Christmas Events for Kids in Charleston, SC (2026)

Christmas Events for Kids
Written by Kelsey Cecil

15 min read

The Charleston, SC area has 15 Christmas events for kids we could confirm for the 2026 season, from Holiday Festival of Lights in Charleston on November 13 to Annual Gingerbread House Build in Charleston, on December 19. 12 of them are free, and every listing links straight to the host. It is one stop on our guide to Christmas events for kids in South Carolina, part of our guide for every state.

The short version

  • 15 kids’ Christmas events confirmed in Charleston, SC for 2026, in Charleston, Summerville, North Charleston, Mount Pleasant and Johns Island
  • First: Holiday Festival of Lights, Charleston, November 13. Runs latest: Holiday Festival of Lights, Charleston, through December 31
  • Free: Old Time Christmas Tree Celebration, Winter Sip and Paint (grades 1-5), No-sew Snowman Stuffies (grades 1-5), Christmas Tree Lighting, Cookies & Cocoa with Santa, Christmas Parade and Festival, John's Island Library Holiday Market, Karaoke and Coloring, Summerville Christmas Parade, Ornament Craft, Stories & STEM: Snowflake Science! (grades 1-5) and Annual Gingerbread House Build
  • Checked on each host’s own page; each listing links straight to it
Watercolor illustration: Rally the corgi stands on a red train seat looking out at falling snow, a lit Christmas tree and a white dove. Text: Choo choo! The train starting could be heard. Hello cute white bird!
Rally watching the snow and a lit Christmas tree, from the pages of Rally Takes the Train.

Below is every event we could confirm, grouped by city, with the date, time, cost and the small things parents ask about (sign-ups, ages, what is included). Looking for a Santa train instead? Those are on our South Carolina Christmas train rides page.

Charleston, SC Christmas events for kids at a glance

Kids’ Christmas events
15 confirmed for 2026
Cities
Charleston, Summerville, North Charleston, Mount Pleasant and Johns Island
Season
November 13 to December 31, 2026
Free events
12
Kinds of events
holiday crafts, tree lighting, holiday parade and holiday lights
Last checked

Plan your December

When each Charleston, SC Christmas event for kids happens

The first is Holiday Festival of Lights in Charleston on November 13; the last runs to December 19. Each bar spans an event’s dates, not every hour in them, so check the host’s page for times.

Look inside the book

Story time with Santa in Charleston, SC? Bring Rally home.

Rally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolor. It makes a cozy bedtime story after a big day with Santa. Turn a few pages here.

Page 1 of 8

Rally Takes the Train book cover: a watercolor corgi peeking from a red train

Like it so far? See the full book

25 hand-painted pages, paperback, $16.99 with fast shipping from Amazon.

Buy on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

Every page is real watercolor on paper, painted by hand by Leslie Dunn. Nothing in this book was made with AI.

Christmas events for kids in Charleston

5 confirmed events for kids in Charleston, soonest first.

Charleston: Holiday Festival of Lights

Holiday lightsCharleston County Parks and Recreation Commission · Charleston

Host
Charleston County Parks and Recreation Commission (opens in a new tab)
Where
James Island County Park, 871 Riverland Drive, Charleston, SC 29412
When
Friday, November 13, 2026 to Thursday, December 31, 2026 (nightly), 5:30 to 10 pm
Cost
Per vehicle; price varies by night. Santa visit free, photo packages extra
Ages
All ages
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

The Holiday Festival of Lights at James Island County Park has been a Lowcountry tradition since 1990. Families drive and walk among more than 750 illuminated displays and millions of lights, and the festival area offers marshmallow roasting, a giant sand sculpture, gift shops, Santa's Sweet Shoppe and more. Admission is sold per vehicle, with prices that vary by expected crowd level.

Santa visits are free every evening from 6 pm to closing, November 13 through December 23, using a virtual queue that texts you when it is your turn; photo packages cost extra. For a quieter visit, book Mingle with Kringle on December 5 or 12, or the Inclusive Visit with Santa on December 6 or 13 for people with disabilities and their families, with sensory bags and a Santa who signs ASL ($40 per group).

Parent tip: Buy tickets in advance to save time and money. Sign in with an elf for the Santa queue as soon as you arrive, then explore while you wait.

