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South Carolina

Christmastime in Charleston

Program No. 21206RJ
There’s no place like Charleston for Christmas. Come see why as you enjoy Lowcountry traditions, witness the Festival of Lights on James Island and attend a holiday show!

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Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone? 800-454-5768
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Prices displayed below are based on per person,doubleoccupancy.
DATES & starting prices
PRICES
Filling Fast!
Dec 22 - Dec 27, 2024
Starting at
2,049
Dec 22 - Dec 27, 2025
Starting at
2,399
DATES & starting prices
PRICES
Filling Fast!
Dec 22 - Dec 27, 2024
Starting at
2,589
Dec 22 - Dec 27, 2025
Starting at
2,949
This date is available to book as a private experience for your group!

At a Glance

Embark on a holiday learning adventure to experience the distinctive history and delectable flavors of Charleston and the Lowcountry amid customs and traditions of the season. Festive decorations and delightful holiday rituals abound as you enjoy a cup of cocoa in historic homes decked in holiday finery and hear performances of music from every era of the city’s history. Learn about slavery and the Gullah people and culture on a Carolina Plantation.
Activity Level
On Your Feet
Walking up to two miles, some uneven terrain. Periods of standing for on-site lectures.

Best of all, you’ll…

  • Marvel at historic sites on expert-led walks including picturesque downtown and the City Market Place.
  • Explore gardens and plantations as you learn about the people who worked and lived on a Carolina plantation more than three centuries ago.
  • Experience the unique sounds that define Charleston's rich musical heritage at a holiday performance.

