Light up the tree and hang your stockings by the fire, the Christmas season is finally upon us. Although the warm Charleston climate won’t be treating us to a white Christmas this holiday season, there are a plethora of other festive activities you and your loved ones can enjoy to make the most of your Christmas.

Festival of Lights 

Each year, the James Island County park puts on a massive and impressive light display that can be visited from late November until just after New Years. The festival spans over three miles of drivable, visual enjoyment and features hundreds of lights depicting famed Christmas symbols, some traditional, some contemporary. An exciting event for kids of all ages, the festival of lights will be sure to put a smile on you face whether you’re one or ninety-two.

Polar Bear Plunge

If you like seeking adventure and accomplishing amazing feats of human strength, the polar bear plunge is the holiday activity for you. Taking place on Sullivan’s Island the morning after New Years Eve, join thousands of other daring individuals as they christen the New Year by diving straight into the wintery waters of the Atlantic Ocean. To spice things up, many seasoned goers of the fun celebration don their best costumes so if you and you family or friends are down for an zesty new tradition, grab your swimsuits and your funniest costumes and head to the beach

Children’s Village at Magnolia Plantation

A classic Charleston event aimed at a younger demographic, the Children’s Village at Magnolia Plantation is a perfect way to spice up your holiday season with some Christmas fun. The village includes several attractions such as Santa’s Workshop and a Candy Factory, as well as daily events with guest appearances from Santa. Open every day from dawn until dusk, taking a visit to the village will surely boost your holiday cheer.

Holiday Market in Marion Square 

What better way to partake in the Christmas spirit than attending the holiday market located in scenic downtown Marion Square park. Following the tree lighting on the first Saturday of December, the square holds food vendors and artisans on each subsequent Saturday for the rest of the month. The event begins around 9 each Saturday and lasts until mid afternoon, promising hours of memory making for the whole family and if you’re lucky you might just bump into the event’s special guests, Mr. and Mrs. Claus.