Whether you are looking for a winter getaway filled with the shimmer and sparkle of Charleston decked out for the holidays, or a peek into the festivities along the beach, we have created a Charleston itinerary that has something for everyone. From a holiday boat parade along the Charleston Harbor to artists & tastemakers at the Holiday Market at Marion Square, or the time honored traditions of Gullah Christmas stories on the Battery, you’ll discover all the magic that comes with spending December in Charleston.
Day 1: Historic Downtown Charleston & Holiday Kick-Off
Morning: Begin your day with breakfast at Millers All Day, a popular spot known for its Southern brunch options and located on King Street, tucked alongside Charleston’s famous shopping and dining corridor.
Afternoon: Enjoy a “Holiday “Sleigh Ride” carriage tour” by Old South Carriage Co. through Charleston’s historic streets adorned with holiday decorations, complete with caroling and festive treats.
Evening: Experience “Aquarium Aglow” at the South Carolina Aquarium, where unique lighting effects transform exhibits into a festive winter wonderland
Day 2: Middleton Place for the Holidays and Candlelight on the Battery
Morning: Relax over a leisurely breakfast at Chef John Currence’s “Big Bad Breakfast,” serving iconic Southern breakfast staples like custom-created meats, southern-style grits, fresh biscuits and preserves, locally roasted coffee
Afternoon: Plan a drive to Middleton Place for a step back in time to experience the beauty of the lowcountry at this beloved historic home, decorated for the Holidays.
Evening: Head to Charleston’s iconic South of Broad neighborhood. Streets lined with Revolutionary War mansions, hidden gardens, courtyards surrounded by intricate Phillip-Simmons ironwork, all decked out for the holidays in the glow of gas lanterns. Here you can experience “Christmas on the Battery: Carols, Candlelight, and Gullah Christmas Stories” at the Edmondston-Alston House. Tour the festively decorated house by candlelight and hear the Charleston Caroling Company. Warm up in the courtyard with wine or hot cider where a local storyteller will perform Gullah Christmas stories.
Day 3: Illumination Charleston & Dock Street Theater
Morning: Head to Marion Square for Charleston’s Holiday Market, held on Saturday mornings, to shop for local crafts and gifts. Add a stop to attend the Charleston Tree Lighting ceremony Dec 05, 2024 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM, to welcome the holiday season at Bennett Hotel overlooking in the square.
Afternoon: December 6-7, tour Charleston’s historic homes decorated for the holidays with Illumination Charleston, https://www.southernlivingilluminationcharleston.com/ which includes exclusive access to the 2024 Southern Living Idea House.
Evening: Conclude with dinner at Husk, where Lowcountry ingredients shine, followed by “A Christmas Carol,” at Dock Street Theatre for an iconic holiday performance.
Day 4: Folly Beach & Holiday Festival of Lights
Morning: Head to Folly Beach and enjoy brunch at Lost Dog Café, a cozy spot with a laid-back surfers vibe, and serves breakfast all day featuring huge breakfast burritos, bagel sandwiches and some really good coffee.
Afternoon: Take a stroll along the beach in search of shark’s teeth and capture some winter beach views, or head to Center Street to explore the local boutiques and surf shops.
Evening: Load the family in the car and visit the “Holiday Festival of Lights,” at James Island County Park and experience the holiday magic of millions of twinkling lights, a sand sculpture, and interactive light displays.
Day 5: Beach walks on Isle of Palms and a Holiday Boat Parade
Morning: Start your day at Sea Biscuit Café for breakfast favorites that the locals love.
Afternoon: Spend the day unwinding on Isle of Palms beach or take a scenic walk along the coastline.
Evening: On December 14th you’ll want to pack hot chocolate and a blanket and head to the Charleston Harbor for the “Holiday Parade of Boats”, where festively decorated boats illuminate the water as they glide past the historic Charleston waterfront.
After that? End your Charleston holiday with dinner at “The Ordinary” in downtown Charleston, renowned for fresh, local seafood. Consider a stop at the “Sippin’ Santa pop-up Bar” at Prohibition Charleston for holiday-themed cocktails before heading home.
