A small island neighborhood within Charleston, S.C., Daniel Island is a self-sustaining coastal area with its own community, schools and businesses. Each December, it hosts the one- or two-day Holiday Festival, which features music, shopping, food and activities, and has been voted one of the “Top 10 Best & Free” events of the holiday season by the Charleston community. Parking and admission are free at Family Circle Stadium, but some events require a small fee.
Shopping and Food
- Each year, the festival sets up a Holiday Shopping Village in the Tennis Center of the stadium for guests to pick up handmade items. More than 120 vendors hock their wares. Local food vendors serve holiday treats like hot chocolate and kettle corn, as well as more substantial meals like tacos, chicken sandwiches and hot dogs. Since most festival vendors only take cash, an ATM is provided on-site.
Entertainment
- In the evening, festival organizers put on “Concert under the Stars,” which features local students, amateur groups and professional ensembles performing holiday favorites. In recent years, choral groups from island schools, a local string music school and a professional big band have participated. Concerts are held at two venues -- the stadium concourse and in front of the Christmas tree -- and guests can bring lawn chairs and blankets for the concert or after-dark event.
- Kids' Activities
- Kids find numerous activities designed for them in the Holiday Party Express Kids Activity Area. There's traditional holiday festival activities like photos with Santa, train rides, face painting and cookie decorating, as well as quirky activities like a holiday Ferris wheel, a "Crazy Christmas" photo booth and indoor s'mores roasting. You'll need to purchase a wristband for your child to participate in all of the area's activities.
Staying on Daniel Island
- The island has one hotel, the Hampton Inn Daniel Island. It offers guests free breakfast, an outdoor pool, a business center and an airport shuttle. During your stay, you can explore the island's: downtown, which is pedestrian friendly and home to several boutiques and restaurants; and rivers and creeks, which provide opportunities for fishing, crabbing, boating and swimming amid year-round temperate weather.
