This post covers the best things to do in Charleston in December, including events, performances, free, family-friendly, as well as nighttime activities, all updated for 2023.
TOP 10 EVENTS AND THINGS TO DO IN CHARLESTON IN DECEMBER
This section covers our top ten things to do in Charleston in December.
For more information on popular tourist attractions in Charleston, make sure to check out our posts:
Some of the items within this post are included for free with the purchase of a tourist discount pass.
(1) Enjoy the Theatre
This December, you can find two major theatrical productions in Charleston.
The best selling A Christmas Carol is at the Dock Street Theatre between Nov 29th - Dec 22nd, 2023.
It is a classic theatrical production that brings Charles Dickens' beloved story to life, portraying the transformative awakening of Ebenezer Scrooge through a heartwarming and magical experience on stage.
If you’re a fan of the classic Nutcracker ballet, you can catch it on December 26 at the same North Charleston PAC.
There is a 3:00 pm matinee and 7:00 pm evening show with the Moscow Ballet.
You can find all the theatre performances here.
(2) Catch a Sporting Event
December is a good time for sports fans to be in Charleston. You can find a few teams playing home games this month.
Ice hockey fans will be able to catch a few games for the South Carolina Stingrays:
- Savannah Ghost Pirates - December 1
- Florida Everblades - December 23
- Atlanta Gladiators - December 27
- Orlando Solar Bears - December 30
Find all the games you can attend in Charleston here.
(3) See a Concert
Looking for a concert in Charleston? There are several artists stopping in the city on their tours this month.
- Robert Earl Keen - December 2
- Sara Evans - December 3
- Matt Rife - December 7
- The Illusionists - Magic of the Holidays - December 14
- The Charleston Christmas Special - December 22
- Corey Smith - December 30
Find all the concerts available in Charleston here.
(4) Take a Sightseeing Tour
One of the best ways to see a city is by taking a tour, and December is a great time of year to join a tour group!
While it’s chilly outside, there are fewer crowds for a better experience.
We offer a variety of pay-what-you-want walking tours.
Whether you’re interested in a thorough historical overview of the city or want to dive deeper into Civil War history, we’ve got something for you!
Chilly nights make for the perfect atmosphere for a ghost tour.
If you want to get into the Christmas season with some old-fashioned transportation, there are also some great carriage tours through Charleston’s Historic District.
(5) Holiday Parade of Boats
A holiday tradition, the Charleston Holiday Parade of Boats will dazzle the Charleston Harbor on December 9, 2023.
Bring the family to the waterfront to watch this free event where dozens of boats adorned with thousands of holiday lights make their way through the harbor.
The event begins at 5:00 p.m.
(6) Yorktown NYE Countdown – December 31
Ring in the New Year with Charleston’s premier New Year’s Eve event aboard the USS Yorktown.
Guests will be able to explore the ship, listen to a variety of live entertainment, dine on classic Charleston cuisine, and indulge in an open bar!
This event is 21+.
(7) See the Major Attractions
December is the perfect time to see the major historic sights in Charleston since everything is decked out in lights and Christmas decorations.
There are several fun plantation tours available for you to take, which are great for the whole family.
You can also find something for everyone at the Charleston City Market, including crafts, art, and spices.
If you’re willing to brave the cold breeze on the ferry ride to Fort Sumter, this historic location and National Historic Park are great places to take a walk and see the Maritime Museum.
(8) Save Money with an Attraction Discount Pass
If you’re looking at going to multiple paid attractions, like the plantations and tours mentioned above, you might consider purchasing a tourist attraction discount pass.
Discount passes work by bundling multiple tickets into one price, which means that depending on how you use it you could save up to 50% off retail prices.
The two main discount passes are the Charleston Tour Pass and the Charleston Heritage Passport.
The Tour Pass is a great option for visitors looking to pack in as many activities as possible on a short trip.
It also includes meals and discounts at restaurants distilleries or vineyards.
The Heritage Passport is the perfect option for museum lovers and includes entry to plantations, history museums, and art museums.
Read our post comparing the different Charleston tourist discount passes.
Several bus tour companies, including hop-on-hop-off buses, also offer discounts and deals.
(9) Reindeer Run
Bring the family out to participate in this 5k walk/run through the lower peninsula of downtown on December 9, 2023!
Dress as your favorite holiday character and participate in the costume contest or just enjoy the run.
Run starts at 8:00 am EST and registrations are now open.
It’s all for a good cause, as the run raises thousands of dollars for the MUSC Children’s Hospital.
(10) Holiday Festival of Lights on James Island
Every evening throughout the month of December the whole family can enjoy the Holiday Festival of Lights on James Island.
This display features thousands of holiday lights and additionally offers sand sculptures, a holiday train, seasonal treats, a Victorian carousel, and more!
For more Christmas-themed activities, check out our Christmas in Charleston post.
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