See dates and details from Charleston County Parks and Recreation Commission (opens in a new tab)

Charleston: Winter Sip and Paint (grades 1-5)

Holiday craftsFreeCharleston County Public Library · Charleston

Host
Charleston County Public Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
Baxter-Patrick James Island Library, Community Room B, 1858 S Grimball Rd, Charleston, SC 29412
When
Wednesday, December 2, 2026, 3:30 to 5:30 pm
Cost
Free
Ages
Grades 1 to 5
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

The Baxter-Patrick James Island Library offers a kid sized version of a paint and sip night. Children in grades 1 to 5 follow a guided painting tutorial to create their own winter scene, sipping hot cocoa as they work.

The step by step format is friendly for kids who are new to painting, and everyone goes home with a finished winter picture that could become a holiday gift. The session runs for two hours after school in Community Room B, so it may help to bring a snack and clothes that can handle a little paint. No fee is listed on the library calendar, and the program is part of the branch's Kids and Families lineup. Kids leave with their own painting.

Parent tip: Dress kids in clothes that can get paint on them.

See dates and details from Charleston County Public Library (opens in a new tab)

Charleston: No-sew Snowman Stuffies (grades 1-5)

Holiday craftsFreeCharleston County Public Library · Charleston

Host
Charleston County Public Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
Baxter-Patrick James Island Library, Community Room A, 1858 S Grimball Rd, Charleston, SC 29412
When
Thursday, December 3, 2026, 3:30 to 4:30 pm
Cost
Free
Ages
Grades 1 to 5
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Snow is rare in Charleston, but kids can still make a snowman at the Baxter-Patrick James Island Library. In this hands on craft, children in grades 1 to 5 build and decorate a cuddly snowman friend that will not melt, using simple no-sew techniques that do not require needles or a sewing machine.

The session lasts one hour after school in Community Room A, and each child leaves with a soft snowman to keep or give away. It is a nice option for kids who like crafts that turn into toys. No fee is listed on the library calendar, and the program is part of the branch's Kids and Families series of December activities. Bring a bag to carry the finished stuffie home.

See dates and details from Charleston County Public Library (opens in a new tab)

Charleston: Stories & STEM: Snowflake Science! (grades 1-5)

Holiday story timeFreeCharleston County Public Library · Charleston

Host
Charleston County Public Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
Baxter-Patrick James Island Library, Community Room B, 1858 S Grimball Rd, Charleston, SC 29412
When
Thursday, December 17, 2026, 3:30 to 4:30 pm
Cost
Free
Ages
Grades 1 to 5
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Stories and STEM at the Baxter-Patrick James Island Library pairs a read aloud with a hands on science activity. In December the theme is snowflakes: kids learn a new STEM concept through a story and then apply what they heard by becoming snowflake architects, designing and building their own.

The program is aimed at children in grades 1 to 5 and takes place right after school in Community Room B. It is a good fit for curious kids who like to make things and want a little seasonal fun without the sugar rush of a party. The library lists it under its Kids and Families programs, and no fee is mentioned. Kids leave having heard a story and having built something of their own to show for it.

Parent tip: Held right after school on a Thursday; call the branch if you want to check on space before you go.

See dates and details from Charleston County Public Library (opens in a new tab)

Charleston: Annual Gingerbread House Build

Holiday craftsFreeCharleston County Public Library · Charleston

Host
Charleston County Public Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
Hurd/St. Andrews Regional Library, Community Room, 1735 N Woodmere Dr, Charleston, SC 29407
When
Saturday, December 19, 2026, 10 to 11:30 am
Cost
Free, registration required
Ages
Families
Sign-up
Required ahead of time
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

The Hurd/St. Andrews Regional Library invites families to its annual gingerbread house build on the last Saturday morning before Christmas week. Each family gets one kit and works together to build and decorate a gingerbread house, and the library provides all of the supplies.

Because there is one kit per family, it works best as a team project, with older kids handling construction and little ones in charge of candy placement. The event takes place in the library's community room and lasts an hour and a half. Registration is required and opens at 10 am on Saturday, November 21, 2026, so families who want a spot should sign up early. Bring a sturdy box or tray to carry the finished house home safely.

Parent tip: Registration opens Saturday, Nov 21 at 10 am, and each family receives one kit.

