Christmas and Charleston, South Carolina are two of my favorite things. Combine the two and it is a magical experience! For the last several years we have been visiting Charleston for Christmas if none of the kids make it back. Of course we would much rather be with family, but Charleston is a great spot for second choice!
Location
Why Charleston?
Charleston, South Carolina is a place we both love, especially at Christmas. We chose Charleston as our Christmas destination spot back in 2019 returning in 2021 and 2023. For us, the choice was easy. We wanted an old fashion Christmas feel, somewhere warmer than Iowa, a place full of friendly people, short travel time, things to do, and finally restaurants with great food that are open on Christmas and Christmas Eve. We found all of this and more in Charleston.
Christmas on the Streets of Historic Charleston
Although historic Charleston is not all lit up in bright lights up and down the street I still feel the holiday cheer in the subtle decorations. Lots of wreaths on doors and gates and individual touches are seen on homes and businesses. We like to ride bikes through the historic district, along the batteries and around the old historic homes.
The Old Charleston City Market
We love the Charleston City Market! Full of crafts, foods ,and local products to buy. A great spot for last minute Christmas buys or just fun to roam through and feel the Christmas cheer.
Byrd’s Cookies
We can’t make it out of Charleston without a stop at Byrd’s Famous Cookies. We usually end up with a box or six to take home!
College of Charleston
Founded in 1770, this is the oldest college in S.C. Although not elaborately decorated, this place shines at night with holiday lights and cheer. With the lights shimmering through the Spanish moss hanging from the live oak trees, there is truly a feeling of Christmas magic in the air. Christmas music plays, and people are all happy, wishing all those near a Merry Christmas.
The Shops at Charleston Place
Located between King and Queen Streets, just a few blocks from the historic old town, this upscale mall really knows how to celebrate Christmas. You will hear live Christmas music both indoor and out Trees are lit and lined up along the indoor and outdoor corridors and an electric train makes its Christmas run. You can ascend the decorated grand staircase and view the train from above. Just walking in this mall will but a smile on your face and a feeling of Christmas in your heart. If this isn’t enough to make you happy, you can always wander over to Louis Vuitton and get yourself a hand bag for Christmas! Thankfully for Steve’s wallet I am happy just to enjoy the mall!
St Philips Anglican Church
Charleston has many beautiful churches. We have not attended a service in Charleston but we do enjoy listening to the music outside of St Philips as services are ending. We watch the live nativity set and are welcomed in to view the church after services.
The Vendue
Each year we stay at The Venue. This artsy hotel is really a Christmas wonderland. Each year we have stayed here, the entire decor changes! Always festive and always fun. Personally my favorite year so far has been last year when the color theme was Christmas red. On top of having a fun ambiance, guests can enjoy a complimentary afternoon cup of tea or coffee, happy hour in the evening, a tour of the artwork in the hotel, and warm cookies and milk at night. What’s not to love? We have found some good deals booking after Thanksgiving and even last minute the week before Christmas. Click here to see more of The Vendue.
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Restaurants
Of course we eat when we are in Charleston! There are so many wonderful places with superb Southern cuisine. Steve loves his shrimp and grits so he has to try them all!
Our very favorite spot for Christmas Eve dinner is S.N.O.B. short for Slightly North of Broadway. You will definitely need advanced reservations as it appears that everyone in town wants to dine here. The food and service is amazing!
Poogan’s Porch is another favorite. Their chicken and waffles are really good.
Revival is a nice choice if you are looking for something more elegant and posh. It is located inside of the Vendue and you will need reservations.
Poogan’s Smokehouse is another great choice especially if you are looking for BBQ. Don’t forget the cornbread! It is truly a taste of the South. In addition, if you didn’t make reservations for Christmas or Christmas Eve weeks in advance we have found this smokehouse to be available. Plus it is much more casual and you can leave your Christmas finery in the hotel!
Of course three are many more choices in Charleston but the above are our tried and true. After Christmas in Charleston it is easy to make the New Year’s resolution of cutting some pounds!
Conclusion
Although Christmas in Charleston, South Carolina is not as wonderful as spending time with our families, it is a solid second choice. Much more enjoyable than sitting home and making a huge meal for the two of us. I can’t pin point just one reason Charelston is so special to us at Christmas. It is everything together that makes it magical for us. Christmas in Charleston seems to be becoming an every other year tradition for us. If we are adult orphans next Christmas we will keep up the tradition!
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You can check out my other Charleston Posts below:
The Haunted Old City Jail Charleston Dec 2019