The Charleston Place to Transform Into “A Nutcracker Dreamscape” for the Holidays

Press Release

The Charleston Place, downtown Charleston’s landmark hotel and holiday headquarters, is pleased to announce its holiday programming for the 2023 season. This year, inspired by the enchanted tale of The Nutcracker, The Charleston Place will transform into the magical, mythical dream-like state of dancing Sugar Plum fairies, The Waltz of  Flowers and a place where imagination thrives. From the beloved holiday train to Nutcracker inspired teas, children’s dance classes, and pop-up performances, everyone is invited to The Charleston Place to bask in the wonderment of the holiday season and the nightly “snowfall” in the hotel’s Market Street Circle. 

“At The Charleston Place, we are fortunate to function as the epicenter of holiday festivities for  the city,” said Rebecca Hubbard, managing director of The Charleston Place. “This year’s theme  of the Nutcracker will be a fantastic ode to the holiday classic and celebrate the treasure of  family, gathering, and giving this holiday season.”

Below is a list of holiday activities taking place throughout the season:

HOLIDAY DECOR AT THE CHARLESTON PLACE 

From Nov. 24 through Dec. 31, The Charleston Place will transform into the magical world of The  Nutcracker. Inspired by Tchaikovsky’s iconic ballet, the hotel will be draped in shimmering silver  and golds, and will feature oversized Nutcrackers, glistening sugarplums, and special  appearances by ballerinas from the Dance Conservatory of Charleston. With décor designed by  The Drifter, more than 140 decorated trees will adorn the hallways and courtyards, along with a  40-foot tree in the center of Market Street Circle. The holiday train, one of the hotel’s most  memorable traditions, will return this year with new enhancements, traversing the grand lobby  along 300 feet of track.

TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY | NOVEMBER 24 | 5PM – 8:15PM 

With snow falling, the Fabulous Equinox Orchestra performing, and cocoa and cookies, the  holiday magic of The Charleston Place will come to life with a spectacular tree lighting ceremony  in Market Street Circle. This event is complimentary and open to the public. Reservations are  required as space is limited.

LET IT SNOW | DAILY | 6PM, 7PM, 8PM  

Visitors near and far are invited to witness the rare occurrence of snow in the Holy City! From  Nov. 24 through Dec. 31, snow will magically fall on Market Street Circle, blanketing the holiday  trees in a lovely sheet of winter white. Those bearing witness will have the option to purchase  cocoa, cookies and festive cocktails while watching the snow fall. New this year, The Charleston  Place has added an early snowfall for families at 4pm on Saturdays. This experience is  complimentary and open to the public, but reservations are required as space is limited.

NUTCRACKER TEA | DECEMBER 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, 24 | 11AM – 1PM Grab your little ones and don your holiday finery for a Nutcracker-themed afternoon tea. Once  known as the Teddy Bear Tea, this cherished event at the Thoroughbred Club has undergone a delightful transformation. What was once a whimsical gathering for families has now evolved into  an elevated experience with an array of enhanced offerings. A selection of sweet and savory  treats such as Nutcracker cookies and candy cane macarons for kids ages 12 and under and  adults will be served. While dining, guests can enjoy a short performance from the Dance  Conservatory of Charleston. Adults may add on Champagne service to their reservation. Pricing  is $155 per adult, $135 per child. Reservations are required as space is limited.

SNOWFLAKE MARCH | NOVEMBER 29, DECEMBER 6, 13, 20 | 5:30PM – 6PM Each Wednesday this holiday season from 5:30-6PM, families are invited to step into the famed  story of The Nutcracker to enjoy a graceful pop-up performance from Dance Conservatory of  Charleston in the lobby as well as meet and greet with the dancers. This experience is  complimentary and open to the public.

