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:

And Park City, Utah, is more than worthy of your attention this time of year. A favorite for snow bunnies and skiers, alike, this hip, quirky, mountaintop town delights at every turn each summer. As spring bows out with the remnants of winter and summer assumes its starring role, pops of vibrant color highlight a lively downtown full of blooms, businesses, and people. Not to be outdone are the surrounding areas catering to outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy mountain biking and hiking trails, and activities such as golf, horseback riding, zip-lining, and more. Hop on a gondola and soak up the view from above or check out the sights from the ground. Head out to Utah Olympic Park for a history tour and day of fun. Dine at award-winning restaurants, shop like a local, or sample your way around the budding craft beer scene. Whatever your interests, there's something for everyone and getting around is easy (and FREE) on Park City Transit. From adventure, to food, to shopping, to interesting people, Park City dazzles all summer long.

1. Family-Friendly -- Did you know? Kids under 12 with adult patron ticket are FREE!
2. Big Hats -- Don't forget to wear yours! And don't miss the Hat Contest, either.
3. Tailgating -- Gates open at 9 am for a day full of fun!
4. Food -- Come hungry! Plenty of food trucks will be on hand to feed you.
5. Vendor Village -- Races horces aren't the only attraction. There's shopping, too!

Join the more than 8,000 people expected to descend upon The Plantation at Stono Ferry for tomorrow's running of The Steeplechase! Arguably, Charleston's premier social event of the Spring season. Big hats. Cold drinks. Fast horses. Party people. See you there.

By Robin Gibson

Scottish philosopher David Hume was right when it comes to the oyster's popularity in the Lowcountry. Winter brings with it the time-honored tradition of communal gatherings centered around the shellfish known as The Oyster Roast. This ritual is as iconic to the region as the smell of pluff mud is to our noses. And for the 34th year, the Granddaddy of them all, the Lowcountry Oyster Festival sponsored by the Greater Charleston Restaurant Association took place January 27, 2017, at Boone Hall Plantation. From the tailgating atmosphere to the dedicated shell recycling, these pictures tell the story of an ardent love affair and obsession with the all-important oyster.