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.
As winter approaches, Northerners along the Atlantic seaboard, in states from New York to Maine, prepare to head indoors and hunker down for the long winter until warm weather returns in the spring. What if things could be different? You don’t have to endure the bitter cold of a northern winter this year. Instead, spend a month in Charleston to soak up the Lowcountry sunshine, enjoy the outdoors, and lounge on our beautiful beaches, even during the coldest time of year. Whether you’re retired, have the flexibility to work remotely, or simply can plan some time off, there’s milder temperatures, some incredible historic sites to see and year-round outdoor shopping and dining waiting for you in the Holy City.
Our Insider’s Guide to Charleston has everything you need to know to help you plan your trip. It’s full of our top recommendations for restaurants, breweries, golf courses, activities, and more. Request your complimentary digital Insider’s Guide today.
Benefits
What could be better than spending the coldest time of year in one of America’s top vacation destinations? There are endless benefits to escaping the cold to spend some time relaxing and exploring in the Lowcountry. For one, Charleston’s winter climate is more favorable to many when compared to the often-freezing temperatures of the northeast. Instead, you can comfortably spend time outdoors, enjoy a nice brunch on restaurant patios, and soak up the sunshine on the beach. There are plenty of beach activities to enjoy in the cooler temps, from tossing a football in the surf, gathering with friends for a cookout or taking long walks along the sand. Plus, a change of scenery is the best way to get rid of those winter blues.
Mild Temperatures
There’s nothing like winter in Charleston! While it’s true, you can occasionally experience a cold day here in Charleston, most of our highs in the winter months reach the high 50s and 60s. It’s perfect weather to get out, ride bikes, stroll through downtown, and actually enjoy the winter.
Outdoor Activities
Because of Charleston’s temperate winter climate, there are few things you’ll be unable to do during your stay. And in the winter, you can enjoy many of the same activities that are popular in the summer, minus the crowds. While a dip in the ocean may cause a shiver at this time of year, sitting on the beach is often still comfortable – you just may want to keep the swimsuit in your suitcase! In historic downtown Charleston, you can enjoy strolling the cobblestone streets through the French Quarter, or walking along the Charleston Battery, the mile long walking path that overlooks Charleston Harbor and is lined with the gorgeous homes of Charleston’s famed South of Broad neighborhood.
Celebrate the Holidays
Sure, there is something nostalgic about sleigh rides through the snow, sledding down the hills around town with friends and eggnog around the fire on Christmas Eve while snowflakes swirl outside the window, but there are plenty of good reasons to celebrate the holidays in Charleston. Whether you are looking for a sunny locale to host your Thanksgiving getaway, or days spent shopping for holiday gifts along Charleston’s famed King Street, Charleston delivers big on holiday festivities. There’s even a glittery holiday boat parade filled with dazzling lights.
Golf
In South Carolina, golf is always in season, no matter what time of year. Not only would snow flurries be a rare event around Charleston, it’s not unusual for January to have numerous 60-degree days. What may impact a winter round of golf in the lowcountry is the shorter days, which usually means planning for an early morning tee time or wrapping up an afternoon on the links by 5 p.m. Still, there are tales of glorious, cool mid-afternoon rounds in the “dead” of South Carolina winters.
Find Luxury Long-Term Rentals with Luxury Simplified Retreats
If you’re considering spending a while in Charleston, SC, there’s no better choice than Luxury Simplified Retreats. As you settle in to explore our charming city, you can rest assured that we’ll be there every step of the way to ensure every need is met. Whether you choose to stay on Folly Beach by the water or in the heart of downtown Charleston, you’ll have everything you need to make your space feel like home. Browse our long-term vacation rentals to find your ideal home. Then, book your stay with us today. The Lowcountry awaits!