It’s finally the holiday season in the Lowcountry! There are many festive events happening in the Charleston area to enjoy with family and friends. Below is just a sampling of a few “must-do” holiday events this season. Happy holidays from the William Means family.
30th Annual Holiday Festival of Lights - James Island. The Holiday Festival of Lights is hosted by the Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission at James Island Country Park and is open every evening, rain or shine, through December 31st. The festival opens at 5:30 PM nightly. This event has earned many awards over the years and was named a 2018 Top 20 Event by the Southeast Tourism Society. Find out more information about the event here.
Tea with Santa. Enjoy a hot cup of tea with Santa Claus at Camellias each Sunday in December, leading up to Christmas Day, from 12 PM to 2 PM. Learn more about Tea with Santa.
Charleston Holiday Market. Take your family and friends to the Annual Charleston Holiday Market in Marion Square this holiday season to shop local for Christmas gifts on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 AM to 2 PM for the first three weekends in December.
26th Annual Christmas Light Parade. The Christmas Light Parade features festive floats and community groups that will march up West Coleman Boulevard as the Mount Pleasant Christmas Light Parade sets sail this Sunday, December 12th, at 5:30 PM. Learn more about the event here.
Lights of Magnolia. For the first time in history, Magnolia Plantation and Gardens is illuminating America’s oldest garden at night with Chinese lanterns. You can enjoy this event from Wednesday through Sunday from 5:30 to 9:30 PM through March 15th.
The Sound of Charleston: Special Holiday Edition. Enjoy music from the Civil War, gospel, jazz, light classics, and Gershwin, along with light refreshments at this special holiday concert. The concerts are at historic Circular Congregational Church and feature some of Charleston’s finest musical artists, including Mayor John Tecklenburg, Carl Bright & Family, Ann Caldwell, Shanelle Woods, and more. This event is December 1st through December 30th. Click here for more information about the event.
Elf The Musical. Based on the hilarious 2003 Will Ferrell film, “Elf the Musical” tells the story of Buddy, who mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and is transported to the North Pole. Enjoy this kid-friendly musical at Dock Street Theatre, December 4th through December 22nd. Click here for more information.
31st Annual Folly Beach Christmas Parade. The City of Folly Beach will resume the annual Christmas Parade this Saturday, December 11th,, at noon. This event will feature local celebrities, marching and string bands, floats, antique cars, and more. Learn more here.
Town of Mount Pleasant Holiday Market and Craft Show. Get in the holiday spirit with the Town of Mount Pleasant during the 22nd Annual Holiday Market and Craft Show, where you can find unique gifts and homemade goods while enjoying live music and kids’ activities. The event is at the Farmers Market Pavilion this Saturday, December 11th, from 11 AM to 4 PM. Learn more about the event here.
