Give the Gift of Theatre

There’s a certain thrill when the lights dim, the orchestra swells and the curtains rise. In Charleston during the holidays, stages and concert halls come alive with festive performances. Theatre is the ultimate holiday gift, an experience that lingers long after the last bow. Charleston’s thriving arts scene offers something for every taste. A ticket or gift card is an invitation to share tradition, wonder and joy. With the city’s historic charm as a backdrop, each show feels like a larger celebration. Here are four standout ways to give the gift of theatre, tailored to suit any taste.

North Charleston Coliseum & Performing Arts Center

The North Charleston Coliseum & Performing Arts Center (PAC) transforms into a festive hub each December, offering something for every holiday-goer. This year, the marquee Best of Broadway feature is “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical,” running from December 9–14. “The Grinch broke box office records for two consecutive years on Broadway. Since then, more than 2.1 million theatregoers across America have been delighted by this heart-warming musical,” says Alan Coker, director of marketing. “It’s the perfect show for audiences of all ages.”

Large-scale touring shows—from revues and concerts to comedians—add to the holiday excitement. “People are spending time with friends and family and looking for things to do to celebrate the season. We try to provide as many different types of live entertainment options as possible during the holidays—and year-round,” Coker explains. With multiple venues on campus, guests can enjoy everything from the North Charleston POPS “Sounds of the Season” concert in the PAC to the South Carolina Stingrays “Teddy Bear Toss” game in the coliseum.

Coker notes that Charleston audiences love experiencing world-class productions close to home. “It never gets old seeing the joy and delight that our Best of Broadway series continues to bring to the Lowcountry. It’s like a little slice of Manhattan right here in North Charleston.” With a curated balance of classics like “The Nutcracker,” and contemporary holiday hits, the Coliseum and PAC offer a full month of show-stopping entertainment.

Charleston Music Hall

This time of the year, Charleston Music Hall comes alive with world-class talent and seasonal performances. One standout tradition is “Holiday Swing” with the Charleston Jazz Orchestra. “It really embodies the spirit of Charleston,” says Marketing Director Bonny Wolfe-Jones. “The Charleston Jazz Orchestra is our city’s premier big band, and when they step onto the Music Hall stage for this show, it feels like the holidays officially begin. The energy is infectious, the musicianship is world-class, and the setlist blends timeless holiday classics with that signature Lowcountry swing. It’s a collaboration that feels both deeply local and universally festive, which is why audiences come back year after year—it’s tradition.”

The Music Hall strikes a balance between cherished holiday staples, such as “The Charleston Christmas Special,” now celebrating its 30th season, and fresh touring acts. “Some shows, like “Holiday Swing,” “The Charleston Christmas Special,” Charlton Singleton’s “Holiday Spectacular” and Blue Dogs, have become beloved traditions for Charleston families, and those are cornerstones we want to preserve. At the same time, we want to keep things fresh by adding nationally touring shows like “Rumours ATL” and The Marshall Tucker Band,” says Wolfe-Jones.

Local collaborations also highlight the vibrant arts community. “We partner with groups like Charleston Jazz and Moranz Entertainment, who both do an excellent job of highlighting incredible local talent,” Wolfe-Jones explains. Decked in festive decor and twinkling lights, the Music Hall’s setting creates an experience that’s “not just a performance, you’re stepping into a historic, intimate space that’s become a gathering place for the community.” For gifting, Wolfe-Jones notes, “Tickets aren’t just a gift for one night; they’re a way to create lasting holiday memories.”

The Gaillard Center

The Gaillard Center has grown into a seasonal centerpiece, uniting treasured traditions with fresh, dynamic performances each year. Audiences can experience everything from Broadway stars David Foster and Katharine McPhee to the Charleston Symphony and School of the Arts’ much-anticipated seasonal concerts. Favorites like “Cabaret Royale” light up the Spiegeltent, while Taylor Mac’s “Holiday Sauce” adds a burst of joyful drag energy to the celebrations.

Lissa Frenkel, president and CEO of the Charleston Gaillard Center, describes what inspired the addition of the Spiegeltent to the holiday programming. “It offers a different scale of performance for both audiences and artists, creating an intimate, up-close setting that contrasts with larger productions,” she says. “The cabaret-style design, with rich architectural detail and playful elegance, reflects Charleston’s appreciation for well-crafted spaces while giving the holidays a distinctive visual and experiential touch.”

The venue’s range of programming also makes it a perfect place to find a gift that goes beyond the winter months. As Frenkel notes, “For those who love sparkle and spectacle, “Cabaret Royale” in the Spiegeltent is the perfect gift—glamorous, fun and unforgettable. For something bold, adventurous and full of drag-fueled sass, Taylor Mac’s “Holiday Sauce” delivers a joyful, one-of-a-kind experience to share this season.”

Charleston Stage at the Dock Street Theatre

For many Charleston families, the season doesn’t truly begin until the curtain rises on “A Christmas Carol” at the Dock Street Theatre. “Our production has become more than a holiday play—it’s a gathering place,” says Beth Curley, creative director and vice president of marketing for Charleston Stage.

The theatre’s rich history elevates the experience. “There’s a magic in telling holiday stories on the stage of the Dock Street Theatre. You can feel the weight of history in the walls,” Curley explains. The intimacy of America’s first theatre means that when Scrooge encounters the spirits, audiences feel as though they are part of the story themselves.

Charleston Stage takes care to create productions that resonate across generations. “We design our holiday productions to be rich and layered—playful and whimsical for children, while also filled with depth and tradition for adults,” says Curley. Dazzling costumes and heartfelt performances ensure memories for all ages. “The Dock Street Theatre itself is a living landmark, so when families gather here, they’re not just seeing a play, they’re participating in a tradition that ties them to the city’s cultural heartbeat,” she notes.

And for those giving the gift of theatre, a show at Dock Street is more than entertainment. “The theatre’s size means no seat is far from the stage, so every laugh, every carol and every heartfelt moment feels close and personal,” Curley shares. “Gifting tickets is like giving the promise of memories—an experience that families and loved ones can enjoy together, in one of the most beautiful and historic theatres in the country.”