Make this season merry and memorable with Charleston’s best family holiday events.
Charleston sparkles a little brighter during the holidays — and it’s not just the twinkle lights. From festive markets to boat parades and cozy nights sipping cocoa, the Holy City knows how to do the season right for families.
Whether you want to walk through glowing lights, catch a parade, or meet Santa himself, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Charleston, SC 2026 Holiday Hub:
Charleston, SC 2026 Christmas & Holiday Events
Kick off the holidays island-style at Front Beach! Browse arts and crafters and food vendors, enjoy children’s activities and live entertainment, say hi to Santa Claus and catch the tree lighting at 5:30 pm.
🎟️ Cost: Free
📍 Location: Front Beach, Front Beach, Ocean Blvd, Isle of Palms, SC 29451
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A sensory-friendly visit with Santa during the Holiday Festival of Lights at James Island County Park.
🎟️ Cost: $40.00
📍 Location: James Island County Park, 871 Riverland Dr, Charleston, SC 29412
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The 33rd annual Christmas Made in the South brings hundreds of artists and craftsmen together for three days of handcrafted gifts, gourmet food and entertainment. Hours are Fri. and Sat. 10 a.m.–6 p.m. and Sun. 11 a.m.–5 p.m., with free parking. 🎟️ Cost: Adults $10 at the door; children 12 & under free.
📍 Location: The Exchange Park Fairgrounds, 9850 US-78, Ladson, SC 29456
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Floats, music, and holiday spirit! The City of Charleston’s holiday parade steps off at 3 pm, with the tree lighting to follow in Marion Square.
🎟️ Cost: Free
📍 Location: Marion Square, Charleston, SC
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Teen movie day: Hoppers (2026), the story of animal lover Mabel and technology that “hops” human consciousness into lifelike robotic animals.
📍 Location: Baxter-Patrick James Island Library, 1847 Camp Rd, Charleston, SC 29412
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🧒 Ages: Teens
Come to a hands-on gift making event and make a festive lantern to give as a gift this holiday season. All supplies, instruction, and wrapping are provided.
📍 Location: West Ashley Library, 45 Windermere Blvd, Charleston, SC 29407
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🧒 Ages: Teens
The Teen Advisory Board invites teens to a holiday PJ party! Grab your friends, wear your comfiest pajamas, and watch a holiday movie with hot chocolate and snacks. For grades 6-12.
📍 Location: Keith Summey North Charleston Library, 2050 Henry Tecklenburg Dr, North Charleston, SC 29406
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🧒 Ages: Teens, grades 6-12
You’ve been recruited as Santa’s Tech Support Team! Work together to solve four festive technology challenges and help save Christmas. (Morning session).
📍 Location: John’s Island Library, 3531 Maybank Hwy, Johns Island, SC 29455
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🧒 Ages: Teens & Adults
You’ve been recruited as Santa’s Tech Support Team! Work together to solve four festive technology challenges and help save Christmas. (Afternoon session.).
📍 Location: John’s Island Library, 3531 Maybank Hwy, Johns Island, SC 29455
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🧒 Ages: Teens & Adults
Teens can play a holiday D&D one-shot inspired by the giant straw Yule Goat of Gävle, Sweden, and the unofficial tradition of trying to burn it down!
📍 Location: Hurd/St. Andrews Library, 1735 N Woodmere Dr, Charleston, SC 29407
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🧒 Ages: Teens
Wear your best holiday apparel or pajamas for a festive night at the iconic American Theater featuring Elf! Doors open at 6 pm and the movie starts at 6:30. Grab cookies from local bakers and hot cocoa in the lobby before the show.
🎟️ Cost: $17.85
📍 Location: The American Theater, 446 King St, Charleston, SC 29403
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Dorchester Road – Calling all teens grades 6-12, join us in the Teen Room to learn the history behind the iconic gingerbread tradition and decorate a few snacks of your own!
📍 Location: Dorchester Road, 6325 Dorchester Rd, North Charleston, SC 29418
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Gather with family and friends to celebrate the holidays at Old Santee Canal Park. Enjoy free visits with Santa Claus, crafts, food and festive activities throughout the park. Entry is included with paid admission to the Holiday Lights Driving Tour; standard park admission is suspended during the event.
🎟️ Cost: $20 per car
📍 Location: Old Santee Canal Park, 900 Stony Landing Rd, Moncks Corner, SC 29461
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A holiday musical show from Moranz Entertainment featuring some of the country’s most talented singers, dancers and musicians — now in its 31st year! Show time: 7:00 pm. Discounted rates are available for kids 12 & under.
🎟️ Cost: Ticketed – see website, prices vary by seating area
📍 Location: Charleston Music Hall, 37 John St, Charleston, SC 29403
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Enjoy a jolly morning of pancakes, crafts and photos with Santa at Tides Folly Beach.
📍 Location: Tides Folly Beach, 1 Center Street, Folly Beach, SC 29439
Cost: $0 – $45
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Start a new holiday tradition aboard the Spirit of Carolina! Enjoy views of Charleston Harbor, a breakfast buffet, a personal visit with Santa, a keepsake photo and a special holiday gift for each child. Boarding begins at 9 am.
