December

A yuletide in the Holy City is an experience you’ll never forget, as the Christmas in Charleston (843/724-3705, www.charlestoncity.info [1]) events clustered around the first week of the month prove. For some reason—whether it’s the old architecture, the friendly people, the churches, the carriages, or all of the above—Charleston [2] feels right at home during Christmas.

The festivities begin with Mayor Joe Riley lighting the city’s 60-foot Tree of Lights in Marion Square [3], followed by a parade of brightly lit boats from Mount Pleasant all the way around Charleston up the Ashley River. The key event is the Sunday Christmas Parade through downtown featuring bands, floats, and performers in the holiday spirit. The Saturday Farmers Market [4] in the square continues through the middle of the month with a focus on holiday items.