Experience Holiday Magic at The Charleston Place
Set in the heart of Charleston’s historic district and within walking distance of all of the best attractions, lies The Charleston Place. Known as Charleston’s holiday headquarters, each year, the hotel transforms into a holiday destination for locals and visitors alike complete with beautiful décor and magical experiences. This year, inspired by the enchanted tale of The Nutcracker, The Charleston Place will transform into the magical, mythical dream-like state of dancing Sugar Plum fairies, The Waltz of Flowers and a place where imagination thrives. From the beloved holiday train to Nutcracker-inspired teas, children’s dance classes, and pop-up performances, everyone is invited to The Charleston Place to bask in the wonderment of the holiday season and the nightly “snowfall” in the hotel’s Market Street Circle.
“At The Charleston Place, we are fortunate to function as the epicenter of holiday festivities for the city,” said Rebecca Hubbard, managing director of The Charleston Place. “This year’s theme of the Nutcracker will be a fantastic ode to the holiday classic and celebrate the treasure of family, gathering, and giving this holiday season.”
Below is a list of holiday activities taking place throughout the season.
Holiday Decor at the Charleston Place
From Nov. 24 through Dec. 31, The Charleston Place will transform into the magical world of The Nutcracker. Inspired by Tchaikovsky’s iconic ballet, the hotel will be draped in shimmering silver and golds, and will feature oversized Nutcrackers, glistening sugarplums, and special appearances by ballerinas from the Dance Conservatory of Charleston. With décor designed by The Drifter, more than 140 decorated trees will adorn the hallways and courtyards, along with a 40-foot tree in the center of Market Street Circle. The holiday train, one of the hotel’s most memorable traditions, will return this year with new enhancements, traversing the grand lobby along 300 feet of track.
Tree Lighting Ceremony | November 24 | 5PM – 8:15PM
With snow falling, the Fabulous Equinox Orchestra performing, and cocoa and cookies, the holiday magic of The Charleston Place will come to life with a spectacular tree lighting ceremony in Market Street Circle. This event is complimentary and open to the public. Reservations are required as space is limited.
Let It Snow | Daily | 6PM, 7PM, 8PM and 4PM (Saturday’s Only)
Visitors near and far are invited to witness the rare occurrence of snow in the Holy City! From Nov. 24 through Dec. 31, snow will magically fall on Market Street Circle, blanketing the holiday trees in a lovely sheet of winter white. New this year, families and their little ones can enjoy a 4pm matinee snowfall on Saturdays only. After Christmas Eve, snowfall takes place once per night at 6pm. Those bearing witness will have the option to purchase cocoa, cookies and festive cocktails while watching the snow fall. This experience is complimentary and open to the public, but reservations are required as space is limited.
Nutcracker Tea | December 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, 24 | 11AM – 1PM
Grab your little ones and don your holiday finery for a Nutcracker-themed afternoon tea. Once known as the Teddy Bear Tea, this cherished event at the Thoroughbred Club has undergone a delightful transformation. What was once a whimsical gathering for families has now evolved into an elevated experience with an array of enhanced offerings. A selection of sweet and savory treats such as Nutcracker cookies and candy cane macarons for kids ages 12 and under and adults will be served. While dining, guests can enjoy a short performance from the Dance Conservatory of Charleston. Adults may add on Champagne service to their reservation. Pricing is $155 per adult, $135 per child. Reservations are required as space is limited.
Snowflake March | November 29, December 6, 13, 20 | 5:30PM – 6PM
Each Wednesday this holiday season from 5:30-6PM, families are invited to step into the famed story of The Nutcracker to enjoy a graceful pop-up performance from the Dance Conservatory of Charleston in the lobby as well as meet and greet with the dancers. This experience is complimentary and open to the public.
