Charleston Christmas Tours 2026: 5 Holiday Tours Compared
December is one of the prettiest times to visit Charleston: wreaths on the historic homes, the Holiday Festival of Lights out on James Island, and parades most weekends. These five tours cover the classic holiday-trip day, from a morning history walk to an evening of lights. Prices and ratings come from the live Viator listings and are re-checked weekly.
At a glance
| Tour | From | Rating (reviews) | Length | Good fit if… |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charleston Festival of Lights Holiday Tour | $36 | 4.7★ (25) | 3.5 hr | You want the Festival of Lights without driving or parking. It has far fewer reviews than the other tours here, so weigh that. |
| Charleston’s Old South Carriage Historic Horse & Carriage Tour | $50 | 4.8★ (11,179) | 1 hr | A relaxed first look at downtown, or anyone in your group who'd rather not walk much. Short, at 1 hour. |
| Historic Charleston Guided Sightseeing Walking Tour | $30 | 4.9★ (7,113) | 2 hr | History lovers who want Rainbow Row and South of Broad on foot. The best price-to-length value here. |
| Charleston's Pleasing Terrors Night-Time Walking Ghost Tour | $29 | 4.8★ (1,442) | 1.5 hr | Early December evenings. Expect researched history and storytelling more than scares. |
| Charleston French Quarter or Brunch Food Tour with 7+ Tastings | $111 | 4.9★ (2,489) | 3 hr | A long lunch with Lowcountry classics. The priciest pick here, but it doubles as a meal. |
1. Charleston Festival of Lights Holiday Tour
A 3.5-hour evening trolley trip from the Charleston Visitor Center (375 Meeting St) to the Holiday Festival of Lights at James Island County Park. The listing says you get about 1.5 hours to walk the festival on your own, plus a holiday-themed gift for each passenger. It only runs in the holiday season, so check dates in the booking calendar.
Good fit if: You want the Festival of Lights without driving or parking. It has far fewer reviews than the other tours here, so weigh that.
2. Charleston’s Old South Carriage Historic Horse & Carriage Tour
A 1-hour horse-drawn carriage ride through downtown Charleston with Old South Carriage, departing from 14 Anson St. A certified driver-guide narrates as you pass historic homes, churches and gardens. It's the lowest-effort way on this list to see the historic district.
Good fit if: A relaxed first look at downtown, or anyone in your group who'd rather not walk much. Short, at 1 hour.
3. Historic Charleston Guided Sightseeing Walking Tour
A 2-hour guided stroll with Walks of Charleston from 80 Broad St, through the French Quarter and the South of Broad residential area, including Rainbow Row. A licensed local guide covers the people and events that shaped the city.
Good fit if: History lovers who want Rainbow Row and South of Broad on foot. The best price-to-length value here.
4. Charleston's Pleasing Terrors Night-Time Walking Ghost Tour
A 90-minute night-time walking tour starting in Washington Square Park behind City Hall. The listing describes it as researched storytelling: Charleston's ghost encounters mixed with history and folklore, led by a guide with about 30 years of experience. It's more spooky history than jump scares.
Good fit if: Early December evenings. Expect researched history and storytelling more than scares.
5. Charleston French Quarter or Brunch Food Tour with 7+ Tastings
A 3-hour walking food tour from Secret Food Tours through Charleston's French Quarter. Per the listing, the tasting stops include Lowcountry staples like shrimp and grits, she-crab soup and benne wafers, and the tour ends with a 'secret' signature dish. Check the booking page for the route and options available on your date.
Good fit if: A long lunch with Lowcountry classics. The priciest pick here, but it doubles as a meal.
How to build a December day
Morning: a 2-hour walking tour while you have energy for South of Broad and Rainbow Row. Midday: a food tour as your lunch, or the 1-hour carriage ride if feet need a rest. Evening: it's dark early in December, which suits a 90-minute ghost walk or the Festival of Lights.
The Festival of Lights: drive or tour?
Charleston County Parks runs the Holiday Festival of Lights nightly from November 13 to December 31, 5:30 to 10 p.m., at James Island County Park. Most visitors drive through (tickets are per vehicle). The trolley tour above is the option if you'd rather not drive, and it gives you time on foot at the festival.
Big holiday dates to plan around
The City of Charleston Holiday Parade is Sunday, December 6 at 3 p.m., with the tree lighting in Marion Square afterward. Expect road closures downtown that afternoon.