Credit: Kirk Chambers
The Charleston Place today announced its holiday programming for the 2024 season. This year, the downtown hotel will boast holiday décor in a metallic color palette, more than 100 decorated trees and lush garland adorning the ceilings and entryways. Many of the hotel’s popluar traditions will return, including the beloved holiday train, Nutcracker-inspired teas, Festival of Trees, nightly “snowfall,” visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus, and an array of festive dining experiences.
This year, The Charleston Place is also expanding its offerings with dedicated Santa times for those with special needs and pets, a “Santa Hotline” phone booth for calling the North Pole, holiday story time with special guest readers, a holiday movie night at The Riviera Theater, and a life-sized gingerbread house.
This year’s “Be the Light” holiday concept will also include new star-shaped lighting around the perimeter of the hotel, crystal stars hung from the iconic chandelier, and the illuminated trees throughout the hotel.
“At The Charleston Place, we take immense pride in planning memorable holiday experiences for our community and guests,” said Becky Hubbard, Managing Director, The Charleston Place. “With our ‘Be the Light’ theme this year, we are celebrating the innate goodness in people and creating an inclusive environment that fosters unity and warmth, with the goal of inspiring and uplifting all who enter our doors.”
Below is a sampling of holiday experiences taking place throughout the season (descriptions provided by The Charleston Place). Visit www.charlestonplace.com/experiences for more information or to register for these events.
Credit: Kirk Chambers
HOLIDAY DECOR AT THE CHARLESTON PLACE | DAILY
From Nov. 29 through Dec. 31, The Charleston Place will deck its halls with more than 100 decorated trees in a metallic color palette; oversized Nutcrackers; lush garland throughout the hallways; a 40-foot tree in the center of Market Street Circle; the beloved holiday train; and stunning floral displays from Swell Botanics. The magic continues on the second floor, with a new life-sized gingerbread house created by Pastry Chef Fabrice Benezit; letters to Santa mailbox; “Santa Hotline” phone booth; Santa’s sleigh; and returning this year, the Festival of Trees with more than 20 decorated trees from participating local non-profit organizations and businesses.
TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY | NOVEMBER 29 | 5PM
With snow falling, The Fabulous Equinox Orchestra performing, and cocoa and cookies, kick off the holiday season during the spectacular tree lighting ceremony in Market Street Circle on Nov. 29 from 5-7pm. This event is complimentary and open to the public. Reservations are required as space is limited.
LET IT SNOW PRESENTED BY AMERICAN EXPRESS | DAILY | 5PM, 6PM, 7PM WITH ADDITIONAL 4PM SNOW ON SATURDAYS AND SUNDAYS
Come witness the rare occurrence of snow in Charleston! From Nov. 30 through Dec. 31, “snow” will magically fall on Market Street Circle at select times. Snow will fall each day at 5PM, 6PM, and 7PM, with an additional 4PM snowfall on Saturdays and Sundays. From Dec. 26 to Dec. 31, snow will fall only at 6PM. This experience is complimentary and open to the public, but reservations are required due to capacity. American Express Card Members and up to three guests can also receive exclusive access to the Flag Pole Terrace during their reservation. Terms apply.
Credit: Kirk Chambers
NUTCRACKER TEA | NOVEMBER 30; DECEMBER 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22 | 11AM-1PM
Grab your little ones and don your holiday finery for a Nutcracker-themed afternoon tea at the Thoroughbred Club. A selection of sweet and savory treats for kids and adults will be served, and ballerinas from the Dance Conservatory of Charleston will perform short selections from The Nutcracker throughout the experience. Guests can also add-on Champagne service to their reservation. Tickets are $165 per adult and $135 per child. Reservations are required as space is limited.
VISITS WITH SANTA AND MRS. CLAUS | NOVEMBER 30 AND DECEMBER 7, 14, 21 FROM 1PM-4PM, WITH DEDICATED TIMES FOR VISITORS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS AND PETS
Come to The Charleston Place on Nov. 30 and Dec. 7, 14, and 21 from 1PM-4PM for the treasured tradition of visiting with Santa and Mrs. Claus. This year, there will also be dedicated times for those with special needs and pets. Visitors with special needs are invited to visit Santa on Dec. 14 and Dec. 21 from 12PM-1PM. Pets can visit with Santa on Nov. 30 and Dec. 7 from 12PM-1PM. These experiences are complimentary, but reservations are required.
