Nearly every home for short-term rent in Charleston is eye candy. | Photo via Airbnb
Whether you’re looking to visit Charleston in style for the weekend or are a local in need of an unforgettable staycation, we’ve compiled a list featuring 15 extraordinary rentals in our city that are worthy of a trip for you, your partner, the bestie, or the whole squad this year.
Just a heads up: Prices may vary depending on dates selected, taxes, and booking and cleaning fees (sorry, Airbnb and Vrbo make the rules, we just follow them).
Luxury stays
Executive Penthouse Stay in this top-floor luxury penthouse apartment with sleek finishes and dramatic splashes of color.
~$340 a night
2 BD | 2 BA
Fully stocked kitchen, dining seating for eight, private side piazza
Luxury Pied-à-terre Step into chic design, with French doors, and plenty of light and air in this townhome.
~$357 a night
2 BD | 2 BA
Self-check-in, linens, and towels provided, parking
“Lowcountry Light” | Through Tuesday, Dec. 31 | Times vary | Lowcountry Artists Gallery | Free | See this exhibition by featured local artist Tina Mayland.
Charcuterie Workshop + Book Signing | 5:30-7 p.m. | etúHOME Store | $45+ | Join etúHOME and Haskell Harris for a book signing while creating a charcuterie spread.
Slow Wine | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | The Charleston Library Society | $75 | Join this discussion on weines’ unique characteristics and histories.
Spiegeltent: Cabaret Royale by Underbelly | Through Saturday, Dec. 21 | Times vary | Gaillard Center | $64+ | Get ready to be shaken and stirred by the world’s best in circus and cabaret, straight from London’s West End.
Thursday, Dec. 5
Park & Grove Holiday Market | 5:30-8:30 p.m.| Park & Grove | Price of purchase | Enjoy live music, the outdoor bar, and various unique goods from local vendors.
Tuesday, Dec. 31
New Year’s Eve | 5:30-9:30 p.m. | South Carolina Aquarium | $34.95 | Dive into 2025 by spending a family-friendly New Year’s Eve at Aquarium Aglow featuring music, a special ball drop, refreshments, and tens of thousands of sparkling lights, all before bedtime.*
Make a splash with unlimited underwater adventures
Presented by South Carolina Aquarium
Gift membership details will be sent digitally + ready to print at home in time for the holiday festivities. | Photo provided by South Carolina Aquarium
This season, we’re helping you with your holiday shopping by highlighting local businesses like the South Carolina Aquarium.
Whether you have a curious little explorer, a budding biologist, or a significant other who’d enjoy a peaceful date night, an Aquarium membership makes a unique + thoughtful gift that lasts all year long.
Giving Tuesday is a global movement celebrating generosity + giving back to community nonprofits. Check out this list of Charleston organizations you can donate to — or simply share some goodwill by paying it forward at the coffee shop today.
Eat
Fresh herbs — no problem. Downtown Charleston seafood restaurant The Establishment takes farm-to-table to the next level by growing herbs right on its rooftop. Thanks to a partnership with local hydroponic farmer Garret Fleming, two towers produce seasonal vegetables and herbs. (Charleston City Paper)
Sports
They’re going dancing. Best of luck to the College of Charleston Volleyball team as they face Utah this Thursday, Dec. 5 at 9:30 p.m. in the first round of the NCAA Volleyball Tournament. The Cougars are on an eight-match winning streak with an overall record of 25-8. (WCSC)
Concert
Get ready for a dose of nostalgia. Avril Lavigne is bringing her “Greatest Hits Tour” to Credit One Stadium on June 18, with special guests Simple Plan and We The Kings. Mark your calendars — tickets go on sale this Friday, Dec. 6 at 10 a.m.
Seasonal
Celebrate the season in Mount Pleasant’s Old Village. Every Saturday through Dec. 21, head to Pitt Street from 3 to 7 p.m. for Holiday Strolls, featuring festive activities and special treats.
Fun Fact
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Shop
Looking for a last-minute gift? We found one that’s more than 60% off, can be delivered instantly + will last forever. That’s speaking our language. Shop the sale.*
Finance
If holiday shopping — on top of your outstanding debt — is weighing on you this season, find a credit card with a “0% intro APR” period for balance transfers. Here are hands down some of the best.*
Plan Ahead
Don’t let those leftovers go to waste. Use the remainder of your end-of-year budget + get your business in front of thousands. For a limited time, take 25% off ads in our self-service ad portal when you use the promo code “2025” at checkout.
Category
Try This
Pasta, please
The tastings will be Wednesday through Saturday at 7 p.m. | Photo by Andrew Cebulka
Beginning tomorrow, Dec. 4, Chef Anthony Marini of The Pass will transform the popular sandwich shop into The Italian Boy After Dark, offering an intimate, two-hour tasting experience.
Limited to 12 guests a night at $110 per person, The Italian Boy After Dark will feature a multi-course, family-style menu that changes based on seasonal ingredients. The menu will include an assortment of antipasti, crudo, pasta, and panini imbottiti — a play on stuffed sandwiches. Wine from The Pass will be available with no corkage fee, and guests will also enjoy a complimentary cocktail during their meal.
The good news? There are still openings for December. Make your reservation today. Pro tip: Parties of six cannot be accommodated due to the intimate nature of the experience.
City Editor Erika here. Callie and I are trying out the experience later this week. Stay tuned to see how it goes.
The Buy
The Buy
These trendy cat eye sunglasses — because you can never have too many pairs. They boast scratch resistant lenses + 400UV protection. Bonus: Your purchase helps provide those in need with free eye exams + glasses.
Need to dust off your gift-wrapping skills? Charleston’s only bar bookstore, Philosophers and Fools, is teaming up with The Paper Canopy on Saturday, Dec. 14, for a holiday giftwrapping class. Learn techniques like creating a simple paper flow and adding a wax seal to elevate your wrapping. The class costs $25, with three 30-minute sessions at 1 p.m., 1:45 p.m., and 2:30 p.m.
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