This time last year we were all bundled up, roaming the streets of NYC, visiting one of the world’s most famous Christmas trees. It was cold, rainy, and Rockefeller Center was packed to the brim with tourists. But seeing the look in Liam’s eyes when he saw the massive tree in all its glory was well worth the mild frost bite.
This year we have decided not to travel, to spend the holidays safe at home in Charleston, and to make the most of our time here in the city.
So this weekend we surprised the boys and took a self guided holiday tour of all the best Christmas trees downtown Charleston has to offer. After a bit of research and some strategic map planning, we had our list of trees and we were ready to go. Here was the line up:
no. 1
the Visitors Center
375 Meeting Street
We started our morning at the Charleston Visitors Center to check out their inaugural “Festival of Trees.” Definitely the smallest trees we saw throughout the day, but it was a fun free way to check out 20 different types of decorated trees, all designed in honor or memory of someone who has battled cancer.
no 2.
the dewberry hotel
334 Meeting Street
Right down the road is the semi-new to Charleston hotel, The Dewberry who is currently displaying an old-fashioned Christmas trees with vintage ornaments, colored lights, and lots and lots of tinsel. Here you can grab a drink or order lunch to dine outside while you visit the tree and pretend to be Jackie Kennedy. We also visited The Dewberry at night and it was well worth it to see the outdoor star lights hanging from the entrance way.
no. 3
Marion Square
329 Meeting Street
Directly across the street is Marion Square which hosts a huge tree shaped light display directly in the center of the square. Not technically a Christmas tree, this made our list because it created a fun pit stop on our evening walk to dinner. The kids loved dancing and running underneath the lights.
no 4.
Hotel Bennett
404 King Street
One block over on King Street you can find Hotel Bennett which has not just one massive indoor tree but also a great outdoor tree which looks amazing lit up at night. Inside there was also a third mini chocolate tree and nutcracker display. This was Liam’s favorite stop because the bartender gave him a free candy cane, which he has not stopped talking about ever since.
no. 5
Zero George
0 George Street
Headed back south on Meeting Street we took a detour down George Street to see the tree at Zero George. This tree is a little off the path but well worth it. I am a sucker for a “blue themed” tree. The ornaments all matched the shutters which matched the bicycles and ironically also matched my dress so I had to hop in for a photo with this one.
no. 6
Hotel Emeline
181 Church Street
Venturing further down toward the Market Street area, we popped into the new Hotel Emeline. I had never visited this hotel before but the decor was gorgeous and very relaxing. The tree is right in the center of the lobby and was decorated with palms, sweet grass branches, and red holly leaves. I would never of thought to decorate a tree like this but it matched the vibe of the hotel. There is also a cute bakery attached to the right of the tree if you need a snack at this point.
no. 7
French Quarter Inn
166 Church Street
Continuing on Church Street, past the open market, we stopped into The French Quarter Inn too see a traditionally decorated Christmas tree that was two stories tall. Take the windy staircase up to the lobby and if you are kind and/or sneaky there is complimentary coffee and lemonade.
no. 8
The Mills House Hotel
115 Meeting Street
This tree was impressive in size and decorated with hues of gold and red, however instead of being front and center in the lobby it was further back near the elevator. Still a fun stop to see this gorgeous hotel decorated for the holidays.
no. 9
Belmond Charleston Place Hotel
205 Meeting Street
This tree has been a popular visit for us for years and years as they normally have an elaborate holiday model train display around the tree. This year, because of COVID and in an attempt to prevent mass gatherings, the hotel decided to forgo the train. But the tree still stands. Totally understand their line of thinking but hopefully in 2021 we will get to see the train again because it has always been a big hit with our family.
no. 10
Coloniel Lake
54 Ashley Ave
Tiny but mighty, this tree in the center of Coloniel Lake has always been a favorite of ours. Like the tree in Marion square, this is made simply of lights and is gorgeous to see at sunset or after dark. Coloniel Lake is also a fun spot for a walk but bring your stroller if you have young children. Just do it. You’ll thank me later. Update: Right next door at the new Jasper condos is a huge 10 foot tall star that is also worth walking next door to see!
That’s it!
We only hit up the ones downtown that were free. Of course there are some in the historic homes and plantations around town but with an admission cost. Perhaps next year.
One last thing, I created this map to help us around town, even though we live here and have run the streets a million times. Feel free to print a copy of the map and use for your own enjoyment.
xx Priscilla