Nutcracker Dance Workshop | December 18 | 9:30AM for ages 3-5, 10:30AM for ages 6-9
New this year, little ones are invited to a Nutcracker-themed dance workshop led by the Dance Conservatory of Charleston. Perfect for children ages 3-9, kids will learn a short variation from the esteemed play by the dancers who star in it. The workshop at the Riviera Theater also includes Nutcracker-themed props and accessories to take home. Pricing is $55 per student, per class. Reservations required as space is limited.
Visits with Santa | December 2,9,16 | 1PM – 4PM
The Charleston Place will offer several chances throughout the holiday season for the treasured tradition of visiting with Santa and Mrs. Claus. This experience is complimentary and located on the 2nd floor landing. Santa meet and greets are first come, first serve via a queue.
Letters to Santa | November 24 – December 24 | Daily
The secret is out! The Charleston Place has a direct line to the Big Guy himself. Whether compiling a wish list or putting in a last-minute request, Charleston’s Living Room is here to help. Santa’s postmaster elf will retrieve all the letters and send them off to the North Pole every Friday evening at 5:30pm on the 2nd floor landing.
Festival of Trees | November – December 24 | Daily
A beloved tradition started by the hotel in the 1990s is brought back to life with the “Festival of Trees,” on display for viewing on the 2nd floor. Revived as a way to celebrate Charleston’s vibrant community and thriving local businesses, more than sixteen Christmas trees will be on display throughout the holiday season, each creatively decorated by a different local business or non-profit organization.
Holiday Entertainment | Nightly from 5PM
The holiday spirit takes over with signature cocktails that celebrate the season, as well as festive sounds from the hotel’s talented musicians. Enjoy live music at the Thoroughbred Club nightly starting at 5pm and live jazz at the Charleston Grill starting at 5:30pm seven nights a week.
Skate the Stadium | November 24 – December 31 | Thursday & Friday Evenings, Saturday and Sunday All Day
Visitors are invited to celebrate the season with a custom-built ice skating rink at Credit One Stadium, cozy firepits, a pop-up café, and other special holiday events. The Charleston Place will offer hotel guests transportation on the Daniel Island Ferry or the hotel shuttle to the stadium. $10/person, which includes rental skates along with a one-hour skating session. Transportation costs are additional.
Holiday Shopping | Monday – Saturdays, 10AM – 6PM; Sundays 12PM – 5PM
Peruse The Shops at The Charleston Place for the latest in luxury goods, boutique shops, and local favorites. Enjoy a one-stop shopping experience for all your gift-giving needs.
Holiday Storytime with Buxton Books | December 2, 9, 16 | Saturdays 1:00PM & 5:00PM
The hotel encourages families to gather around Charleston’s Living Room for a special reading of The Nutcracker and other holiday classics in partnership with Buxton Books. Children are invited to the 2nd floor landing to experience the enchanting tale of The Nutcracker on December 2, 9, and 16 at 1:00pm. Other tales to look forward to are The Mitten on December 2 at 5:00pm (guests only), The Polar Express on December 9 at 5:00pm (guests only), and How the Grinch Stole Christmas on December 16 at 5:00pm (guests only). Participation is complimentary.
Holiday Book Butler | November 24 – December 24 | Daily
In partnership with local bookstore Buxton Books, hotel guests can delight in a curated list of holiday classics exclusively available for guests of The Charleston Place. All selections will be gift wrapped and hand-delivered within the hour. Books are for purchase and program participation is complimentary.
Historic Holiday Walking Tours | December 2, 9, 16, 23 | Saturdays 2PM
Enjoy a curated holiday walking tour of Charleston’s Historic District with the “Lid Lady”, Tyler Page Wright Friedman of Walk and Talk Charleston. During this two-hour tour, guests will learn about the city’s holiday traditions as they stroll past homes elegantly adorned in festive décor. The tour is $35/guest and reservations are required. Tour leaves from hotel lobby.
Reindeer Run | December 9 | 9AM
Presented by The Charleston Place, this family-oriented, pet-friendly 5k run/walk will begin and end at The Charleston Place on December 9. Guests and participants will enjoy a costume contest and a post-race celebration in Market Street Circle. All proceeds raised will benefit MUSC Children’s Hospital. To register, please visit reindeerrun.org.
