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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Top 5 Ways to Celebrate Christmas in Charleston
1. 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 evening in December and features live music, a visit from Santa Claus, a tree lighting ceremony, and more!
2. 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.
3. Charleston Holiday Market
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!
4. 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!
5. 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!
Ready to spend Christmas in Charleston? Browse a full catalog of our rentals to start planning!
