How to get there, What to do, Where to eat
“I'm going back to Charleston, where there is still a little grace and civility left in the world.” Rhett Butler in “Gone with the Wind”
Airport, Charleston International Airport (CHS)
To get downtown, you'll need to take a car (rental, cabs, uber, lyft). The airport is about ~20 minutes (12 miles) from Downtown Charleston, give or take traffic.
Traditionally in December, it is in the mid-50's and quite lovely we must say. With comfortable temperatures and agreeable weather, December is a wonderful time to visit Charleston.
Travel + Leisure recently released their 2017 "World's Best Awards" and Charleston was named the #2 city in the world & the #1 city in the US. We're so excited for all of our friends + family to experience a place that we love more than you could imagine. We encourage all of you to explore the charm and beauty of Charleston, and make sure you schedule your activities around your meals.
Walk Around Downtown - Charleston has so much charm and history and it is best appreciated just by walking around. Walk by Rainbow Row, along the Battery, and head to Waterfront Park to see the Pineapple Fountain.
Rent Bicycles - You can only walk so far so sometimes a bike is the best way to ensure you don't miss any of the secret gardens or hidden streets. Check out The Bicycle Shoppe or Affordabike.
Shop - Spend all day walking up & down King Street. There are hundreds of cute boutiques to check out.
Sullivan's Island - Spend the day at the beach and grab a burger at Poe's Tavern.
Carriage Tours - If you are into history, you can jump on a carriage tour on Market Street and learn about some of the city's history.
Fort Sumter - Fort Sumter is just a short boat ride away.
Advice from the experts: Travel + Leisure's Definitive Guide to Charleston, NY Times "36 Hours in" feature on Charleston, Harper's Bazaar 50 Things to Do and See in Charleston, South Carolina.
From Michelin Stars to finger licking low country boils, the city of Charleston covers it all. Whether you are here for seafood or bbq, white table cloths or wood benches we've got you covered. Below are a few of our favorites, in no particular order of course.
Fine Dining (Reservations Required): Husk, Halls Chophouse, Fig, The Ordinary, Chez Nous, SNOB, The Grocery
Seafood: 167 Raw, The Darling Oyster Bar, Leon's Oyster Shop, Pearlz, Hank's Seafood
BBQ: Lewis BBQ, Home Team BBQ
Friendly for all: Butcher & Bee, Xiao Bao Biscuit, Edmund's Oast, Jeni's, Taco Boy
Breakfast/Brunch: Poogan's Porch, Callie's Hot Little Biscuit, Halls Chophouse, Magnolias, The Daily
Bars: Camellia's Champagne Bar, 5Church, The Belmont, The Gin Joint, Bay Street Biergarten, Prohibition, Fiat Lux
A warmer climate doesn't take away from the holiday spirit in the holy city. The city decorates itself in a variety of different ways from parks to plantation houses. Below are a few ideas to inspire that southern holiday charm capturing the true essence of Charleston at Christmas!
Nathaniel Russell House Holiday Candlelight Tours
Travel back in time as you take an evening or night candlelight tour of the Nathaniel Russell House, the historic house-turned-museum decorated for Christmas. December 19th, 20th, and 21st, 2019.
Christmas A Boone Hall Plantation
Boone Hall comes alive for Christmas at Boone Hall Plantation with holiday decorations, Christmas trees, and southern holiday hospitality. The plantation mansion and grounds are decorated with beautiful Christmas decorations of every kind! December 8th, 2019 – January 1st, 2020.
Elf The Musical
Based on the beloved and hilarious movie, Elf The Musical tells the story of Buddy who mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and is transported to the North Pole. This play takes place at the historic Dock Street Theater, which opened in 1736 and is known as America’s First Theatre. Take in a bit of history and a bit of modern day holiday fun! December 4th – December 22nd.
Charleston Holiday Market
The Charleston Holiday Market is every weekend in December in partnership with the Charleston Farmer’s Market. In addition to farmer’s market favorites, at the Charleston Holiday Market, you’ll find festive holiday vendors, live music, and visits from Santa & Mrs. Claus all in Marion Square. December 21st and 22nd.
Visit the Christmas Trees
There are so many big, bright, beautiful Christmas trees around Charleston. Favorites include trees at Marion Square, The Belmond Charleston Place, Colonial Lake, The Market Pavilion Hotel, The Dewberry Hotel, and The Mills House Hotel.
Window Shop on King Street
King Street is the place to shop in Charleston. Pick up a last minute gift or take a stroll while enjoying the window displays.