Truffle Dinner at the Grill | December 10 | 6PM
Limited to an intimate seating of only 24 guests, The Charleston Grill will offer a sumptuous, 5-course tasting menu with wine pairings and a pre-dinner reception. Reservations are required. Tasting menu is $500 per person.
Charleston Symphony Orchestra Brass Qunitet | December 12 | 6:30PM -7:30PM
The esteemed Charleston Symphony Orchestra’s brass quintet takes over for a special community concert in the historic Riviera Theater. This experience is complimentary and open to the public, but reservations are required.
Christmas Dinner at the Grill | December 24 – 25 | 4PM – 8:30PM
Patrons will savor the magic of Christmas Eve and Christmas night with a cozy, elegant dinner at Charleston Grill. Both evenings will feature a special holiday menu curated by Chef de Cuisine Suzy Castello. Reservations are required.
The Palmetto Cafe Festive Brunch | December 24 – 25 | 9AM – 3PM
From Lowcountry classics to French-inspired dishes, diners will linger over a sophisticated Christmas Eve and Christmas Day brunch at The Palmetto Cafe including a raw bar and carving station as they sip and savor with those who mean the most. Reservations are required.
New Year’s Eve Jazz Soiree | December 31 | 5PM – 9:30PM
As 2023 draws to a close, Charleston Grill will toast to new beginnings over a three-course celebration, accompanied by the soft sounds of live jazz serenading in the new year.
New Year’s Eve At the Thoroughbred Club | December 31 | 12PM – 1AM
To ring in the New Year, The Charleston Place invites those from near and far to join them for specialty New Year’s Eve drinks, themed swag and celebration accompanied by the televised Ball Drop.
The Palmetto Cafe New Year’s Day Brunch | January 1 | 9AM – 3PM
Following the festivities of New Year’s Eve, guests and locals can relish in an aptly titled Hangover Brunch, inclusive of a dedicated Mimosa and Bloody Mary bar. Reservations are required.
Private Engagement Snow Fall | November 24 – December 31
Lovers are encouraged to pop the question under the enchanting snow with this exclusive private snow engagement package. This includes a buy out of Market Street Circle for a private snowfall, one photographer, saboring of Champagne, flowers, dinner for two at Charleston Grill, and the couple’s names on the marquee of the Riviera Theater (depending on events) as well as a private shopping experience at Croghan’s Jewel Box and the services of Propose Charleston. Reservations required and must be made a week in advance.
Private Group Snowfall and Large Party Dining | November 24 – December 31
The Charleston’s Place legendary snowfall is now available for private parties Mondays- Wednesdays from 4:00pm-5:00pm during the holiday season. This package includes a private snowfall for up to 100 people, passed appetizers, and an open bar. Friends, family and colleagues can also enjoy large party and private party dining in all of our restaurants, including the Charleston Grill, The Palmetto Cafe, Meeting at Market and Thoroughbred Club. Reservations required and must be made a week in advance.
There’s Snow Place Like the Charleston Place Package | November 25 – December 31
Travelers may delight in the magical allure of Charleston during the holidays, where the spectacle of snow transforms The Charleston Place into a winter wonderland. With nightly snowfall in Market Street Circle, joyful musical performances, festive menus, and even visits from Santa Claus, the Southeast’s holiday headquarters offers an unparalleled celebration creating memories that last a lifetime. This special package includes:
· An exclusive view of our snowy courtyard from your guest room accommodations
· A holiday-themed welcome amenity (once per stay)
· In-room hot chocolate service and cookies (once per stay)
· Exclusive access to our Snow Experience tickets
This package is subject to availability and restrictions may apply. Seven-day advance notice is required. Two-night minimum stay required.
All experiences can be reserved by visiting www.CharlestonPlace.com/Experiences unless otherwise noted.
