Enjoy the joy of the holidays in North Charleston with our ultimate guide. From North Charleston locals to international visitors, our guide showcases the best of the season.
One highlight of the holiday season is the Holiday Festival of Lights, where you can stroll through a breathtaking display of lights and holiday scenes in a picturesque park setting. This year, the Aquarium Aglow will also transform the South Carolina Aquarium into a magical underwater experience filled with dazzling lights and festive decor. And the Holiday Weekend Entertainment at Freshfield Village is something you definitely don't want to miss, featuring live music and family-friendly activities. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around North Charleston
- Holiday Festival of Lights (James Island)
- Aquarium Aglow (Charleston)
- Skate the Stadium (Charleston)
- Holiday Weekend Entertainment at Freshfield Village (Kiawah Island)
- Christmas at Boone Hall Plantation (Mount Pleasant)
- Illumination Charleston (Charleston)
- The Sound of Charleston (Charleston)
- Manheim Steamroller Christmas (Charleston)
- Candlelight: Holiday Special Featuring "The Nutcracker" and More (Charleston)
- Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical (Charleston)
See these and even more events listed below!
North Charleston Holiday Light Displays
Holiday Festival of Lights
What to Expect:
Dazzling light displays and festive activities.
Description:
The Holiday Festival of Lights at James Island County Park features a three-mile driving tour and self-guided walking portion showcasing over 750 dazzling light displays, including the newly refurbished Cooper River Bridge display. Visitors can enjoy marshmallow roasting, festival train rides, and explore family attractions like Santa’s Sweet Shoppe and gift shops.
Where: James Island | More Info: Holiday Festival of Lights
Aquarium Aglow
What to Expect:
Immersive holiday light display with Santa encounter.
Description:
The South Carolina Aquarium transforms into a dazzling spectacle with tens of thousands of lights, festive photo opportunities, and a unique Santa encounter. Enjoy dozens of exhibits adorned with holiday lights and décor as you sip and snack on specialty refreshments.
Where: Charleston | More Info: Aquarium Aglow
Mount Pleasant Christmas Light Parade
What to Expect:
Brilliantly lit floats and community groups in a festive parade.
Description:
The Mount Pleasant Christmas Light Parade features beautifully lit floats and community groups marching along West Coleman Boulevard, culminating in a spectacular Pyrotecnico fireworks show.
Where: Mount Pleasant | More Info: Mount Pleasant Christmas Light Parade
North Charleston Holiday Markets and Shopping
Illumination Charleston
What to Expect:
Holiday market with local vendors and Southern Living editors.
Description:
Illumination Charleston is a holiday event in Charleston, SC, featuring a curated holiday market, live demonstrations, and a tour of the 2024 Southern Living Idea House. Local and regional vendors showcase their products, and notable authors and Southern Living editors participate in book signings and meet-and-greets.
Where: Charleston | More Info: Illumination Charleston
CHRISTkindlmarkt Charleston
What to Expect:
Traditional German handcrafts and European finds in a festive market setting.
Description:
CHRISTkindlmarkt Charleston is a traditional German Christmas market in Charleston, featuring local makers, seasonal gifts, and European finds. The event includes a bustling atmosphere with shoppers, food, drink, and music, yet remains peaceful for wandering or sitting. It is inspired by the Romantik Christmas Markt in Riedenburg, Germany, and offers a unique shopping experience with traditional German handworks crafted and imported from Seiffen in the Erzgebirge region.
Where: Awendaw | More Info: CHRISTkindlmarkt Charleston
Charleston Farmers Holiday Market
What to Expect:
Extended holiday market hours with local artisans and live entertainment.
Description:
The Charleston Farmers Holiday Market offers a variety of local produce, plants, herbs, and cut flowers, along with breakfast and lunch vendors, live entertainment, and juried arts and crafts from local artisans. It takes place in Marion Square, featuring extended hours during the holiday season.
Where: Charleston | More Info: Charleston Farmers Holiday Market
North Charleston Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Manheim Steamroller Christmas
What to Expect:
Neo-Classical holiday music with multimedia effects.
Description:
Mannheim Steamroller Christmas features a blend of traditional and contemporary holiday music, accompanied by multimedia effects and a unique orchestral sound.
Where: Charleston | More Info: Manheim Steamroller Christmas
The Sound of Charleston
What to Expect:
Live concerts showcasing Charleston's rich musical history in a historic church setting.
Description:
The Sound of Charleston is a 75-minute live concert series at historic Circular Congregational Church, featuring gospel, Gershwin, Civil War songs, jazz, and light classics that define Charleston's 350-year musical heritage.
Where: Charleston | More Info: The Sound of Charleston
Snowflake March
What to Expect:
Nutcracker-themed dance performance in the hotel lobby.
Description:
Families are invited to step into the famed story of The Nutcracker and enjoy a graceful pop-performance by the Dance Conservatory of Charleston in the hotel lobby, where they can also meet and greet the dancers.
