Christmas in South Carolina looks a little different. There are palm trees wrapped in white lights, lit-up boats parading across Charleston Harbor, and carolers singing under live oaks draped in Spanish moss. You might go ice skating on Main Street in Greenville one night and walk a nearly empty beach in a light jacket the next morning.
Nobody comes here in December for a snowy winter wonderland. That’s exactly why the month works so well. The summer heat and crowds are gone, hiking is comfortable again, and almost every city and small town puts on some kind of holiday show.
This guide covers the best things to do in South Carolina in December, with 2026 dates for the big Christmas light displays and festivals. It also covers winter hiking, quiet beaches, holiday shows and New Year’s Eve, along with December weather, ideas for families and couples, free things to do, and two ready-made itineraries.
What Are the Best Things to Do in South Carolina in December?
The best things to do in South Carolina in December are driving through Charleston’s Holiday Festival of Lights, walking among thousands of candles at Brookgreen Gardens’ Nights of a Thousand Candles, going to ChristmasVille in Rock Hill, seeing Wild Lights at Riverbanks Zoo in Columbia, watching Greenville’s Poinsettia Christmas Parade and ice skating at Ice on Main, catching a Christmas show in Myrtle Beach, seeing Harbour Town Lights on Hilton Head, and hiking the Upstate state parks in cool, comfortable weather.
| December Experience | Where | 2026 Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Holiday Festival of Lights | James Island, Charleston | Mid-November to Dec. 31 |
| Nights of a Thousand Candles | Brookgreen Gardens, Murrells Inlet | Dec. 3–6, 10–13, 17–20 and 29–31 |
| ChristmasVille | Old Town Rock Hill | Dec. 3–6 |
| Night of Lights and Poinsettia Parade | Downtown Greenville | Dec. 4 and Dec. 5 |
| Harbour Town Lights | Hilton Head Island | Nov. 27 to Jan. 1, 2027 |
| Oconee Holiday Light Show | Oconee State Park | Dec. 1 to Jan. 10, 2027 |
| Wild Lights | Riverbanks Zoo, Columbia | Select nights all month |
| Christmas shows | Myrtle Beach | All month |
| Winter hiking | Upstate state parks | All month |
Is December a Good Time to Visit South Carolina?
Yes. December is a good time to visit South Carolina for Christmas events, city breaks, winter hiking and quiet beach walks. It’s too cool for swimming, but the weather is mild compared to most of the country, and hotels outside the big holiday events are often cheaper than in spring or summer.
The trade-off: the most popular light shows and festivals get busy, especially on weekends, and the week between Christmas and New Year’s fills up at the coast. To compare December with the rest of the year, see our guide to the best time to visit South Carolina.
South Carolina Weather in December
December weather varies quite a bit across the state, and it can swing from a sunny 70°F afternoon to a raw, windy 40°F day in the same week. These are approximate averages:
| Area | Avg. High | Avg. Low | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charleston and the coast | ~62°F | ~41°F | Mild, sunny afternoons; chilly evenings |
| Columbia and the Midlands | ~58°F | ~36°F | Cool days, frosty mornings |
| Greenville and the Upstate | ~54°F | ~34°F | Cold nights, occasional freezing |
| Ocean water | Mid 50s | Too cold for most swimmers | |
Days are short. The sun sets around 5:15 p.m. on the coast, so start sightseeing and hikes early and save the evenings for the lights.
Does it snow? Rarely. The Upstate mountains get the occasional dusting, and the Midlands might see flurries every few years, but snow on the coast is unusual. Don’t plan a December trip around it.
Things to Do in Charleston and the Lowcountry in December
1. Drive Through the Holiday Festival of Lights
Charleston County’s Holiday Festival of Lights at James Island County Park is the state’s most famous Christmas light show and a Lowcountry tradition for more than three decades. A three-mile driving route winds past more than 750 light displays and millions of lights.
Don’t just drive through. Park afterward and walk around: there’s a giant sand sculpture, marshmallow roasting, a holiday train ride, a carousel, gift shops and Santa, who usually visits nightly through December 23. The festival runs from mid-November through December 31, 2026, including Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Tip: admission prices go up on nights with heavy expected traffic. Buy tickets online ahead of time and pick a weeknight for a cheaper, faster visit.
