South Carolina shines in December because the state pairs mild winter weather with real holiday spectacle. You can walk historic streets under millions of lights, skate outdoors with friends, and then retreat to calm blue water in the Upstate for a peaceful winter boat day. Here are the cities that bring the most Christmas magic, plus an easy way to anchor your trip at Lake Keowee with Keowee Marina and its on site stays.
Charleston
Charleston delivers a classic holiday mood with the Holiday Festival of Lights at James Island County Park. The drive through course stretches for about three miles and features more than two million lights, along with a walking area, train rides, marshmallow roasting, and visits with Santa. Plan at least one evening here because the scale and variety make it a regional standout.
Greenville
Downtown Greenville turns festive with United Community Ice on Main, the city’s open air rink on Main Street. The event runs through the season with themed nights and promotions, and it pairs perfectly with shopping, cocoa, and a walk under the downtown lights. It is a simple way to add a winter tradition to a weekend in the foothills.
Columbia
Columbia’s Riverbanks Zoo hosts Wild Lights, a lantern filled experience with larger than life wildlife displays, snowfall on select nights, and Santa through December twenty three. Families love it for photos and the mix of animals, lights, and music. It is an easy evening that feels special without a long drive.
North Myrtle Beach
The Great Christmas Light Show fills the city’s park and sports complex with a two mile drive through of more than two million lights and hundreds of displays. Add it to a coastal weekend when you want to trade shopping lines for a festive cruise through lights and music.
Rock Hill
Old Town Rock Hill becomes ChristmasVille, a multi day celebration inspired by illustrator Vernon Grant. Expect carriage rides, performances, art, and a downtown that leans fully into holiday tradition. It is small city charm at full volume and a favorite with families.
Beaufort
Historic Beaufort pairs Lowcountry architecture with waterfront sparkle. The Light Up the Night boat parade and downtown events bring the river into the celebration. It is a picturesque setting for a slower holiday evening.
Make Lake Keowee your peaceful holiday base
After lights and markets, spend a day in the Upstate where winter brings calm water and clear views. Keowee Marina sits at the heart of Lake Keowee and makes holiday outings simple. The rentals page confirms family friendly pontoons and tritoons with fuel included in the posted price, along with seasonal promotions that make a full day affordable. You launch, cruise quiet coves, and return without a last minute pump stop.
Stay on the water at Keowee Marina
You can keep the holiday mood going with stays that are steps from the dock.
- Keowee Luxury Cottages. These new A frame cottages at Keowee Marina were designed for comfort and lake views. Guests receive a discount on boat rentals, which makes a winter cruise an easy add to your plans. Wake to Blue Ridge vistas and walk to your boat.
- Palmetto Paradise Houseboat. Spend the night on a seventy five foot houseboat moored at the marina. It is a unique, cozy base for a holiday escape and includes the conveniences of a full service marina. During your stay you can receive a discount on rentals, and you are a short stroll from the dock. Note that the vessel remains moored.
What to do on the water in December
Pick a calm, sunny day and keep your loop simple. Cruise wind protected shorelines for long reflections and mountain views. Pack a thermos and stop at a county park for a picnic table and a short walk. If you enjoy fishing, work slow presentations along points and creek mouths while the rest of the crew watches for winter birds. This is not about speed. It is about space, quiet, and time together.
Why Keowee Marina is a great option for holidays
Keowee Marina is a full service hub that supports year round boating at Lake Keowee. You get fuel included rentals, a helpful dock team, and guidance for cool weather safety and simple winter routes from the marina blog. The combination of clear pricing, easy booking, and practical tips keeps the focus on family time and the season’s best scenery.
How to combine city lights and lake calm
Plan one night for city lights and the next day for a lake reset. Pair downtown Greenville with a drive to the Upstate and a quiet day on Lake Keowee. Match Greenville skating with a cottage check in and a golden hour cruise from the marina. South Carolina is compact enough that you can do both without rushing.
The most magical Christmas experiences in South Carolina stretch from the coast to the foothills. Charleston dazzles. Greenville and Columbia glow. North Myrtle Beach and Rock Hill bring festive energy to small city streets. When you are ready for peace between celebrations, choose Lake Keowee and start at Keowee Marina. Book a fuel included boat and stay in the Keowee Luxury Cottages or on the Palmetto Paradise Houseboat for a holiday weekend that blends sparkle with stillness.
For a holiday break that delivers city lights and lake calm, call Keowee Marina at 864 882 2047 or reserve your winter boat day and on site stay on the marina website. Then enjoy coves, views, and memories that feel like a gift.