Christmas & Holiday Events for Kids in Charleston, Summerville & the Tri-County (2026)

The 35th annual Holiday Festival of Lights at James Island County Park - a three-mile drive-through display with 750+ light scenes, the Festival Express train, a giant sand sculpture, marshmallow roasting, and the Enchanted Walking Trail. Open nightly mid-November through December 31; see ccprc.com for hours,...

More info coming soon. — Location: Recreation Complex

More info coming soon. — Location: Recreation Complex

Holiday market from the CHS Vegan Collective and Bangin' Vegan Eats at the Tupelo Shelter inside Wannamaker County Park: live music, food trucks and local vendors, all vegan. Wannamaker County Park charges a small per-person park entry fee.

Charleston's colorful holiday-lights tradition returns to the South Carolina Aquarium on SELECT NIGHTS, roughly mid-November through December 30 (5:30-9 PM): dozens of immersive light installations, Scuba Claus diving nightly, photo ops, and festive refreshments. Opening date here is approximate - confirm exact...

First-ever Berkeley County Holiday Festival (formerly the Goose Creek Holiday Festival): local artisans, crafters, small businesses, specialty foods, food trucks and entertainment - shop local for holiday gifts. More activity details to come.

The Farmers Market takes place every 1st & 3rd Wednesday from 4-7pm beginning March 4th and ending on November 5th. A Summer Night Market will take place on Saturday, June 6th from 4-7pm. The Holiday Market will take place on Saturday, November 21nd from 4-7pm. Enjoy fresh food, local artwork, musicians, and makers...

A European-style Christmas night market in Nexton Square hosted by OhMy! Creative: local makers and small-business vendors in festive lit-up tents, live holiday entertainment, hot cocoa under twinkling lights, crafts and treats, plus participating Nexton Square shops and restaurants. More details to come.

Kick off the holidays at Towne Centre with the magical tree lighting, plus live music from Jared Petteys & The Headliners. When: Sat, Nov 21, 6–8 PM Where: Mt. Pleasant Towne Centre, 1218 Belk Dr

Celebrate the magic of the holiday season with a fun, family-friendly planting activity! Keep Berkeley Beautiful will be hosting this event at the St. Stephen Library. We will be planting Paperwhite bulbs that will bloom just in time for the holidays. We’ll provide the bulbs, pots, and soil—you bring your...

Celebrate the magic of the holiday season with a fun, family-friendly planting activity! Keep Berkeley Beautiful will be hosting this event at the Moncks Corner Library. We will be planting Paperwhite bulbs that will bloom just in time for the holidays. We’ll provide the bulbs, pots, and soil—you bring your...

Westbury Farms and Marymeade Market celebrate the season over three days: pick out a Christmas tree, shop handmade wreaths and holiday gifts, sip hot cider and hot chocolate, and enjoy crafts, food trucks, snow foam, gingerbread houses, face painting and music. Runs daily 10 AM to 8 PM, Nov 27-29.

Charleston Stage's holiday tradition: Julian Wiles' adaptation of Dickens' A Christmas Carol at the Historic Dock Street Theatre. When: Nov 29 – Dec 20 (opening show Sun, Nov 29, 2 PM; multiple dates) Where: Historic Dock Street Theatre, 135 Church St, Charleston Tickets: Charleston Stage box office, 843-577-7183...

Participate in different STEM stations that will leave all the reindeer wanting to learn more! Stations will include learning about gravity, energy, and teamwork with other friends! Ages 6 to 11 Tuesday, December 1st at 1PM AND 4PM Register online below for the 1PM session beginning November 20th. Registration...

Registration required — sign up on the library's event page. For: Family.

33rd annual Christmas Made in the South: hundreds of artists and makers demonstrating and selling handcrafted works - fine arts and crafts, handmade one-of-a-kind gifts, gourmet food and entertainment. Runs Fri-Sun Dec 4-6 (Friday 10am-5pm; check tickets page for weekend hours). Tickets via SimpleTix:...

More info coming soon. — Location: Joseph S. Daning Amphitheater

Step into a winter wonderland and create your own magical snow globe scene! Young artists will use mixed media techniques to design a one-of-a-kind winter masterpiece. Come ready to create, get a little messy, and make some winter magic! — Location: Screened Porch Registration required (link above).

Magnolia Southern Markets returns to Ashborough, where its markets began, for a holiday market. When: Sat, Dec 5, 10 AM Where: 208 Ashborough Ave, Summerville

A local holiday market at Johns Island County Park with area makers and vendors - a good spot for handmade gifts.

Celebrate the holiday season at our one-day Art in the Park program, where participants will create festive crafts, play fun reindeer-themed games, and enjoy holiday music. Join us for a day filled with creativity, laughter, and tasty treats as we make lasting holiday memories together! Registration required to...