2. Walk Historic Charleston All Dressed Up
December is one of the most comfortable months for walking Charleston. The historic homes South of Broad are hung with fresh wreaths and magnolia garlands, candles glow in the windows, and King Street’s shops are lit for the season. Walk The Battery, Rainbow Row, the French Quarter and Waterfront Park without the summer sweat. Bring a light jacket for the evening, and see our guide to the best places to eat and drink in Charleston, SC for dinner ideas.
3. Shop the Holiday Markets in Marion Square
The City of Charleston lists extra holiday market days in Marion Square on December 5, 6, 12, 13 and 19, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Expect local artists, makers, food vendors and holiday gifts. It slots easily into a morning downtown before you head to the waterfront.
4. Watch the Christmas Parades and the Parade of Boats
Early December brings Charleston’s Christmas parade through downtown and, best of all, the Holiday Parade of Boats, when dozens of decorated, lit-up boats cruise through Charleston Harbor after dark. Watch from Waterfront Park, The Battery or the Mount Pleasant waterfront. Nearby towns like Mount Pleasant, Summerville and Beaufort hold their own parades too. Check this year’s dates, and arrive early for a good viewing spot.
5. See a Holiday Performance
Charleston’s theaters stage a full lineup of seasonal shows in December, from The Nutcracker and A Christmas Carol to holiday concerts and variety shows. A performance at the Charleston Gaillard Center or the historic Dock Street Theatre makes a great evening, especially on a chilly or rainy night. Book early for weekend shows.
6. Go to an Oyster Roast
December is peak oyster season, and an oyster roast is the Lowcountry’s favorite winter gathering. Clusters of local oysters are steamed and dumped on tables for everyone to shuck. Many restaurants, breweries and community groups host them. It’s casual, messy and a very South Carolina way to spend a December afternoon.
7. Walk an Empty Beach
Charleston’s beaches are almost deserted in December, which makes them perfect for long walks, shelling and sunrise photos. Try Sullivan’s Island, Isle of Palms, Folly Beach or Kiawah’s Beachwalker Park. Winter is also good for birdwatching on the coast, as many shorebirds and ducks spend the season here. Bring a windbreaker, because it’s always cooler by the water.
Things to Do on Hilton Head Island in December
8. See Harbour Town Lights
Hilton Head’s Harbour Town is decorated with holiday lights from November 27, 2026 through January 1, 2027, with the striped lighthouse and yacht basin making a very coastal Christmas setting. The island’s tourism calendar also lists a Coastal Christmas Holiday Market on December 5–6 and holiday fun at Harbour Town on December 27–28, with classic movies, marshmallow roasting and train rides.
9. Bike the Beach and Island Paths
On a mild December day, Hilton Head’s more than 60 miles of paved paths and its hard-packed beach at low tide are made for cycling. The island is quiet, the light is soft, and you’ll have long stretches of sand nearly to yourself. Finish with a seafood dinner and a sunset at the marina.
Things to Do in Myrtle Beach and the Grand Strand in December
10. Walk Through Nights of a Thousand Candles
If you see only one holiday display in South Carolina, make it this one. During Nights of a Thousand Candles, Brookgreen Gardens in Murrells Inlet glows with more than 2,700 hand-lit candles and millions of lights draped through its live oaks and sculpture gardens, with live holiday music and a nightly tree lighting.
In 2026, it runs on 21 select nights from November 27 to January 3, 2027, from 4 to 9 p.m. December nights are December 3–6, 10–13, 17–20 and 29–31. Tickets are sold only through Brookgreen’s official site and its ticketing partner, and popular nights sell out. Dress warmly, wear comfortable shoes and expect heavy traffic on the way in.
11. Enjoy Myrtle Beach Without the Crowds
Myrtle Beach is a different place in December. Instead of fighting for beach space, you can walk the oceanfront, stroll the Boardwalk, ride the SkyWheel on a clear evening, shop, play mini golf and eat seafood without long waits. Oceanfront hotels and condos are often much cheaper than in summer. It’s a coastal winter getaway with holiday entertainment, not a swimming vacation.
