This December, The Charleston Museum invites the community to step into a season of wonder, tradition, and hands-on holiday fun. Across its galleries and historic houses, The Charleston Museum welcomes visitors to celebrate togetherness, creativity, and tradition by exploring its historic houses dressed in greenery, gathering for hands-on workshops, and learning about cultural customs that span centuries and continents.
“The holiday season is one of the most special times of the year at The Charleston Museum,” said Briana D’Alesandro, events coordinator at The Charleston Museum. “From festive décor in our historic houses to workshops and programs in the galleries for all ages, we love welcoming families, members, and visitors into experiences that celebrate both the joy of the season and Lowcountry holiday traditions.”
Starting December 6, the Joseph Manigault House once again transforms into a holiday showcase as the Garden Club of Charleston fills its rooms with greenery, handcrafted floral arrangements, and historically inspired decorations to enhance the house tour. On display through December 28, this annual installation remains one of Charleston’s most cherished wintertime experiences.
On December 9, the Museum’s HiSTORY in the Galleries program offers a special edition centered on “The Night Before Christmas,” bringing the classic tale to life through storytelling and historical interpretation. Teens can join in on December 12 for Holiday Traditions, a hands-on festive take on the Homeschool History Day program exploring how winter celebrations have evolved over time.
Science enthusiasts can celebrate the season at Holly Jolly Science on December 13, a STEAM Saturday filled with cheerful experiments and winter-themed discovery. Creativity continues December 14 with the Holiday Swag Workshop with Roadside Blooms, where participants craft their own festive, fresh greenery to take home with a local florist.
The week before Christmas offers even more opportunities to learn and celebrate. Holidays with the Heywards, a special tour that explores 18th-century Christmas traditions inside the Heyward-Washington House, will be held on December 18. On December 19, children and families can discover global customs during the Holidays Around the World Workshop.
As winter break begins, younger visitors can enjoy a frosty adventure on December 23 with Kid Tours: Arctic Animals, a playful look at wildlife adapted to cold-weather climates.
The Charleston Museum and its historic houses will close early at 1:00 p.m. on December 24, will be closed on Christmas Day, and is open for its regular hours on January 1.
For details, event registration, or holiday hours, visit charlestonmuseum.org.