Category: Portfolio

  • A Holy City Holiday

    A Holy City Holiday

    The City of Charleston Office of Cultural Affairs celebrates the holiday season each December with A Holy City Holiday, offering free, family-friendly activities, live performances and decorations all around town for everyone in the community to enjoy together.

    *Times and dates subject to change

    2026

    Dec

    6

    Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremony

    The City of Charleston’s annual Holiday Parade and Holy City Festival and Tree Lighting will be held on Sunday, December 6 downtown!

    The parade begins at 3 p.m. on Broad Street and marches to Meeting and Calhoun. The festival begins in Marion Square at 6 p.m. and features the televised tree-lighting, a holiday light show and other special events.

    Stay tuned for the City’s formal announcement in November!

    City of Charleston Invites Community to Apply for 2026 Holiday Parade

    The City of Charleston is inviting schools, community groups and local businesses to join in the holiday fun and apply for a spot in the 2026 Holiday Parade.

    The annual parade is a chance for organizations across the Charleston area to celebrate the season and show off their creativity, with each entry bringing its own holiday theme to the route.

    Everyone is encouraged to apply, and preference will be given to Charleston-based participants, community organizations, live musical acts like marching bands, and entries with a strong holiday theme.

    The application deadline is 5 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 5. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered, and submitting an application does not guarantee a spot. Selected participants will be notified after the deadline and will receive a parade information packet with everything they need to know before parade day.

    2025

    Nov

    30

    Light the Lake at Colonial Lake

    November 30, 2025 from 5:00-7:00pm
    Colonial Lake (Broad between Ashley and Rutledge)

    A beloved tradition now officially hosted by the City of Charleston. This magical evening, happening the Sunday after Thanksgiving, sets the stage for a month full of parades, boat lights, menorah glow, and festive markets to kick off the holiday season!

    Dec

    6–20

    Holiday Market in Marion Square

    Saturdays & Sundays, 9:00am-3:00pm on 12/6, 12/7, 12/13, 12/14, 12/20
    Marion Square

    You’ll find everything you need to deck the halls for the holidays and fill the pantry with local goodies, all from local farmers, growers, artisans and crafters. Browse a wide assortment of art, crafts and holiday gift items and get your holiday shopping done early.

    Dec

    7

    Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremony

    December 7, 2025 · Steps off at 3:00pm
    Broad Street at Rutledge to Calhoun Street at Meeting Street

    Come join the City of Charleston for this fun, high energy parade which will commence on Broad Street at Rutledge, travel North on Meeting Street, and conclude on Calhoun Street at Meeting Street. Participants include musical ensembles, clubs and organizations. Tree Lighting to Follow in Marion Square.

    Dec

    13

    Holiday Parade of Boats

    December 13, 2025 · Sets sail at 6:00pm
    Charleston Harbor

    Join another Lowcountry tradition at the Holiday Parade of Boats. This display of lighted and festive boats proceeds from the Cooper River, through the Charleston Harbor and into the Ashley River. This is a family-friendly event is sure to become a holiday tradition for everyone. View the procession along Charleston’s waterfront or decorate your own boat and join the parade (advance registration required).

    Dec

    14

    Chanukah in the Square

    December 14, 2025 at 4:00pm
    Marion Square

    An initiative of the Yaschik/Arnold Jewish Studies Program at the College of Charleston and Chabad of Charleston and the Lowcountry, Chanukah in the Square is a festive celebration featuring live music, arts and crafts and traditional seasonal food, culminating with the City of Charleston’s official menorah lighting at dusk.

  • Piccolo Spoleto

    Piccolo Spoleto

    The Piccolo Spoleto Festival annually presents a varied program that includes visual arts exhibitions, performances of classical music, jazz, dance, theater, and choral music, as well as cultural events and community celebrations, poetry readings, children’s activities, craft shows and film screenings.

    Piccolo Spoleto prioritizes accessibility for both artists and performers, presenting professional work of the highest standard, while ensuring that nearly half of Piccolo’s events are admission-free, with the balance offered at affordable ticket prices.

  • MOJA Arts Festival

    MOJA Arts Festival

    The MOJA Arts Festival is a multi-disciplinary festival produced and directed by the City of Charleston Office of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the MOJA Planning Committee, a community arts and cultural group, and the MOJA Advisory Board, a group of civic leaders who assist with fundraising and advocacy.

  • City Gallery

    City Gallery

    The City Gallery at Joe Riley Waterfront Park, owned by the City of Charleston and operated by the City of Charleston Office of Cultural Affairs, is a tangible resource and reliable venue for displaying the finest contemporary art from local, regional, national and international artists, stimulating discussion and dialogue among audiences. In the process, in this dynamic visual arts venue, those who visit the City Gallery will be educated, enlightened and inspired by their experiences in this cultural space.

    The City Gallery provides access to the visual arts for everyone in Charleston, S.C., visitors and residents alike, by offering exhibits that are all admission-free.

  • Charleston Farmers Market

    Charleston Farmers Market

    Founded in 1989 with the Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service, the Charleston Farmers Market is produced by the City of Charleston Office of Cultural Affairs, in cooperation with the City of Charleston Parks Department and Special Events Committee.

    The Charleston Farmers Market is dedicated to the support and advocacy of Lowcountry farmers, growers, prepared/packaged food, artisans, crafters, live performers and community groups and activities. We offer a variety of local produce, plants, herbs and cut flowers as well as breakfast and lunch vendors, live entertainment and an assortment of juried arts and crafts from local artisans. Attracting locals and tourists alike, the CFM is the community connection, bringing together people from all parts of the Lowcountry and beyond. Whether you are a local that frequents the CFM or a tourist visiting for the weekend, we have something for you to enjoy.