Social Events for November-December 2025

NOVEMBER

Charleston Literary Festival

November 7-16

Now in its nineth year, this 10-day literary festival brings 50+ world-renowned writers and celebrities to Charleston, including names like: Reese Witherspoon, Harlan Coben, Joyce Carol Oates, Michael Cunningham, Kevin Sack, Max Boot and many more. From literary events to private parties, this event is a must! Get details at: charlestonliteraryfestival.com.

Holiday Festival of Lights

November 14-December 31

Make lasting holiday memories enjoying over two million lights and lots of festive family fun at the Annual Holiday Festival of Lights! A long-standing Lowcountry holiday tradition, this event at James Island County Park invites guests to cruise along a three-mile display of glimmering multicolored lights featuring over 750 light displays. Open nightly at 5:30 p.m. For more information, visit HolidayFestivalofLights.com.

2026 Eastern Sectional Singles Final Figure Skating Competition

November 10-15

Experience one of U.S. Figure Skating's marquee events right here in the Lowcountry! The 2026 Eastern Sectional Singles Final brings together the top Juvenile through Senior level skaters from 18 states, all vying for coveted spots at the 2026 Prevagen U.S. Figure Skating Championships, where the Olympic and World teams will be announced. Runs from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. For more information go to: fscofcharleston.com/charleston_open.

YALLFest

November 14-15

This is the 15th anniversary of Charleston’s Young Adult and Middle Grade Book Festival. Co-founded by Blue Bicycle Books owner Jonathan Sanchez and authors Margaret Stohl and Kami Garcia, it has grown into one of the nation’s most beloved book festivals, spawning a west-coast sister festival (YALLWest), and it is one of the largest kidlit festivals in the country. For information go to: yallfest.org.  Photo courtesy of YALLFest.

Food & Wine Classic Charleston

November 14-16

Experience the warm hospitality of the Lowcountry at the Food & Wine Classic in Charleston, a three-day event featuring culinary icons, world-renowned wine and spirits, and the best of local food and culture.  Learn how to be a better cook and taste Charleston’s legendary ingredients with some of the country’s most iconic chefs.

Go to:   foodandwineclassicincharleston.com.

The Charleston Classic

November 21, 23

The Charleston Classic is an early-season Division 1 college basketball tournament played each November at TD Arena in downtown Charleston, South Carolina. The tournament enters its 17th year with a new format: Two separate four-team brackets will run concurrently on Nov. 21 and 23. Get all the details at: espnevents.com/charleston-classic.

DECEMBER

Spiegeltent at the Gaillard Center

December 4-20

Cabaret Royale returns to the magnificent Spiegeltent at the Gaillard Center with a brand new production of world-class cabaret, comedy and spectacle. Recommended for ages 18 plus. Step inside this glittering venue for an evening of jaw-dropping performances, dazzling burlesque and irresistible humor. Buy tickets at: gaillardcenter.org. Photo courtesy of the Gaillard Center.

A Motown Christmas

December 5

A powerful, family-oriented show combining Motown's greatest hits with everyone's favorite holiday classics. Starts at 7 p.m. at the North Charleston Coliseum and Performing Arts Center. Get tickets at: northcharlestoncoliseumpac.com.

A Christmas Story

December 5-23

Based on the 1983 classic holiday film,  “A Christmas Story” is the perfect family holiday theatre tradition at the Queen Street Playhouse. Check footlightplayers.net/a-christmas-story for performance days and specific times.

Town of Moncks Corner Downtown Christmas Festival

December 5

Head to Unity Park on Main Street in Moncks Corner for the 32nd Annual Christmas tree lighting. There will be tons of vendors, performances by local school groups, food and additional live entertainment. Many of the Main Street shops and restaurants will be open for business as well. Event time 5 p.m. - 8 p.m. For more information go to:  monckscornersc.gov/special-events/christmas-events.

Holiday Swing Charleston Jazz Orchestra

December 6

Embrace the festive spirit with the Charleston Jazz Orchestra’s highly anticipated annual extravaganza, Holiday Swing. A jubilant celebration of the holiday season through the lens of jazz, the Orchestra will present an array of seasonal jazz standards, each reimagined with arrangements crafted by some of their own musicians. The concert starts at 5 p.m. Purchase tickets at: charlestonjazz.com. Photo courtesy of Charleston Jazz.

