Blog written by: Helen Wells
Helen writes for East Islands Rentals, focusing on travel inspiration, local experiences, and practical tips to help visitors enjoy a memorable stay on Isle of Palms.
December has its own particular feel on the South Carolina coast. The holiday lights, local festivities, and seasonal events all complement the laid-back beach atmosphere, making it a very good time of year to be down on the Isle of Palms.
From the Isle of Palms Holiday Street Festival to the Holiday Festival of Lights in Charleston, there are loads of December events and local festivities you can throw into your itinerary.
Thinking of planning a December getaway? East Islands Rentals has a free Vacation Guide with all sorts of useful information on events, restaurants, beaches, and other local attractions to help you make the most of your time on Isle of Palms.
Isle of Palms Holiday Street Festival
December 5th, 2026 | 2–7 p.m. | Front Beach, Isle of Palms
Start the holiday season on the island at the Isle of Palms Holiday Street Festival. The local event at Front Beach on Saturday 5th December is all about getting everyone together for a bit of holiday fun.
The festival has craft stalls, food, kids’ activities, live entertainment, local shopping and dining, and of course a visit from Santa. You can stay right into the evening for the island tree lighting at 5.30 p.m.
It’s easy to add this to your Isle of Palms holiday if you’re staying in the area and want to experience a bit of the local festive spirit without having to go anywhere.
Holiday Festival of Lights
November 13th–December 31st, 2026 | James Island County Park
If you’re in the Charleston area in December, then you must go to the Holiday Festival of Lights at James Island County Park. It’s an annual event that runs from the 13th of November until the 31st of December, so there’s no shortage of opportunities to go.
You’ll see light displays, holiday entertainment, seasonal activities, treats, music, and all sorts of other family-friendly attractions at the event.
This is the perfect way to end a day of exploring Charleston. You could spend the day in the city, go over to James Island for the lights, and then relax back at your Isle of Palms vacation home.
Mount Pleasant Christmas Light Parade
December 13th, 2026 | 5:30–8 p.m. | Coleman Boulevard, Mount Pleasant
Keep the celebrations going the day after the IOP Holiday Street Festival with the Mount Pleasant Christmas Light Parade. This year’s event is on Sunday 6th December, on Coleman Boulevard.
The event features the town’s Christmas tree lighting, fireworks, and a parade of over 100 floats down Coleman Boulevard.
If you’re staying on the Isle of Palms, the parade is another one of the nearby holiday events to add to your December calendar and a good reason to check out Mount Pleasant.
Holiday Events in Charleston
A major advantage of visiting Isle of Palms in December is that you can enjoy the beach and the Charleston holiday festivities. In addition to the Holiday Festival of Lights, you can see the City of Charleston Holiday Parade on December 6th, 2026. That parade will feature local schools, community groups, businesses, marching bands, and all sorts of other entries celebrating the holidays.
Explore downtown Charleston, check out the shops and restaurants, and then catch the parade at 3 p.m. Have a good day in the city and then head back to Isle of Palms to relax.
Plan Your December Getaway with East Islands Rentals
Featured Rental: 715 Carolina
Whether you’re off to the Isle of Palms Holiday Street Festival or just planning out a full schedule of holiday activities around Charleston, Isle of Palms is the ideal base from which to launch your December getaway.
Make your getaway even better with East Islands Rentals. Choose from a range of luxury Isle of Palms vacation rentals, some of which come with private pools, hot tubs, elevators, and loads of room for family and friends.
Book Your December Vacation Today!
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