We’re rapidly motoring full steam ahead into holiday season, with all its special sights and scents and gift-giving galore.
One of the best ways to get in the Christmas mood - and to get a jump on finding the perfect gift for folks on your list - is to head to a holiday market. You’ll find exceptional local products from area artisans and artists, farms and craftspeople.
Charleston has some really good ones…
If you’re here staying in one of our Isle of Palms vacation rentals, be sure to check out one of the many holiday markets around Charleston. They’re a perfect place to find something with a definite Lowcountry provenance, to take home as a souvenir, or to give to loved ones back home.
The first two are special holiday editions of popular local farmers markets.
Charleston Holiday Farmers Market at Marion Square
The Lowcountry’s primary farmers market takes place in downtown Charleston. It’s a beloved local event that’s been named one of the top ten farmers markets in the country. It takes place each Saturday during the warmer months of the year, usually from April till November.
But each December, they crank up special holiday markets on certain Saturdays and Sundays. They’re brimming with festive flair, live holiday music, and you can even visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Here are the dates for 2025:
- Saturday, December 6th
- Sunday, December 7th
- Saturday, December 13th
- Sunday, December 14th
- Saturday, December 20th
The holiday markets last from 9:00 a.m. till 3:00 p.m. Marion Square is located where Calhoun Street crosses King and Meeting Streets in downtown Charleston. It’s all decked out for the holidays, with illuminated palms and a giant lighted Christmas tree.
Mount Pleasant Holiday Market & Craft Show
The other big farmer’s market is on Coleman Boulevard in Mount Pleasant, about halfway between your Isle of Palms luxury rental and downtown Charleston. The regular Mount Pleasant Farmers Market is on Tuesdays during the growing season, from April through September. But they, too, host a special holiday edition.
The Mount Pleasant Holiday Market & Craft Show takes place on a single Saturday in mid-December. Organizers describe it as a “cheerful twist on our beloved farmers market, only merrier, brighter, and brimming with local creativity!”
Not only will you find things like handmade ornaments and Christmas decorations, pottery, glasswork and photography, but also live holiday music and entertainment, festive food, balloon art and caricatures, and yes – Santa will be there, too!
This year, the 26th annual Holiday Market & Craft Fair will be on Saturday, December 13th from 11:00 a.m. till 4:00 p.m. Just head to the Mount Pleasant Farmers Market Pavilion at 645 Coleman Boulevard. Admission and parking are free, and it’s a lot of fun for all ages.
CHRISTkindlmarkt…
For a unique Germany-comes-to-the-Lowcountry experience, check out the uber-charming CHRISTkindlmarkt. It’s like being transported to an authentic romantic European Christmas market complete with nutcrackers and giant pretzels, gluhwein and twinkling lights – but located at the scenic RiverOaks Charleston venue in nearby Awendaw.
The market’s run by a mother-daughter duo who hosted a German au pair, traveled to her homeland and got inspired to bring some of the magic back here. It’s an enchanting experience that blends Old World traditions with Lowcountry ones, too.
They run the CHRISTkindlmarkt Friday through Sunday on two weekends in December. In 2025, it’s December 5th – 7th and December 12th – 14th. You have the option of going to a day market (1:00 - 5:00) or night market (6:00 - 10:00). Day markets are open to all ages, while night markets are open to adults only, due to the surrounding water features after dark.
Word to the wise: CHRISTkindlmarkt has become a wildly popular event, and tickets go fast. Read all about it on our Event page or their official website.
Holy City Holiday Market
Last but not least, the weekend before Christmas is a very popular pop-up holiday market in North Charleston, now in its 11th year.
The Holy City Holiday Market takes over Old Park Circle and stretches over a whole weekend, featuring over 200 vendors, live entertainment, festive food and libations, holiday baked goods and specialty dishes, plus plenty of merry kids’ activities.
First up on Friday, December 19th is a giant Preview Party on the lawns of Holy City Brewing and Firefly Distillery. Saturday, the vendors take over Holy City Brewing, The Porter Room, Firefly Distillery and The Station Park Circle, where you can shop to your heart’s content from 11:00 a.m. till 5:00 p.m. Then on Sunday, it’s a family-friendly brunch bash on the lawns from 11:00 a.m. till 2:00.
The market is great for all ages and is free to attend. They even offer free hop on/hop off shuttles to venture among the venues. Read more about it on our Events page. or the Holy City Holiday Market website.
So if you’re spending some time here in one of our Isle of Palms beach house rentals before Christmas, be sure to check out a holiday market or two for a major dose of merriment.
All best,
Lowcountry Lisa
your Isle of Palms vacation blogger