City of Charleston Holiday Parade

December 7

Come join the City of Charleston for this fun, high energy parade which will commence on Broad Street at Rutledge, travel North on Meeting Street, and conclude on Calhoun Street at Meeting Street. Participants include musical ensembles, clubs and organizations. Tree Lighting to follow in Marion Square. The event starts at 3 p.m.

The Charleston Christmas Special

December 12-21

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 its 30th spectacular year at the Charleston Music Hall. Purchase tickets at: charlestonmusichall.com.

Mount Pleasant Holiday Market & Craft Show

December 13

Annual holiday market at the Mount Pleasant Farmers Market Pavilion, with handmade gifts by local artists and artisans, local produce and prepared foods, live entertainment, children’s activities and more. From 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Kiawah Island Marathon and Half Marathon

December 13

The Kiawah Island Golf Resort Marathon and Half Marathon will start and finish in the beautiful West Beach Village. Along the way, you’ll enjoy spectacular views of maritime forests, marshes and grand homes as you run throughout the Island community. Register at: kiawahresort.com/recreation/kiawah-island-marathon/registration.

Folly Beach Christmas Parade

December 13

Santa’s favorite beach town hosts The Annual City of Folly Beach Christmas Parade! Line up along Center Street as floats, marching bands and community associations show their holiday spirit. Visitors and locals are all welcome. Join Santa at Folly River Park to receive goodies after the parade!

Holiday Parade of Boats

December 13

Join another Lowcountry tradition at the Holiday Parade of Boats. This display of lighted and festive boats proceeds from the Cooper River, through the Charleston Harbor and into the Ashley River. View the procession along Charleston’s waterfront or decorate your own boat and join the parade (advance registration required). The Holiday Parade of Boats Charleston Harbor sets sail at 6 p.m. Photo courtesy of the City of Charleston.

Reindeer Run

December 13

Half-Moon Outfitters 34th Annual Reindeer Run, presented by The Charleston Place, is a family-oriented, pet-friendly, 5K run/walk located in downtown Charleston, SC. The funds benefit the MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital. Register at: reindeerrun.org.

Chanukah in the Square

December 14

An initiative of the Yaschik/Arnold Jewish Studies Program at the College of Charleston and Chabad of Charleston and the Lowcountry, Chanukah in the Square is a festive celebration featuring live music, arts and crafts, and traditional seasonal food, culminating with the lighting of a menorah at dusk. Event time is 4 p.m.

Summerville Christmas Parade

December 14

The Summerville Christmas Parade is designed to promote positivity throughout the Town of Summerville while capturing the “spirit of the Christmas holiday.” A family friendly event that starts at 2 p.m.

Mount Pleasant Christmas Light Parade

December 15

Brilliantly lit floats and community groups will march up West Coleman Boulevard as the Mount Pleasant Christmas Light Parade sets sail to the delight of thousands of residents and visitors. The festivities begin at 5:30 p.m. with a spectacular pyrotecnic fireworks show, immediately followed by the start of the parade.

CSO Pops 2: Holiday Pops!

December 18

Unwrap the joy of the season with Charleston’s most cherished holiday tradition! Holiday Pops is back with a spectacular celebration that is bigger and brighter than ever, a high-energy blend of spirited songs, magical movie soundtracks and festive favorites at the Gaillard Center. Purchase tickets at: gaillardcenter.org.

Holy City Holiday Market

December 19-21

The 11th Anniversary Holy City Holiday Market will be popping up for a three-day shopping weekend in Old Park Circle, North Charleston. Shop from hundreds of vendors and food trucks. Enjoy live music, a family-friendly atmosphere and holiday fun at each venue. Follow @holycityholidaymarket to learn more about what’s happening during this festive holiday weekend.

NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet

December 26

Share the joy of NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet at the North Charleston Coliseum and Performing Arts Center with family and friends. This spectacular holiday experience features an international cast, whimsical puppetry, and opulent costumes and sets, hand-crafted by the finest artisans of Europe. Tickets available at: northcharlestoncoliseumpac.com.