A festive tour of the historic Magnolia house decked out in 1920s-style holiday decor - the evolution of Santa Claus, vintage ornaments, and Southern holiday traditions. Runs daily December 6 through January 6 ($12 plus regular garden admission).

He's making his list, and he's checking it twice - Santa Claus is most definitely coming to town. People with disabilities and their families are invited to a photo session with Santa at James Island County Park. Join us to experience the time-honored tradition of a visit with Santa Claus during dedicated hours in...

Meet Santa Claus on the Great Lawn in front of Magnolia House, with holiday crafts and warm treats for the whole family.

The City of Charleston's annual Holiday Parade steps off at Broad and Rutledge, travels Broad Street to Meeting Street and ends at Marion Square, followed by the city tree lighting around 5 PM. Details may be updated by the city closer to the date.

Santa's Tech Escape Room Wednesday, December 9 at 10:30 a.m. You've been recruited as Santa's Tech Support Team! Work together to solve four festive technology challenges, help Santa get his devices back in order, and make sure Christmas stays on track. Can you save Christmas before time runs out? For: Teens.

Dorchester Road - Calling all teens grades 6-12, join us in the Teen Room to learn the history behind the iconic gingerbread tradition and decorate a few snacks of your own! For: Teens.

Breakfast w/ Santa program from Summerville Parks & Recreation. Ages: All Ages. Registration required — sign up in the Town's Rec1 catalog (link above).

Festive family class at the Culinary Institute of Charleston: decorate a gingerbread house with royal icing, candies and toppings, with tips from CIC pastry chefs. One registration covers one adult + one child (or a single adult) and one house; everyone gets a keepsake apron. Two sessions: 9–11 AM and 1–3 PM. Wear...

Breakfast w/ Santa program from Summerville Parks & Recreation. Ages: All Ages. Registration required — sign up in the Town's Rec1 catalog (link above).

Breakfast w/ Santa program from Summerville Parks & Recreation. Ages: All Ages. Registration required — sign up in the Town's Rec1 catalog (link above).

He's making his list, and he's checking it twice - Santa Claus is most definitely coming to town. People with disabilities and their families are invited to a photo session with Santa at James Island County Park. Join us to experience the time-honored tradition of a visit with Santa Claus during dedicated hours in...

Summerville's annual Christmas Parade down Main Street, hosted by Summerville DREAM. This year's theme is Christmas books - floats from local businesses, schools and community groups bring holiday classics and storybook tales to life.

Mount Pleasant's Christmas Light Parade rolls down Coleman Boulevard from Live Oak Drive to Patriots Point Road. Fireworks kick things off at 5:30 PM, then lighted floats, bands and Santa.

The best way to spread Christmas cheer is...watching movies with friends at the library! Holiday attire is encouraged, don't be a cotton headed ninnymuggins! We'll have snacks and cocoa--feel free to bring blankets or pillows if that makes you comfy! Ages 12 to 17 Tuesday, December 15th from 6PM to 7:30PM ...

All new for 2026! Brad and Jennifer Moranz have delighted audiences of all ages with their holiday musical show featuring some of the country’s most talented singers, dancers and musicians – now in it’s 31st spectacular year! Discounted rates are available for seniors (62 & older), military, groups of 15 or more,...

Join us for hot cocoa, cookies, and a story with Santa and Mrs. Claus! Registration is not required. All Ages (Families) Wednesday, December 16th at 10:30AM For: Teens, Kids, All Ages, Families.

Join fellow teens and learn how to craft reindeer-themed holiday snacks. For teens in grades 6-12. For: Teens.

Join us for crafts & games. For: Family.

Painting with Tina, Dec 18th 6-8pm winter/Santa, held at 519G North Goose Creek Blvd in Fitness Center, room MP2 Watercolor, all materials provided in cost. The City of Goose Creek is committed to providing a safe and respectful environment and holds all participants, vendors, coaches, and staff to the highest...

A candlelit evening of Christmas carols performed on strings in the Carriage House at Magnolia Plantation & Gardens. Check magnoliaplantation.com for the exact start time and tickets.

Listen for the bell! Watch The Polar Express with us & enjoy a cup of hot chocolate! Pajamas encouraged. Registration is not required. All Ages (Families) Tuesday, December 22nd at 6PM For: Teens, Kids, All Ages, Families.

The Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet at the North Charleston Performing Arts Center - an international cast, whimsical puppetry, and opulent hand-crafted costumes and sets. Doors 2 PM, show 3 PM.

Ring in the New Year under hundreds of thousands of holiday lights: roaming entertainers, face painters, a DJ, Scuba Claus in the Great Ocean Tank, and a special NYE countdown with a pufferfish ball drop - all before bedtime.