Christmas Things To Do In Charleston Sc

Are you looking for the best Christmas things to do in Charleston, SC? Charleston is the perfect destination for a festive holiday getaway, and with its unique architecture, charming cobblestone streets, and beautiful beaches, it’s easy to see why. From holiday light displays to special events, there’s plenty of Christmas cheer to be found in Charleston. Read on to discover the best things to do this holiday season in Charleston, SC!

Holiday Light Displays

One of the most popular holiday light displays in Charleston is the James Island Festival of Lights. This event regularly draws in large crowds of visitors and locals alike and features over 5 million lights covering James Island County Park. With a variety of holiday-themed displays—including a reindeer petting zoo, Santa’s village, and a snowglobe—this festive event is sure to bring joy to all who attend.

Christmas Markets

Christmas in Charleston wouldn’t be complete without a visit to its Christmas markets. The Charleston Christmas Market is the largest Christmas market in the state, featuring over 140 vendors selling handmade crafts, jewelry, and holiday decorations. This market is a great place to find unique gifts and the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit.

Holiday Events

Charleston also hosts a variety of holiday events throughout the season. The Holiday Festival of Lights is a family-friendly event that includes a parade, live music, and food vendors. The Holiday Parade of Boats is another annual event that features a parade of decorated boats sailing through the Charleston Harbor. This is a great event for the whole family to enjoy.

Holiday Tours

Take a holiday tour of the city and explore some of Charleston’s most famous landmarks. There are a variety of holiday-themed tours available, from a walking tour of the historic district to a carriage tour of the city. These tours are a great way to see the city from a different perspective and get into the holiday spirit.

Holiday Dining

Charleston is home to some of the best restaurants in the country, and during the holidays, these restaurants offer special holiday menus and festive decorations. From traditional Southern holiday fare to unique twists on classic dishes, the city’s restaurants have something for everyone. Enjoy a tasty meal and get into the holiday spirit at the same time!

Holiday Shopping

Charleston is home to some of the best shopping in the South. From the boutiques of King Street to the antique stores of Market Street, the city has something for everyone. During the holidays, many of these stores offer special discounts and deals that make holiday shopping even more enjoyable. Take advantage of these deals and find the perfect gifts for your loved ones!

Holiday Entertainment

Charleston is home to a variety of holiday entertainment venues, from theatres to concert halls. Check out the Charleston Music Hall for a variety of holiday-themed shows, including musicals, ballets, and more. Or, head to the Charleston Jazz Orchestra for some live holiday jazz. Whatever your entertainment needs are, Charleston has something for you this holiday season.

Conclusion

Charleston, SC is the perfect destination for a festive holiday getaway. With so many holiday light displays, Christmas markets, special events, and holiday tours, there’s plenty of Christmas cheer to be found in Charleston. So, plan a trip to Charleston this holiday season and experience all that the city has offer!

From shopping in the boutiques of King Street to attending the Holiday Festival of Lights, there’s something for everyone in Charleston this holiday season. Make sure to take advantage of all the festive activities, events, and dining options the city has to offer. With a little planning and some research, you can make your holiday season in Charleston an unforgettable experience.

A Local’s Guide to Christmas Things To Do In Charleston, SC

Charleston is a city of great history, natural beauty, and unique charm. Christmas in Charleston is a beautiful sight to behold, with lights adorning the streets and historic homes. In this local’s guide to Christmas things to do in Charleston, we’ll take you beyond the typical tourist hotspots to some hidden gems that only locals know about.

Local Attractions

While many tourists flock to Charleston’s historic district, there are many unique and hidden attractions that aren’t as well-known, but are just as enchanting.

For instance, The Battery is a well-known attraction but there is another less crowded park, White Point Gardens, beautiful in its own right. The park is lined with old oak trees that welcome you to take a peaceful walk while enjoying magnificent views of the Cooper River.

Another unconventional attraction is Charleston’s Angel Oak Tree located on John’s Island. At an estimated 400-500 years old, it’s the oldest oak tree in the country, boasting a lengthy branch canopy that covers a considerable area of the park. The Angel Oak Tree is an incredible sight, especially with the Christmas lights when visiting the park during the Christmas season.

Dining Spots

Charleston is home to some of the best cuisine in the country, with a rich food culture that’s steeped in history. The city is famous for its seafood, including shrimp and grits and crab cakes. Explore the city’s unique and diverse food scene by visiting local eateries like Martha Lou’s Kitchen for traditional Southern comfort food dishes.

Charleston is also known for its Gullah cuisine, which is a unique blend of African and European flavors. To try a Gullah dish, visit Bertha’s Kitchen, a soul food restaurant located near the Arthur Ravenell Jr. Bridge. The dishes are both flavorful and culturally insightful.

Cultural Experiences

The city’s culture is heavily influenced by its Gullah heritage, and a visit to the Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor should be added to your itinerary as a must do. The Corridor was established to preserve and share the history and culture of the Gullah people, descendants of the Africans who were enslaved on the coastal islands and rice plantations in the Southern United States.

Charleston also hosts several unique Christmas festivals, including the Holiday Festival of Lights at James Island County Park , which is a magical Christmas wonderland. Featuring over two million lights and festive activities, it’s a must-see festival during the Christmas season.

Local History

Charleston is a city steeped in history and has many fascinating stories to share. One of the lesser-known stories is that of St. Michael’s Church. It is rumored that the church’s tall white steeple was used during at least one war as a navigational marker for sailors entering the Charleston Harbour.

Another intriguing piece of Charleston history is the Old City Jail located on Magazine Street. The jail was operational from 1802 to 1939 and housed famous criminals like Lavinia Fisher, who was rumored to be America’s first female serial killer. Taking a tour of the old jail is both educational and eerie.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions

To experience a unique and off-the-beaten-path visit, consider visiting the quirky and charming town of Folly Beach. It’s only a short distance away from downtown Charleston and offers an entirely different vibe. Folly Beach offers numerous options like beach shacks for seafood, bars for sunshine cruising, and a multitude of bohemian art installations.

Another unique suggestion is taking a walking tour of the city. Charleston Strolls Walking Tours is an exciting way to explore the city. The tour guide is quite knowledgeable, sharing, and reveling an interesting mix of history and fun facts.

Conclusion

There is a plethora of delightful, wholesome family fun to have during the Christmas season in Charleston. By exploring the hidden gems outside the typical tourist hotspots, visitors can experience a uniquely immersive adventure. From the rich food culture to the awe-inspiring hidden attractions, there’s always something to explore in Charleston. There’s no doubt visitors will cherish their visit to Charleston and crave a return trip.