🎄 The Ultimate Guide to Christmas in Charleston: Luxury Hotels, Festive Dining, Holiday Shopping & Seasonal Experiences

If you’re dreaming of a luxury Christmas getaway in Charleston, you’re in the right place. Every December, the Holy City transforms into a charming holiday wonderland—historic streets lined with garlands, glowing shop windows, festive cocktails, decorated hotel lobbies, and seasonal events that highlight the very best of Charleston’s charm.

And while this guide is packed with my favorite holiday hotels, restaurants, shops, events, and tours, it still doesn’t scratch the surface. Charleston truly shines during the holidays, offering endless magical moments for every type of traveler.

Whether you're planning a romantic winter weekend, a family Christmas trip, or a festive girls’ getaway, here’s your curated guide to Christmas in Charleston.

Best Luxury Hotels in Charleston for the Holidays

If you want a hotel that goes all out for Christmas, Charleston delivers. These luxury stays transform into festive destinations, creating the perfect base for your holiday trip.

⭐ The Charleston Place

Known for its iconic lobby tree and nightly “snowfall,” The Charleston Place is the heart of the city’s Christmas magic. Enjoy holiday pop-up bars, festive dining, seasonal décor, and easy access to King Street shopping.

⭐ Hotel Bennett

Hotel Bennett brings glamour to the holiday season with its elaborate decorations, shimmering lobby, and festive events. Don’t miss Camellias—the pink champagne bar that gets an even more magical glow at Christmas.

Why these hotels?
They offer the most immersive Charleston holiday experience, blending luxury with unforgettable festive atmosphere.

Where to Eat in Charleston During the Holidays

Charleston’s dining scene thrives during Christmas, with seasonal menus, cozy interiors, and culinary experiences perfect for special occasions.

⭐ SNOB (Slightly North of Broad)

Exceptional Lowcountry cuisine served in a warm, festive dining room—SNOB is a classic choice for a holiday dinner.

⭐ Frannie & The Fox

Known for its wood-fired menu and stylish atmosphere, Frannie & The Fox hosts a whimsical holiday pop-up featuring Christmas yurts for cozy courtyard dining.

Best Holiday Cocktail Bars in Charleston

If festive cocktails are on your holiday to-do list, these Charleston bars deliver charm, atmosphere, and seasonal style.

⭐ Bourbon & Bubbles

Glam holiday cocktails and bubbly, festive vibes.

⭐ Blind Tiger Pub

A cozy historic pub with warm, seasonal pours and classic Christmas charm.

These spots are perfect for a holiday night out, a pre-dinner drink, or a celebratory toast.

Holiday Shopping in Charleston: Where to Find the Perfect Gift

Charleston has some of the best boutiques in the South, making it a dream for holiday shopping. Whether you're looking for something timeless, trendy, or locally made, these shops offer incredible gifts.

⭐ Candlefish

Hand-poured candles perfect for gifting (or keeping for yourself!).

⭐ Croghan’s Jewel Box

Charleston’s most iconic jeweler—discover heirlooms and sparkling pieces filled with history and charm.

⭐ Hampden

Designer fashion and chic gifts for the style-minded on your list.

Holiday Experiences & Christmas Tours in Charleston

Looking for things to do in Charleston at Christmas? These experiences combine history, beauty, and holiday magic.

⭐ Drayton Hall Candlelight Tours

Walk the grounds of this historic estate illuminated by candlelight. It’s intimate, atmospheric, and one of Charleston’s most enchanting holiday events.

⭐ Aquarium Aglow

A festive transformation of the South Carolina Aquarium with glowing lights, seasonal displays, and a magical nighttime atmosphere—perfect for families.

⭐ Holiday Lights & Seasonal Walking Tours

From historic home tours to festive guided walks, these seasonal experiences create meaningful holiday memories.

Why Visit Charleston at Christmas?

Charleston is one of the most charming Christmas destinations in the South thanks to:

• Perfectly decorated historic streets

• Luxury hotels with immersive holiday experiences

• Seasonal dining and festive cocktails

• Locally owned boutiques full of thoughtful gifts

• Unique winter tours and holiday events

• Mild weather ideal for exploring

Christmas in Charleston blends beauty, history, and luxury in a way few cities can match.

Plan Your Charleston Christmas with Bespoke Charleston

This guide is just the beginning—Charleston offers countless magical ways to celebrate the season. If you’re planning a holiday trip, I’d love to curate a custom Charleston itinerary with tailored hotel recommendations, festive dining reservations, private tours, luxury experiences, and exclusive holiday moments.

📩 Ready to plan the perfect Charleston Christmas? Let’s begin.

Things to Do in Charleston, SC: Your Curated Guide to the Holy City

Planning your Charleston getaway and wondering what to do in Charleston, SC? You’re in for something special. Few places blend coastal beauty, history, and gracious Southern hospitality quite like Charleston. From its cobblestone streets and pastel façades to its award-winning cuisine and nearby beaches, this city offers a rare balance of charm and sophistication.

