Will You be in Charleston this Holiday Season?

Planning to be in Charleston during the holidays? With “the Holy City” recently recognized for the seventeenth consecutive year as a “Top 10” travel destination by readers of Condé Nast Traveler magazine, and as a 2010 “Top City To Visit” by Lonely Planet (we were the only American city on the list!), chances are you’ll be in good company. Fortunately, there are plenty of festive holiday events, tours and attractions – not to mention great shopping – to satisfy a wide range of interests this holiday season.

While we’re not likely to have snow here, the season will come alive as downtown Charleston’s historic homes get dressed up for the holidays, and festivals, parades, concerts and more bring holiday cheer to all. Here are some highlights:

2009 Holiday Festival of Lights at James Island County Park
Through January 3
This magical attraction draws visitors from around the region. The journey begins with a three-mile drive along wooded roads aglow with more than 600 displays of light-sculptured art, and ends at Santa’s Village and Winter Wonderland, complete with hot chocolate, a holiday train ride and Santa himself! Visit ccprc.com for hours and other details.

Daniel Island Holiday Festival & Tree Lighting Festivities
December 5
Each year, the Family Circle Tennis Center on Daniel Island is transformed into a holiday shopping wonderland with a vast assortment of unique gifts for all ages. More than 120 of Charleston’s finest vendors and retailers will be offering gift selections in every category, Santa and Mrs. Clause will be on site for photos, and live entertainment will continue through 8 pm. Visit danielislandholidayfestival.com for the complete line up of events.
28th Annual Charleston Harbor Parade of Boats
December 5
Get on board with a Lowcountry holiday tradition! This display of festive lighted boats in Charleston Harbor begins along the Mt. Pleasant side of the harbor at 5 pm, with viewing from the peninsula beginning around 6:30. A fireworks display over the harbor will begin at approximately 6:45. View the procession along Charleston’s waterfront or decorate your own boat and join the parade!

2009 Classic Holiday Performances
Through December 20
Collectively, the Charleston Ballet Theatre, Charleston Symphony Orchestra and Charleston Stage have scheduled dozens of performances of holiday classics this season, including The Nutcracker, A Christmas Carol, The Grinch Who Stole Christmas, Holiday Pops, Handel’s “Messiah” and more. CharlestonPremierArts.com features a complete listing of these essential holiday performances.

Plantation Events
Step back in time and celebrate the season at two of Charleston’s most popular antebellum plantations. Enjoy live gospel music inside historic Drayton Hall Plantation at one of three candlelit performances (Dec. 5 & 6), or visit Middleton Place for a Family Yuletide (Dec. 12) complete with holiday crafts, refreshments, storytelling and caroling around a warm fire.

There’s much, much more to see and do in Charleston this holiday season. For a comprehensive listing of holiday events, visit www.charlestoncvb.com/xmas.