Credit: Kirk Chambers
HOLIDAY STORYTIME AT SANTA’S SLEIGH | DECEMBER 5, 12, 19, 26 | 5:30PM-5:45PM
The Charleston Place welcomes families to gather around Santa’s sleigh for a special holiday story time on Thursday afternoons. Each experience will feature surprise guest readers from the Charleston community, including authors Mary Alice Monroe and Victoria Benton Frank, sharing their favorite holiday book. Participation is complimentary.
SNOWFLAKE MARCH | DECEMBER 4, 11, 18 | 5:30PM-5:45PM
Each Wednesday this holiday season, families are invited to step into the famed story of The Nutcracker to enjoy a graceful pop-up performance from Dance Conservatory of Charleston in the lobby. After each performance, there will be an opportunity to meet and greet the ballerinas and take photos. This experience is complimentary and open to the public.
HOLIDAY SHOPPING | MONDAY THROUGH SATURDAY, 10AM-6PM; SUNDAY, 12PM-5PM
Peruse The Shops at The Charleston Place for the latest in luxury goods, boutique shops, and local favorites. New this year, the hotel has added five new retail shops just in time for the holidays: BURU, Norton + Hodges, Over The Moon, Short Court and La Ligne. Enjoy a one-stop shopping experience for all your gift-giving needs.
CHARLESTON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA BRASS QUINTET | DECEMBER 12 | 6:30PM
The esteemed Charleston Symphony Orchestra’s brass quintet will take over the historic Riviera Theater for a special hour-long community concert. This experience is complimentary and open to the public but reservations are required.
SKATE THE STADIUM PRESENTED BY AMERICAN EXPRESS | NOVEMBER 29 TO DECEMBER 29
Visitors are invited to celebrate the season with a custom-built skating rink at Credit One Stadium. In addition to skating, there will be cozy firepits, a pop-up café, and other special holiday happenings. American Express Card Members will receive a surprise gift with their concessions purchase when they pay with their Card, while supplies last. Limit one per Card Member. Terms apply. From Nov. 29 to Dec. 29, guests can skate on Thursdays and Fridays from 5PM-9PM; Saturdays from 10AM-9PM; and Sundays from 12PM-5PM. Tickets go on sale Nov. 1. Transportation may be arranged through the Daniel Island Ferry. Tickets are $10 per person, which includes rental skates and a 45-minute skating session.
“THE POLAR EXPRESS” HOLIDAY MOVIE NIGHT AT THE RIVIERA | DECEMBER 11 | 6PM
Bring the entire family in their favorite holiday pajamas to The Riviera Theater for a special movie screening of “The Polar Express.” Before the movie, attendees can purchase hot cocoa and holiday cookies from local bakeries APFlour and Lil Sprout in the lobby. This festive movie night is in partnership with Inskip Creative and The King Street Business Improvement District. Doors open at 6PM and the movie begins at 6:30PM. Tickets are $10 per person and reservations are required.
Credit: Kirk Chambers
AMERICAN EXPRESS HOLIDAY LOUNGE AT THE RIVIERA THEATER | DECEMBER 6-8, 13-15, 20-22 11AM-6PM
American Express Card Members and up to three guests are invited to visit the Holiday Lounge, providing a welcomed respite during holiday shopping season on King Street. The Lounge will feature complimentary gift wrap, holiday beverages, light snacks and a holiday card station, while supplies last. Capacity limitations and terms apply.
TRUFFLE DINNER AT THE GRILL | DECEMBER 8 | 6PM
Limited to an intimate seating of only 50 spots, the Charleston Grill will offer a sumptuous, five- course tasting menu with wine pairings and a pre-dinner reception. Reservations are required. Tasting menu is $500 per person.
HOLIDAY DINING EXPERIENCES AT THE CHARLESTON PLACE | VARIOUS DATES
Throughout the holiday season, The Charleston Place will offer an array of special holiday dining experiences. From Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Dinners at The Charleston Grill, Festive Brunches at The Palmetto Cafe, and New Year’s Eve at Thoroughbred Club, there’s something for everyone this holiday season at The Charleston Place. For details about all dining experiences and to make reservations, please visit www.charlestonplace.com/dining.
