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
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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Marching bands, lit-up floats, and holiday cheer roll through Mount Pleasant for the annual Christmas Light Parade, a local favorite.
📍 Location: Mount Pleasant, SC
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Celebrate the season with a festive Breakfast with Santa at Indigo Rooftop! Enjoy a chef-prepared breakfast of holiday favorites, while little ones visit Santa for photos and wish-list sharing and adults sip from the mimosa bar. Each seating lasts 90 minutes, and advance reservations are required.
🎟️ Cost: Adults (13+) $55; Kids (4–12) $35; Ages 3 & under free (plus 25% service charge and 11% tax)
📍 Location: Indigo Rooftop at Wild Dunes Resort, 5757 Palm Blvd, Isle of Palms, SC 29451
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Wild Dunes Resort serves a chef-prepared holiday breakfast at Indigo Rooftop, with a visit from Santa, photo opportunities, wish-list sharing and a mimosa bar for the grown-ups. This is a reservation-style event with 90-minute seatings.
🎟️ Cost: Adults (13+) $55; children (4–12) $35; ages 3 and under free, plus 25% service charge and 11% tax.
Location: Indigo Rooftop at Wild Dunes Resort, 5757 Palm Blvd, Isle of Palms, SC 29451
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Mercantile & Mash hosts its annual Cookies with Santa celebration on Sunday, December 13, with festive treats and a visit with Santa. 🎟️ Cost: $28.52.
📍 Location: Mercantile & Mash, 701 East Bay Street, Charleston, SC 29403
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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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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: 3:00 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
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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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Make an ornament to celebrate the season with Miss Lindsey!
📍 Location: Village, 430 Whilden St, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464
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Test your knowledge of the winter holiday season at Yuletide Trivia. For teens in 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
Spend some special time with your little one as you read a book, watch a movie or make holiday arts and crafts. Meet at the Interpretive Center. Registration required.
🎟️ Cost: $5 per child (adults free)
📍 Location: Old Santee Canal Park, 900 Stony Landing Rd, Moncks Corner, SC 29461
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🧒 Ages: 2-5 with an adult
Teens can learn how to craft reindeer-themed holiday 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
Wear your best holiday apparel or pajamas for a festive night at the iconic American Theater featuring The Year Without a Santa Claus! 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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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. Tonight is KIDS FREE NIGHT! Discounted rates are available for kids 12 & under.
🎟️ Cost: Ticketed – see website for prices
📍 Location: Charleston Music Hall, 37 John St, Charleston, SC 29403
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$5 for Museum Member Students | $10 for Non-Member Students
Free for Museum Member Adults | $15 for Non-Member Adults
For more information: call 843-722-2996 ext. 236
Make your own hot cocoa mix to drink over the chilly months, to share with a friend, or to give as a gift! Wrapping materials will be provided and we will be showing Home Alone while we make our cocoa. Weekly teen program for grades 6-12 featuring different activities centered around a variety of topics.
📍 Location: St. Paul’s/Hollywood, 5906 Highway 165, Hollywood, SC 29449
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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
👉 Read more
Palmetto City Ballet brings the sparkling holiday magic of The Nutcracker to the Sottile Theatre. Performances: Fri. Dec. 18 at 7 p.m.; Sat. Dec. 19 at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m.; Sun. Dec. 20 at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m.
📍 Location: Sottile Theatre, 44 George Street, Charleston, SC 29424
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Shop 200+ small businesses in the Old Park Circle vendor village! Enjoy live music, food trucks, and holiday cheer at this family-friendly market. Food and drinks are available for purchase.
🎟️ Cost: Free to attend
📍 Location: Firefly Distillery, 4201 Spruill Avenue, North Charleston, SC 29405
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Palmetto City Ballet brings the sparkling holiday magic of The Nutcracker to the Sottile Theatre. Performances: Fri. Dec. 18 at 7 p.m.; Sat. Dec. 19 at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m.; Sun. Dec. 20 at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m.
📍 Location: Sottile Theatre, 44 George Street, Charleston, SC 29424
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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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