Skip the stress of the holiday season this year when you spend Christmas in Charleston, SC! Our coastal city has everything you need to get into the holiday spirit like light displays, boat parades, street festivals, and more. Even better, you can enjoy the sunshine and mild temperatures during even the coldest months in the Lowcountry!
Ready to celebrate the holiday season in the Charleston area? Take tips from our blog, then get your copy of our free Isle of Palms Vacation Guide. This planning tool contains insider information on the best way to experience our all-seasons destination!
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Keep scrolling for some of the best holiday events in Charleston. Holiday fun is around every corner on the South Carolina coast.
Top 7 Ways to Celebrate Christmas in Charleston
1. Christmas Tree Festival at Boone Farms
Kick off the holiday season with the Christmas Tree Festival at Boone Farms. This FREE event takes place the weekend before Thanksgiving with a variety of Christmas fun and activities. Enjoy rides, crafts, a photo booth, live music, photo opportunities, and more.
2. IOP Holiday Street Festival
The annual Isle of Palms Holiday Street Festival is the island’s most popular holiday event. This Christmas-themed festival takes place one afternoon and evening in December. Enjoy live music, carnival rides, face painting, food trucks, artisan & craft vendors, a visit from Santa Claus, and more when you attend this free event. Ring in the holiday season at Front Beach on Isle of Palms.
3. Holiday Festival of Lights
The Holiday Festival of Lights at James Island County Park is Charleston’s most famous holiday celebration. These impressive displays illustrate iconic landmarks and themes of the Lowcountry. The display is open nightly from 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. starting in mid-November. Meet Santa and take in the sights.
4. Charleston Holiday Market
Are you searching for the perfect Christmas gifts for your friends and family? Look no further than the Charleston Holiday Market! Each year, during the holiday season, the Charleston Farmers Market in Marion Square extends its weekend hours so locals and visitors alike can shop for the perfect gifts.
Can’t make it in time for the Charleston Holiday Market? Be sure to visit the Charleston City Market, also located downtown, to shop for more Carolina-made gifts!
Click here for more holiday markets in the area.
5. A Christmas Tradition at Boone Hall Plantation
Take a tour of this historic plantation home during the holiday season. Including with regular paid admission, you will have the opportunity to ask in the magic of Christmastime. A Christmas Tradition at Boone Hall Plantation takes place from early December through the New Year.
6. Charleston Holiday Boat Parade
Many visitors travel to Charleston to soak up life on the coast. While it’s a bit chilly to get in the ocean in the winter, you can enjoy our area’s coastal beauty with the Charleston Holiday Boat Parade. This holiday event follows a large display of lighted boats as they sail from the Cooper River through Charleston Harbor to the Ashley River. From here, spectators can enjoy a beautiful fireworks display from downtown’s waterfront!
7. Book Your Holiday Rental on IOP
Enjoy a silent night at your holiday home with East Island Rentals after a day full of holiday celebrations! We offer an exclusive selection of Isle of Palms rentals just steps from the shore. Our vacation rentals have everything you need to celebrate the holiday season like state-of-the-art kitchens for cooking Christmas dinner and hot tubs for those chilly nights! Stay close to all the best holiday events in Charleston and the surround area when your rental is on IOP!
Ready to spend Christmas in Charleston? Browse a full catalog of our rentals to start planning!