See dates and details from Charleston County Public Library (opens in a new tab)

Christmas events for kids in Summerville

4 confirmed events for kids in Summerville, soonest first.

Summerville: Old Time Christmas Tree Celebration

Tree lightingFreeTown of Summerville · Summerville

Host
Town of Summerville (opens in a new tab)
Where
Hutchinson Square, 102 S Main St, Summerville, SC 29483 (near Charleston)
When
Tuesday, December 1, 2026, 5:30 to 8:30 pm
Cost
Free to attend; food trucks and vendors for purchase
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

The Town of Summerville opens the season with its annual Old Time Christmas Celebration in Hutchinson Square. Friends and families gather to see the seasonal decorations unveiled and the Christmas tree lit, with the lighting ceremony and countdown beginning at 6 pm.

Kids can meet Santa and mail letters to him, and the evening also brings food trucks, vendors and the annual Live Window Display Competition among downtown businesses, which makes for a fun stroll after the lighting. The line to see Santa closes at 7:30 pm, so families with a long wish list should plan to get in line early. It is a weeknight event, held on a Tuesday evening, so a quick dinner from the food trucks can make it an easy family outing.

Parent tip: The Santa line closes at 7:30 pm, so arrive early if a visit is a must.

See dates and details from Town of Summerville (opens in a new tab)

Summerville: PJs with Santa

Santa visitTown of Summerville · Summerville

Host
Town of Summerville (opens in a new tab)
Where
Hutchinson Square, 102 S Main St, Summerville, SC 29483 (near Charleston)
When
Saturday, December 5, 2026, 5 to 8 pm
Cost
Check the host's page
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

PJs with Santa brings Santa to Hutchinson Square in downtown Summerville for an evening of pictures. As the name suggests, it is a natural excuse to put the kids in their holiday pajamas for photos with Santa on a Saturday night.

The event is a fundraising event for DD2 and DD4 schools, organized with the Junior Service League, which also decorates the Christmas trees in the square for Christmas on the Square. The town calendar does not list a price, so families may want to bring a way to pay or check the Junior Service League's details before heading out. The three hour window gives plenty of flexibility, and the decorated square makes a festive backdrop. Families can also see the decorated trees in the square while they are there.

Parent tip: The listing does not give a price; this is a school fundraiser, so plan for a possible photo fee.

See dates and details from Town of Summerville (opens in a new tab)

Summerville: Breakfast with Santa

Breakfast with SantaTown of Summerville Parks and Recreation · Summerville

Host
Town of Summerville Parks and Recreation (opens in a new tab)
Where
Rollins Edwards Community Center, 301 N Hickory St, Summerville, SC 29483 (near Charleston)
When
Saturday, December 12, 2026
Cost
$10 per family, registration required
Sign-up
Required ahead of time
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Summerville Parks and Recreation offers a Breakfast with Santa designed to skip the long lines. Families select their own time frame when they register, so they can enjoy breakfast and meet Santa without worrying about crowds.

The event takes place at the Rollins Edwards Community Center on North Hickory Street, and the cost is $10 per family rather than per person, which makes it one of the more affordable Santa breakfasts in the area. Registration is required in advance through the town's activities catalog. Because time slots are chosen ahead, it is a good pick for families with toddlers or kids who do not do well waiting in a long Santa line at a mall or festival. Watch the activities catalog for the available time slots.

Parent tip: Register in advance through the town's activities catalog and pick a time slot that fits nap schedules.

See dates and details from Town of Summerville Parks and Recreation (opens in a new tab)

Summerville: Summerville Christmas Parade

Holiday paradeFreeTown of Summerville · Summerville

Host
Town of Summerville (opens in a new tab)
Where
Downtown Summerville, Summerville, SC 29483 (near Charleston)
When
Sunday, December 13, 2026, 2 to 4 pm
Cost
Free to watch
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Summerville's annual Christmas Parade, powered by Summerville DREAM, winds through downtown on a Sunday afternoon in mid December. The daytime schedule from 2 to 4 pm makes it an easy parade for younger kids who would struggle with a late evening event.

