2024
Winter Events Guide

Winter in Charleston is the perfect time to enjoy cooler weather and various events, festivals, and celebrations.

aglow

Aquarium Aglow

When: November 21, 2024-December 30, 2024

Where: SOUTH CAROLINA AQUARIUM

Experience the South Carolina Aquarium from a whole new perspective! This unique event features an intricate light show that stretches throughout the aquarium. Using thousands of lights, the aquarium transforms its space into something magical. This memorable event is ticketed, with prices varying depending on the day you attend.

festival of lights

Festival of Lights

When: November 15-December 31, 2024

Where: JAMES ISLAND COUNTY PARK

Embrace the magic of the holiday season at the Charleston Holiday Festival of Lights, a cherished annual event held at James Island County Park in Charleston, South Carolina. This enchanting festival transforms the park into a winter wonderland, bedecked with millions of dazzling lights. Visitors can stroll or drive through a three-mile tour featuring the city’s finest light displays. They also feature a sculpture made from 50 tons of sand, a holiday train, an enchanted walking trail, a Victorian carousel, Santa Claus, Santa’s sweet shop, gift shops, marshmallow roasting, and more! Get your tickets today for this heartwarming, family-friendly experience that captures the true spirit of the season!

oysters

Annual Deck the Hall Oyster Roast

When: December 8, 2024 | 2–5 PM

Where: Drayton Hall | 3380 Ashley River Road, Charleston

Bring your friends and family to Drayton Hall’s annual Deck the Hall Oyster Roast and savor the historical charm of this beloved Lowcountry tradition! Enjoy all-you-can-eat oysters, a hearty chili bar, and a selection of local beverages, all while supporting the Drayton Hall mission. We encourage guests to come early to explore the exhibits at Drayton Hall before the festivities begin, as your Oyster Roast ticket includes admission to the grounds. Feel free to bring your own lawn chairs for a comfortable experience, but kindly leave pets, coolers, and outside food and drinks at home. This popular event sells out every year, so be sure to get your tickets early!

home for the holidays

Home for the Holidays

When: December 15, 2024 | 1:00-4:00 pm

Where: Magnolia Plantation | 3550 Ashley River Rd., Charleston

Immerse yourself in the holiday spirit with this exclusive experience at Magnolia Plantations. Magnolia Plantation will offer tours highlighting Norwood and Sara Hastie, who were the owners of the plantation for 30 years. During their ownership, they entertained lavishly and hosted many prominent figures, including presidents, first ladies, innovators, and A-list celebrities of the time. Visitors can expect to hear fascinating stories about the Hasties and their impressive guest list, making for an unforgettable experience. Don’t miss out on this one-of-a-kind experience this holiday season!

christmas stroll

Christmas Strolls

When: December 1-30

Where: Begins at 117 Broad Street

Take a stroll where history meets hospitality in its finest array of Dickens past! Learn the stories behind the displays and take an intimate look at what makes Christmas in Charleston special!

christmas carol

A Christmas Carol

When: November 30, 2024 - December 22, 2024

Where: Dock Street Theatre

As the holiday season approaches, Charleston’s Historic Dock Street Theatre prepares to once again immerse audiences in the timeless tale of A Christmas Carol. This beloved production, adapted by Julian Wiles and directed by Sam Henderson, is renowned for its captivating performances, stunning visuals, and heartwarming message. This show is a must-see event. Purchase your tickets today!

Charleston Farmers Market

Charleston Holiday Market

When: Saturdays TBD

Where: 329 Meeting Street

During the holiday season, the Charleston Farmers Market features many additional Holiday Vendors! You will find holiday produce, food, and art as well as live music, caroling, and activities for kids including free photos with Santa u0026amp; Mrs. Claus! More information coming soon!

holiday-swing

Holiday Swing-Charleston Jazz Orchestra

When: December 7, 2024

Where: Charleston Music Hall

Get in the holiday spirit with the highly acclaimed Charleston Jazz Orchestra. Enjoy the sounds of holidays past and present. There are two times available to enjoy the big band—5-6:30 pm or 8-9:30 pm.

illumination charleston

Illumination Charleston

When: December 6-7, 2024

Where: Various locations

Illumination Charleston is a series of unique holiday-themed events put together by Explore Charleston, Southern Living, and the Historic Charleston Foundation. Events range in price depending on the activity. Enjoy holiday workshops, live interviews, walking tours, and more! More information coming soon!

wine under the oaks

Wine Under the Oaks

When: December 8, 2024

Where: Boone Hall Plantation Back Lawn

Wine Under the Oaks is a 21+ event that offers a sophisticated and enjoyable experience for wine enthusiasts and food lovers. Set against the picturesque backdrop of Boone Hall Plantation, this annual celebration features curated wine tastings, live music, and delicious culinary delights. It’s a perfect opportunity to unwind and savor the flavors of the South in a historic and elegant setting.

holiday boat parade

Holiday Boat Parade

When: TBD

Where: Charleston Harbor

This holiday spectacle transforms the Charleston Harbor in an array of dazzling lights and decorated boats. Participants, ranging from private boat owners to local businesses, transform their vessels into floating masterpieces, adorning them with thousands of twinkling lights, festive ornaments, and creative holiday scenes. The parade route winds its way through the Ashley River, past the iconic Battery Park, and into the Cooper River, offering spectators a mesmerizing view of the illuminated vessels. Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor to Charleston, this enchanting spectacle is sure to leave you feeling dazzled and filled with holiday cheer.

