Rudolph never looked this cute. | Photo via Visit Historic Charleston
Welcome to our December Plan Ahead, a list of some of the biggest events to plan for the month ahead in Charleston.
Here are a few to put in your calendar:
Seasonal events
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 fun
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.
Happy New Year
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.
Active
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.
Holiday Pops! | Thursday, Dec. 18-Saturday, Dec. 20 | Times vary | Gaillard Center | $35+ | Experience Charleston’s favorite celebration of the season with blockbuster music, star power, and festivities for all ages — sleigh the holidays and grab your tickets.*
Charleston’s luxury waterfront hotel is hiring this weekend
Presented by The Cooper
Attend the in-person hiring event for Beemok Hospitality Collection (BHC)'s newest hotel property. | Photo provided by The Cooper
In case you missed it, downtown’s newest luxury waterfront hotel is hiring ahead of its spring 2026 opening — and this weekend is your chance to start from day one.
The Cooper is hosting a three-day, in-person hiring event at The Charleston Place ballrooms Sunday, Dec. 7, through Tuesday, Dec. 9. Attendees can interview on the spot and receive job offers for positions at all levels, from entry-level to leadership.
Psst… here are a few roles we had our eyes on last month. (Link to Lead Story once live)
Stop by during these hours:
Sunday, Dec. 7 | 12-4 p.m.
Monday, Dec. 8 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Tuesday, Dec. 9 | 2-6 p.m.
Whether you’re looking to start a new career or take the next step in hospitality, this is your chance to explore opportunities and join the team at Beemok Hospitality Collection (BHC)'s newest hotel property.
Too good to avoid the spotlight. Two Charleston establishments just won Eater Carolinas Awards for 2025. Merci was awarded best new South Carolina restaurant after cooking up a French storm in Harleston Village since opening in spring. Just up the road, nautical-themed Seahorse was announced SC’s best new bar.
Try This
The deadline to apply for the Holiday Parade of Boats has been extended. You can now sign up to participate in the festive flotilla until 4 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 7. The event itself takes place on Saturday, Dec. 13, and, of course, it’s in our Plan Ahead.
Announced
Change of plans. The Credit One Stadium Tree Lighting has been rescheduled ahead of this weekend’s weather forecast, and will now take place on Tuesday, Dec. 9. Festivities run from 5 to 7 p.m., and include live music, cookie decorating, the tree lighting at 6 p.m., and more seasonal fun.
Watch
We wrote about Charleston’s newest ramen restaurant in yesterday’s newsletter, but we’ve got some extra content for the visual learners. Local influencer Elise also got a sneak peek, and posted her thoughts — and plenty of food footage — to Instagram.
Open
Pub sub, anyone? A Daniel Island Publix just reopened its doors after a lengthy renovation. The store at Daniel Island Towne Center has more-than-doubled in size since it closed down for work late last year, now spanning 50,000+ sqft. (Count on 2)
Read
Give the gift of a good book this holiday season. The Charleston County Library’s three-day book sale begins today for its members. The following two days are open to everyone, and the sale has classic literature, beach reads, nonfiction works, cookbooks, kids choices, and much more. (ABC 4)
Coming Soon
Steak your claim and get your calendar ready for the newest steakhouse coming to Charleston. Reservations open for Bellerose Hotel Bar on Wednesday, Dec. 17, at which point you can book your seat and prepare to enjoy multiple Michelin-starred Chef Anthony Martin’s delectable menu. Keep your eye on their Instagram for more updates.
Quoted
“No matter where we were in life, no matter what was going on, we all came together and we had a meal with my grandpa every week.” That family tradition helped inspire a kind pair of giving locals to feed the community. Read their story. (Post and Courier)
Plan Ahead
Get holiday-ready at the Radiant & Holiday-Ready event with Charleston Medical Spa, Skinbetter, Hydrafacial + Merz on Tuesday, Dec. 12. Enjoy special savings, plus a free gift with purchases over $200. Chat with reps, enter raffles, and savor lite bites. RSVP by calling or texting 843-225-3223.*
Shop
If you’re a Costco shopper, you know about the $1.50 hot dog. But are you in on these other 10 lesser-known hacks all Costco shoppers should know about? Wait until you see number six.*
Finance
This just in: 6% is the new 2%. This card is every reward-seeker’s dream, offering up to 6% cash back in categories you’ll actually use. Bonus: You can get 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers into 2027. Learn more and apply.*
Charleston’s residential real estate record could be broken for the second time this year, with an outrageous waterfront home listed for $28 million at 25 E. Battery St.
We recommend swiping through the slideshow to check out the interior of the historic property. Maybe in another life.
Discover clever, useful tech that solves everyday problems in this guide to 2025’s coolest gadgets. We’re talking a small but mighty home security upgrade, a power bank the size of a credit card, and more.
In honor of Small Business Saturday last week, we asked for some Charleston shoutouts. Reader Christine M. wrote in:
“I love Kate Miles Design in the Old Village. Beautifully decorated for Christmas with amazing gift choices: Candles, linens, pillows, art work. Worth the trip.”
Send me more of your small business faves around town for future mentions.