Barricades go up around downtown from 10 am to 5 pm, with police and fire crews redirecting traffic, so families should plan parking and walking routes ahead of time. The same day, the town calendar also lists a Christmas Parade Artisan Market downtown from 11 am to 4 pm, which can fill the time before the parade starts. Bring chairs or a blanket and arrive early to find a good curbside spot along the route. It is a relaxed, daytime way to see a holiday parade with little ones.

Parent tip: Downtown streets are barricaded from 10 am to 5 pm, so park early and walk in.

See dates and details from Town of Summerville (opens in a new tab)

Christmas events for kids in North Charleston

3 confirmed events for kids in North Charleston, soonest first.

North Charleston: Christmas Tree Lighting

Tree lightingFreeCity of North Charleston · North Charleston

Host
City of North Charleston (opens in a new tab)
Where
Park Circle Community Building, 4800 Park Circle, North Charleston, SC 29405 (near Charleston)
When
Friday, December 4, 2026, 6 to 7 pm
Cost
Free
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

The City of North Charleston invites everyone to watch Mayor Burgess light the city's 40 foot Christmas tree at the Park Circle Community Building. Live music comes from the North Charleston Creative Arts Elementary School Chorus, which gives kids a chance to see other children performing.

After the lighting, families can take a stroll around the circle to see the rest of the tree and light displays. The lights around Park Circle stay on through New Year's Day, so the area is worth a return walk or drive later in the season too. Admission is free. Families who register for Cookies and Cocoa with Santa from 4 to 6 pm can stay right through to the lighting. It is a short, one hour event that suits younger kids.

Parent tip: Pair it with the Cookies and Cocoa with Santa event just before, and walk the circle afterward to see the lights.

See dates and details from City of North Charleston (opens in a new tab)

North Charleston: Cookies & Cocoa with Santa

Supper with SantaFreeCity of North Charleston · North Charleston

Host
City of North Charleston (opens in a new tab)
Where
Park Circle Community Building, 4800 Park Circle, North Charleston, SC 29405 (near Charleston)
When
Friday, December 4, 2026, 4 to 6 pm
Cost
Free, pre-registration required
Sign-up
Required ahead of time
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Santa comes to Park Circle for an afternoon of Cookies and Cocoa hosted by the City of North Charleston. Kids can snap a photo with Santa, enjoy cookies, sip warm cocoa and drop off their letters to the North Pole.

The visit is timed so families can stay for the city's tree lighting ceremony at 6 pm right afterward at the same building, which turns it into a full holiday evening. The event is free, but spaces are limited and pre-registration is required. At the time of checking, the city page noted that registration would open soon, so families should watch the page and sign up as soon as it opens. The event takes place at the Park Circle Community Building at 4800 Park Circle.

Parent tip: Spaces are limited and registration is required; watch the city page for the registration opening.

See dates and details from City of North Charleston (opens in a new tab)

North Charleston: Christmas Parade and Festival

Holiday paradeFreeCity of North Charleston · North Charleston

Host
City of North Charleston (opens in a new tab)
Where
Park Circle Community Building and grounds, 4800 Park Circle, North Charleston, SC 29405 (near Charleston)
When
Saturday, December 5, 2026, 2 to 6 pm
Cost
Free
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

North Charleston describes its Christmas Parade and Festival as a holiday gift to the community. Families gather at the Park Circle Community Building and grounds for music, children's activities, festive food and decorations, and visits with Santa, followed by a Christmas parade that begins at 3 pm.

The green space around the Park Circle traffic circle and the main roads nearby are lined with lighted snowflakes, Christmas trees and holiday scenes. Admission is free. The city encourages walking, biking and ridesharing, and reminds families to bring their own chairs because no seating is provided. Arriving at 2 pm gives kids time for Santa and activities before the parade steps off. Lights around the circle stay on through New Year's Day, so the area is worth a return visit after dark.

Parent tip: Bring your own chairs, since no seating is provided, and consider walking or ridesharing in.

See dates and details from City of North Charleston (opens in a new tab)

Christmas events for kids in Mount Pleasant

2 confirmed events for kids in Mount Pleasant, soonest first.

