The historical Charleston with its festive carriage rides on cobblestone streets looks especially cozy when adorned with twinkling Christmas lights. Take a stroll through the beautiful French Quarter, The Battery promenade, Waterfront Park, and Charleston Harbor to marvel at holiday decorations. Stop by the magnificent 64-ft Charleston Christmas tree in Marion Square, which is decorated with thousands of lights. Charleston is also famous for its holiday parades, jazz concerts, holiday shows, and other events that make Christmas in the city so special.
Holiday Parade of Boats (December 9, 2023)
Holiday Parade Of Boats is one of the highlights of the holiday season in Charleston. The festive procession of dozens of boats of all sizes decorated with twinkling lights passes through the Charleston Harbor. The best area to view the parade is Charleston's waterfront. Holiday Parade of Boats starts at about 5 pm on the Cooper River, near the Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park. The boats pass under the Ravenel Bridge, then turn towards downtown Charleston, before turning again and ending their route on the Ashley River at about 7:30 p.m.
The House at Magnolia; A Candlelit Christmas Experience (unconfirmed in 2023)
Get your dose of Christmas spirit at Magnolia Plantation & Gardens. The House at Magnolia; A Candlelit Christmas Experience allows you to enjoy dazzling holiday decorations at your own pace during a self-guided walk through the House. The lights dance to Christmas carols on two special nights in December between 5:30 pm and 7 pm. The tickets are $70 per person and include two drinks and some snacks.
German Christmas Markt (December 1–10, 2023; on selected dates)
There is no better place to shop for Christmas presents than the outdoor German-inspired Christmas Markt at River Oaks Charleston. Enjoy authentic German holiday snacks and drinks at the Biergarten, listen to live music while relaxing on the lawn, and have a glass of Glühwein by a large bonfire. The market operates from 2 to 9 pm one weekend only.
