[UPDATED] December is finally here and the end of 2025 is in sight — but before we break out the new calendars, mark up this year’s one last time with a holiday market or four.
The Holy City is no stranger to local markets, held year-round with seasonal themes, rotating vendors, live music and family-friendly fun around every corner. As Christmas approaches, many local markets light up for the holidays, welcoming Santa and more wintry goodies than you can carry.
This year, the Charleston City Paper offers this quick spotlight for some of our top picks for holiday markets. Also check out the new best calendar the Lowcountry at charlestoncitypaper.com/calendar for more holiday pop-ups, festivals, events, parties and more.
Holiday Hootenanny
This festive block-party-meets-honky-tonk holiday bash promises a holly-jolly, jingle-jammin’ good time at Commonhouse Aleworks this weekend in North Charleston. Wander through a lively market, grab your favorite local brew and enjoy the toe-tappin’ live music in this holiday party that’s fun for all ages.
Boonie Bevins and Carolina Drive are bringing their signature bluegrass pickin’ and down-home holiday cheer to the stage. Whether you’re looking for one-of-a-kind Christmas gifts for friends and family or looking to soak up the holiday vibes before the North Charleston Christmas Parade, this event is the perfect fit.
In addition to the market, guests can look forward to a beer-tasting competition, face painting and fairy hair for kids, sweet treats and tasty barbecue and of course, Commonhouse brews.
- Dec.
613. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free to attend. Commonhouse Aleworks. 4831 O’Hear Ave. North Charleston. commonhousealeworks.com
2025 Holiday Market and Craft Show
Get into the holiday spirit at this annual cheerful twist on Mount Pleasant’s beloved farmers market — merrier, brighter and brimming with local creativity.
The Holiday Market and Craft Show turns the market into a festive wonderland filled with handcrafted gifts and homemade holiday treats home-made in Mount Pleasant. Browse booths overflowing with ornaments, glasswork, photography, pottery and one-of-a-kind creations crafted by talented local makers. It’s the perfect place to finish your holiday shopping and discover unique gifts you can only find in Mount Pleasant.
Enjoy a jolly lineup of activities, including live music, balloon art, caricature drawings and a special visit from Santa. Admission and parking are free.
- Dec. 13. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free to attend. Mount Pleasant Farmers Market. 645 Coleman Blvd. Mount Pleasant. experiencemountpleasant.com
Holy City Holiday Market
More than 200 local vendors will come together in North Charleston for a weekend market and festival featuring live music, food trucks and plenty of holiday cheer.
The Holy City Holiday Market in Old Park Circle is one of the largest annual markets in the Lowcountry. It kicks off with a preview party at Firefly Distillery on Dec. 19, with the main event opening Dec. 20-21 at across four neighboring locations — Holy City Brewing, The Porter Room, Firefly and The Station.
Food and adult beverages will be available for purchase, with holiday treats, baked goods and specialty items sprinkled in and around the vending villages. All venues are family-friendly with music, kids activities and holiday-themed entertainment. Head to holycityholidaymarket.com for a full breakdown of each participating venue, parking information and more.
- Dec. 19 through Dec. 21. Event times vary. Free to attend. Various Locations in Park Circle. holycityholidaymarket.com
Charleston Holiday Market in Marion Square
The classic and ever-favorite Charleston Farmers Market also dons a festive cap on select Saturdays and Sundays in December.
In addition to the weekly lineup of seasonal fruits and vegetables, handcrafted goods and charming stalls filling Marion Square, guests can enjoy holiday music, festive decor and family-friendly activities galore.
You’ll find everything you need to deck the halls for the holidays and fill the pantry with local goodies, all from local farmers, growers, artisans and crafters. Browse a wide assortment of art, crafts and holiday gift items, and get your holiday shopping done early.
- Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 20. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free to attend. Marion Square. 329 Meeting St. Downtown. charlestonarts.org
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