United States, North America

Charleston in December

Holiday decorations on historic homes and quiet streets. Good value outside the holiday weekend.

Quiet valueCool, highs near 61F (16C)

A courtyard on Rainbow Row, Charleston — CharlestonPhoto: John Hoey from Framingham, MA, United States, CC BY 2.0

The straight answer

December is a quiet, good-value month to visit Charleston. Holiday decorations on historic homes and quiet streets. Good value outside the holiday weekend.

Weather: Cool, highs near 61F (16C)
Crowds: 2 of 5
Prices: 2 of 5

What December is like in Charleston

December is cool and calm, with highs near 61F (16C). Historic homes are decorated for the holidays, and the streets are quiet. Hotel rates are good value outside the holiday weekend. The Holiday Festival of Lights at James Island County Park runs all month.

It suits families, couples and history lovers who want a festive, relaxed city break. Beaches are off the table and some sites keep holiday hours. For warm weather and blooming gardens, plan for April instead. Kids love the drive-through lights at James Island County Park, which run through the month and make an easy evening out.

Make the most of December

What is especially good about Charleston this month.

Holiday decorations

Wreaths and garlands on historic homes make an evening walk through the old streets feel festive.

Festival of Lights

The drive-through show at James Island County Park is a hit with kids.

Quiet historic district

With few visitors around, the Battery and Rainbow Row are calm even at midday.

What to pack for December

A warm jacket
Layers for mild afternoons
Comfortable walking shoes
A compact umbrella

Our timing tip

Visit in early or mid December, before holiday-week rates, and check site hours around Christmas.

Book Charleston for December.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Charleston
Opens a hotel search for Charleston in December, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for December
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in Charleston
Whole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
Rentals on Vrbo
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in Charleston
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Charleston for December. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

What's on in December

Holiday Festival of Lights

Mid November through early January

A drive-through lights show at James Island County Park. Great with kids.

Things to do in Charleston

Full guide

Fort Sumter

Reach it only by the official ferry from Liberty Square or Patriots Point. Book ahead in spring.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

The historic district, Battery, and Rainbow Row

Walk early in the morning in summer. The side streets south of Broad are the quietest.

Tickets and tours →

Magnolia Plantation and Gardens

One of the oldest public gardens in the US. Azaleas peak in late March and April.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Drayton Hall

A rare unrestored 18th century plantation house, with strong interpretation of the enslaved community.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Patriots Point

The aircraft carrier USS Yorktown and a Fort Sumter ferry stop in Mount Pleasant. Great with kids.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Middleton Place

Formal terraced gardens along the Ashley River, with a working stableyard. Best in spring.

Tickets and tours →

Beat the crowds

Visit Fort Sumter on the first ferry of the day, and do the historic district walk before 10am.
Stay in North Central or on the upper peninsula instead of the South of Broad core. Rates are lower and you are a short ride away.
Book Wine + Food and Spoleto hotels months ahead; a weekday trip between the two in April offers the same blooms with lighter crowds.
Weekdays at the beaches are dramatically calmer than weekends in summer.

Know before you go

Hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30, peaking from mid August into October. Named storms can close attractions and trigger evacuations.
Many plantation and garden sites have limited hours on major holidays; check before Thanksgiving and Christmas visits.
King tides and heavy rain can flood low-lying downtown streets for hours. Check local alerts during storms.
Beach lifeguard coverage and some beach-town businesses reduce hours outside the summer season.

Charleston in December, quick answers

Is December a good time to visit Charleston?

December is a quiet, good-value month to visit Charleston. Holiday decorations on historic homes and quiet streets. Good value outside the holiday weekend.

What is the weather like in Charleston in December?

Cool, highs near 61F (16C).

Is Charleston crowded in December?

December is one of the quieter months in Charleston; most sights can be done without long waits.

What is happening in Charleston in December?

Holiday Festival of Lights (mid november through early january).