When planning a trip to view Christmas lights in Charleston, SC, get ready to immerse into the holiday spirit of the most cherished holiday events and sparkling illuminations. We've put together the most exciting displays to help you fill your Charleston to-do list with best-in-class events.
James Island Holiday Festival of Lights (November 10–December 31, 2023)
The Holiday Festival of Lights is one of the most anticipated Christmas lights in Charleston, SC. Taking place at James Island County Park, it features over 750 light displays you can enjoy while cruising along a twinkling 2-mile (5-km) pathway through the park. In addition to the driving tour, you can visit Four Gift Shops, try delicacies at Santa's Sweet Shoppe and experience different family activities, such as marshmallow roasting, enchanted trails walking, and lights display watching. The festival opens at 5:30 pm and closes at 10 pm nightly.
Nights of a Thousand Candles (November 25–December 31, 2023, select dates)
Visiting Nights of a Thousand Candles means penetrating the soft glow of more than 2,700 hand-lit candles and numerous flickering lights. This Charleston Christmas lights display is pure magic that transforms Brookgreen Gardens into a wonderful world of Christmas vibes. It takes place outside of the city in Murrells Inlet, which is about 90 minutes outside Charleston. Take your friends or family, grab a cup of coffee, cacao, or wine, and let the holiday spirit warm your heart from 4 pm to 9 pm almost every evening.
Charleston Holiday Parade of Boats (December 9, 2023)
Get ready to enjoy a Charleston Christmas tradition, Holiday Parade of Boats, featuring dozens of decorated and twinkling boats passing through the Charleston Harbor. The parade starts at 5 pm along the shores of Mount Pleasant. The best viewing spots are the shores along the Charleston peninsula and Patriot's Point.
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