Winter Events Guide

Get in the holiday spirit with the highly acclaimed Charleston Jazz Orchestra. Enjoy the sounds of holidays past and present. There are two times available to enjoy the big band—5-6:30 pm or 8-9:30 pm.

Every second Sunday of the month from noon until 5 pm, the City of Charleston shuts down King Street from Queen to Calhoun to through traffic. In addition, no cars are allowed to park, giving pedestrians the ability to stroll through the street and visit businesses they might not have known about. There are also artists displaying their work on the street and unique food vendors tempting guests with their fare.

During the holiday season, the Charleston Farmers Market features many additional Holiday Vendors! You will find holiday produce, food, and art as well as live music, caroling, and activities for kids including free photos with Santa u0026amp; Mrs. Claus! More information coming soon!

Enjoy this Charleston staple—a musical show featuring some of the country’s most talented singers, dancers, and musicians— now in it’s 29th year!

Experience the South Carolina Aquarium from a whole new perspective! This unique event features an intricate light show that stretches throughout the aquarium. Using thousands of lights, the aquarium transforms its space into something magical. This memorable event is ticketed, with prices varying depending on the day you attend.

The Holiday Festival of Lights is an annual holiday tradition in James Island County Park. The park displays an estimated two million dazzling lights and is known for its three-mile driving tour. They also feature a sculpture made from 50 tons of sand, a holiday train, an enchanted walking trail, a Victorian carousel, Santa Clause, Santa’s sweet shop, gift shops, marshmallow roasting, and more!

Get in the holiday spirit at this high-energy parade which begins on Broad Street at Rutledge, travels North on Meeting Street, and concludes on Calhoun Street at Meeting Street. After the parade, head to Marion Square for the annual tree lighting. More information coming soon!

Wine Under the Oaks is for adults over 21 and perfect for wine lovers and those looking to get out and socialize. This ticketed event will have live music, a variety of wine samples, desserts, and oysters! More information coming soon!

Illumination Charleston is a series of unique holiday-themed events put together by Explore Charleston, Southern Living, and the Historic Charleston Foundation. Events range in price depending on the activity. Enjoy holiday workshops, live interviews, walking tours, and more! More information coming soon!

During the month of January, you can enjoy access to participating Museum Mile sites with the purchase of one low ticket price! Museum mile is a one-mile section of Meeting Street where you will find six museums, four parks, a Revolutionary War powder magazine, and an array of historic churches and public buildings. This is an affordable way to learn about Charleston’s rich history and culture!

Love oysters? If so, grab your oyster knives and look no further than this year’s Lowcountry Oyster Festival. Claiming to be the world’s largest oyster festival, this family-friendly event features live music, shucking and eating contests, imported beers, a children’s area, a food court, and—best of all—45,000 pounds of oysters! More information coming soon!

SEWE is the largest event of its kind in the United States that celebrates wildlife and nature through fine art, live entertainment, and special events. Be sure to visit the SEWE Marketplace located inside the Gaillard Center. There, you’ll find dozens of artisans, craftsmen, and tastemakers from across the country! More information coming soon!

Don’t miss the most beautiful cocktail party that celebrates the 10,000 camellias that bloom each year at Middleton Place. Enjoy specialty cocktails, wine, small plates, and live music surrounded by breathtaking camellias in America’s Oldest Landscaped Gardens. This a 21 and up event. More information coming soon!

Enjoy exploring Kings Street without traffic! You will find carefully curated artists showing their work on the street, unique food vendors, and other surprises! Enjoy discovering shops you might not have noticed before!