NUTCRACKER DANCE WORKSHOP | DECEMBER 18 | 9AM FOR AGES 3-5, 10AM FOR  AGES 6-9 

New this year, little ones are invited to a Nutcracker-themed dance workshop led by the Dance  Conservatory of Charleston. Perfect for children ages 3-9, kids will learn a short variation from  the esteemed play by the dancers who star in it. The workshop at the Riviera Theater also  includes Nutcracker-themed props and accessories to take home. Pricing is $55 per student, per  class. Reservations required as space is limited.

VISITS WITH SANTA | DECEMBER 2, 9, 16 | 1PM – 4PM  

The Charleston Place will offer several chances throughout the holiday season for the treasured  tradition of visiting with Santa and Mrs. Claus. This experience is complimentary and located on  the 2nd floor landing.

LETTERS TO SANTA | NOVEMBER 24 – DECEMBER 24 | DAILY 

The secret is out! The Charleston Place has a direct line to the Big Guy himself. Whether  compiling a wish list or putting in a last-minute request, Charleston’s Living Room is here to help.  Santa’s postmaster elf will retrieve all the letters and send them off to the North Pole every  Friday evening at 5:30pm on the 2nd floor landing.

FESTIVAL OF TREES | NOVEMBER 24 – DECEMBER 24 | DAILY 

A beloved tradition started by the hotel in the 1990s is brought back to life with the “Festival of  Trees,” on display for viewing on the 2nd floor. Revived as a way to celebrate Charleston’s  vibrant community and thriving local businesses, more than a dozen Christmas trees will be on  display throughout the holiday season, each creatively decorated by a different local business or  non-profit organization.

HOLIDAY ENTERTAINMENT | NIGHTLY FROM 5PM 

The holiday spirit takes over with signature cocktails that celebrate the season, as well as festive  sounds from the hotel’s talented musicians. Enjoy live music at the Thoroughbred Club nightly  starting at 5pm and live jazz at the Charleston Grill starting at 5:30pm seven nights a week.

SKATE THE STADIUM | NOVEMBER 24 – DECEMBER 31 | THURSDAY & FRIDAY  EVENINGS, SATURDAY AND SUNDAY ALL DAY

Visitors are invited to celebrate the season with a custom-built ice skating rink at Credit One  Stadium, cozy firepits, a pop-up café, and other special holiday events. The Charleston Place will  offer hotel guests transportation on the Daniel Island Ferry or the hotel shuttle to the stadium.  $10/person, which includes rental skates along with a one-hour skating session. Transportation  costs are additional.

HOLIDAY SHOPPING | MONDAY – SATURDAYS, 10AM – 6PM; SUNDAYS 12PM – 5PM  Peruse The Shops at The Charleston Place for the latest in luxury goods, boutique shops, and  local favorites. Enjoy a one-stop shopping experience for all your gift-giving needs.

HOLIDAY STORYTIME WITH BUXTON BOOKS | DECEMBER 2, 9, 16 | SATURDAYS 1:30PM & 5:30PM 

The hotel encourages families to gather around Charleston’s Living Room for a special reading  of The Nutcracker and other holiday classics in partnership with Buxton Books. Children are  invited to the 2nd floor landing to experience the enchanting tale of The Nutcracker on December  2, 9, and 16 at 1:30pm. Other tales to look forward to are The Mitten on December 2 at 5:30pm (guests only), The Polar Express on December 9 at 5:30pm (guests only), and How the Grinch  Stole Christmas on December 16 at 5:30pm (guests only). Participation is complimentary.

HOLIDAY BOOK BUTLER | NOVEMBER 24 – DECEMBER 24 | DAILY 

In partnership with local bookstore Buxton Books, hotel guests can delight in a curated list of  holiday classics exclusively available for guests of The Charleston Place. All selections will be  gift wrapped and hand-delivered within the hour. Books are for purchase and program  participation is complimentary.