Mount Pleasant: Karaoke and Coloring

Holiday craftsFreeCharleston County Public Library · Mount Pleasant

Host
Charleston County Public Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
Village Library, 430 Whilden St, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 (near Charleston)
When
Saturday, December 12, 2026, 10 am to noon
Cost
Free
Ages
All Ages, Kids and Families
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

The Village Library in Mount Pleasant is setting up a holiday sing along on a Saturday morning in December. Families can take the mic to sing a holiday favorite, or simply listen while they enjoy hot cocoa and coloring.

It is open to all ages, so it works for toddlers who want to color, school age kids who want to perform and grown ups who just want a cozy morning out. The two hour window means families can drop in for a song or two and move on with the rest of their weekend. No fee or registration is listed. Shy singers are welcome to stick with the coloring table, and the low key format suits kids who find big holiday crowds overwhelming.

Parent tip: Drop in any time during the two hours; no registration is listed.

See dates and details from Charleston County Public Library (opens in a new tab)

Mount Pleasant: Ornament Craft

Holiday craftsFreeCharleston County Public Library · Mount Pleasant

Host
Charleston County Public Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
Village Library, 430 Whilden St, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 (near Charleston)
When
Tuesday, December 15, 2026, 3 to 4 pm
Cost
Free
Ages
Kids and Families
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

The Village Library in Mount Pleasant invites kids and families to make an ornament to celebrate the season with Miss Lindsey. It is a simple, one hour craft session held in the late afternoon, which makes it an easy stop after school or before dinner.

The program is listed for kids and families, so younger children can join with a grown up's help while older kids work on their own. Kids head home with a handmade ornament for the tree or to give as a gift to a grandparent or teacher. No fee is listed on the library calendar. The Village branch is a smaller neighborhood library, so it can be a calmer setting than a big holiday event. Ask staff at the desk if you are unsure where the craft is set up.

See dates and details from Charleston County Public Library (opens in a new tab)

Christmas events for kids in Johns Island

1 confirmed event for kids in Johns Island, soonest first.

Johns Island: John's Island Library Holiday Market

Holiday craftsFreeCharleston County Public Library · Johns Island

Host
Charleston County Public Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
John's Island Regional Library, 3531 Maybank Hwy, Johns Island, SC 29455 (near Charleston)
When
Saturday, December 5, 2026, 2 to 4 pm
Cost
Free
Ages
All Ages
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

The John's Island Regional Library is hosting its very first Holiday Market, and everything is free. Visitors browse a selection of gifts and choose one special item to take home at no cost, which makes it a lovely way for kids to pick out something for a family member.

After shopping, families can stay for free gift wrapping, snacks, holiday movies and crafts for all ages. The library also promises some very special guests stopping by, so it is worth bringing a camera or phone for festive photos. The two hour afternoon window makes it easy to pair with other weekend errands, and no registration is listed for the event. Kids who like picking presents for others will especially enjoy choosing their one free item.

Parent tip: Each visitor chooses one gift, and the library suggests bringing a camera for photos with the special guests.

See dates and details from Charleston County Public Library (opens in a new tab)

Looking further afield? Our South Carolina Christmas events for kids guide lists every confirmed event in the state, and we have city guides for Greenville, SC and Columbia, SC. The national search sorts every event by distance from your town.

A story for the drive home

A morning with Santa or an evening of holiday stories tends to end the same way: tired kids, a long drive and one more book before bed. Our picture book follows Rally the corgi on his first train ride to see his grand-paw-rents, and every page is painted by hand. If your family is spending December missing someone, it was written for that too. For the car, print our free corgi and train coloring pages.

Rally Takes the Train book cover: a watercolor corgi peeking from a red train

A bedtime story after seeing SantaRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolor by Leslie Dunn. $16.99 on Amazon, ages 0 to 8.

Buy on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

Charleston, SC Christmas events for kids: questions parents ask

What Christmas events for kids are in Charleston, SC in 2026?

We confirmed 15 Christmas events for kids in Charleston, SC for 2026 on each host’s own page: Holiday Festival of Lights in Charleston (November 13), Old Time Christmas Tree Celebration in Summerville (December 1), Winter Sip and Paint (grades 1-5) in Charleston (December 2), No-sew Snowman Stuffies (grades 1-5) in Charleston (December 3), Christmas Tree Lighting in North Charleston (December 4), Cookies & Cocoa with Santa in North Charleston (December 4), Christmas Parade and Festival in North Charleston (December 5), John's Island Library Holiday Market in Johns Island (December 5), PJs with Santa in Summerville (December 5), Breakfast with Santa in Summerville (December 12), Karaoke and Coloring in Mount Pleasant (December 12), Summerville Christmas Parade in Summerville (December 13), Ornament Craft in Mount Pleasant (December 15), Stories & STEM: Snowflake Science! (grades 1-5) in Charleston (December 17) and Annual Gingerbread House Build in Charleston (December 19). Every one is listed below with times, cost and a link to the host.