Chanukah in the Square

Chanukah in the Square

When: TBD

Where: Marion Square

Join us at this family-friendly event with Chanukah in the Square! This vibrant festival brings together the Jewish community and the wider community to commemorate the holiday season. This year’s event will feature live entertainment, a variety of food stations, and various children’s activities for families. The event also includes the lighting of the menorah candles at sundown. Don’t forget to stop by this event on your visit to Charleston.

2nd sunday on king

2nd Sunday on King Street

When: December 8, 2024

Where: King Street from Queen to Calhoun

Every second Sunday of the month from noon until 5 pm, the City of Charleston shuts down King Street from Queen to Calhoun to through traffic. In addition, no cars are allowed to park, giving pedestrians the ability to stroll through the street and visit businesses they might not have known about. There are also artists displaying their work on the street and unique food vendors tempting guests with their fare.

Holiday Parade

Charleston Holiday Parade

When: TBD

Where: Downtown Charleston

Get in the holiday spirit at this high-energy parade which begins on Broad Street at Rutledge, travels North on Meeting Street, and concludes on Calhoun Street at Meeting Street. After the parade, head to Marion Square for the annual tree lighting. More information coming soon!

charleston christmas special

The Charleston Christmas Special 2024

When: December 12 - 22, 2024

Where: Charleston Music Hall

Enjoy this Charleston staple—a musical show featuring some of the country’s most talented singers, dancers, and musicians— now in it’s 29th year!

JANUARY-FEBRUARY EVENTS

charleston-museum

Museum Mile Month

When: January

Where: Meeting Street

Experience the Museum Mile sites throughout January 2024 with a single ticket purchase! The Museum Mile Month pass grants a month-long opportunity to immerse yourself in Charleston’s vibrant history and culture by visiting various sites along the route.

For only $35 per adult and $10 per child, access 13 different sites. Don’t miss out on exploring, discovering, and savoring all the wonders Charleston presents during Museum Mile Month!

taste of gullah geechee

Taste of Gullah Geechee

When: TBD

Where: IBA Event Venue

Celebrate the beginning of Black History Month at an exclusive culinary event. Delight in culturally inspired cuisine crafted by Charleston’s finest community chefs! You’ll have the opportunity to savor an array of flavors curated by over a dozen talented chefs, showcasing the diverse influences of the African diaspora on Gullah Geechee culinary heritage. Enjoy live music, camaraderie, and craft cocktails. The event is rain or shine, and your receipt serves as your ticket—don’t forget to bring your ID for check-in.” Tickets are $85 and must be purchased in advance.

oyster fest

Lowcountry Oyster Festival

When: TBD

Where: Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens

Love oysters? If so, grab your oyster knives and look no further than this year’s Lowcountry Oyster Festival. Claiming to be the world’s largest oyster festival, this family-friendly event features live music, shucking and eating contests, imported beers, a children’s area, a food court, and—best of all—45,000 pounds of oysters! More information coming soon!

2nd sunday on king

2nd Sunday on King Street

When: February 9, 2025

Where: King Street from Queen to Calhoun Street

Enjoy exploring Kings Street without traffic! You will find carefully curated artists showing their work on the street, unique food vendors, and other surprises! Enjoy discovering shops you might not have noticed before!

sewe

Southeastern Wildlife Exposition (SEWE)

When: TBD

Where: Various locations

SEWE is the largest event of its kind in the United States that celebrates wildlife and nature through fine art, live entertainment, and special events. Be sure to visit the SEWE Marketplace located inside the Gaillard Center. There, you’ll find dozens of artisans, craftsmen, and tastemakers from across the country! More information coming soon!

cocktails and camellias

Cocktails and Camellias

When: TBD

Where: The Mirror Garden at Middleton Place Plantation

Don’t miss the most beautiful cocktail party that celebrates the 10,000 camellias that bloom each year at Middleton Place. Enjoy specialty cocktails, wine, small plates, and live music surrounded by breathtaking camellias in America’s Oldest Landscaped Gardens. This a 21 and up event.

MARCH EVENTS

Wine and Food

Charleston Wine + Food

When: TBD

Where: Various locations

Since 2005, this iconic week-long festival has been one of the area’s premier events. Originally started to promote and elevate Charleston’s culinary brand, the Charleston Wine and Food Festival brings out the best of the best to truly showcase the Charleston culinary scene. Those looking to participate can buy tickets to different unique events throughout the week. Ticket prices vary based on the event.

*Please note that all information included in this blog, such as times, ticket prices, and ticket availability, is subject to change.