Where: Charleston | More Info: Snowflake March
A Christmas Carol
What to Expect:
Dazzling original adaptation with over 50 iconic characters.
Description:
Charleston Stage's original adaptation of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol features breathtaking scenery, gorgeous costumes, and mesmerizing effects. The show includes a delightful score of classic carols and a cast portraying over 50 iconic characters, bringing the heartfelt wonder of Christmas to life.
Where: Charleston | More Info: A Christmas Carol
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical
What to Expect:
Celebrates individuality through a classic holiday tale.
Description:
Join Rudolph and friends as they come to life on stage in an adventure that teaches us that what makes you different can be what makes you special. This heartwarming story features iconic characters like Santa, Mrs. Claus, Hermey the Elf, Bumble the Abominable Snow Monster, Clarice, and Yukon Cornelius. The musical is a wonderful holiday tradition that speaks to the misfit in all of us.
Where: Charleston | More Info: Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical
Candlelight: Holiday Special Featuring "The Nutcracker" and More
What to Expect:
Live string quartet performance of Christmas carols under candlelight.
Description:
Immerse yourself in a candlelit setting at the Carriage House, Magnolia Plantation Gardens, where a string quartet performs beloved Christmas carols, including "The Nutcracker" and other holiday classics.
Where: Charleston | More Info: Candlelight: Holiday Special Featuring "The Nutcracker" and More
The Riviera's Holiday Soiree
What to Expect:
Elegant big-band music and festive atmosphere.
Description:
The Riviera's Holiday Soiree features big-band music by The Fabulous Equinox Orchestra, delicious food, and a lively dance floor, creating an unforgettable evening of entertainment.
Where: Charleston | More Info: The Riviera's Holiday Soiree
City of Charleston Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting
What to Expect:
Vibrant parade with musical performances and tree lighting.
Description:
The City of Charleston Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting features a high-energy parade with musical ensembles and clubs, concluding with a tree lighting ceremony in Marion Square.
Where: Charleston | More Info: City of Charleston Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting
North Charleston Other Holiday Activities
Holiday Weekend Entertainment at Freshfield Village
What to Expect:
Community-driven holiday celebrations with diverse activities.
Description:
Holiday Weekend Entertainment at Freshfields Village features a variety of activities and events designed to enhance the holiday season, including festive decorations, live performances, and community gatherings.
Where: Kiawah Island | More Info: Holiday Weekend Entertainment at Freshfield Village
Skate the Stadium
What to Expect:
Custom-built ice rink with holiday-themed activities.
Description:
Skate the Stadium is an ice skating event at Credit One Stadium in Charleston, SC, featuring a custom-built rink, cozy fire pits, and seasonal concessions. Enjoy ice skating, holiday treats, and special events like the Daniel Island Tree Lighting Ceremony and Ugly Sweater Night.
Where: Charleston | More Info: Skate the Stadium
Christmas at Boone Hall Plantation
What to Expect:
Traditional Christmas decorations made from local materials.
Description:
At Boone Hall Plantation, the Christmas season comes alive with beautifully decorated trees, unique ornaments made from local materials, and traditional holiday decorations. The plantation mansion and grounds are filled with the fresh scents of live trees and festive arrangements. This event offers a unique and authentic holiday experience.
Where: Mount Pleasant | More Info: Christmas at Boone Hall Plantation
North Charleston Christmas Parade and Festival
What to Expect:
Annual city event with festive lights and activities.
Description:
The North Charleston Christmas Parade and Festival is an annual city event featuring music, children's activities, festive food and decorations, thousands of twinkling lights, visits with Santa, and a parade. The event transforms downtown streets into a lively celebration with colorful floats and marching bands.
Where: North Charleston | More Info: North Charleston Christmas Parade and Festival
IOP Holiday Street Festival
What to Expect:
Family-friendly holiday celebration with diverse activities.
Description:
The IOP Holiday Street Festival is a festive event featuring arts and crafters, food vendors, children's activities, and live entertainment, with Santa Claus in attendance.
Where: Isle of Palms | More Info: IOP Holiday Street Festival
Let It Snow
What to Expect:
Rare snowfall experience in a historic city setting.
Description:
Witness the rare occurrence of snow in Charleston's historic district as it magically falls on Market Street Circle, blanketing holiday trees in a lovely sheet of winter white. Families can enjoy a 4pm matinee snowfall on Saturdays, and after Christmas Eve, snowfall takes place once per night at 6pm. Those bearing witness can purchase cocoa, cookies, and festive cocktails while watching the snow fall.
Where: Charleston | More Info: Let It Snow
Mt Pleasant Towne Centre Lights Up
What to Expect:
Community-driven live music and food events.
Description:
Mt Pleasant Towne Centre Lights Up features live music, food trucks, and community activities under the beautiful Lowcountry weather.
Where: Mount Pleasant | More Info: Mt Pleasant Towne Centre Lights Up
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Charleston (6 miles)
- Mount Pleasant (8 miles)
- Goose Creek (9 miles)
- Summerville (16 miles)