The first greenery and red bows showed up on street lampposts late last week. The lights went on at the Holiday Festival of Lights. And the calendar of holiday events in Charleston exploded. Christmastime in Charleston is here!
Start getting your holiday calendar in order so you don’t miss a single tree lighting ceremony, parade, historic holiday event or special show. Here are a few of our favorites coming up over the next month. And check out our full Calendar of Events for a complete list.
Holiday Festival of Lights – Through Dec. 31. James Island County Park is one major light show at this event featuring a light display plus marshmallow roasts, train rides, gingerbread house displays, a 50-ton sand sculpture, an enchanted forest walking trail, carousel rides, photos with Santa and a gift shop. www.holidayfestivaloflights.com | 843-795-4386
Holiday Market at Middleton – Nov. 23-24. Enjoy at open-air market with music, complimentary hot cider and treats and local artisan displays at Middleton Place. www.middletonplace.org | 843-556-6020
Summerville Christmas Tree Lighting and Snowball Drop – Nov. 27. Student band and choir will provide the music as the mayor lights the town Christmas tree in historic downtown Summerville. www.summervilledream.org | 843-821-7260
Christmas 1860 – Nov. 30. Celebrate the holiday season with special performances by candlelight at the Edmondston-Alston House. The historic house will be decorated for the holidays much as it would have been in 1860. www.middletonplace.org | 843-556-6020
CSO Gospel Christmas – Nov. 30 and Dec. 1. A performance of the Charleston Symphony Orchestra and CSO Gospel Choir at the Sottile Theatre. www.charlestonspiritual.com | 843-991-1035
A Christmas Story – Nov. 30 through Dec. 16. The holiday adventures of young Ralphie Parker are played out on the stage at the Dock Street Theater. www.charlestonstage.com | 843-577-5967
Charleston Christmas Tree Lighting and Holiday Parade of Boats – Dec. 1. Head to Marion Square for lighting of the 60-foot tree of lights at 4:30 p.m. Then watch more than 30 sail and power boats decorated for the holiday season travel from Mount Pleasant to the Ashley River. www.charlestonarts.org | 843-724-7414
Wine Under the Oaks – Dec. 2. Wineries and wine distributors will provide samples, and Lowcountry restaurants will have food samples at this event at Boone Hall Plantation. Vendors will have gifts for holiday shopping. Boonehallplantation.com | 843-884-4371
Charleston Christmas Parade – Dec. 2. Bands, floats and performers will parade through downtown Charleston; parade begins at Calhoun and Meeting streets, proceeding down King Street to Broad Street and Lockwood Boulevard. www.charlestonarts.org | 843-724-7305
Family Yuletide – Dec. 8. Enjoy storytelling, Christmas caroling and ornament and wreath making at Middleton Place. See craftspeople working in their shops by candlelight, and a live nativity scene featuring many of the plantation’s animals. Hot cider and seasonal refreshments included. www.middletonplace.org | 843-556-6020
Mount Pleasant Holiday Market and Craft Show – Dec. 8. Fresh produce, baked good, homemade preserves and handcrafted gifts of pottery, ornaments, crafts and art will be available at the Mount Pleasant Farmers Market Pavilion on Coleman Boulevard. www.townofmountpleasant.com | 843-884-8517
Mount Pleasant Christmas Light Parade & Tree Lighting – Dec. 9. More than 100 floats will travel down Coleman Boulevard. The tree lighting and fireworks are a 5:30 p.m. at Moultrie Middle School with the parade immediately following. www.comeonovermp.com | 843-884-8517
Summerville Christmas Parade – Dec. 9. Through downtown Summerville. www.summervilledream.org | 843-821-7260