Garlands of greenery adorn Antebellum mansions, while Magnolia wreaths flank wrought-iron gates. Lights twinkling wrap up the trunks of Palmetto trees, it’s a magical time in the low-country. Charleston’s historic homes deck the halls with historically accurate seasonal décor dating back to the 1800s. Charleston’s world renowned culinary scene will put a seasonal twist on classic Charleston cuisine. Pumpkin bread pudding, please! This year sandy toes trump the snowman and mild temps are enjoyable for walking but cool enough for hot toddies by the hotel fireplace. It’s Christmas in Charleston.
No matter your Christmas wish, you will find the perfect home for the holidays, from an historic property that has been decking the halls since the 19th-century, or one of the new ultra luxury hotels defining new Christmas traditions.
Seasonal flavors abound, you will find your merry merry in an array of creative cocktails and relish in mouthwatering holiday dishes. Charleston's culinary scene pulls out all the stops during the holidays serving up bites and sips you won't want to miss. Head over to the Cocktail Club, a speakeasy-style bar housed in a 19th-century building for a cup of cheer. Enjoy a bourbon, curaçao and walnut liquor connection by the cozy fireplace. Enjoy Pumpkin Spiced Cocktails at the Thoroughbred Club. Situated in the lobby of the Belmond Charleston Place, the Thoroughbred Club boasts a festive holiday menu. The pumpkin spice carajillo is the perfect after-dinner beverage to toast to the season, while enjoying live entertainment every night of the week. One of Belmond Charleston Place’s most memorable traditions is the fully operational replica of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (VSOE), the world’s most legendary train which has been traversing the hotel’s grand lobby every holiday season since 2001. One cant help but marvel at the train’s intricate design as it travels across more than 300 feet of track.
There are many holiday gatherings around town this time of year.
A beloved Lowcountry tradition is the two million lights shimmering brightly during the Annual Holiday Festival of Lights, a three-mile driving tour accompanied by a holiday scavenger hunt and magical surprises along the way. A special experience from the comfort of your car. Or head down to the harbor to witness the Annual Holiday Parade of Boats.
From Gospel spirituals to jazz and light classics, the holiday edition of the Sound of Charleston, the music that helps define Charleston’s rich heritage, can be heard from the beautiful and historic Circular Church at 150 Meeting Street. Tour the festively decorated, historic Edmondston-Alston House by candlelight while enjoying the sounds of the Charleston Caroling Company. After, warm up in the courtyard with a glass of hot cider while listening to Gullah Christmas stories by local storyteller Fouché Sheppard!
Take a tour and peek behind the doors of private residences, marvel at the heirloom decorations and learn about the history behind Charleston's most treasured holiday traditions. You'd be hard-pressed to find a private residence that takes their holiday decor as seriously as the Joseph Manigault House and the result is nothing short of marvelous. The Garden Club of Charleston decks the antebellum house with magnificent live decorations from plant materials that are historically accurate to what would have been available in the early 1800s.
Experience Old Charleston as a guest of Laura Wichmann Hipp and June Mcknight. Both Natives who love and know the city. Laura and June take their guests to private homes and gardens. In fact, they cater each tour to their guests special interest. An ultimate insiders experience and as genteel as it gets with the grand finale of a silver tea service tea.
Make this year's Christmas gift something they'll remember, there are plenty of treasures to be found only in Charleston. A stroll down King street will have you shopping till you drop.
Explore the Holidays in the Holy City this year and discover why the city is voted #1 in the United states by readers of CONDÉ NAST TRAVELER AND TRAVEL+LEISURE
