When you are planning your next vacation to Charleston, South Carolina, remember that the holiday season is a fabulous time to tour the city. It is always great to know what is going on ahead of time. Here is a brief guide to some of the events taking place throughout the season:
Holiday Festival of Lights
November 10, 2011 thru January 1, 2012 Location: James Island Country Park, about 15 minutes from downtown Charleston Phone: (843) 795-7275
This event takes place every year at the James Island County Park. They typically have over 500,000 lights. Tickets to tour the lights in your car are $10 or you can ride a train around the lake for around $2 per person.
Charleston Sleigh Ride
Dec 8 – 10 @ 4:30; Dec 15 – 16 @ 5pm; Dec 17 – 31, excluding Christmas, 3 and 5pm Cost: $45/adult, $35/child 5 – 12, Children under 5 are free Location: Charleston Harbor Phone: (843) 276-4203
This is a great opportunity to take a leisurely tour of the Charleston Harbor at night so you can view the holiday lights. It is a great chance to get in the holiday spirit, taking in the scenery while sipping on some hot chocolate.
The Reindeer Run
December 3, 2011 Location: Front of Southend Brewery, 161 East Bay Street at Cumberland St., Downtown Charleston, SC racedirector@reindeerrun.org
A 5K run/walk (3.1 miles) through the streets of downtown Charleston during the holiday season This event is open to individuals of all fitness levels and a great chance to win some prizes. There will be awards for age groups from 8 & Under and up to 70 & Over. You can also wear a holiday costume, and they give out fabulous prizes for best or most original costume.
North Charleston Christmas Festival
December 3, 2011 Phone: (843) 740-5854 4:30-9pm
Annual North Charleston Christmas Lighting, Festival and Parade – You will have the opportunity to experience dozens of beautiful Christmas trees and many fun events.
Charleston Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
December 3, 2011, 4:30pm-6:00pm Marion Square Location: Marion Square – Between King, Meeting & Calhoun Streets Phone: (843) 724-7305.
Join Mayor Joseph P. Riley, Jr. and Santa Claus in lighting the magnificent 60-foot Tree of Lights, the official City of Charleston Christmas Tree at Marion Square.
Parade of Boats
December 3, 2011 Location: Official viewing sites are Waterfront Park, The USS Yorktown and the Battery Area. Parade begins along Mt. Pleasant at 5:00pm Viewing from the peninsula begins at 6:30pm; Fireworks begin at approximately 6:45pm Phone: (843) 724-7305
This is a great tradition in the Lowcountry. This is a great chance to view festive boats as they come down the Cooper River, through the Harbor and over to the Ashley. If you have a boat, decorate it, and join the parade.
The Nutcracker Ballet
December 10, 11, 16, 17, 2011 Location: North Charleston Performing Arts Theatre Tickets: $30, $35, $40 & $45. Children’s tickets are $10 off each price level. Phone: (843) 723-7334, M-F
Happy New Years from Charleston, SC
December 31, 2010, 4 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Location: Marion Square and surrounding locations Phone: (843) 724-7305
This is a city wide event which has something for everyone: great music, and wonderful activities for the whole family.
These are just a few of the great events taking place in the Holy City over the holidays. The various theaters and performing arts that take place throughout Charleston, SC are always a great option when you visit. Click the following links to find out more details:
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