Thanksgiving in Charleston blends Southern hospitality with holiday tradition, offering a long weekend filled with family-friendly events, scenic outings, and unforgettable meals. Whether you’re spending the holiday close to home or visiting for a Thanksgiving vacation, Charleston’s blend of history, charm, and seasonal festivities makes it one of the most inviting destinations in the South.
As the cobblestone streets fill with festive energy and cool coastal breezes, visitors can enjoy events ranging from community parades to elegant Lowcountry feasts. And with GCT providing professional car service in Charleston — including limousines, sedans, SUVs, and airport transfers — you can relax and focus on celebrating while leaving the transportation to experienced chauffeurs.
Thanksgiving Weekend Events and Traditions
The long holiday weekend kicks off with one of Charleston’s most beloved traditions: the Thanksgiving Golf Cart Parade. This local favorite brings the community together in colorful, creative fashion, as families decorate golf carts with lights, turkeys, and holiday cheer before cruising through the streets in a lively procession.
For those who prefer to start Thanksgiving morning with a bit of movement before the big meal, the Turkey Day Run and Gobble Wobble 5K is a Charleston classic. Hosted in downtown Charleston, this family-friendly race combines fun and fitness with scenic views of the city’s historic district. Proceeds benefit local charities, adding a feel-good element to an already festive morning.
The weekend continues with Charlton Singleton’s Holiday Spectacular on November 29, 2025, a must-see performance at the Charleston Music Hall. Singleton, a Grammy Award-winning musician and Charleston native, brings together jazz, gospel, and holiday classics for a night that captures the warmth and soul of the season.
Explore Charleston’s Gardens and Markets
When you need a break from the bustle of downtown, spend part of your Thanksgiving weekend strolling through the Lowcountry’s breathtaking gardens and plantations. Both Magnolia Plantation and Gardens and Middleton Place offer tranquil landscapes perfect for crisp autumn walks. You’ll find vibrant fall foliage, reflection ponds, and centuries of history woven through every path.
Charleston’s local farmers markets are another excellent way to enjoy the season. Pick up fresh produce, handmade pies, and unique gifts from local artisans — ideal for adding some Charleston flavor to your holiday table or bringing a bit of the South home with you.
A Taste of Charleston: Thanksgiving Dining
Dining out is one of the highlights of Thanksgiving in Charleston, with top restaurants and inns serving up classic and creative holiday menus. Edmund’s Original hosts its annual all-you-can-eat Thanksgiving buffet, complete with roasted turkey, cornbread stuffing, and craft brews. At Middleton Place, guests can enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving buffet surrounded by the estate’s peaceful gardens.
Downtown, High Cotton and Iron Rose offer elegant Thanksgiving suppers, while Church & Union features a prix-fixe menu highlighting local ingredients and modern Southern cuisine. For a truly Lowcountry dining experience, Poogan’s Porch serves a warm, welcoming Thanksgiving meal filled with regional favorites, a perfect way to savor Charleston’s culinary traditions.
Travel Made Simple with GCT
Navigating Charleston during the busy holiday season is easier when you leave the driving to professionals. GCT offers private transportation across the city and surrounding areas, including limousines for groups, sleek sedans for couples, and spacious SUVs ideal for family travel. Whether you’re flying into Charleston International Airport or heading to dinner downtown, GCT’s chauffeurs provide reliable airport transfers and local rides to all major Thanksgiving events.
With GCT, you can enjoy Thanksgiving weekend your way — attending a concert, taking a garden stroll, or indulging in a festive dinner — without worrying about parking or traffic. Our leisure car services are the most comfortable and convenient way to make the most of your Thanksgiving vacation in Charleston.
As the city glows with seasonal lights and the sounds of music and laughter fill the air, Charleston offers a perfect blend of celebration and Southern charm. From festive runs to gourmet feasts, this Thanksgiving promises to be one to remember, and with GCT handling the driving, you’re free to enjoy every moment.