazzling performances offer endless ways to enjoy the magic of the season. From beloved Lowcountry traditions to curated experiences, this guide highlights the best Charleston events in December, inviting you to savor the city’s unique blend of culture, warmth, and refinement.
Top Charleston Events in December: Festive Highlights and Local Favorites
December 1–8
Aquarium Aglow
When: November 21–December 30, 2024
Where: South Carolina Aquarium
A Christmas Carol
When: November 30–December 22, 2024
Where:: Dock Street Theatre
Holidays with the Heywards Tour
When: December 5, 4 p.m.
Where: The Heyward-Washington House
Christmas on The Battery: Carols, Candlelight and Gulah Christmas Stories
When: December 5–6, 5:30–8 p.m.
Where: Edmondston-Alston House
Light the Lake
When: December 6, 5–7 p.m.
Where: Colonial Lake
First Friday ArtWalks
When: December 6, 5–8 p.m.
Where: Downtown Charleston
Charleston Farmers Market | Holiday Version
When: Saturdays, December 7, 8, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
Where: Marion Square Park
Annual Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting
When: December 7, 3–7 p.m.
Where: Tree Lighting at Marion Square Park (5p.m.)
Holiday Swing-Charleston Jazz Orchestra
When: December 7, 5–6:30 p.m.
Where: Charleston Music Hall
Christmas at Drayton Hall
When: December 6, 7, 13, 14, 20 & 21, 1–2 p.m.
Where: Drayton Hall
CLS Annual book Sale
When: December 8, 1–5 p.m.; Member preview: 12–1 p.m.
Then, December 9–12, 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
Where: Charleston Library Society
Annual Deck the Hall Oyster Roast
When: December 8, 2–5 p.m.
Where: Drayton Hall
2nd Sunday on King Street
When: December 8, 12–5 p.m.
Where: King Street (from Queen to Calhoun)
Holiday Movie Night featuring The Polar Express | SOLD OUT
When: December 8, 6 p.m.
Where: the iconic Riviera Theater
December 9–15
Aquarium Aglow
When: November 21–December 30, 2024
Where: South Carolina Aquarium
A Christmas Carol
When: November 30–December 22, 2024
Where:: Dock Street Theatre
Art & Architecture Study Series #2 - From Hutty to Halsey at DOYLE, presented by Historic Charleston Foundation
When: December 11, 10 a.m.
Where: DOYLE Auctioneers and Appraisers, 123 King Street, Charleston
Christmas at Drayton Hall
When: December 13, 14, 1–2 p.m.
Where: Drayton Hall
Conversations with a Curator: Oh What a Sight! Holiday Lights Shining Bright
When: December 13, 10:30–11 a.m.
Where: The Charleston Museum
Chamber Music with CSO: Holiday Strings
When: December 13, 7–8:30 p.m.
Where: Charleston Library Society
Charleston Farmers Market | Holiday Version
When: Saturdays, December 14, 15, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
Where: Marion Square Park
December 16–22
Aquarium Aglow
When: November 21–December 30, 2024
Where: South Carolina Aquarium
A Christmas Carol
When: November 30–December 22, 2024
Where:: Dock Street Theatre
Christmas at Drayton Hall
When: December 20 & 21, 1–2 p.m.
Where: Drayton Hall
Charleston Farmers Market | Holiday Version
When: Saturdays, December 21, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
Where: Marion Square Park
December 23–31
Aquarium Aglow
When: November 21–December 30, 2024
Where: South Carolina Aquarium
Winter Things to Do in Charleston: December Edition
Charleston events in December offer a harmonious blend of seasonal charm, serene beauty, and festive experiences. This month invites you to embrace the magic of the season with peaceful garden strolls, cozy retreats, and holiday markets that celebrate Lowcountry traditions. Whether you’re savoring the understated elegance of holiday lights or indulging in a luxurious high tea, these curated activities promise to enrich your December in Charleston. Explore the highlights below and discover unique ways to experience the city’s timeless charm.