What Christmas events for kids are in Charleston, South Carolina?

For families in and around Charleston, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Holiday Festival of Lights (Nightly, Nov 13 to Dec 31, 5:30 to 10 pm, per vehicle; price varies by night. santa visit free, photo packages extra); Winter Sip and Paint (grades 1-5) (Wed, Dec 2, 3:30 to 5:30 pm, free); No-sew Snowman Stuffies (grades 1-5) (Thu, Dec 3, 3:30 to 4:30 pm, free); Stories & STEM: Snowflake Science! (grades 1-5) (Thu, Dec 17, 3:30 to 4:30 pm, free); Annual Gingerbread House Build (Sat, Dec 19, 10 to 11:30 am, free, registration required). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Charleston section of this page.

What Christmas events for kids are in Summerville, South Carolina?

For families in and around Summerville, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Old Time Christmas Tree Celebration (Tue, Dec 1, 5:30 to 8:30 pm (tree lighting at 6 pm), free to attend; food trucks and vendors for purchase); PJs with Santa (Sat, Dec 5, 5 to 8 pm, see the host for cost); Breakfast with Santa (Sat, Dec 12, choose your time slot, $10 per family, registration required); Summerville Christmas Parade (Sun, Dec 13, 2 to 4 pm, free to watch). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Summerville section of this page.

What Christmas events for kids are in North Charleston, South Carolina?

For families in and around North Charleston, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Christmas Tree Lighting (Fri, Dec 4, 6 to 7 pm, free); Cookies & Cocoa with Santa (Fri, Dec 4, 4 to 6 pm, free, pre-registration required); Christmas Parade and Festival (Sat, Dec 5, 2 to 6 pm (parade at 3 pm), free). Details and the host’s link for each are in the North Charleston section of this page.

What Christmas events for kids are in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina?

For families in and around Mount Pleasant, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Karaoke and Coloring (Sat, Dec 12, 10 am to 12 pm, free); Ornament Craft (Tue, Dec 15, 3 to 4 pm, free). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Mount Pleasant section of this page.

What Christmas events for kids are in Johns Island, South Carolina?

For families in and around Johns Island, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: John's Island Library Holiday Market (Sat, Dec 5, 2 to 4 pm, free). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Johns Island section of this page.

Are there free Christmas events for kids in Charleston, SC?

Yes. 12 of the 15 events here are free: Old Time Christmas Tree Celebration in Summerville, Winter Sip and Paint (grades 1-5) in Charleston, No-sew Snowman Stuffies (grades 1-5) in Charleston, Christmas Tree Lighting in North Charleston, Cookies & Cocoa with Santa in North Charleston, Christmas Parade and Festival in North Charleston, John's Island Library Holiday Market in Johns Island, Karaoke and Coloring in Mount Pleasant, Summerville Christmas Parade in Summerville, Ornament Craft in Mount Pleasant, Stories & STEM: Snowflake Science! (grades 1-5) in Charleston and Annual Gingerbread House Build in Charleston. Some free events still ask you to register, so check each listing.

Where can kids see Santa in Charleston, SC this December?

Santa appears at Holiday Festival of Lights in Charleston (November 13), Old Time Christmas Tree Celebration in Summerville (December 1), Cookies & Cocoa with Santa in North Charleston (December 4), Christmas Parade and Festival in North Charleston (December 5), PJs with Santa in Summerville (December 5) and Breakfast with Santa in Summerville (December 12). Times and booking rules are in each event’s listing above.

Where are there Christmas story times for kids in Charleston, SC?

Holiday story times on this page: Stories & STEM: Snowflake Science! (grades 1-5) in Charleston. Library story times are usually free; story times with a meal or show are ticketed.

