Christmas Lights in Charleston 2024-2025

When planning a trip to experience Christmas lights in Charleston, SC, prepare to dive into the festive spirit of the city's most beloved holiday events and dazzling displays. We've gathered the top light shows and activities to help make your Charleston itinerary shine with unforgettable, world-class experiences.

Holiday Festival of Lights, James Island (November 15–December 31, 2024)

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, visitors can explore four gift shops, indulge in treats at Santa's Sweet Shoppe, and enjoy a variety of family activities like marshmallow roasting, walking along enchanted trails, and admiring dazzling light displays. The festival opens at 5:30 pm and closes at 10 pm nightly. Visits with Santa at the festival are free, with digital photos for an additional charge. Santa will be available from November 15 through December 23. As for treats, visitors can indulge in pretzels, popcorn, and a variety of sweet and savory delights from Claus' kitchen.

Nights of a Thousand Candles (November 30, 2024–January 5, 2025, on select dates)

Attending Nights of a Thousand Candles immerses visitors in the soft glow of more than 2,700 hand-lit candles and countless twinkling lights. This enchanting Charleston-area Christmas light display transforms Brookgreen Gardens into a magical holiday wonderland. Located in Murrells Inlet, about 90 minutes from Charleston, the event invites guests to gather with friends or family, enjoy a cup of coffee, cocoa, or wine, and embrace the holiday spirit from 4 pm to 9 pm on most evenings. Tickets are priced at $35 for adults and $17 for children ages 4 to 12.

Charleston Holiday Parade of Boats (​​December 14, 2024)

Get ready to enjoy a Charleston Christmas tradition, the Holiday Parade of Boats, featuring dozens of decorated and twinkling boats passing through the Charleston Harbor. Everyone can view the procession along Charleston's waterfront or decorate their boat and join the parade. It starts at 6 pm along the shores of Mount Pleasant. The best viewing spots are the shores along the Charleston peninsula and Patriot's Point. The event is free and organized by the City of Charleston's Office of Cultural Affairs.

Aquarium Aglow (November 21– December 30, 2024, on select dates)

This holiday season, visit the South Carolina Aquarium for a stunning light show featuring larger-than-life installations, festive photo opportunities, and Charleston's most unique Santa experience. Explore dozens of exhibits decked out in holiday lights and décor while enjoying specialty snacks and drinks. Aquarium Aglow runs from 5:30 to 9 pm, with timed entry slots. Tickets start at $25.95 for adults and $21.95 for children.

Mt. Pleasant Christmas Light Parade​​ (December 15, 2024)

If you're open to a quick 10-minute drive from Charleston, consider visiting the nearby town of Mt. Pleasant, just across the Ravenel Bridge. The town celebrates the season with its Annual Christmas Light Parade, kicking off at 5:30 pm with a stunning Pyrotecnico fireworks display. The parade then begins at Live Oak Drive, heading south and concluding at the intersection of W. Coleman Boulevard and Patriots Point Road.