Holiday Events in Charleston, South Carolina

The holiday season is almost here and Charleston, SC offers plenty of opportunities to get into the holiday spirit. Go ahead, sip on some eggnog or hot chocolate, pop in your favorite CD of Christmas music and get ready to celebrate the holidays!

Charleston's annual Holiday Light Show begins November 12^th, 2007. This is a three mile stretch through James Island County Park with over 500,000 lights. You can drive your own car for $10 or take the train for $2 per person. The light show runs through the New Year and for more information call 843-795-7275.

Marion Square, in the heart of downtown Charleston, hosts several holiday events starting Dec. 1^st. The annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony is on Dec. 1^st, at 4:30-6pm. The 60 foot Christmas tree is lit by Charleston's Mayor Joseph Riley and of course, Santa Claus. Santa, Mrs. Claus, and the elves will be available to all children in Marion Square on December 2-23^rd. Marion Square will also host other holiday events throughout the month of December including children's choirs, church choirs, gospel singers, storytelling, and much more. The Holiday Market is under brightly colored tents in Marion Square. There will be produce, cookies, gifts, wreaths and fresh greenery, candles, arts, crafts and more for sale. The Market will be held on the weekends in December. For more information and schedules call 843-724-7305.

The annual Reindeer Run is on December 1^st. It's a 5K (3.1) miles, throughout downtown Charleston. You can run or walk and are encouraged to dress in holiday costumes as there will be costume prizes. For more information call 843-278-5277.

The Parade of Boats is also on December 1^st. The parade starts along Mt. Pleasant at 5pm, and along the Peninsula around 6:30. It ends with a beautiful fireworks display. For more information call 843-724-7305.

On December 2^nd from 2-5 pm Charleston will hold its annual Christmas Parade. The parade begins at Calhoun and Meeting streets and consists of floats, bands, performers and more. For more information call 843-720-1981.

It wouldn't be Christmas without a performance of The Nutcracker. There are two performances scheduled in North Charleston; December 8^th at 2 pm and December 9^th at 3 pm. The background of this version is historic Charleston. For more information call 843-723-7334.

Get into the holiday spirit with one or all of these activities in Charleston, SC. Whether you want to view the gorgeous lights in the park or on the boats in the harbor, or do some shopping and visit with Santa in Marion Square, there's something for everyone during Christmas in Charleston, SC.