Where can we have breakfast or a meal with Santa in Charleston, SC?

Meals with Santa confirmed for 2026: Cookies & Cocoa with Santa in North Charleston (Fri, Dec 4, 4 to 6 pm) and Breakfast with Santa in Summerville (Sat, Dec 12, choose your time slot). These usually sell out, so book as soon as you pick a date.

Are there kids' Christmas events in Charleston, SC on Christmas Eve or after Christmas?

Yes: Holiday Festival of Lights in Charleston (through December 31).

How much is Holiday Festival of Lights in Charleston?

Per vehicle; price varies by night. Santa visit free, photo packages extra. Holiday Festival of Lights is on Friday, November 13, 2026 to Thursday, December 31, 2026 (nightly), 5:30 to 10 pm at James Island County Park. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Old Time Christmas Tree Celebration in Summerville?

Free to attend; food trucks and vendors for purchase. Old Time Christmas Tree Celebration is on Tuesday, December 1, 2026, 5:30 to 8:30 pm at Hutchinson Square. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Winter Sip and Paint (grades 1-5) in Charleston?

Free. Winter Sip and Paint (grades 1-5) is on Wednesday, December 2, 2026, 3:30 to 5:30 pm at Baxter-Patrick James Island Library, Community Room B. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is No-sew Snowman Stuffies (grades 1-5) in Charleston?

Free. No-sew Snowman Stuffies (grades 1-5) is on Thursday, December 3, 2026, 3:30 to 4:30 pm at Baxter-Patrick James Island Library, Community Room A. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Christmas Tree Lighting in North Charleston?

Free. Christmas Tree Lighting is on Friday, December 4, 2026, 6 to 7 pm at Park Circle Community Building. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Cookies & Cocoa with Santa in North Charleston?

Free, pre-registration required. Cookies & Cocoa with Santa is on Friday, December 4, 2026, 4 to 6 pm at Park Circle Community Building. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Christmas Parade and Festival in North Charleston?

Free. Christmas Parade and Festival is on Saturday, December 5, 2026, 2 to 6 pm at Park Circle Community Building and grounds. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is John's Island Library Holiday Market in Johns Island?

Free. John's Island Library Holiday Market is on Saturday, December 5, 2026, 2 to 4 pm at John's Island Regional Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

When is PJs with Santa in Summerville in 2026?

Saturday, December 5, 2026, 5 to 8 pm, at Hutchinson Square. The host has not posted a price on its page, so check there before you go.

How much is Breakfast with Santa in Summerville?

$10 per family, registration required. Breakfast with Santa is on Saturday, December 12, 2026 at Rollins Edwards Community Center. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Karaoke and Coloring in Mount Pleasant?

Free. Karaoke and Coloring is on Saturday, December 12, 2026, 10 am to noon at Village Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Summerville Christmas Parade in Summerville?

Free to watch. Summerville Christmas Parade is on Sunday, December 13, 2026, 2 to 4 pm at Downtown Summerville. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Ornament Craft in Mount Pleasant?

Free. Ornament Craft is on Tuesday, December 15, 2026, 3 to 4 pm at Village Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Stories & STEM: Snowflake Science! (grades 1-5) in Charleston?

Free. Stories & STEM: Snowflake Science! (grades 1-5) is on Thursday, December 17, 2026, 3:30 to 4:30 pm at Baxter-Patrick James Island Library, Community Room B. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Annual Gingerbread House Build in Charleston?

Free, registration required. Annual Gingerbread House Build is on Saturday, December 19, 2026, 10 to 11:30 am at Hurd/St. Andrews Regional Library, Community Room. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

Are there Christmas train rides for kids in Charleston, SC?

Yes, but they have their own guide. Santa trains and holiday train rides are listed in our Charleston, SC Christmas train rides guide, so this page sticks to story times, Santa visits and other events off the rails.

How do you confirm these events?

We list an event only after we find this season’s date on the host’s own website or an official city or tourism calendar. We last checked every listing on November 2, 2026. Hosts change details, so always confirm on the host’s page before you go.

Event names belong to their hosts. Rally Takes the Train is a family picture book and is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by any host listed here. Confirm dates, times and prices on each host’s own site before you go.

Kelsey Cecil
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Christmas Events for Kids in Greensboro (2026)
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