12. Catch a Christmas Show
Myrtle Beach takes holiday shows seriously. The Carolina Opry’s Christmas Special, the Alabama Theatre’s seasonal production and Pirates Voyage’s Christmas version are long-running favorites, and other venues add their own holiday specials. Spend the day outside, have an early dinner, then head indoors for the show. It’s the perfect plan for a cold or rainy evening.
13. See the Grand Strand’s Holiday Light Displays
Myrtle Beach decorates its oceanfront for Winter Wonderland at The Beach, with lights and holiday entertainment near the SkyWheel. Up the coast, the Great Christmas Light Show at the North Myrtle Beach Park and Sports Complex is a drive-through display with millions of lights. Both are planned for the 2026 season, but exact dates hadn’t been announced yet, so check the Myrtle Beach events calendar closer to your trip.
14. Ring in New Year’s Eve at Market Common
If your trip stretches to December 31, Myrtle Beach’s tourism calendar lists A Southern Times Square at The Market Common for New Year’s Eve 2026, with live music, activities and a midnight countdown. Stay a few days and combine it with Brookgreen’s final candlelight nights, which run December 29–31.
Things to Do in Columbia and the Midlands in December
15. See Wild Lights at Riverbanks Zoo
Riverbanks Zoo and Garden in Columbia fills its grounds with more than 60 giant, glowing lantern sculptures of animals for Wild Lights. It runs on many nights through December, usually from about 5 to 9 p.m., with Santa appearances through December 23. It’s one of the best family holiday events in the state. Check the zoo’s calendar for exact nights and buy timed tickets ahead.
16. Go Snow Tubing at Holiday Lights on the River
Yes, snow tubing in South Carolina. At Saluda Shoals Park near Columbia, Holiday Lights on the River pairs a drive-through light show with a winter tubing slide, which gives kids their best shot at “snow” in the Midlands. Columbia also hosts Carolina Lights, a drive-through display at the State Fairgrounds. Check both events’ websites for this year’s dates and hours.
17. Hike Congaree National Park
Winter is one of the best times to visit Congaree. The mosquitoes and summer humidity are gone, the bare trees open up views through the old-growth forest, and the flat boardwalk loop is pleasant on a crisp, sunny day. There’s no entrance fee. Winter rains can flood low trails, so check conditions first. A great Columbia day: Congaree in the morning, a museum in the afternoon and Wild Lights at night.
18. Spend a Day in Columbia’s Museums
Columbia is easy to explore in cool weather. Tour the State House, browse the South Carolina State Museum and the Columbia Museum of Art, and take kids to EdVenture, a big hands-on children’s museum. Columbia is also centrally located, making it a natural stop between the coast and the Upstate on a December road trip.
19. See Christmas in Aiken
Aiken, in horse country southwest of Columbia, does a charming small-town Christmas. Its downtown is decked out in garlands and lights, and its Night of 1,000 Lights fills the streets with luminaries, followed by a downtown Christmas parade. The elegant old streets and good restaurants make it an easy overnight trip.
Things to Do in Greenville and the Upstate in December
20. Watch Greenville’s Night of Lights and Poinsettia Parade
Greenville kicks off Christmas on its first December weekend. Night of Lights, scheduled for Friday, December 4, 2026, lights the city’s 30-foot Christmas tree on Main Street, with music and a visit from Santa. The next evening, Saturday, December 5, the Poinsettia Christmas Parade rolls down Main Street. It’s a night parade with more than 75 years of history. The city also plans a holiday edition of its Saturday Market on December 12. Confirm times on the City of Greenville’s website.
Book a hotel downtown for that weekend if you can, so you can walk to everything instead of hunting for parking.
21. Ice Skate at Ice on Main
Every holiday season, Greenville sets up Ice on Main, an outdoor ice skating rink in the heart of downtown, open from November into the new year. Skate rentals are included with admission. Go after dark, when the trees along Main Street are lit, and grab a hot chocolate after. It’s one of the most popular family activities in the Upstate.
22. Drive Through Roper Mountain Holiday Lights
Roper Mountain Holiday Lights in Greenville is a long-running drive-through light show that supports a local charity, with a winter wonderland area to explore on foot. Pair it with a walk through Falls Park, where the Liberty Bridge is lit up at night.