At Bespoke Charleston, we believe every traveler should experience the city in their own way — whether that’s a romantic carriage ride through the Historic District, a private boat charter at sunset, or a leisurely afternoon exploring hidden boutiques on King Street. Here’s our curated guide to the very best things to do in Charleston, SC (and the charming places just beyond it).

1. Wander Through the Historic District

There’s no better place to begin than Charleston’s heart — its Historic District, where centuries-old homes and church steeples tell the story of the South. Stroll along Rainbow Row, admire the grand mansions along The Battery, and let your curiosity guide you down cobblestone lanes shaded by live oaks.

Bespoke Tip: Book a private walking or carriage tour to see Charleston’s history come to life with stories and architecture you’d miss on your own.

2. Explore Charleston’s Iconic Plantations & Gardens

Just outside the city, you’ll find some of the most beautiful and historic estates in the country — each offering a glimpse into Charleston’s layered past.

• Magnolia Plantation & Gardens: Romantic, wild gardens perfect for wandering.

• Middleton Place: America’s oldest landscaped gardens, rich in history.

• Boone Hall Plantation: Home to the famous Avenue of Oaks — one of the most photographed drives in the South.

If you’re looking for things to do around Charleston, SC, these plantations make for a perfect day trip, blending history, beauty, and Lowcountry serenity.

3. Indulge in Charleston’s Culinary Excellence

Known as a culinary capital of the South, Charleston delights with its mix of Lowcountry tradition and modern creativity.

• Husk: Iconic Southern flavors reimagined.

• FIG: Farm-to-table perfection with Michelin-level detail.

• The Ordinary: A seafood hall serving the day’s freshest catch.

Pair your meal with a delectable dessert and an evening stroll — this is Charleston dining at its finest.

Bespoke Tip: We can arrange a private food tour or chef’s tasting, designed just for your palate.

4. See Charleston from the Water

To truly appreciate Charleston, you have to see it from the sea. Take a harbor cruise, sailing charter, or private sunset boat tour to enjoy panoramic views of the skyline, Ravenel Bridge, and Fort Sumter. For something more active, try kayaking Shem Creek alongside playful dolphins.

For travelers seeking a relaxed yet luxurious way to explore, this is one of the most memorable Charleston activities you can experience.

5. Shop Along King Street

King Street is Charleston’s stylish shopping corridor — a blend of historic charm and modern elegance.

• Lower King: Antiques and art galleries.

• Middle King: Designer boutiques and local fashion.

• Upper King: Chic cafés and nightlife spots.

For a taste of local craftsmanship, visit the Charleston City Market, where artisans showcase handmade treasures you won’t find anywhere else.

6. Relax on Charleston’s Nearby Beaches

If you’re looking for things to do around Charleston, SC, set aside a day for the coast. Each nearby beach has its own personality:

• Sullivan’s Island: Quiet, refined, and effortlessly chic.

• Isle of Palms: Family-friendly with resort-style amenities.

• Folly Beach: A laid-back favorite for surfers and sunset chasers.

It’s the perfect way to balance city exploration with sea breeze relaxation.

7. Experience Charleston’s Festivals & Events

Charleston’s calendar is filled with year-round events that celebrate art, culture, and cuisine.

• Charleston Wine + Food Festival (March) — A must for culinary travelers.

• Spoleto Festival USA (May–June) — World-class performances in music, theater, and dance.

• Holiday Festival of Lights (December) — A festive favorite for families and couples alike.

Bespoke Tip: We can align your trip with a specific event and secure VIP access or exclusive experiences.

8. Enjoy Charleston After Dark

When the sun sets, Charleston glows with a different kind of magic. Sip a cocktail overlooking the city skyline, listen to live jazz in an intimate bar, or take a spooky historic ghost tour.

• The Dewberry Citrus Club: Refined cocktails with panoramic views.

• The Rooftop at The Vendue: Where art and ambiance meet.

• Prohibition: A lively speakeasy with music and charm.

For couples, Charleston’s nightlife provides some of the most romantic things to do in Charleston, SC.

9. Venture Beyond the City

If you have extra time, venture a bit farther to discover the Lowcountry’s surrounding treasures:

• Kiawah Island: Elegant resorts, golf, and pristine beaches.

• Historic Plantations: Step back in time at Magnolia Plantation, Middleton Place, or Boone Hall — each offering breathtaking gardens, centuries of history, and the timeless beauty of the Lowcountry landscape.

• Angel Oak Tree: A 400-year-old wonder on nearby Johns Island.

These are ideal options for travelers seeking unique things to do around Charleston, SC beyond the downtown bustle.

10. Let Bespoke Charleston Plan Your Perfect Stay

With so many things to do in Charleston, SC, planning can feel overwhelming — but it doesn’t have to.

At Bespoke Charleston, we craft fully customized itineraries that capture the city’s best, tailored to your style and pace. From booking the finest boutique hotels to arranging private tours and exclusive dining, every detail is handled with care and local insight.

Ready to experience Charleston your way? Contact us today to begin planning your luxury Lowcountry escape.