15 Special Events for Families, Friends, and Loved Ones in the Charleston, SC Area This Weekend – December 6-8, 2024
By Mark A. Leon
First Friday Art Walk (Downtown Charleston) – Discover the vibrant art scene of Charleston and indulge in the delightful festivities of our First Friday ArtWalks! Mark your calendars for the First Friday of each month, from 5-8pm, and join us for an immersive experience.
Halsey After Hours – Can’t make it to the Halsey Institute during the day? Then, meet your friends for happy hour during Halsey After Hours! Occurring from 5:30 – 7:00 PM, drink in the views of the current exhibition, Demond Melancon: As Any Means Are Necessary, meet Halsey staff and advisory board members, and walk away with a fun and memorable experience. This event is free for Members of the Halsey Institute. Not-yet members will be asked for a $10 donation.
North Charleston Christmas Tree Lighting – Friday, December 6, 2024 – 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm – All are invited to gather to watch Mayor Burgess light the City’s 40′ Christmas Tree. Enjoy live music, free hot cocoa, and, after the lighting, take a stroll around the Circle to enjoy the rest of the beautiful tree and light displays. – Friday, December 6, 2024, from 6:00-7:00pm at Park Circle Community Building grounds (4800 Park Circle) – Admission: FREE.
North Charleston Christmas Tree Lighting – Friday, December 6, 2024 – 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm – All are invited to gather to watch Mayor Burgess light the City’s 40′ Christmas Tree. Enjoy live music, free hot cocoa, and, after the lighting, take a stroll around the Circle to enjoy the rest of the beautiful tree and light displays. – Friday, December 6, 2024, from 6:00-7:00pm at Park Circle Community Building grounds (4800 Park Circle) – Admission: FREE.
Christmas in the Creek Holiday Tree Lighting – Date: December 6, 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm (Tree lighting at 6:00 PM) / Location: Goose Creek Municipal Center – Kick off the holiday season in Goose Creek as the City’s Christmas tree is lit for everyone to see! Christmas in the Creek will feature holiday hayrides, holiday crafts, marshmallow roasting, photos with Santa, and LOTS more.
Hanahan Christmas Tree Lighting and Holiday Vendor Market – Date: December 6, Vendor Market, 5:00 pm – 8:30 pm and tree lighting at 6:00 pm. The rain date is December 13th / Location: Hanahan Amphitheater, 3100 Mabeline Rd, Hanahan – Meet Santa Claus, shop our local vendor market, enjoy some of the best food trucks in the Lowcountry, and enjoy performances by our local school chorus groups and bands, and local dance studios.
IOP Holiday Street Festival – Date: December 7, 2:00 pm – 7:00 pm / Location: Front Beach on the Isle of Palms.
Summerville Christmas Parade – Dates: December 8, 2:00 pm / Location: Downtown Summerville.
City of Charleston Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting – Date: Saturday, December 7, 2024 – 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM (Tree Lighting at Marion Square at 4:30 PM).
Holiday Festival of Lights – Dates: November 15 – December 31 / Location: James Island County Park, 871 Riverland Drive, Charleston, SC.
Cougar Night Lights at The Cistern – December 2, 2024 – January 2, 2025 – The College of Charleston will shine brightly this holiday season. The eighth annual Cougar Night Lights will capture the magic of the holidays with dazzling light displays set to classic holiday tunes and popular contemporary songs. A total of 46,490 lights will illuminate Cistern Yard during this monthlong program. The show kicks off in the historic Cistern Yard on Monday, Dec. 2, 2024, with a special showing for College of Charleston students, and will open to the public the next day, Dec. 3. The musical light show will run nightly every half hour between 5:30 and 9 p.m. through Jan. 2, 2025.
Holiday Street Festival at Isle of Palms – Saturday, December 7, 2024 – 2:00 pm – 7:00 pm – Front Beach on the Isle of Palms – Santa, Arts & Crafters, Food vendors, children activities and live entertainment.
Holidays at Riverfront Park (North Charleston, SC) – December 8-9 between 5:00 pm and 8:00 PM. As the yearly holiday magic begins to grow, we are excited to formally announce the annual Holidays at Riverfront Park!! This year we invite you to walk the halls of our beautiful, historic venues December 8th and 9th between 5pm and 8pm. Due to the ever-growing excitement for this event it will be first come, first serve, so no need to worry about tickets or signing up!! Join us as we celebrate this holiday season with carolers from The Charleston Caroling Company at the Admiral’s House. At the Gatekeepers Inn you will find a yearly favorite, North Charleston POPs behind the grand piano! To complete the musical portion of our holiday experience you will find the esteemed Voices of Deliverance bringing joy at the Eternal Father of the Sea Chapel on Sunday. On Monday night at the Chapel, get ready to get in the holiday spirit with the astounding Zandrina Dunning. As always, this will be a walking event that allows you to stroll from venue to venue and enjoy the quick bites + sips offered in each location. There will be nightly snow showers and a photo op at the Admiral’s House. Don’t forget to pick up the 2024 Holidays at Riverfront Park ornament as a souvenir of your time spent with us this holiday season.
North Charleston Christmas Parade – Saturday, December 7, 2024 from 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm at Park Circle Community Building and grounds (4800 Park Circle) – This annual city event is a holiday gift to the community. Families, friends, and neighbors share the joys of the season through music, children’s activities, festive food and decorations, thousands of twinkling lights, visits with Santa, and a parade. The green space surrounding the Park Circle traffic circle, and major thoroughfares are lined with lighted snowflakes, Christmas trees, and magical holiday scenes. Christmas Parade begins at 5:00pm! Walking, biking, and ridesharing are encouraged. Don’t forget to bring your chairs – no seating provided. Admission: FREE.
Holiday Outdoor Movie Series at Freshfields Village (Kiawah Island, SC) – (December 7 and 14, 2024) – The holiday festivities continue with our Holiday Outdoor Movie Series on Saturday, December 7 and Saturday, December 14, both at 6 PM. On December 7, we’ll be showing the beloved holiday classic Elf, and on December 14, gather to enjoy The Santa Clause! Bring your chairs and blankets, and join us on The Village Green for a family-friendly evening under the stars. Best of all, the event is free, so come enjoy the holiday cheer with us! We’re excited to welcome you to Freshfields Village this holiday season! Whether you’re here to shop, dine, or simply enjoy the merry atmosphere, we’ve got everything you need to make this time of year extra special. Join us for all the fun, and don’t forget to mark your calendars for these fantastic events! There’s no better place to celebrate the season. While you’re enjoying and sharing the magic you experience at The Village, don’t forget to follow and tag us on social media!
Related: 23 Holiday Parades, Tree Lightings, Ice Skating and Pop Up Bars in the Charleston area
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