Charleston, SC, is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful cities on the planet. Now, imagine spending the holidays in this stunning city with its cobblestone streets, horse-drawn carriages and colorfully painted mansions on Rainbow Row. While you’re there, check out the gorgeous historic homes for sale in Charleston, SC! There is much to do in this port city with plenty of holiday events just waiting for you.
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1. Boone Hall Farms Christmas Tree Festival
Here in Charleston, holiday events start early, and you don’t want to miss this one. The Boone Hall Farms Christmas Tree Festival is a fun, two-day event held on Nov. 18 and 19. There’s something interesting for every individual, including classic Ferris wheel rides, freshly cut trees, handmade wreaths, letter writing to Santa, marshmallow roasting and a lot more. This is a fantastic community event, and you can also tour the iconic plantation home dressed to the nines in Christmas elegance.
2. Holiday Walking Tour
There is charm and beauty everywhere you look in Charleston, which makes it one of the finest and most walkable cities in the country. Take a festive walking tour (Bulldog Tours) along Charleston’s beaten path, and discover wonderful stories about the city. There are private neighborhoods all decked out in holiday finery, and The Battery and Four Corners of Law are must-see stops. Also on the tour is a visit to the Edmondston-Alston House decorated in holiday splendor. It’s the only Charleston house museum that offers a spectacular view of Charleston Harbor.
3. Holiday Parades
Here’s another fantastic opportunity to observe the friendly city of Charleston and feel like part of the crowd. Gather with your friends and attend one of the popular holiday parades. The first one kicks off on Dec. 3, and it’s called the North Charleston Christmas Parade and Festival. The kids, especially, will have a blast with activities and crafts. There are also musical performances, food vendors and more.
On Dec. 4, check out the City of Charleston Parade moving along Broad, King, and Calhoun streets and ending with Santa’s arrival at Marion Square and the Tree of Lights ceremony.
There is also the well-attended Summerville Christmas Parade through the historic downtown on Dec. 10. In addition, the town of Mount Pleasant celebrates its annual Christmas Light Parade that day which begins at 5:30 p.m., where more than 100 floats participate and parade down Coleman Boulevard. While you’re there, don’t forget to view the lovely Mount Pleasant homes for sale.
4. Holiday Parade of Boats
Mark your calendars for Saturday, Dec. 9. That’s when the awesome parade of boats makes its presence known in the amazing Lowcountry region. Each boat dresses up for the Christmas holiday. Hop on the cruise and enjoy an evening jam-packed with delicious southern BBQ. Rock out to some holiday music on this unforgettable, joyous evening floating along the famous Charleston Harbor. Take in the view of the city’s incredible steepled architecture. Make your reservations now at SpiritLine Cruises.
5. ‘The Nutcracker’ by the Moscow Ballet
Talk about a Christmas classic that has been delighting friends and visitors for years now. The Moscow Ballet’s production of “The Nutcracker” is gracing the Charleston stage this holiday season, and you can see this Christmas classic on Dec. 26. This is a wonderful family event. Catch it at the North Charleston Coliseum & Performing Arts Center.
The North Charleston Performing Arts Center features a stunning 2,300-seat proscenium theater and makes for a terrific venue for catching this iconic holiday ballet story. If you’ve never seen “The Nutcracker,” it’s time to take in this epic performance.
6. Charleston’s Chanukah in the Square
This is a family-friendly and free event returning to Marion Square for the 16th annual Chanukah in the Square celebration on Sunday, Dec. 10. Come one, come all, and bring your neighbors, friends and family. Embrace your Chanukah spirit. There will be plenty of food and things to enjoy, including hot latkes, hotdogs, burgers, kettle corn, hot pretzels, donuts, soda and kettle corn.
There will be a giant Menorah lighting at sundown and lots of entertainment for the kids along with fab live music. The Jewish community of Greater Charleston is a growing, thriving, diverse group. Chanukah in the Square is the largest annual Jewish event in the state of South Carolina!
7. Charleston Symphony Orchestra Shows
These performances are simply magnificent. Founded in 1936, the Charleston Symphony Orchestra has grown into one of the largest, full-time performing arts organizations in South Carolina. The musical organization hosts 150-plus events annually, and the holiday season is an extra special one.
There are a number of performances to see starting in early December. For instance, there is the Holiday Strings show on Dec. 1 and 2. The CSO’s string quintet will perform an annual tradition of holiday works with your classic favorites announced from the stage.
You can also attend the first show of Holy City Messiah at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist on Dec. 7. Holy City Messiah, with the CSO Chamber Chorus and four guest soloists, will appear at three lovely churches in downtown Charleston, Daniel Island and Summerville.
Catch one of Charleston’s favorite winter traditions, the Holiday Pops on Dec. 21, 22 and 23. The Charleston Symphony Orchestra enjoys bringing this event to the community and area. Santa and even the Grinch will make an appearance. It’s a blast for all ages. The Pops will serve up favorite new holiday tunes, traditional carols, audience sing-alongs and much more.
Be Jolly, By Golly, and Celebrate in Charleston!
The city of Charleston is one of the most picturesque places you’ll ever see. It’s a friendly community that goes above and beyond the typical holiday celebrations. Make some friends and memories you’ll treasure forever!