It’s the perfect year to start a new tradition and book a Christmas vacation home on the Isle of Palms, South Carolina! Visitors to our lovely island for this festive season get to enjoy moderate daytime temperatures, and evenings with crisp ocean air that make it easy to cuddle up around the fireplace and get into the Isle of Palms Christmas spirit. The season brings a peaceful contrast to the excitement of summer, but Christmas vacationers will still find there’s plenty to keep them entertained! Wake up on Christmas morning for a seaside jog or take a walk on the beach with family after the big holiday meal. With outdoor recreation, amazing restaurants, and local holiday events, Isle of Palms certainly won’t disappoint for your Christmas holiday!
Holiday Events and Shopping on the Isle and Mount Pleasant
Mount Pleasant is the city directly northwest of the Isle, and between the two, there’s lots of Christmas joy to discover! The Mount Pleasant Towne Center is a well-known local outdoor mall, and they celebrate the season with festive decorations and a tree lighting in November. It’s a great place to pick up a last-minute gift, plus there are local stores in addition to your favorite mall chains. On the island itself, we have an Isle of Palms Christmas festival on Dec. 4th, from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. Taking place at Front Beach, attendees of this free event will find vendors offering food, art, children’s activities, and live entertainment. As a bonus, Santa Claus will also be in attendance!
Soak up the Isle’s Scenery
Even though the water is cooler this time of year, there are no shortage of ways to enjoy the area’s coastal landscape. A favorite pastime anytime of the year, renting bikes always provides a great way to tour the island, from the hard-packed sand of the beaches to the city sidewalks. If you’re in for a real adventure, you can always bike over the bridge to check out neighboring Sullivan’s Island. Families will enjoy taking the kids to the Isle of Palms County Park, which overlooks the unspoiled beachfront and offers a playground, volleyball court, and grills in case you’re in the mood for a beach cookout.
Christmastime in Charleston
One of the best parts about spending Christmas in a private vacation home in Isle of Palms is the ability to get a taste of the city life at a moment’s notice, as it’s only a short drive away! Charleston offers several Christmas events and exhibits that will keep you busy for your holiday vacation, when you’re not relaxing at your cushy rental back on the isle. Check out events such as the Second Annual Festival of Trees, a fantastic display of Christmas trees that will be eventually bid on to benefit cancer patients, running throughout the month of December.
Charleston’s Holiday Festival of Lights
Perfect for anyone visiting in December is the annual Holiday Festival of Lights, a self-guided, drive-thru light show that features over 3 miles of glittering, cheery Christmas lights. After the show, visitors have a chance to park their car and take the kids to roast marshmallows and explore Santa’s Sweet Shoppe. The festival also offers vendors selling Christmas goods, and toasty seasonal concessions. The festival runs every evening in December from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Enjoy Isle of Palms Christmas Strolls on the Beach
With miles of beautiful beachfront, there’s no better time to take advantage of the Isle’s best walking area. Wake up early to check out what the tide brought in from the night before—sparkling seashells, and maybe even a sand dollar or two if you’re there early enough! Morning is also a great time to catch sight of local wildlife, from pelicans cruising the waves looking for a tasty meal, to the occasional crab scampering across the sand. Winter brings a calmer mood to the Isle and makes for an excellent time to explore the area at a slower pace. You might even find a palmetto or two wrapped in Christmas lights!
Your Christmas Beach House is Waiting for You!
At Carroll Realty Inc, we understand how special and important a Christmas vacation to Isle of Palms can be! Between the rugged beauty of the winter coastline, to all the excitement of nearby Charleston, there’s always something going on that makes a holiday trip to the island unforgettable. Whether it’s a snug, single-family condo for your first Christmas away, or a massive oceanfront home for an extended Christmas vacation with family and friends, we have a property that will fit the needs of your trip! Our knowledgeable team knows the area quite well and are happy to give you any tips on how best to enjoy your time here this holiday season. Take a look at our Christmas rentals online and give us a call to reserve yours today!