Christmas Lights, Tree Lightings & Parades 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,...

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...

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

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

A festive afternoon at Front Beach with the Isle of Palms Recreation Department. What's there: • Children's activities • Santa, 4–6 PM • Tree lighting at 5:30 PM • Live music, crafters and food vendors When: Sat, Dec 5, 2–7 PM Where: Front Beach, Ocean Blvd, Isle of Palms Cost: free

North Charleston's annual Christmas Parade rolls through the Park Circle neighborhood with floats, marching bands and Santa.

More info coming soon. — Location: Central Creek Park

Moncks Corner's nighttime Christmas parade - starts in front of Delta Pharmacy, runs down Main Street and ends at Berkeley High School. Bring chairs. Rain or shine.

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.

Apply online to be a participant in the 2026 Christmas in the Creek Parade — Location: St. James Avenue

Annual Christmas Wonderland festival (11am) next to the town parade (12pm): photos with St. Nick, gingerbread house contest with 80+ entries, ornament making, hot cocoa, baked goods, local artisans, food trucks and reindeer games. Free.

Lighted boats parade across Lake Moultrie at dark on Saturday, December 12, hosted by Watermark Bar & Grill and presented by Party At The Lake. The route includes Overton and Bonneau Beach. There's a parade lights competition with special guest judges and a toy drive, so bring an unwrapped gift to watch from...

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.

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.

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.