23. See The Nutcracker or a Holiday Show
Greenville’s Peace Center hosts holiday concerts and ballet in December, and local theaters stage seasonal favorites like A Christmas Carol. Combine a show with dinner on a Main Street patio heater for a festive night out.
24. Spend a Weekend at ChristmasVille
In north-central South Carolina, Old Town Rock Hill becomes a storybook holiday village for ChristmasVille, December 3–6, 2026. The award-winning festival has around 70 events, including horse-drawn carriage rides, historic tours, strolling carolers, a gingerbread house contest, Santa activities, theater and a real ice rink. Many events are free. Go on opening night for the kickoff, or stay the whole weekend.
25. See the Oconee State Park Holiday Light Show
For mountains and Christmas lights in one trip, head to Oconee State Park in the far northwest corner of the state. Its Holiday Light Show runs from December 1, 2026 to January 10, 2027. Spend the day hiking or driving the foothills, then see the lights after dark. Park cabins make a cozy base.
26. Go Winter Hiking in the Mountains
Winter is secretly great for hiking in the Upstate. With the leaves gone, you get long views through the trees that are hidden the rest of the year, and waterfalls are often running strong after winter rain. Good choices include Table Rock, Caesars Head (with the trail to Raven Cliff Falls), Jones Gap and Paris Mountain.
Be ready for short days, cold mornings and the occasional icy patch on high, shaded trails. Start early, pack layers and a headlamp, and check park conditions before you go.
27. Cut Your Own Christmas Tree
Several family farms in the Upstate and Midlands offer choose-and-cut Christmas trees, often with hayrides, hot cider and farm shops. Even if you’re not taking a tree home, it’s a fun, very local holiday outing. Most open right after Thanksgiving and sell out of the best trees early.
More December Ideas Across the State
28. Explore a Coastal State Park in Winter
Hunting Island, Huntington Beach, Myrtle Beach and Edisto Beach state parks are peaceful in December, with empty beaches, maritime forest trails and excellent winter birdwatching. Huntington Beach’s causeway is especially good for spotting waterfowl and wading birds, and alligators sometimes sun themselves on warm afternoons. Bring binoculars.
29. Catch a Small-Town Christmas Parade
Almost every town in South Carolina holds a Christmas parade or tree lighting in early December, from Beaufort and Summerville to Greer, Travelers Rest, Newberry and Georgetown. They’re free, friendly and a great way to see real local life. Check town websites for dates.
30. Start the New Year With a First Day Hike
If you’re staying through New Year’s, join a First Day Hike. South Carolina State Parks traditionally hold guided hikes on January 1 at dozens of parks across the state, and a couple of parks host chilly “polar plunges” too. It’s a healthy way to end a holiday trip.
December 2026 Events Calendar
| Date | Event | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Mid-Nov.–Dec. 31 | Holiday Festival of Lights | James Island County Park, Charleston |
| Nov. 27–Jan. 1 | Harbour Town Lights | Hilton Head |
| Dec. 1–Jan. 10 | Oconee Holiday Light Show | Oconee State Park |
| Dec. 3–6 | ChristmasVille | Rock Hill |
| Dec. 3–6, 10–13, 17–20, 29–31 | Nights of a Thousand Candles | Brookgreen Gardens, Murrells Inlet |
| Dec. 4 | Night of Lights | Greenville |
| Dec. 5 | Poinsettia Christmas Parade | Greenville |
| Dec. 5–6 | Coastal Christmas Holiday Market | Hilton Head |
| Dec. 5, 6, 12, 13, 19 | Holiday markets | Marion Square, Charleston |
| Dec. 12 | Holiday Saturday Market | Greenville |
| Through Dec. 23 | Santa visits at the Festival of Lights and Wild Lights | Charleston, Columbia |
| Dec. 27–28 | Holiday fun at Harbour Town | Hilton Head |
| Dec. 31 | A Southern Times Square (New Year’s Eve) | Market Common, Myrtle Beach |
| All month | Ice on Main, Wild Lights, Christmas shows | Greenville, Columbia, Myrtle Beach |
Event dates can change, so confirm with each organizer before you book.
