One of the biggest and brightest Charleston-area attractions every year is the Festival of Lights. Head over to James Island County Park to see millions of Christmas lights on display, shop around, participate in family-friendly activities, and enjoy wintry treats.
Enjoy an outdoor screening of A Christmas Story on Saturday, December 13 at Freshfields Village.
Celebrate the season with the joyful sounds of live holiday carolers at The Sanctuary. Enjoy festive music and cozy holiday vibes in a warm, welcoming setting. Fridays, Saturdays and Christmas Eve beginning December 5th. Performance begins at 5pm
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, A Christmas Carol. First produced by Charleston Stage in 1978, this production has secured its status as a staple holiday tradition in the Lowcountry. With a score of classic carols and a professional cast playing upwards of 50 iconic characters, this enchanting musical brings to life the Christmas spirit in even the grumpiest Scrooge.
Head over to the bride's alma mater for a fun holiday light show. The ninth annual Cougar Night Lights will capture the magic of the holidays with dazzling light displays set to classic holiday tunes and popular contemporary songs. The music for the light show was selected by CofC students and will be kept under wraps until the show’s debut. The treasured musical light show is free and open to the public and runs nightly, every half hour between 5:30 and 9 p.m., through Jan. 1, 2026.
Enjoy the Holiday Parade of Boats along the Cooper River from the vantage point of Patriots Point. The Oysters on the Point winter series features locally steamed oysters, live music, holiday market, bloody mary bar, and plenty of beer choices. It is hosted on select Saturday afternoons from 2pm - 6pm. $15 General Admission at the door, $15 online at CityPaperTickets.com Children 12 and under are free.
View a life-size gingerbread house and write a letter to Santa in the lobby of one of Charleston's luxury hotels. For an extra-special experience, make a reservation for Tea with Santa on Saturday afternoon.
Enjoy a holiday market in Marion square 9am-3pm Saturday and Sunday!
New this year, experience the spirit of the season at the Holiday Market in American Gardens. Open daily, this festive outdoor market features artisanal foods from the Chefs at Sorelle and The Charleston Place, handcrafted gifts from HobNob Entertaining, vintage goods from Society Archive, and home-made wreaths from Swell Botanics. Whether you're searching for a special gift or simply savoring the season, the Holiday Market is a must-visit destination for holiday cheer.