December Events in Charleston
December is here, and the holiday season is officially underway in the Lowcountry. From festive markets and tree lightings to concerts, parades, and beloved holiday performances, Charleston truly comes alive this time of year. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly outings, date night ideas, or a joyful way to ring in the New Year, the city is packed with celebrations all month long.
The Holiday Festival of Lights at James Island County Park remains a local favorite, drawing visitors from all over with millions of twinkling lights and seasonal displays. If you’re feeling adventurous, ice skating at the Charleston Harbor Resort is available through January 19. Charleston’s theaters are bustling as well. Dock Street Theatre presents A Christmas Carol until December 21, and the Footlight Players bring the classic A Christmas Story to the stage. Sports fans can catch the Charleston Stingrays on the ice throughout December on the following dates: 6, 7, 10, 12, 14, 20, 21, and 27.
Here is your full December calendar of events:
3,10,17: Holiday Movie Night, American & Riviera Theaters
3,10,17,18: 23 rd Annual Dickens Dinner, Circa 1886
4: Sarah Brightman A Winter Symphony, N Chas PAC
4-5: Holiday Shopping Bazaar, Chas Library Society
5: A Motown Christmas, N Chas PAC
5: Marshall Tucker Band, Chas Music Hall
5-7: Christmas at Drayton Hall
5-7: Christmas Candlelight Service, The Citadel
5: Harlem Globetrotters 100-Year Tour, N Chas Coliseum
6: Charleston Jazz Orchestra 2025 Holiday Swing, Chas Music Hall
6: Christmas Home & Garden Tour, South of Broad
6: The Great Charleston Gingerbread House Party, Music Farm
6: Holiday Festival, Palmetto Islands County Park
6,7,13,14,20: Holiday Market in Marion Square
7: Oyster Roast, Firefly Distillery
7: Oyster Roast, Drayton Hall
7,21: Santa Brunch Cruise, Charleston Princess
9-14: Grinch Musical, N Chas PAC
9: Taylor Mac’s Holiday Sauce, Gaillard Center
10: A Gullah Christmas Concert, Boone Hall Plantation
13-14: Chas Area Model Railroad Club Show, Citadel Mall
13: Holiday Parade of Boats, Charleston Harbor
14: 2 nd Sunday on King Street
14: Bowens Fa La La Fest, Bowens Island
14: Charleston Men’s Chorus Christmas Concert, First Scots Presbyterian Church
14: Chanukah in the Square, Marion Square
14: 42 nd Annual Spirituals Concert, Drayton Hall
18: Holidays with the Heywards Tour, The Heyward-Washington House
19-21: Charleston’s Nutcracker, Sottile Theatre
20: Charleston Symphony Holiday Pops!, Gaillard Center
20: Sounds of the Season N Chas POPS!, N Chas PAC
22: Celtic Woman Symphony Christmas Tour 2025, Gaillard Center
26: Nutcracker Magical Christmas Ballet, N Chas PAC
27: Blue Dogs, Chas Music Hall
30,31: FutureBirds, Chas Music Hall
As the year winds down, Charleston offers endless ways to celebrate the magic of the season. Whether you’re exploring twinkling light displays, attending a festive concert, spending time outdoors, or simply soaking in the historic charm of the city, December is filled with opportunities to make unforgettable memories. Wishing you a joyful and bright holiday season here in the Lowcountry!
