It’s timeeeeeeeee. From tree lightings to menorah lightings, we’ve got you covered — here’s a list of some festive events happening around town.
Tree lightings
Ready to light it up? Quite a few tree lightings are happening around the Charleston area. Pro tip: Make an evening out of it — take a look at the details, several tree-lighting events also include vendor markets, parades, and festive activities. Psst, you might even spot Santa.
- Folly Tree Lighting | Sunday, Dec. 1 | 7 p.m. | Folly River Park
- Hotel Bennett Tree Lighting Ceremony | Thursday, Dec. 5 | 5:30 p.m. | Gabrielle Plaza
- Nexton Tree Lighting | Thursday, Dec. 5 | 6 p.m. | Nexton Square
- Light the Lake | Friday, Dec. 6 | 5 p.m. | Colonial Lake
- Moncks Corner Tree Lighting | Friday, Dec. 6 | 5 p.m. | Unity Park
- Christmas in Creek | Friday, Dec. 6 | 5:30 p.m. | Goose Creek Municipal Center
- Hanahan Christmas Tree Lighting | Friday, Dec. 6 | 6 p.m. | Hanahan Amphitheater
- North Charleston Christmas Tree Lighting | Friday, Dec. 6 | 6 p.m. | Park Circle Community Building grounds
- Charleston Tree Lighting | Saturday, Dec. 7 | Tree will be lit after the Holiday Parade | Marion Square
- IOP Tree Lighting | Saturday, Dec. 7 | 5:30 p.m. | Front Beach
Chanukah
Enjoy the tradition of lighting the menorah candles as a community. Chanukah in the Square will be celebrating the 17th year of the holiday event. Prepare yourself for hot food, live music, and a festive atmosphere.
- Folly Beach Menorah Lighting | Saturday, Dec. 28 | 6 p.m. | Folly River Park
- Chanukah in the Square | Sunday, Dec. 29 | 4 p.m. | Marion Square
Parades
Put a little pep in your step with a holiday parade. There are more than half a dozen options for you to see festive floats, boats, and golf carts decked out all while they deck the halls. Pro tip: Take a peek at the parade routes for the best spot to set up camp.
- North Charleston Christmas Festival and Parade | Saturday, Dec. 7 | 4 p.m. | Park Circle Community Building grounds
- Moncks Corner Christmas Parade | Saturday, Dec. 7 | 6 p.m. | Main Street
- City of Charleston Holiday Parade | Saturday, Dec. 7 | 3 p.m. | Broad Street at Rutledge Avenue
- Summerville Christmas Parade | Sunday, Dec. 8 | 2 p.m. | Main Street
- Christmas in the Creek Holiday Parade | Saturday, Dec. 14 | 9:30 a.m. | Saint James Avenue
- Folly Beach Parade | Saturday, Dec. 14 | 12 p.m. | Center Street
- Holiday Parade of Boats | Saturday, Dec. 14 | 6 p.m. | Charleston Harbor
- Mount Pleasant’s Annual Christmas Light Parade | Sunday, Dec. 15 | 5:30 p.m. | West Coleman Boulevard
Lights + festive scenes
Home for the holidays? The fun doesn’t stop at tree lightings and parades, keep reading for events that will be sure to help you get the most out of this holiday season.
- IOP Holiday Street Festival | Saturday, Dec. 7 | 2 p.m. | Front Beach
- Lights & Love | Sunday, Dec. 8 | 4 p.m. | Mount Pleasant Towne Center
- Holiday Festival of Lights | Until Tuesday, Dec. 31 | 5:30 p.m. | James Island County Park
- Aquarium Aglow | Until Monday, Dec. 30 | 5:30 p.m. | South Carolina Aquarium
- Seasonal Experiences | Dates + times vary | The Charleston Place
- Skate The Stadium | Until Sunday, Dec. 29 | Times vary | Credit One Stadium
- Holiday Market | Dec. 7, Dec. 8, Dec.14, Dec.15, and Dec. 21 | 9 a.m.-3 p.m. | Marion Square
Holiday runs
Get ready to lace up. There’s no sitting around this holiday season; we’re getting active. Not only are these walks + runs fun but many support local causes.
- Cocoa Cup 5K | Saturday, Dec. 7 | Summerville
- Kiawah Island Marathon + Half Marathon | Saturday, Dec. 14 | Kiawah Island
- Hoppy Holidays 5K | Saturday, Dec. 14 | Charleston
- Reindeer Run | Saturday, Dec. 14 | Charleston
Don’t forget to check out the fun and festive holiday pop-ups around town.
Need to put an event on our radar? Email the team.