December is a great month to visit Charleston. Although the weather can be cool, the city more than makes up for it with its holiday events and festivities.
You can visit holiday markets and lights shows; take advantage of special programming at local attractions exploring the sights, foods and history of Christmases past; or attend Christmas parades and tree-lightings, among other seasonal events.
The year is finally rounded off by several fireworks displays and celebrations to mark the New Year, with events in downtown Charleston and at its nearby beach communities.
Interested in a specific type of event? See Charleston’s calendars of upcoming:
– Concerts
– Comedy shows
– Musicals
– Food festivals
– Farmers markets
→ See more Charleston events in January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November
See also:
– December weather in Charleston
– Free things to do in Charleston
– Attractions and other things to do in Charleston
– Charleston’s biggest festivals
– Things to do near Charleston
!Event dates, venue and other details can change at short notice. Please check all information at the official website before making plans to attend an event.
→ See November events
– A Christmas Carol, November 29 - December 20 2026
Holiday performance at The Historic Dock Street Theatre. More details
– ArtWalk, December 4 2026
Monthly first Friday art walks in downtown Charleston galleries. More details
– The Best of Steve Martin & Martin Short, December 4 2026
Comedy show at the North Charleston Coliseum and Performing Arts Center. More details
– Christmas Made in the South, December 4-6 2026
Annual holiday fine arts and crafts market at The Exchange Park/Fairgrounds, Ladson. More details
– Holiday Street Festival, December 5 2026
Annual holiday festival at Front Beach, Isle of Palms, with arts and crafts, food and other vendors, Santa visits, tree-lighting ceremony, live entertainment, children’s activities and more. More details
– Holiday Swing, December 5 2026
Holiday concert at the Charleston Music Hall. More details
– Leanne Morgan, December 5 2026
Comedy show at the North Charleston Coliseum and Performing Arts Center. More details
– The Velveteen Rabbit, December 5, 12, 19 2026
Children’s play at West Ashley Theatre Center. More details
– A Christmas Carol, November 29 - December 20 2026
Holiday performance at The Historic Dock Street Theatre. More details
– The Charleston Christmas Special, December 11-22 2026
Holiday musical show at the Charleston Music Hall. More details
– Mount Pleasant Holiday Market & Craft Show, December 12 2026
Annual holiday market at the Mount Pleasant Farmers Market Pavilion featuring handmade items by local artisans, food, Santa, and other activities and entertainment. More details
– Kiawah Island Marathon, December 12 2026
Annual marathon and half marathon races on Kiawah Island. More details
– Folly Beach Christmas Parade, December 12 2026
Annual holiday parade in Folly Beach. More details
– The Velveteen Rabbit, December 5, 12, 19 2026
Children’s play at West Ashley Theatre Center. More details
– A Christmas Carol, November 29 - December 20 2026
Holiday performance at The Historic Dock Street Theatre. More details
– The Charleston Christmas Special, December 11-22 2026
Holiday musical show at the Charleston Music Hall. More details
– The Velveteen Rabbit, December 5, 12, 19 2026
Children’s play at West Ashley Theatre Center. More details
– The Charleston Christmas Special, December 11-22 2026
Holiday musical show at the Charleston Music Hall. More details
– New Year’s Eve Fireworks Show, December 31 2026
Big annual fireworks show and flip-flop drop at Folly Beach in celebration of the New Year. More details
– Polar Plunge, January 1 2027
Annual cold water swim and costume contest at the beach next to Beachside at the Tides Hotel, Folly Beach. More details
→ See January events