General Notes

Program limited to 38 participants.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Profile Image
Ruth Miller
Ruth Miller, a graduate of Duke University, has lived all over America and journeyed throughout the world. As a Charleston historian and excursion leader, she enjoys tying local history into the American story and worldwide events. Ruth is the author and co-author of numerous books, including “Charleston Charlie — A Family Activity Book for Kids of All Ages,” “Touring the Tombstones,” and “The Angel Oak Story.” She is a member of the South Carolina Historical Society and the National Trust.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Ruth Miller
Ruth Miller View biography
Ruth Miller, a graduate of Duke University, has lived all over America and journeyed throughout the world. As a Charleston historian and excursion leader, she enjoys tying local history into the American story and worldwide events. Ruth is the author and co-author of numerous books, including “Charleston Charlie — A Family Activity Book for Kids of All Ages,” “Touring the Tombstones,” and “The Angel Oak Story.” She is a member of the South Carolina Historical Society and the National Trust.
Profile Image of Jennifer Powell
Jennifer Powell View biography
Jennifer Powell has extensive travel within the United States and internationally. She graduated second in her class from The International Guide Academy of Denver, Colorado. As a resident of Atlanta, Ga. for six years and South Florida for nine, Jennifer is familiar with the geography and attractions in this part of the country. Her extensive travel in the U.S. and abroad has enhanced her interest and aptitude for history and the environment.
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Program
At a Glance
Duration
6 days
Program Begins
Charleston, SC
Program Concludes
Charleston, SC
Meals
12 | 4B | 1BR | 3L | 4D |
Activity Level
Embark on a holiday learning adventure to experience the distinctive history and delectable flavors of Charleston and the Lowcountry amid customs and traditions of the season. Festive decorations and delightful holiday rituals abound as you enjoy a cup of cocoa in historic homes decked in holiday finery and hear performances of music from every era of the city’s history. Learn about slavery and the Gullah people and culture on a Carolina Plantation.)
Best of all, you'll...
  • Marvel at historic sites on expert-led walks including picturesque downtown and the City Market Place.
  • Explore gardens and plantations as you learn about the people who worked and lived on a Carolina plantation more than three centuries ago.
  • Experience the unique sounds that define Charleston's rich musical heritage at a holiday performance.
General Notes
Program limited to 38 participants.
Featured Expert
Profile Image
Ruth Miller
Ruth Miller, a graduate of Duke University, has lived all over America and journeyed throughout the world. As a Charleston historian and excursion leader, she enjoys tying local history into the American story and worldwide events. Ruth is the author and co-author of numerous books, including “Charleston Charlie — A Family Activity Book for Kids of All Ages,” “Touring the Tombstones,” and “The Angel Oak Story.” She is a member of the South Carolina Historical Society and the National Trust.
Please Note:
This expert may not be available for every date of the program
Profile Image of Jennifer Powell
Jennifer Powell
Jennifer Powell has extensive travel within the United States and internationally. She graduated second in her class from The International Guide Academy of Denver, Colorado. As a resident of Atlanta, Ga. for six years and South Florida for nine, Jennifer is familiar with the geography and attractions in this part of the country. Her extensive travel in the U.S. and abroad has enhanced her interest and aptitude for history and the environment.
Activity Level
On Your Feet
Walking up to two miles, some uneven terrain. Periods of standing for on-site lectures.
Suggested Reading List
View Full List (8 Books)
You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
We can help. Give us a call, and we can answer all of your questions!
Call 800-454-5768
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
6 days
5 nights
What's Included
12 meals | 4B | 1BR | 3L | 4D |
2 expert-led lectures
5 expert-led field trips
3 performances
An experienced Group Leader
5 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
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Activity Note
Hotel check-in from 4:00 p.m. Remember to bring your name tag (sent previously).
Afternoon:
Program Registration: 4:00 p.m. After you check in and have your room assignment, join us at the Road Scholar table in the lobby area to register with the program staff, get any updated information, and confirm the time and location of the Orientation session. If you arrive late, please locate your Group Leader and let them know you have arrived. Orientation: 5:00 p.m. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/current conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 25 miles throughout the day, approximately 1 hour total riding time. Walking up to 1 mile; some uneven terrain.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
An expert local historian will join us at the hotel and provide an introduction to Charleston and the Carolina Lowcountry. This prefatory history of Charleston will prepare us for the field trips we will take during our stay. Our study leader will include the craftsmanship and architecture of the homes decked in holiday finery and holiday customs leading to Christmas.
Lunch:
At the hotel.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we’ll travel by motor coach to Magnolia Plantation. Founded in 1676 by the Drayton family, it has survived the centuries and witnessed the history of our nation unfold from the American Revolution through the Civil War and on to the present day. It is the oldest public site open to visitors in the Lowcountry with the oldest public gardens in America. As part of the Magnolia Plantation field trip, we will experience the beauty of the house and gardens on a narrated nature tram ride around the property.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
Enjoy the evening in the relaxing atmosphere of the Francis Marion Hotel. The Swamp Fox Restaurant & Bar, located on the ground level of the hotel has live piano music every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 6-9 pm. It is a great gathering spot.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 8 miles the day, approximately 1.5 hours total riding time. Walking about 1.5 miles; paved surfaces, some uneven terrain, cobblestones. Joseph Manigault home .3 mile from the hotel and a 10 min walk.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
After breakfast, we will walk (.3 mile) to the Joseph Manigault Home. The Garden Club of Charleston transforms the Joseph Manigault House with beautiful decorations for the holidays. Using greenery and florals native to the Lowcountry in the early 1800s, members of the Garden Club have worked hard to adorn mantles, doors, and banisters with stunning wreaths and arrangements. A house docent will give us an overview before our group goes on a self guided trip through the home. Guides will be located throughout the House to answer any questions.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
In our meeting room at the hotel with a local expert, we’ll learn about the history and techniques that have birthed Charleston's unique Sweetgrass Baskets. Brought to the area by slaves who came from the west coast of Africa, basket making is an ancient African art form in this country, which has been passed on from generation to generation. Skilled craftsmanship and long hours are involved in making these baskets.
Dinner:
At the hotel. Dinner will be after we return from James Island and the Festival of Lights.
Evening:
We'll leave on our motor coach for James Island to cruise along the three-mile display of glimmering lights through the park. The festival features over 750 light displays, including the newly refurbished and rebuilt Cooper River Bridge display. This dazzling light show is one of Charleston’s most cherished holiday events, featuring an estimated two million twinkling lights.
