The holidays in historic Charleston are full of festive parades, Christmas lights, and holiday art performances!  If you’re planning to visit Charleston during the holidays, you’ve made the right choice.

Visiting Charleston in the winter is a great way to escape the cold, and there is no shortage of fun holiday activities for the entire family to enjoy. Whether you want to relax in a beach vacation rental and sip hot cider or explore historic Charleston and take part in the seasonal festivities, the city is a great place to usher in the magic of the holiday season.

​Ready to kick off the holiday season, Holy City-style? Here are some of the best ways to experience the holidays in Historic Charleston:

Charleston Holiday Parades
Craft brews, delicious food, live music, and family-friendly activities can all be found at one of the many holiday parades in Charleston this year. Here are a few that can’t be missed:

City of Charleston Holiday Parade
When: December 3, 2017 at 3:00 p.m.
Where: Colonial Lake, Broad Street, King Street, and concluding at Marion Square
The Holiday Parade is one of Charleston’s best traditions. Hosted by the City of Charleston and the Charleston Fire Department, the parade will feature bands, performers, floats, and other entertainment to celebrate the season and get your family into the holiday spirit.

Holiday Parade of Boats
When: December 9, 2017, 5-8 p.m.
Where: Charleston Harbor
Another beloved Lowcountry tradition, the 36th Annual Holiday Parade of Boats offers a dazzling display of lights as boats decorated for the season sail past the viewing docks.
Part of the fun is attending the parade’s official viewing party! Located at the Charleston Maritime Center, guests can snack on festive foods and listen as their favorite holiday carols fill the air.

Small Town Beach Parades
Are you staying in a cozy beach vacation rental? You’ll want to experience at least one beach town parade during the holiday season.
One that can’t be missed is the annual Christmas Parade on Folly Beach. On December 9th, Santa will parade through the streets of Folly Beach as candy and other goodies are handed out to the kids.

​Staying in the Town of Mount Pleasant? Check out their quaint parade. A tree-lighting and fireworks display will kick things off before more than 100 floats parade down Coleman Boulevard, delighting all who attend.

28th Annual Holiday Festival of Lights
There is no doubt about it—Charleston has some of the best festivals in the country. From Spoleto to the Lowcountry Oyster Festival, there is always something to look forward to, and the Holiday Festival of Lights is no exception.
Now in its 28th year, the Annual Holiday Festival of Lights is back and promises to deliver more excitement than ever before. Held at James Island County Park, the event is known for its three miles of stunning, multicolored light displays, and it has been named one of the “10 Best Holiday Light Shows in America” by USA Today.
The festival is more than just a driving tour; the Holiday Festival of Lights organizers welcome visitors to park their cars and explore the large, decorated walking path, visiting shops and partaking in holiday activities along the way.
The event runs from November 10th to January 1st, giving you ample opportunities to experience a magical evening that will create cherished memories for years to come.

Tree-Lighting Ceremonies in Charleston
Tree-lighting ceremonies mark the beginning of the holiday season for many people, and Charleston kicks things off with multiple tree lightings. From the official Charleston tree lighting to the celebration of Chanukah, the following tree-lighting ceremonies are sure to dazzle and delight the entire family:

-- Ralph Waldo Emerson

Options abound to soak up the beauty of life and freedom in the Lowcountry this weekend. Our beaches and harbor offer stunning backdrops for fireworks displays throughout the holiday. Making plans? Check out these offerings. And don't forget to look up. The sky will be amazing.

What: Music & barbecue aboard the USS Yorktown
Where: Patriot's Point, Mt Pleasant
When: July 4th
Cost: Varies, see website for details

What: Live music & dancing
Where: Mt Pleasant Pier, Mt Pleasant
When: July 4th
Cost: $8/$10 depending, call 843-795-4386 or register here

Indeed, Saturday, June 18, 2016, it was. This was the scene from the rooftop bar at Snapper Jacks where Folly Beach tourists and locals were forced to share air space with a few who weren't too shy in pursuit of food. So, what do you do if you find yourself in a similar situation? One that closely resembles a real-life game of Angry Birds?

Well, it turns out, if you're on Folly Beach, nothing. That's right. The city of Folly Beach is a bird sanctuary. That means by local ordinance, birds are protected. All of them. Even the ones that try their best to disrupt your good time. Now you know.

Are you in the habit of feeding them? Don't. It's not healthy, attracts large numbers, and results in aggression by decreasing fear of humans. The Lowcountry is surrounded by seagulls and other beach birds.
Do your part for wildlife and humans alike. Make it enjoyable for everyone.
Don't interfere with nature by feeding wild animals. 

South Carolina is known for many things and being home to beautiful beaches is one. USA Today seems to agree
giving five of our beaches spots on their 10Best
Readers Choice Best East Coast Beach poll.

Readers have until March 14th to weigh in but a quick glance has us in first, second and fourth. Beaufort's Hunting Island State Park is currently number one followed by Folly
Beach (second) and Myrtle Beach (fourth). The other two
beaches are Coligny Beach Park at Hilton Head in tenth, ​and Kiawah
Beachwalker Park in twelfth. Impressive honors for a state we know and love.

​Good luck to our nominees.