Best Places to Visit in South Carolina in December
The best places to visit in South Carolina in December are Charleston for history and the Festival of Lights, Murrells Inlet for Nights of a Thousand Candles, Greenville for a walkable downtown Christmas, Rock Hill for ChristmasVille, Columbia for Wild Lights and Congaree, Hilton Head for a quiet coastal Christmas, and the Upstate parks for winter hiking.
| Destination | December Highlight | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Charleston | Festival of Lights, decorated historic district | First-timers, couples |
| Murrells Inlet | Nights of a Thousand Candles | Couples, photographers |
| Myrtle Beach | Christmas shows, quiet beach, New Year’s Eve | Families, budget trips |
| Greenville | Parade, Ice on Main, walkable downtown | Families, couples |
| Rock Hill | ChristmasVille festival | Families |
| Columbia | Wild Lights, museums, Congaree | Families |
| Hilton Head | Harbour Town Lights, biking | Relaxed coastal trips |
| Upstate parks | Winter hiking, Oconee lights | Outdoor lovers |
Things to Do in South Carolina in December With Kids
Kids will love Wild Lights at Riverbanks Zoo, ChristmasVille, the Festival of Lights train and sand sculpture, snow tubing at Saluda Shoals, Ice on Main, the Greenville parade, Myrtle Beach Christmas shows, and the South Carolina Aquarium or EdVenture on rainy days. One tip from experience: don’t schedule light shows three nights in a row with little ones. One great evening beats three overtired ones. For year-round ideas, see our guide to things to do in South Carolina with kids.
Romantic Things to Do in South Carolina in December
December is made for short romantic weekends. Walk Charleston’s candlelit streets and book a dinner downtown. Stroll through Nights of a Thousand Candles together. Rent a cabin in the Upstate and hike to a winter waterfall. Watch the lit-up boats glide across Charleston Harbor, or spend a quiet weekend biking Hilton Head and watching the sun go down at Harbour Town. More ideas are in our guide to things to do in South Carolina for couples.
December Ideas for Adults and Friend Groups
For grown-up trips, try oyster roasts, holiday cocktails at a Charleston rooftop bar, a performance at the Peace Center or Gaillard Center, winter golf at lower rates on Hilton Head and the Grand Strand, and a New Year’s Eve weekend. Our guide to things to do in South Carolina for adults has more nightlife and food ideas.
Free Things to Do in South Carolina in December
Free things to do in South Carolina in December include walking Charleston’s decorated historic district, watching Christmas parades and the Parade of Boats, Greenville’s Night of Lights, many ChristmasVille events, beach walks, Falls Park, Congaree National Park and Upstate hikes (most state parks charge a small entry fee). For many more ideas, see our guide to free things to do in South Carolina.
What to Do on a Rainy December Day
Head indoors to a Christmas show in Myrtle Beach, a holiday performance in Charleston or Greenville, the South Carolina Aquarium, EdVenture, the State Museum or the Greenville County Museum of Art. Or take a cooking class or settle in for a long lunch.
What to Pack for South Carolina in December
Pack layers rather than heavy winter gear: long pants, sweaters or fleece, a medium jacket, a rain layer and comfortable walking shoes. For evening light shows and the Upstate, add a warm hat, gloves and a thicker coat. Sunglasses are still useful on bright days, and a windbreaker makes beach walks much more pleasant.
Crowds and Prices in December
Early to mid-December is one of the quietest and cheapest times to visit the coast, apart from the big holiday events. The light shows are busiest on weekends and in the week before Christmas. Hotels at the beaches and in Charleston fill up again between Christmas and New Year’s. Book event tickets and weekend hotels early, and choose weeknights for the light displays when you can.
