by Kat Ballew

Created on: December 15, 2009

Charleston, South Carolina is not only a perfect place to be in the summer, it is also an enchanting place to visit in the winter. Full of grace and charm, there is always something to please everyone, and there are many things to do in Charleston in the winter.

If you happen to be in Charleston before or around Christmastime, there are numerous events going on around town that you will not want to miss. The

Holiday Festival of Lights is one of the most breathtaking and enchanting events. Held from November through January for the past twenty years, it features over 500,000 lights displayed over a three-mile drive, or aboard a 54-passenger train. After being amazed by the lights, there are also other events which feature live music, carousel rides, hot chocolate with Santa and a life-size greeting card display, to mention a few. Plan to spend an evening enjoying the activities, guaranteed to put you in the Christmas spirit.

Charleston, known as the city by the sea, hosts a Parade of Boats every year in December. Boats decorated from stem to stern in lights and decorations parade the Charleston Harbor. This event is breathtaking as you watch the lights reflect off the water against a moonlit sky. Participants spend weeks preparing for this spectacular event, and it is well worth the efforts. Afterwards there is a huge fireworks display and a tree lighting ceremony in Marion Square.

Charleston is host to many events that take place in the winter, to begin with there is the Southeastern Tourism Society. It takes place every January on the 700-acre site of historic Boone Hall Plantation, one of America’s oldest working plantations. Besides partaking in one of the south’s favorite foods, oysters, the celebration also includes live music, oyster eating and shucking contest, and many other fun-filled activities that the whole family will enjoy.

For the music lovers, there is a Southern Comfort Lowcountry Blues Bash, which features some of the most authentic blues and jazz music around. Featured performances appear in select restaurants, hotels and clubs all during this twelve-day event in February, which features bands, legends and new talent.

Charleston Wildlife Exposition is one of the largest events in the nation and features wildlife art and nature events from hundreds of artist and other exhibitors. There are numerous sporting and outdoor demos and activities, and for the lovers of wildlife art and conversationalist, this is a celebration of nature that you won‘t want to miss.

Charleston is full of activities during the wintertime months, with its historic charm and warm and friendly people; it is definitely a place to visit anytime of the year.

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