Charleston Arts

Holiday Magic in Historic Charleston

The City of Charleston Office of Cultural Affairs celebrates the holiday season each December with Holiday Magic in Historic Charleston, offering free, family-friendly activities, live performances and decorations all around town for everyone in the community to enjoy together. 

Holiday Parade: Sunday, December 3, 2023 steps off at 3:00pm

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.

Holiday Parade of Boats: December 9, 2023, Charleston Harbor sets sail at 6:00pm

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. This is a family-friendly event is sure to become a holiday tradition for everyone. View the procession along Charleston’s waterfront or decorate your own boat and join the parade (advance registration required).

Holiday Magic on King Street: Thursday, December 7 from 6:00-8:00pm, King Street between John and Mary.

A family-friendly block party featuring holiday-themed crafts, live music, shop your favorite retailers, and even meet Santa! Holiday Magic on King is a FREE family-friendly event. 

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Chanukah in the Square: Sunday, December 10 at 4:00pm, Marion Square

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.

Holiday Market in Marion Square will be held Saturdays & Sundays, 9:00am-3:00pm on 12/2, 3, 9, 10 & 16

You’ll find everything you need to deck the halls for the holidays and fill the pantry with local goodies, all from local farmers, growers, artisans and crafters. Browse a wide assortment of art, crafts and holiday gift items and get your holiday shopping done early.

The Piccolo Spoleto Festival annually presents a varied program that includes visual arts exhibitions, performances of classical music, jazz, dance, theater, and choral music, as well as cultural events and community celebrations, poetry readings, children’s activities, craft shows and film screenings.

Piccolo Spoleto prioritizes accessibility for both artists and performers, presenting professional work of the highest standard, while ensuring that nearly half of Piccolo’s events are admission-free, with the balance offered at affordable ticket prices.

The MOJA Arts Festival is a multi-disciplinary festival produced and directed by the City of Charleston Office of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the MOJA Planning Committee, a community arts and cultural group, and the MOJA Advisory Board, a group of civic leaders who assist with fundraising and advocacy.

The City Gallery at Joe Riley Waterfront Park, owned by the City of Charleston and operated by the City of Charleston Office of Cultural Affairs, is a tangible resource and reliable venue for displaying the finest contemporary art from local, regional, national and international artists, stimulating discussion and dialogue among audiences. In the process, in this dynamic visual arts venue, those who visit the City Gallery will be educated, enlightened and inspired by their experiences in this cultural space.

The City Gallery provides access to the visual arts for everyone in Charleston, S.C., visitors and residents alike, by offering exhibits that are all admission-free.

Cannon Street Arts Center is a new cultural facility focused on community-engaged work. Managed by the City of Charleston Office of Cultural Affairs, the venue houses a 110-seat theatre, a 1,500-square-foot flexible exhibition and gathering space, and a meeting room, which are available for rentals with priority given to non-profit arts organizations and local artists. For more information on availability and rates, contact the Office of Cultural Affairs at (843) 724-7305 or email to CulturalAffairs@charleston-sc.gov.

Founded in 1989 with the Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service, the Charleston Farmers Market is produced by the City of Charleston Office of Cultural Affairs, in cooperation with the City of Charleston Parks Department and Special Events Committee.

The Charleston Farmers Market is dedicated to the support and advocacy of Lowcountry farmers, growers, prepared/packaged food, artisans, crafters, live performers and community groups and activities. We offer a variety of local produce, plants, herbs and cut flowers as well as breakfast and lunch vendors, live entertainment and an assortment of juried arts and crafts from local artisans. Attracting locals and tourists alike, the CFM is the community connection, bringing together people from all parts of the Lowcountry and beyond. Whether you are a local that frequents the CFM or a tourist visiting for the weekend, we have something for you to enjoy.