Holiday Magic in Charleston
Holiday Festivities & Traditions
Grab a blanket and a board game, turn on the fireplace, and enjoy some holiday magic, one-on-one family time! Create special memories of a holiday escape in Charleston, SC as you enjoy either your favorite holiday traditions or some new exciting experiences. From classic holiday shows & samplers, to award winning light displays guests enjoy parades, tree lightings, boat parades and of course holiday craft markets & unique Charleston finds.
Mount Pleasant Holiday Market & Craft Show
Dec 13, 2025
Time: 11:00 am - 4:00 pm
Location: Mount Pleasant Farmers Market Pavilion
The annual Holiday Market & Craft Show combines all the goodies from our traditional food market such as locally grown fresh produce, baked goods, hot food, and homemade preserves with handcrafted gifts created by local artisans. Come see this year's wonderful assortment of Christmas ornaments, glasswork, whimsical crafts, and a wide variety of original art by locally recognized potters, artists, craftsmen, and photographers.
Mount Pleasant Christmas Light Parade
Dec 14, 2025
Time: 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Location: Coleman Blvd. Route
Brilliantly lit floats and community groups will march up West Coleman Boulevard as the Mount Pleasant Christmas Light Parade sets sail to the delight of thousands of residents and visitors. The festivities begin at 5:30 p.m. with a spectacular Pyrotecnico fireworks show, immediately followed by the start of the parade at Live Oak Dr. traveling south and ending at the intersection of W. Coleman Blvd. and Patriots Point Rd.
City of Charleston Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting
December 7th
Time: Parade starts at 3pm
Location: Parade through the city followed by the tree lighting ceremony in Marion Square.
Come join the City of Charleston Sunday, December 7th for this fun, high energy parade which will commence on Broad Street at Rutledge, travel North on Meeting Street, and conclude on Calhoun Street at Meeting Street. Participants include musical ensembles, clubs and organizations.
Parade starts at 3pm with the tree lighting to follow in Marion Square.
Nutcracker
Celebrate the festive season with South Carolina Ballet’s Nutcracker! Let Tchaikovsky’s musical score of unparalleled lyricism and originality transport you to a dreamlike world of floating snowflakes, dancing flowers and swirling candy canes, all enhanced by new backdrops, sets, and scenery! South Carolina Ballet’s professional production of Nutcracker is a sumptuous, glittering extravaganza and guaranteed to leave you with visions of sugar plums dancing in your head! Remember, Christmas and the Holidays aren’t officially here…until you’ve seen Nutcracker!
THE Charleston Christmas Special
All new for 2025! Brad and Jennifer Moranz have delighted audiences of all ages with their holiday musical show featuring some of the country’s most talented singers, dancers and musicians – now in it’s 30th spectacular year!
A Christmas Carol
Return to Victorian era London once more and join Ebenezer Scrooge on a magical journey through time in the heartwarming, original adaptation of the beloved Charles Dickens’ classic, A Christmas Carol. First produced by Charleston Stage in 1978, this production has secured its status as a staple holiday tradition in the Lowcountry. With a score of classic carols and a professional cast playing upwards of 50 iconic characters, this enchanting musical brings to life the Christmas spirit in even the grumpiest Scrooge. Don’t miss out on the magic!
Festival of Lights
For 36 years, the Holiday Festival of Lights has been a beloved holiday tradition. Whether you're home for the holidays or visiting the Lowcountry for a holiday getaway, we promise you'll create lasting memories with millions of multicolored lights, fun family activities, holiday shopping, delicious treats, and so much more!
Holiday Parade of Boats
December 13, 2025
Time: Sets sail at 6pm
Location: Through the Charleston Harbor and into the Ashley River.
Join another Lowcountry tradition at the Holiday Parade of Boats. This display of lighted and festive boats proceeds from the Cooper River, through the Charleston Harbor and into the Ashley River. This is a family-friendly event is sure to become a holiday tradition for everyone.
Add That Special Holiday Touch
Discover our extra special holiday packages, & enjoy treats, crafts and more.






