Holiday Seasons in the South: Charleston, South Carolina Holiday Guide

Charleston, South Carolina has long been known for its historical downtown area and Gullah culture that’s woven within all of Charleston’s style and culinary arts. It is hard to resist taking a stroll down Rainbow Row, shop for shrimp n’ grits recipes in the market square, or make a little shag time on Folly Beach. Those are all great activities for Charleston when it is summertime, but what do you do during the winter’s holiday season? Well, like southern hospitality, there’s plenty to go around and Charleston isn’t afraid to share and the Holy City will be happy to have you for the night!

James Island Festival of Lights

Before you even make it to downtown Charleston, make sure you hit James Island some night between November 10 and New Year’s Day. Follow all the signs to James Island County Park’s Festival of Lights, one of the most heralded holiday light shows in the nation. How do you even begin to describe the 17 year-old Festival of Lights display? Shrimp Boats, Sea Creatures, Santa’s Sleigh, children throwing snowballs, Old Man Winter blowing down trees; anything Christmas-y that you can think of has been rigged up into a light show on a 3-mile drive. Not only is there a myriad of Christmas lights for you to oooh and ahh at, Santa’s Village is a tiny town complete with a Candy Shoppe, train ride, and a marshmallow roasting station for those extra-cold nights. The James Island Festival of Lights has at least two night’s worth of activities all in itself! Each vehicle (up to ten people) only costs $10 and if you just look at the lights, that covers a good 45 minutes of gazing time. Get an early peak at the lights on http://www.ccprc.com/ and click on the festivals and events button.

Isle of Palms Holiday Arts and Crafts Sale