A Charleston Holiday: Your Guide to the Season's Magic
Charleston's holiday season is a joyful sprint to share the magic with friends, experience all the festivities the city has to offer, and make memories that last a lifetime. Just after Thanksgiving, it's time to retrieve holiday cocktail dresses and handbags from storage, steaming out the wrinkles and shaking off last year's dust. Though temperatures never dip too low, Charleston's winter wonderland is just as lovely and lively, offering endless things to do around town. It's the perfect time to be out and about, sharing holiday cheer with familiar faces and perhaps meeting new ones along the way.
Charleston Place Hotel, downtown.
In the heart of downtown, The Charleston Place Hotel invites you into a world of holiday elegance and enchantment. Throughout the season, an elaborate holiday train winds through festive scenes designed to delight guests of all ages. You could spend hours following the train as it meanders past beautifully decorated trees, classic garlands, and sparkling ornaments. Every corner of the hotel is thoughtfully adorned—from twinkling lights in the lobby to seasonal touches throughout—creating an inviting atmosphere that captures the magic of the holidays. Grab a hot chocolate from the hotel's coffee shop or a cocktail at the beloved Thoroughbred Club to build new memories while sharing cherished stories of Christmases past
This holiday season, make your way down historic King Street then to Charleston's American Gardens around 5:30 PM for Light the Park, a beloved new holiday tradition downtown. Experience the magic admist a carousel and glistening wonderland gardens, as the park comes to life each evening.
Presented by Charleston Stage at Dock Street Theatre, 135 Church Street, do see the holiday classic, A Christmas Carol. Return to Victorian-era London and join Ebenezer Scrooge on a magical journey through time in this heartwarming original adaptation of Charles Dickens' beloved classic, A Christmas Carol. First produced by Charleston Stage in 1978, this production has become a cherished holiday tradition in the Lowcountry. With a score of classic carols and a professional cast bringing more than 50 iconic characters to life, this enchanting musical awakens the Christmas spirit in even the grumpiest Scrooge. Don't miss the magic—secure your tickets early, as last year's performances sold out!
Celebrate the festive season with South Carolina Ballet's The Nutcracker! Let Tchaikovsky's magnificent score transport you to a dreamlike world of floating snowflakes, dancing flowers, and swirling candy canes, all enhanced by stunning new backdrops and scenery. South Carolina Ballet's professional production is a sumptuous, glittering extravaganza guaranteed to leave you with visions of sugar plums dancing in your head. Remember, Christmas isn't officially here until you've seen The Nutcracker! Performances at 7 PM.
Do not miss the beloved annual Candlelight Service at the Citadel, a Charleston Christmas Tradition. Experience an enchanting evening filled with music as cadets perform seasonal pieces. Participants include members of the Citadel Gospel Choir, Chorale, Regimental Band, Summerall Chapel Praise team, and more. This year, Candlelight will be December 5, 6, and 7 at 1900 with doors opening at 1730.
