Christmas in Charleston - Help please!
 

Hi,
My husband and I are taking a road trip through the South between Christmas and New Years, and we will be in Charleston for three nights. The first night we arrive is Christmas Eve and then one of our two full days is Christmas Day. I am starting to get frustrated because nothing is open on Christmas Day and it seems it will be a wasted day entirely - most plantations and houses are closed, stores will be closed, etc. I have found a few good places open to eat (mostly on Christmas Eve) but don't know how to fit in everything I want to do and have no idea what to do on Christmas Day. Any suggestions??? Thanks!

We had a fabulous Christmas dinner on Kiawah last year. It was at The Sanctuary - in the dining room. I don't think it is too far from Charleston - 40 minutes or so. You could drive out and see the famous Old Oak Tree on your way there or back.

Charleston is a working city and we Southerners take our holiday family time pretty seriously. So sure, stores will be closed. But no time in Charleston is wasted.

The Sanctuary is gorgeous at Christmas, but you'll have to call ahead for reservations. Kiawah is gated and you can't get on without one. You can see the Angel Oak on the way out, but the gift shop will be closed too, I'm sure. I know the Francis Marion hotel had a nice buffet last Christmas, and Charleston Place restaurants will be serving as well. The decorations there are wonderful.

Charleston is beautiful at Christmas. Walking around the Historic District is the best thing for visitors to do, even when things ARE open. Do some research on Philip Simmons and see if you can recognize his work on the gates. Walk down past Rainbow Row to the Battery and White Point Gardens. DO be aware that wind off the harbor can be chilly, so bundle up even if it's sunny. Walk through the graveyard at the Unitarian Church.

We usually go for a walk on the beach at Sullivans when we get done with festivities. Drive out to Breech Inlet and watch the dolphins feed. They come in close during winter when no people are in the water. Walk around Ft Moultrie.

I hope you get to enjoy it. It really is a beautiful place.

Thanks. Walking around the historic district sounds good - hopefully not too cold. And I just read that Magnolia plantation is open on Christmas Day too. Is it worth going to see the lights on James Island?

There's no telling the weather. The sun is strong though. Just be prepared for chilly winds if you're walking a lot.

Many people enjoy the James Island lights. I went once but it's never high on my list.

Take a carriage tour when they start running again after Christmas. It's a great way to learn some history.

Any suggestions for inexpensive places for lunch/dinner that might be open on Christmas day? (i.e. pizza, chinese, bar food in a hotel??) I have a reservation for McCrady's on Christmas Eve, but don't want to spend a lot of money the next day too....thanks!

McCrady's is SO wonderful, but you're right-it's expensive. All my favorite homestyle, inexpensive places will be closed on Christmas.

Like I stated, the hotels with restaurants will definitely be open since they need to feed their guests. There's a nice bar overlooking the lobby at Charleston Place, so you might try that. If the weather is nice see if the rooftop at the Vendue is open.

My favorite Asian is Asian Flavor in Mt Pleasant, but I don't think they deliver downtown. Ask at your hotel, since I'm sure they'll be informed of what's open on Christmas Day. I'm just not sure, since I never eat out on Christmas Day.

You can also pick up a City paper when you get to town. It lists everything going on.
http://www.charlestoncitypaper.com/

Thank you suewoo for all the great advice!

It's my pleasure. I hope you love it like I do. I'm in Europe right now and, as lovely as it all is, I will be happy to come home :D

In case anyone else is wondering, I called around and found some asian restaurants open on Christmas:
Zen Asian Bistro: 2037 Sam Rittenberg Blvd. Charleston, SC (843) 766-6335
Taste of Thai: 874 Orleans Rd # 6 Charleston, SC 29407-4857
(843) 573-8825

I write about my "search" in my blog: http://www.eatdreamtravel.com/2011/1...harleston.html

We have a Zen Asian Bistro here in Charlotte and it's great. A full 3 notches above your typical Chinese restaurant.

I got the name wrong...It's "Zen Asian Fusion and Lounge"...so alas, probably not the same one as in Charlotte.

Actually ended up going to Dragons Palace on Daniel Island - really great, somewhat upscale, Chinese food - even has some healthy options. Definitely recommend, although its 20 min. from downtown Charleston. http://www.dragonpalacesc.com/