Charleston keeps the holidays festive without the heavy winter weather. Historic homes add seasonal decorations, downtown theaters bring back annual productions, and James Island lights up after dark.
The Ryder Hotel puts you on Meeting Street, steps from King Street and close to many of the best holiday things to do in Charleston. Each winter, the hotel’s Little Palm restaurant also becomes Little Pine, complete with seasonal cocktails, ski huts and fire pits.
Holiday Things to Do in Charleston
Start at Little Pine
From November 9 through January 31, Little Palm transforms into Little Pine, Charleston’s favorite après-ski tradition at The Ryder.
The menu includes holiday bites and seasonal cocktails such as Hot Buttered Rum, Coquito and the Oaxacan Toddy. Private ski huts seat up to six guests and include a cheese and charcuterie board. Fire pits accommodate groups of up to five, with blankets provided.
Book a hut or fire pit for drinks with friends, a small celebration, or a relaxed night after exploring downtown. Little Pine also offers family-style holiday dining for groups of eight to 20. Evening and weekend reservations are recommended.
See the Holiday Festival of Lights
The Holiday Festival of Lights runs nightly at James Island County Park from November 13 through December 31, 2026. The three-mile driving route features more than 750 illuminated displays and millions of lights.
Park afterward to browse the gift shops, roast marshmallows, see the sand sculpture or ride the holiday train. Santa appears on select nights. The festival is open from 5:30 to 10 p.m., with admission charged per vehicle. Purchase tickets through the official Holiday Festival of Lights website.
James Island County Park is outside downtown, so plan to drive or use a rideshare.
Catch a Holiday Show
A Christmas Carol returns to Dock Street Theatre from November 29 through December 20, 2026. The annual production brings Dickens’ story to one of Charleston’s best-known historic theaters.
The Charleston Christmas Special runs at Charleston Music Hall from December 11 through December 22. The two-hour variety show combines music, dance and comedy in a family-friendly production. Both theaters are downtown, making dinner and a show easy to plan from The Ryder.
Tour a Decorated Historic Home
From December 5 through December 27, the Joseph Manigault House features arrangements created by the Garden Club of Charleston. The decorations use plant materials available in the Lowcountry during the early 1800s.
Candlelight tours are also scheduled at the Nathaniel Russell House on November 20 and 21 and the Aiken-Rhett House on December 4 and 5. These tours are only offered on select dates, so reserve ahead.
Shop Downtown Charleston
King Street has boutiques, galleries and national retailers within walking distance of The Ryder. Charleston City Market is another stop for locally made artwork, jewelry, specialty foods and sweetgrass baskets.
The Day Market operates throughout the year except Christmas Day. Its seasonal Night Market runs on select Friday and Saturday evenings through December.
Holiday Offers at The Ryder
The Ryder’s location makes it easy to explore downtown without building the day around parking. Start with coffee at The Coffee Counter, walk to King Street or a holiday show, then return for cocktails at Little Pine.
The seasonal Holiday Glow package includes up to 20% off your stay, a $100 dining credit and a Ryder signature scented candle. The credit can be used toward dining at Little Palm, giving guests another reason to spend an evening at Little Pine.
Guests who already know their dates can also compare the Book Now, Save Later offer:
- Stay one or more nights and save 15%
- Stay three or more nights and save 20%
- Stay five or more nights and save 25%
This advance-purchase offer is prepaid and nonrefundable.
Ryder Insider is another option for guests who prefer a member rate. Insiders receive up to 20% off the best available rate when booking directly and are among the first to hear about new promotions and hotel events. Sign-up is required.
Compare the terms on The Ryder’s hotel offers page before reserving. Offers are subject to availability, blackout dates and change, and generally cannot be combined.
With Little Pine downstairs, King Street around the corner and Charleston’s holiday calendar filling up, The Ryder puts plenty of the season within reach.
Holiday Things to Do in Charleston FAQs
What are the best holiday things to do in Charleston in 2026?
Charleston’s 2026 holiday calendar includes the Holiday Festival of Lights at James Island County Park, A Christmas Carol at Dock Street Theatre, the Charleston Christmas Special at Charleston Music Hall, and seasonal tours of historic homes. Downtown visitors can also shop along King Street and visit holiday pop-up bars like Little Pine at The Ryder Hotel and Santa Baby at Emeline.
Where can you find Christmas pop-up bars in Charleston?
Little Pine at The Ryder Hotel and Santa Baby at The Den are two holiday pop-up bars in downtown Charleston. From November 9 through January 31, Little Palm transforms into Little Pine, featuring seasonal cocktails, ski huts, fire pits, and holiday bites. Santa Baby takes over The Den inside Frannie & The Fox at Emeline from November 10 through January 2, offering an intimate, evergreen-filled cocktail lounge with low lighting, festive drinks, and the restaurant’s full menu.
When is the Holiday Festival of Lights in Charleston in 2026?
The Holiday Festival of Lights runs nightly at James Island County Park from November 13 through December 31, 2026, from 5:30 to 10 p.m. Admission is charged per vehicle. The park is outside downtown, so plan to drive or use a rideshare.
Where should you stay for Charleston holiday events?
The Ryder Hotel at 237 Meeting Street is a convenient home base for exploring Charleston’s holiday events. King Street shopping, downtown theaters, and historic attractions are nearby, while The Coffee Counter offers coffee and breakfast before heading out. Guests can return to Little Pine at the hotel for seasonal cocktails and holiday dining without making another trip across town.
Are there holiday hotel deals in Charleston?
Yes. The Ryder’s Holiday Glow package includes up to 20% off your stay, a $100 dining credit and a Ryder signature scented candle. See all current hotel offers, including Book Now, Save Later and Ryder Insider. Offers are subject to availability.