South Carolina December Itineraries
3-Day Lowcountry Christmas Trip
| Day | Plan |
|---|---|
| Day 1: Charleston | Historic district walk, Marion Square holiday market (if it’s a market day), dinner downtown |
| Day 2: Charleston | Beach walk or museum in the morning, rest in the afternoon, Holiday Festival of Lights after dark |
| Day 3: Murrells Inlet | Drive north (about two hours), seafood lunch on the MarshWalk, Nights of a Thousand Candles in the evening |
7-Day South Carolina December Road Trip
| Day | Base | Plan |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Charleston | Historic district and holiday shopping |
| 2 | Charleston | Beach morning, Festival of Lights |
| 3 | Murrells Inlet | Brookgreen Gardens, Nights of a Thousand Candles |
| 4 | Myrtle Beach | Boardwalk and a Christmas show |
| 5 | Columbia | Congaree hike, Wild Lights |
| 6 | Greenville | Falls Park, Main Street, Ice on Main |
| 7 | Upstate | Winter hike at Table Rock, Oconee lights |
Time your route so you’re in Greenville for the Dec. 4–5 weekend or at Brookgreen on a scheduled night. For the full statewide list, see our guide to the best things to do in South Carolina. Visiting earlier in the fall? Read things to do in South Carolina in October.
Is Myrtle Beach or Charleston Worth Visiting in December?
Myrtle Beach: yes, if you change your expectations. Think “coastal winter getaway with Christmas shows and lights,” not “summer beach trip, but colder.” Prices are low, crowds are small, and Brookgreen is nearby.
Charleston: absolutely. December takes away the heat that makes summer walking hard, adds holiday decorations and markets, and brings one of the state’s biggest light shows. Just start your days early, since it gets dark by about 5:15 p.m.
Related Guides
Planning more of this trip? These guides pick up where this one leaves off:
- Best Places to Visit in South Carolina
- Best Things to Do in Charleston, South Carolina
- Best Things to Do in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
FAQ: Things to Do in South Carolina in December
What are the best things to do in South Carolina in December?
The Holiday Festival of Lights in Charleston, Nights of a Thousand Candles at Brookgreen Gardens, ChristmasVille in Rock Hill, Wild Lights in Columbia, Greenville’s parade and Ice on Main, Harbour Town Lights, Myrtle Beach Christmas shows and winter hiking in the Upstate.
Is December a good month to visit South Carolina?
Yes. December offers mild weather for sightseeing and hiking, lots of holiday events, quiet beaches and lower prices outside the big events.
Is South Carolina warm in December?
It’s mild rather than warm. Charleston averages highs in the low 60s, Columbia in the upper 50s and Greenville in the mid 50s, with chilly nights everywhere.
Does it snow in South Carolina in December?
Rarely. The Upstate mountains occasionally get light snow, but you shouldn’t plan a trip around it. For a taste of snow, try the tubing slide at Saluda Shoals Park near Columbia.
What are the best Christmas lights in South Carolina?
Nights of a Thousand Candles at Brookgreen Gardens and the Holiday Festival of Lights in Charleston are the biggest. Wild Lights in Columbia, Harbour Town Lights on Hilton Head, Roper Mountain in Greenville and the Oconee State Park light show are also great.
When is Nights of a Thousand Candles in 2026?
It runs on 21 select nights from November 27, 2026 to January 3, 2027, from 4 to 9 p.m. December dates are Dec. 3–6, 10–13, 17–20 and 29–31.
What is the best Christmas town in South Carolina?
Charleston for its decorated historic streets and Festival of Lights, Greenville for its walkable downtown and parade, and Rock Hill for ChristmasVille. Aiken and Beaufort are lovely small-town options.
Can you go to Myrtle Beach in December?
Yes. It’s too cool to swim, but you can walk the beach, see Christmas shows and lights, shop, play golf and visit Brookgreen Gardens, often at much lower prices than in summer.
What should I wear in South Carolina in December?
Layers: long pants, sweaters, a medium jacket and comfortable shoes, plus a hat and gloves for evening events and the mountains.
Where should families go in South Carolina in December?
Columbia for Wild Lights and snow tubing, Rock Hill for ChristmasVille, Greenville for Ice on Main and the parade, Charleston for the Festival of Lights, and Myrtle Beach for Christmas shows.
A Different Kind of Christmas
South Carolina doesn’t try to be Vermont in December, and it doesn’t need to. Here, Christmas means candles flickering under live oaks, boats glowing on the harbor, a parade on Main Street and a morning beach walk with nobody else in sight.
Come for the lights. But leave room for the quiet moments too: a cool trail in the mountains, an empty stretch of sand, a slow walk past Charleston’s wreath-hung doors. Those might end up being the parts you remember most.