Holiday Events • Local News • Real Estate Insights
December is here, and Charleston is stepping into the holiday season in full Lowcountry style. From sparkling tree lightings to oyster roasts, festive markets, ice-skating, and beloved annual performances, the city is packed with events for every age and interest.
Whether you’re planning family outings or looking for ways to enjoy the season with friends, there’s no shortage of holiday cheer around town. Below is a full guide to December events — plus the latest updates on Charleston’s housing market and economic growth.
š Holiday Happenings Around Charleston
One of the area’s most loved traditions, the Holiday Festival of Lights at James Island County Park, is in full swing and remains a must-see for families. Ice-skating has also returned to the Charleston Harbor Resort and will run through January 19.
You can also catch A Christmas Carol at Dock Street Theatre through December 21, and A Christmas Story performed by The Footlight Players. And of course — the South Carolina Stingrays hit the ice throughout the month with games on the 6, 7, 10, 12, 14, 20, 21, and 27.
š Your December Charleston Event Calendar
December 1–3: Nutcracker Ballet, Charleston Music Hall
Dec 2: Carols in the Round, Charleston Southern University Science Building Rotunda
Dec 3, 10, 17: Holiday Movie Night, American & Riviera Theaters
Dec 3, 10, 17, 18: 23rd Annual Dickens Dinner, Circa 1886
Dec 4: Sarah Brightman – A Winter Symphony, North Charleston PAC
Dec 4–5: Holiday Shopping Bazaar, Charleston Library Society
Dec 5: A Motown Christmas – North Charleston PAC
Dec 5: Marshall Tucker Band – Charleston Music Hall
Dec 5–7: Christmas at Drayton Hall
Dec 5–7: Christmas Candlelight Service, The Citadel
Dec 5: Harlem Globetrotters 100-Year Tour, North Charleston Coliseum
Dec 6: Charleston Jazz Orchestra Holiday Swing, Charleston Music Hall
Dec 6: Christmas Home & Garden Tour (South of Broad)
Dec 6: The Great Charleston Gingerbread House Party, Music Farm
Dec 6: Holiday Festival – Palmetto Islands County Park
Dec 6, 7, 13, 14, 20: Holiday Market at Marion Square
Dec 7: Oyster Roast – Firefly Distillery
Dec 7: Oyster Roast – Drayton Hall
Dec 7 & 21: Santa Brunch Cruise – Charleston Princess
Dec 9–14: The Grinch Musical – North Charleston PAC
Dec 9: Taylor Mac’s Holiday Sauce – Gaillard Center
Dec 10: A Gullah Christmas Concert – Boone Hall Plantation
Dec 13–14: Charleston Area Model Railroad Club Show – Citadel Mall
Dec 13: Holiday Parade of Boats – Charleston Harbor
Dec 14: Second Sunday on King Street
Dec 14: Bowens Fa La La Fest – Bowens Island
Dec 14: Charleston Men’s Chorus Christmas Concert – First Scots Presbyterian
Dec 14: Chanukah in the Square – Marion Square
Dec 14: 42nd Annual Spirituals Concert – Drayton Hall
Dec 18: Holidays with the Heywards Tour – Heyward-Washington House
Dec 19–21: Charleston’s Nutcracker – Sottile Theatre
Dec 20: Charleston Symphony Holiday Pops! – Gaillard Center
Dec 20: Sounds of the Season – North Charleston POPS!
Dec 22: Celtic Woman Symphony Christmas Tour 2025 – Gaillard Center
Dec 26: Nutcracker Magical Christmas Ballet – North Charleston PAC
Dec 27: Blue Dogs – Charleston Music Hall
Dec 30–31: FutureBirds – Charleston Music Hall
š” Charleston Real Estate Market Update: December 2025
The Charleston market has held steady with encouraging numbers as we close out the year.
Sales activity: Up 1.5% year-to-date compared to the same period in 2024.
Median sales price: Up 2.3% year-over-year.
Current median price: $440,000 for the Charleston region.
Mortgage rates: Back below 6.3%, providing some much-needed relief for buyers.
Federal Reserve outlook: Another rate cut is expected before the end of the year — a positive signal for borrower confidence.
Combined, these factors have created a noticeable uptick in buying activity over the past several weeks. Inventory remains moderate, demand is strong, and Charleston continues to outperform many comparable markets nationally.
š Charleston Economic Growth & Development Highlights
Charleston’s economy remains one of the strongest in the Southeast. Major expansions and new development projects continue to drive job growth, infrastructure improvements, and rising demand for housing.
Healthcare Expansion
Roper St. Francis Berkeley Hospital opened a new four-story tower, doubling capacity from 50 to 100 beds.
New specialties added: ICU, cardiology, neurosurgery, orthopedics.
380 new positions will be added as part of the health system’s 2030 strategic plan.
Aviation & Manufacturing
Boeing secured up to 37 new aircraft orders from Central Asian carriers — including 27 Dreamliners assembled in North Charleston.
Construction is underway on a 1.2 million-sq-ft expansion, employing 2,500 workers during the build.
Boeing plans to scale up to 10 Dreamliners per month by 2026, backed by $1 billion in local investment and 1,000 additional jobs over five years.
Student Housing & Residential Development
The Mark Charleston, a new student housing project near the College of Charleston, will offer 335 beds across 99 units with amenities including rooftop decks, retail, fitness center, study areas, and pool deck.
Navy Yard Charleston will add 55 new townhomes at Marine Row, constructed by DRB Homes. Units will range from 1,600–2,000 sq ft, with construction beginning in 2026 and delivery in 2027.
Charleston’s strong job market, continuous growth, and vibrant lifestyle all contribute to steady long-term real estate value and demand.
āØ Wrapping Up
December is one of the most magical times of the year in Charleston — and the local housing market continues to show resilience and strength heading into 2026. Whether you’re thinking about buying, selling, or simply staying informed, staying ahead of market trends can help you make the best decisions.
If you’d like a custom market analysis, home valuation, or list of STR-friendly properties, we are happy to help.
Charleston Housing Market Updates and Trends
