Lucky you. You just found CHStoday’s Plan Ahead, a list of some of the biggest events to plan for that are taking place throughout Charleston each month.
Take out your calendar, grab your day planner, or text all your friends — these are the top events we recommend heading to this month. Psst: Don’t forget to bookmark this page and come back; we update our guide monthly.
(Don’t see anything you like? Check out our full events calendar.)
Seasonal Events
Aquarium Aglow | through Wednesday, Dec. 31 | Times vary | South Carolina Aquarium | $25+ | Enjoy a dazzling light spectacular complete with a unique Santa encounter.
Holiday Festival of Lights | through Wednesday, Dec. 31 | 5:30-10 p.m. | $15+ | This annual event features 750+ light displays throughout James Island County Park. Explore other areas of the park to enjoy family activities, holiday shopping, and treats.
Holiday Parade of Boats | Saturday, Dec. 13 | 6 p.m. | Charleston Harbor | Free | The annual tradition returns to Charleston Harbor, the Cooper River, and the Ashley River, as festive vessels light up the waters.
Holiday Happenings
Holiday Market in Marion Square | Saturdays + Sundays through Dec. 20 | Times vary | Marion Square | Look through art, trinkets, clothes, crafts, and other locally made treasures to find your holiday presents.
Folly Beach Christmas Parade | Saturday, Dec. 13 | 12 p.m. | Center Street | Free | Floats, marching bands, and local organizations are showing out for the holidays — head to Folly River Park after to meet Santa.
Chanukah in the Square | Sunday, Dec. 14 | 4-6 p.m. | Marion Square | Free | Get ready for the giant menorah lighting, and take your pick of food for sale, including latkes, donuts, and hot pretzels.
Holy City Holiday Market | Friday, Dec. 19-Sunday, Dec. 21 | Times vary | Old Park Circle, North Charleston | Price of purchase | Browse 200+ local small businesses to pick up the perfect gifts for the holidays. Plus, you can grab a bite, enjoy a drink, listen to live festive music, and explore activities for the whole family.
Kwanzaa: A Community Celebration | Sunday, Dec. 28 | 6-9 p.m. | International African American Museum | Free with ticket | Embrace joy and community at this cultural celebration that explores the Seven Principles of Kwanzaa in an uplifting, educational environment.
Happy New Year
New Year’s Eve at Aquarium Aglow | Wednesday, Dec. 31 | 5:30-9 p.m. | South Carolina Aquarium | $35+ | This family-friendly party ends well before midnight, featuring a ball drop, live entertainment, and aquatic friends galore.
Charleston Wonderland | Wednesday, Dec. 31 | 8 p.m.-1 a.m. | Festival Hall | $205 | An all-inclusive ticket gets you access to the 12th annual hosting of the spectacular event.
Masquerade New Year’s Eve Ball | Wednesday, Dec. 31 | 9 p.m.-1 a.m. | The Restoration Charleston | $240 | Get glammed up for an evening of live performances, cocktails, and elegant mystery to ring in the new year.
Folly Beach New Year’s Eve | Wednesday, Dec. 31 | 9 p.m. | Folly Beach + Center Street | Free | Get ready to celebrate in true Charleston style with a beachfront fireworks show at 9 p.m., followed by the famous Flip Flop Drop on Center Street at 10 p.m.
Music
Sarah Brightman: “A Winter Symphony” | Friday, Dec. 5 | 7:30 p.m. | Charleston Performing Arts Center | $78+ | It’s time for British classical singer to bring her seasonal sounds to the Royal City, featuring holiday songs alongside orchestral arrangements.
“The Sound of Charleston: Holiday Editions” | Multiple dates | 7 p.m. | Circular Congregational Church | $16+ | This 75-minute concert series is getting a seasonal twist throughout December. Psst — kids 7 and under get in free.
“The JOHNNYSWIM Christmas Show” | Saturday, Dec. 13 | 8 p.m. | The Riviera Theater | $51+ | The Nashville-based folk duo is set to bring Christmas joy to the Charleston stage this year.
“An evening with Charles Wesley Godwin” | Sunday, Dec. 14 | 8 p.m. | The Riviera Theater | $300+ | Prepare for the authentic sounds of this West Virginia country artist, whose music is renowned for its calming relatability and storytelling.
“The Charleston Christmas Special” | Sunday, Dec. 21 | 3 p.m. | Charleston Music Hall | $50+ | The musical holiday spectacular is back for its 30th year, featuring some of the country’s most acclaimed musicians, singers, and dancers.
Lil Poppa | Sunday, Dec. 21 | 8 p.m. | Music Farm | $39 | Raw lyrics and storytelling await at the contemporary hip-hop artist’s show.
Active
Bulldog 5K | Saturday, Dec. 6 | 8 a.m. | The Citadel | $25+ | You can register up to 15 minutes before this race, or sign up online, where the sights of the Military College of South Carolina are on offer.
34th Annual Reindeer Run/Walk | Saturday, Dec. 13 | 8 a.m. | Meeting Street near American Gardens | $20+ | Join thousands of other runners and walkers in Downtown Charleston for the annual holiday extravaganza.
Kiawah Island Marathon Weekend | Saturday, Dec. 13 | Times vary | Kiawah Island Golf Resort | $35+ | The full 26.2-mile race is waitlist-only at this point, but there is a virtual option to take part, plus a range of different distances to get a medal.
Race the Landing 5K New Years Day Pajama Run | Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026 | Times vary | Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site | $20+ | Wear your pjs and get ready to ring in the new year in festive style with an adults’ 5K, kids’ 5K, and a kids’ fun run.
Sports
Cheer on Charleston’s three college teams as fall and winter sports ramp up.
Have an event of your own you want to share with us? Follow these easy steps to add your events to our calendar:
- Go to our Events page.
- Click “Add Event” in the top right-hand corner.
- Make sure to include a link and fill out important information like the date, time, location, and price of your event.
- Click “Submit,” and you’ve just added an event to our website calendar.
