There's something special about the holidays in the Lowcountry. Palm trees wrapped in twinkling lights, boat parades gliding across the harbor, and tree lightings just steps from the sand. You don't have to choose between a beach getaway and a festive season here. On Isle of Palms, you get both.
Whether you're planning a Thanksgiving gathering, a Christmas week with the whole family, or a quiet New Year's escape, here are the holiday happenings around Isle of Palms and Charleston worth planning your stay around this year.
Holiday Cheer on Isle of Palms
You don't even have to leave the island to get into the holiday spirit.
IOP Holiday Street Festival & Tree Lighting
Early December | Front Beach, Isle of Palms
Every December, the City of Isle of Palms turns Front Beach into a holiday street party. Expect local vendors, festive food, music and activities for the kids, all leading up to the island's tree lighting as the sun goes down. It's a small-town celebration with an ocean view, and one of our favorite traditions of the year. Check the City of Isle of Palms website for this year's date and parking details.
Wild Dunes Holiday Festival
Friday, November 27 | Wild Dunes Resort
Walk off your Thanksgiving dinner and kick off the season the day after with a festive tree lighting celebration at Wild Dunes Resort on the north end of the island. It's a perfect first outing for families staying through the holiday weekend.
Holiday Favorites Around Charleston
Just a short drive from your beach house, Charleston and Mount Pleasant pull out all the stops for the season.
Holiday Festival of Lights
November 13 – December 31 | James Island County Park
This is the Lowcountry's most beloved holiday tradition. Load everyone into the car for a three-mile drive through millions of twinkling lights and hundreds of displays, then park and explore. There's a festival train, an old-fashioned carousel, marshmallow roasting, holiday shopping and a giant sand sculpture. It's open nightly from 5:30 to 10 p.m. Tip: buy tickets online ahead of time and aim for a weeknight, when traffic is lighter. Get tickets and details at HolidayFestivalofLights.com.
Mount Pleasant Christmas Light Parade
Sunday, December 6 | Coleman Boulevard, Mount Pleasant
The closest big parade to Isle of Palms! Mount Pleasant lights its Christmas tree, sets off fireworks, and then sends more than 100 decorated floats down Coleman Boulevard. Bring chairs, grab a spot early and make an evening of it. Details from the Town of Mount Pleasant.
Charleston Holiday Parade & Marion Square Tree Lighting
A Sunday in early December | Downtown Charleston
Marching bands, floats and plenty of holiday music wind from Broad Street up Meeting Street to Marion Square, where Santa arrives and the city lights its Christmas tree. It's festive, family-friendly and a great excuse to spend the afternoon downtown. Find the date on the City of Charleston website.
Holiday Parade of Boats
Saturday, December 12 (tentative) | Charleston Harbor
Only in the Lowcountry: dozens of boats strung with lights cruise from the Cooper River across Charleston Harbor and into the Ashley River, starting around 6 p.m. Our tip for Isle of Palms guests is to watch from Patriots Point in Mount Pleasant, which saves you the drive downtown. You can also catch it from The Battery. More on the Explore Charleston event page.
Holiday Farmers Market in Marion Square
December weekends | Marion Square, Downtown Charleston
Cross a few names off your list while supporting local makers. Charleston's holiday market fills Marion Square with handcrafted gifts, artisan goods, local produce and seasonal treats on select weekends in December.
The Charleston Christmas Special
December 11 – 22 | Charleston Music Hall
For a night out, catch Charleston's longest-running holiday show, a local favorite full of music, dance and holiday spirit. Tickets go fast, so book early through the Charleston Music Hall.
Your Holiday Calendar at a Glance
| When | Event | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Nov 13 – Dec 31 | Holiday Festival of Lights | James Island |
| Nov 27 | Wild Dunes Holiday Festival | Isle of Palms |
| Early Dec | IOP Holiday Street Festival & Tree Lighting | Isle of Palms |
| Dec 6 | Christmas Light Parade | Mount Pleasant |
| Early Dec | Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting | Downtown Charleston |
| December weekends | Holiday Farmers Market | Marion Square |
| Dec 11 – 22 | Charleston Christmas Special | Charleston Music Hall |
| Dec 12 (tentative) | Holiday Parade of Boats | Charleston Harbor |
Event dates and times can change, so check each event's website before you go. For even more ideas, browse Explore Charleston's holiday events calendar.
Come Home to the Beach This Holiday Season
Spend your days at the festivities and your evenings in a home with room for everyone. Holiday weeks are our most requested dates of the year, and the best homes book first.
Book your holiday stay