City of Charleston announces 2025 holiday lineup as council boosts budget and parade applications open

The City of Charleston released the lineup for its 2025 holiday season, a month-long celebration of parades, lights, markets, and community traditions that bring the Holy City together each year.

This year’s campaign, “A Holy City Holiday,” focuses on expanding and elevating events that residents already know and love—bringing fresh energy, bigger crowds, and even more holiday cheer to the season.

At last week’s City Council meeting, councilmembers voted to donate travel and personnel allocated funds to the 2025 holiday budget—adding more than $40,000 to support this year’s lineup of festive events.

“The holidays in Charleston are always something special, but this year we want to make them even brighter for our community,” said Mayor William Cogswell. “I’m grateful to City Council for joining together in the spirit of the season to help bring joy to residents and visitors alike.”

Parade Applications Now Open!

The city is bringing new spirit to this year’s Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting on Sunday, December 7—and applications are now open. Schools, community groups, bands, businesses, and neighbors are all encouraged to apply and help fill Charleston’s streets with music, lights, and holiday cheer.

Click here to apply now. 

2025 Holiday Highlights

• Light the Lake – Sunday, November 30, Colonial Lake, 5:00–7:00 p.m.
  Kick off the season the Sunday after Thanksgiving with live music, food, and the magical lighting of Colonial Lake.

• Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting – Sunday, December 7, parade at 3:00 p.m., tree lighting at 6:00 p.m. in Marion Square
  A festive city parade followed by music, activities, and the lighting of the Tree of Lights.

• Holiday Parade of Boats – Saturday, December 13, dusk–8:00 p.m., Charleston Harbor
  A sparkling procession of lighted boats through Charleston’s historic harbor.

• Chanukah in the Square – Sunday, December 14, 4:00–7:00 p.m., Marion Square
  The city’s official menorah lighting, with food, music, and community celebration.
• Holiday Farmers Markets – Dec. 6, 7, 13, 14 & 20, Marion Square, 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
  Shop seasonal produce, local gifts, and festive treats.

Get Involved:

Volunteers are essential to making Charleston’s holiday season shine:

• Light the Lake volunteers – Contact Mindy Sturm at [email protected]

• Holiday Parade volunteers – Contact Basil Punsalan at [email protected]