DECEMBER 2013

Christmas Tree Lighting

The City of Charleston celebrates the holiday season with family-oriented activities, performances, and decorations that capture the spirit of the season for everyone in the community. Festivities kick off with the opening of a special extended Holiday Farmers Market in Marion Square followed by the official City of Charleston Christmas tree lighting ceremony and a visit by old St. Nick himself. November 30th.

Charleston Christmas Parade

A perennial favorite in downtown Charleston, the Charleston Christmas Parade begins at the intersection of Calhoun and Meeting Streets and proceeds down King Street to Broad Street and on to Lockwood Boulevard. December 1^st |2pm-4pm

Holiday Festival of Lights

Capture the magic of the holiday season at the annual Holiday Festival of Lights, Charleston’s most beloved nighttime holiday attraction. Your journey begins with a leisurely three-mile drive through millions of sparkling bulbs and hundreds of light displays. Then stretch your legs and your imagination at Santa’s Village & Winter Wonderland. November 8-December 31

Reindeer Run

One of the jolliest Charleston fun runs of the year, this family-oriented, pet-friendly 5k run/walk through the lower peninsula of downtown Charleston features creative costume and T-shirt design contests. The post-race party is at the finish line at Southend Brewery, with music, food and drinks for race participants. Proceeds benefit the Medical University of South Carolina Children’s Hospital. December 7th.

Holiday Parade of Boats

Join the thousands of spectators lining the parade route to view the festive Parade of Boats, featuring hundreds of festively decorated watercraft winding their way along the Cooper River to the Ashley River. The parade mid-point features a spectacular fireworks display launched from the harbor. December 7th |5pm.

Mount Pleasant Holiday Farmers Market and Craft Show

The annual Holiday Farmers Market & Craft Show combines all the goodies from the traditional food market—locally grown fresh produce, baked goods, hot food, and homemade preserves—with handcrafted gifts created by local artisans. Browse an assortment of Christmas ornaments, glasswork, whimsical crafts, and a wide variety of original art by locally recognized potters, artists, craftsmen, and photographers. Live entertainment with a holiday twist will kindle the holiday spirit throughout the market, and children can enjoy face painting, a jump castle, and a visit with Santa Claus, who will listen to Christmas wishes and hand out surprises. Moultrie Middle School. December 7th | 11am-4pm

2nd Sunday on King Street

Charleston’s most exciting shopping and dining district is King Street, the most unique Main Street in the world. Now on the Second Sunday of each month, King Street will be closed to vehicle traffic to celebrate Southern Sunday afternoons by welcoming everyone to stroll, shop, dine and enjoy Charleston at its finest. December 8th | 1:00pm-5:00pm

Mount Pleasant Tree Lighting and Holiday Parade

The festivities begin with a tree lighting ceremony and fireworks display at Moultrie Middle School, followed by a colorful parade of more than 100 floats. The parade starts at the intersection of Coleman Boulevard and Pelzer Drive, then continues past Shem Creek to conclude at the Sea Island Shopping Center. December 8th | 5:30pm

Christmas 1860 at the Edmondston-Alston House

Celebrate the holiday season with special performances by candlelight at the Edmondston-Alston House. The historic house will be decorated for the holidays much as it would have been in 1860. Living historians in period clothing tell the story of Charleston’s last opulent Christmas before the start of the Civil War and Christmas traditions of the day. December 13th.

2013 Jingle Bell Run/Walk

Put on your reindeer antlers and your running shoes and come join The Arthritis Foundation for some holiday cheer. Come dressed in your favorite (but athletic) Christmas attire. The proceeds benefit the Arthritis Foundation. December 14^th| 9AM

Happy New Year, Charleston!

Ring in the New Year in Marion Square with the whole family at this admission-free, non-alcoholic celebration of the arts featuring live music and fireworks hosted by the City of Charleston. The event promises something for everyone: comedy, African dancing, many forms of music including classical, gospel and jazz, children’s activities, and much more. Marion Square. December 31