1. Wander Through Charleston’s Winter Gardens
Charleston’s gardens are especially peaceful in the soft glow of early winter light. Take a slow walk to soak in the beauty of the city’s natural winter palette, and pause to admire the first blooms of the camellia season—a quiet promise of more to come.
👉 Discover more: Quiet Escapes: The Best Winter Gardens and Parks
2. Stroll Through Charleston’s Most Tranquil Paths
December’s cooler air makes walking through the historic streets even more delightful. Bundle up and explore favorite routes and even alleyways, where you will also enjoy the sights of homes adorned with subtle holiday wreaths and twinkling lights.
👉 Plan your route: 6 Charleston Winter Walks: Hidden Gems and Quiet Streets
3. Find Cozy Retreats for Warmth and Ambiance
Charleston in December invites you to linger indoors with a warm drink or a comforting bite. Cozy up by a fire, sip a seasonal tea blend or favorite cup of holiday coffee, or pop into an inviting local shop where you can escape the chill in elegant surroundings.
4. Visit Charleston’s Festive Markets
December’s holiday markets, like the Marion Square Farmers Market Holiday Edition, bring a cheerful energy to the city. Browse stalls for artisanal gifts and Charleston-inspired holiday treats like benne wafers or pecan pralines. These markets offer a festive way to support local makers while enjoying the season’s spirit.
5. Enjoy Charleston’s Seasonal Light Displays
While Charleston isn’t known for extravagant light shows, you’ll find understated elegance in the subtle glow of holiday lights and gorgeous greenery adorning historic homes and streets. Take an evening stroll South of Broad to admire the city dressed for the season.
6. Plan a Winter Beach Picnic (and Build a Sand Snowman!)
Charleston’s beaches are serene and uncrowded in December, making them perfect for a quiet retreat—or a bit of holiday fun. Bring a thermos of hot cocoa, a cozy blanket, and get creative by building your very own sand snowman! As easy and fun s it sounds, using snd and water in place of snow. Bring along a hat and scarf and gather shells, driftwood, and seaweed to give it a Lowcountry touch. Sullivan’s Island or Folly Beach provide plenty of space and beautiful views for a magical winter outing.
👉 Find the perfect spot: Local's Guide to Best Beaches in Charleston
7. Reflect in Charleston’s Historic Churches
December is a wonderful time to explore Charleston’s historic churches, many of which hold special holiday services or festive music performances. Whether you attend a concert or simply admire the architecture, these sacred spaces feel even more inviting in the holiday season.
8. Indulge in a Seasonal High Tea
Make the most of December’s cooler weather by enjoying a luxurious high tea. Camellia’s Tea Room at Hotel Bennett and The Thoroughbred Club at The Charleston Place add subtle seasonal twists to their offerings this time of year, making it the perfect time to gather with friends or enjoy a moment of solo indulgence.
9. Enjoy Charleston’s Holiday Headquarters
Peruse through The Charleston Place Hotel’s “Charleston Holiday Headquarters” for a Christmas time indulgence. Experience 120 decorated trees in the hallways and courtyard as well as the 4-foot centerpiece tree, life size gingerbread house, 300 foot track holiday train display, shopping and the nightly Let It Snow event where “snow” showers the courtyard. Open to all.
10. Peruse Charleston’s Festive Storefront Decorations
Walk along King Street, coffee in hand, and take in the delights of the decorated storefronts to see which ones captivate you the most. Be sure to wander into the smaller alleyways and side streets, where boutique shops often showcase equally charming displays, adding to the holiday magic of downtown Charleston.
👉 Fuel your stroll: Best Coffee Shops in Charleston from a Local
Experience the Magic of Charleston This December
Charleston events in December bring the season to life with festive traditions, serene strolls, and cozy retreats that showcase the city’s timeless elegance. From the glow of holiday lights to the peaceful beauty of winter gardens, every moment invites you to embrace the charm of the season. Let this December in Charleston inspire unforgettable memories and lasting connections to the Lowcountry’s unique spirit.
SEE & DO | WINTER | CHARLESTON
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