🎟️ Cost: $70.35 per adult, $45.35 per child (ages 4–11), infants 3 & under free
📍 Location: Patriots Point, 40 Patriots Point Road, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
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Come and sing a holiday favorite with us at Village! While listening, enjoy hot cocoa and coloring. Open to all ages!
📍 Location: Village, 430 Whilden St, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464
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Meet Santa and soak up the holiday cheer at James Island County Park.
🎟️ Cost: $85 per group up to 5
📍 Location: James Island County Park, 871 Riverland Dr, Charleston, SC 29412
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“While you’re chatting with jolly old St. Nick, our professional photographer will take photos of your group of up to 5 people with Santa. If your group has more than 5 people, please book multiple spots. You’ll receive the full digital package with all images of your visit. No personal photography will be allowed. A maximum of 6 families will be able to register for each 1-hour time slot, and each visit with Santa will be on a first-come, first-served basis during that time slot.
Santa’s favorite beach town rolls out the holiday cheer! Line up along Center Street for floats, marching bands and community groups, then follow the fun to Folly River Park to meet Santa and grab some goodies after the parade.
🎟️ Cost: Free
📍 Location: Center Street, Folly Beach, SC 29439
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A holiday musical show from Moranz Entertainment featuring some of the country’s most talented singers, dancers and musicians — now in its 31st year! Show time: 2:00 pm. A second show follows at 7:00 pm. Discounted rates are available for kids 12 & under.
🎟️ Cost: Ticketed – see website for prices
📍 Location: Charleston Music Hall, 37 John St, Charleston, SC 29403
👉 Read more
Charleston Holiday Events Happening All Season
Holiday Festival of Lights — Kicks off November 13, 2026 (nightly through December 31) at James Island County Park
Drive or stroll through millions of dazzling lights, themed displays, and holiday fun. This is a Charleston family favorite for good reason!
Here’s our full review of Holiday Festival of Lights
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Drive Through Decorated Neighborhoods — Evenings in November & December
Local families go all out! Some top areas: South of Broad and Hidden Cove off Long Point Road in Mt. Pleasant. Bring cocoa and cozy up for a festive ride.
Christmas in Charleston Walking Tour — Daily tours in November & December
Explore the historic district on foot with a festive lens. Holiday décor, old Charleston stories, and twinkling streets. There are lots of options, including:
- Charleston Strolls Holiday Walking Tour – Bulldog Tours
A 2-hour stroll through the historic district with festive décor, stories, and classic Charleston charm. Great for school-aged kids and older. - Christmas in Charleston – Exclusively Charleston
A private, guided 3-hour tour exploring beautifully decorated homes and historic holiday traditions. Best for families with older kids or teens. - Holiday Festival of Lights Tour – Old Town Trolley Tours
Includes transport to the James Island lights display plus walking time through the glowing exhibits. Great for families with little ones who love lights!
Giant Gingerbread House & Santa Fun at The Bennett Hotel — Opens November 21, 2026
Walk through the life-sized gingerbread house, write letters to Santa, sip cocoa, or enjoy tea at Camellias. Bonus: Carolers and Santa visits! It’s FREE to visit the Giant Gingerbread House all season long.
Holidays at The Charleston Place Hotel — November 26–December 31, 2026
Nutcracker Tea on weekends, Visits with Santa on Saturdays, Letters to Santa (Nov. 26–Dec. 24), a Tree Lighting Ceremony (Nov. 27), Cookies at the Cooper holiday decorating on Saturdays, and a cocoa cart (Nov. 27–Dec. 31). Also check the calendar for the Walk and Talk Holiday Tour, the Four Seasons Quintet performance (Dec. 12), Santa Tuck-In and so much more! Many events are open to guests of the hotel only, and others can be reserved by the public. Get more information on Holidays at The Charleston Place Hotel.
“A Christmas Carol” at Dock Street Theatre – Various dates November 29–December 20, 2026
The classic Dickens story live on stage — older kids especially will love it (and younger ones may too with parents!).
Christmas Carol, Dock Street Theatre
Aquarium Aglow at the SC Aquarium — Opens November 20, 2026 (select nights through December)
See marine life alongside holiday lights and glowing displays. Fun mix of festive and educational.
Aquarium Aglow at the SC Aquarium
Skate the Stadium: Holiday Skating on Daniel Island — 2026 dates not yet announced
Skate at Credit One Stadium, roast marshmallows at the fire pits, and win prizes for themed outfits. A hit for tweens, teens, and parents too! Check the stadium site for current pricing.
Get the details: Skate the Stadium
Family Tips for a Fun Holiday Season
- Check event websites for ticket times and availability — some sell out fast.
- Layer up! Evenings can get chilly, especially near the water.
- Arrive early for parades, boat events, and Santa visits.
- Mix it up — do one outdoor event, one indoor cozy treat (like tea with Santa or a show).
- Bring snacks & water for little ones — lines can be long.
- Support local makers — holiday markets are great for gifts and local charm.
From glowing boats on the harbor to snowflakes at your favorite hotel, Charleston is bursting with holiday fun for families. Mark your calendar, grab your Santa hats, and get ready for a season full of joy, lights, and magical memories.
Looking for more family fun in Charleston? Stay tuned — our local winter break ideas are coming soon!
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