Activity Note
Walking up to 1 mile on an on/off motorcoach field trip. Driving about 15 miles throughout the day, approximately 2 hours total riding time.
Morning:
This is Christmas Day and most of Charleston shuts down for church services and for people to be home with their families. The morning has been set aside to enjoy as you like.
Brunch:
At the hotel. We will enjoy a special Christmas Buffet that will include a Bloody Mary or Mimosa. At this time, we have not been given our seating time. It will be between 11 am and 4 pm. We will let you know in the welcome letter sent out by the group leader in advance of the program.
Afternoon:
Board your motor coach for the Charleston history field trip with our expert study leader. We will be getting on and off the bus as we stop at select points of interest. We'll learn more about life in Charleston. Later in the afternoon, we’ll drive to and through the Holiday Festival of Lights at James Island County Park. This cherished local tradition has achieved national and international renown. Along the three-mile route, there are more than 700 enchanting displays with some two million lights.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
After dinner, we’ll relax to the music of the night. Our musical performer appeared on the Today Show and Good Morning America. She performs Gullah spirituals and stories indigenous to the South Carolina Lowcountry. She is the director of the Magnolia Singers and has written and produced local jazz and gospel concerts.
Activity Note
Walking up to 1.5 miles at Boone Hall; some uneven terrain. On/off motor coach to Circular Church performance of Sound of Charleston.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We'll board our motorcoach for Boone Hall Plantation. The mansion that stands today was built in 1936. With blended materials recovered from the original plantation and antique furnishings, we'll enter an atmosphere of a Coastal Carolina family. Addressing the slavery at Boone Hall, we see and go into the different cabins to see how black Americans worked and lived, struggles that were faced, as well as follow periods of historical progression from the 1800's up to present day. We will learn about the Gullah people and culture at a 30 minute Gullah presentation outside the slave cabins.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant. Lunch will be later than usual due to the planned morning at Boone Hall.
Afternoon:
We'll return to the hotel in time for a short rest before going to the Circular Church for the performance of Sound of Charleston.
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
7:00 p.m. We’ll attend a performance of “The Sound of Charleston” at historic Circular Congregational Church. Professional performers will bring to life authentic music from throughout the city’s history, from the founding of one of America’s first musical organizations — the St. Cecilia Society (1766) — through Civil War songs, spirituals, gospel, Gullah, Gershwin, and jazz. We’ll hear about the words, context, and meanings of the music as we clap and sing along. “The Sound of Charleston” is the city’s longest running musical production. The church, founded in 1681, is one of the oldest continually worshipping congregations in the country; the present building dates from 1892. A motor coach will take us to the Circular Church. Returning to the hotel, prepare for check-out and departure following our closing session in the morning.
Activity Note
Hotel check-out 12:00 p.m.
Breakfast:
At the hotel. This concludes our program.
Morning:
If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
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MEALS
12 Meals
4 Breakfasts
3 Lunches
1 Brunch
4 Dinners
The following choices may be available when requested in advance: Gluten Free, Vegetarian
LODGING
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Showing Lodging For:
Dec 22, 2024 - Dec 27, 2024
  • Dec 22, 2024 - Dec 27, 2024
  • Dec 22, 2024 - Dec 27, 2024
  • Dec 22, 2025 - Dec 27, 2025
5 nights
Location: Charleston
The Francis Marion Hotel, located in the heart of historic Charleston, South Carolina, was the largest and grandest in the Carolinas when it opened in 1924. Named for General Francis Marion, the "Swamp Fox" of the American Revolution, the Francis Marion Hotel in Charleston re-opened in 1996 after a $12 million National Trust award-winning restoration, and is once again Charleston's Grand Hotel. Guests at the Francis Marion Charleston Hotel can enjoy classic Southern cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner in the Swamp Fox Restaurant and Bar, cocktails and jazz piano music in the Swamp Fox bar, and complete spa services at Spa Adagio. Experience unsurpassed views of the historic harbor at the Francis Marion Hotel, the only high-rise hotel in Charleston's historic district. All 230 guest rooms including 10 Suites and 4 Penthouse Suites are tastefully furnished for today's sophisticated traveler, and provide modern conveniences from wireless Internet access, voicemail and data ports to on-demand movies. In keeping and preserving the historic features of the hotel, the bathrooms are small but serviceable.
5 nights
Location: Charleston
The Francis Marion Hotel, located in the heart of historic Charleston, South Carolina, was the largest and grandest in the Carolinas when it opened in 1924. Named for General Francis Marion, the "Swamp Fox" of the American Revolution, the Francis Marion Hotel in Charleston re-opened in 1996 after a $12 million National Trust award-winning restoration, and is once again Charleston's Grand Hotel. Guests at the Francis Marion Charleston Hotel can enjoy classic Southern cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner in the Swamp Fox Restaurant and Bar, cocktails and jazz piano music in the Swamp Fox bar, and complete spa services at Spa Adagio. Experience unsurpassed views of the historic harbor at the Francis Marion Hotel, the only high-rise hotel in Charleston's historic district. All 230 guest rooms including 10 Suites and 4 Penthouse Suites are tastefully furnished for today's sophisticated traveler, and provide modern conveniences from wireless Internet access, voicemail and data ports to on-demand movies. In keeping and preserving the historic features of the hotel, the bathrooms are small but serviceable.
Participant Reviews
4.67
Based on 4 Reviews
Sort By:
Mary – Class of 2003 | Huntersville, NC
Good program,including wonderful musical performances, generous meals, bus trips and plantation tours. Great group leader. Very large group sizes: two 40-person groups running in parallel. High point of the trip for me was walking around the most historic areas on my own: such a beautiful and accessible city.
— Review left December 27, 2019
Winifred – Class of 2018 | Ocala, FL
I had a great time. As a solo traveler, I was somewhat apprehensive about doing this vacation with total strangers. However, after introductions, I felt at home. The group was very inclusive, very friendly and looked out for each other. I would definitely go on another vacation with Road Scholar.
— Review left January 15, 2019
Cora Lee – Class of 2018 | Yulee, FL
This was my first Road Scholar trip and was very impressed. A friend and I roomed together and since she was a former RS person it helped me have more confidence in doing things I would hesitate to do on my on. It was really enjoyable and meeting new people was especially nice.
— Review left January 14, 2019
This participant did not give a star rating.
Nancy – Class of 2017 | Belleair, FL
We were disappointed in this trip. Group was much too large. Hotel restaurant lacking. As two days of the trip visit plantations/gardens, it would be much better to visit in the Spring. Did not see King Street, Broad Street, Charleston Place or the Waterfront Park. We only drove by Four Corners of the Law, City Hall and the Citadel. No walking tour of downtown Charleston. Itinerary is misleading. If you want to see these sites you may better off arranging your own tour of Charleston.
— Review left January 12, 2019





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