HISTORIC HOLIDAY WALKING TOURS | DECEMBER 2, 9, 16, 23 | SATURDAYS 2PM Enjoy a curated holiday walking tour of Charleston’s Historic District with the “Lid Lady”, Tyler  Page Wright Friedman of Walk and Talk Charleston. During this two-hour tour, guests will learn  about the city’s holiday traditions as they stroll past homes elegantly adorned in festive  décor. The tour is $30/guest and reservations are required. Tour leaves from hotel lobby.

REINDEER RUN | DECEMBER 9 | 9AM 

Presented by The Charleston Place, this family-oriented, pet-friendly 5k run/walk will begin and  end at The Charleston Place on December 9. Guests and participants will enjoy a costume  contest and a post-race celebration in Market Street Circle. All proceeds raised will benefit  MUSC Children’s Hospital. To register, please visit reindeerrun.org.

TRUFFLE DINNER AT THE GRILL | DECEMBER 10 | 6PM 

Limited to an intimate seating of only 24 guests, The Charleston Grill will offer a sumptuous, 5- course tasting menu with wine pairings and a pre-dinner reception. Reservations are required.  Tasting menu is $500 per person.

CHARLESTON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA BRASS QUINTET | DECEMBER 12 | 6:30PM – 7:30PM 

The esteemed Charleston Symphony Orchestra’s brass quintet takes over for a special  community concert in the historic Riviera Theater. This experience is complimentary and open to  the public, but reservations are required.

CHRISTMAS DINNER AT THE GRILL | DECEMBER 24 – 25 | 4PM – 8:30PM Patrons will savor the magic of Christmas Eve and Christmas night with a cozy, elegant dinner at  Charleston Grill. Both evenings will feature a special holiday menu curated by Chef de Cuisine  Suzy Castello. Reservations are required.

THE PALMETTO CAFE FESTIVE BRUNCH | DECEMBER 24 – 25 | 9AM – 3PM From Lowcountry classics to French-inspired dishes, diners will linger over a sophisticated  Christmas Eve and Christmas Day brunch at The Palmetto Café including a raw bar and carving  station as they sip and savor with those who mean the most. Reservations are required.

NEW YEAR’S EVE JAZZ SOIRÉE | DECEMBER 31 | 5PM – 9:30PM 

As 2023 draws to a close, Charleston Grill will toast to new beginnings over a three-course  celebration, accompanied by the soft sounds of live jazz serenading in the new year.

NEW YEAR’S EVE AT THE THOROUGHBRED CLUB | DECEMBER 31 | 12PM – 1AM To ring in the New Year, The Charleston Place invites those from near and far to join them for  specialty New Year’s Eve drinks, themed swag and celebration accompanied by the televised  Ball Drop.

THE PALMETTO CAFE NEW YEAR’S DAY BRUNCH | JANUARY 1 | 9AM – 3PM Following the festivities of New Year’s Eve, guests and locals can relish in an aptly titled  Hangover Brunch, inclusive of a dedicated Mimosa and Bloody Mary bar. Reservations are  required.

PRIVATE ENGAGEMENT SNOW FALL | NOVEMBER 24 – DECEMBER 31 Lovers are encouraged to pop the question under the enchanting snow with this exclusive private  snow engagement package. This includes a buy out of Market Street Circle for a private  snowfall, one photographer, saboring of Champagne, flowers, dinner for two at Charleston Grill,  and the couple’s names on the marquee of the Riviera Theater (depending on events) as well as  a private shopping experience at Croghan’s Jewel Box and the services of Propose Charleston.  Reservations required and must be made a week in advance.

PRIVATE GROUP SNOWFALL AND LARGE PARTY DINING | NOVEMBER 24 – DECEMBER  31 

The Charleston’s Place legendary snowfall is now available for private parties Mondays Wednesdays from 4:00pm-5:00pm during the holiday season. This package includes a private  snowfall for up to 100 people, passed appetizers, and an open bar. Friends, family and  colleagues can also enjoy large party and private party dining in all of our restaurants, including  the Charleston Grill, The Palmetto Cafe, Meeting at Market and Thoroughbred Club.  Reservations required and must be made a week in advance.

THERE’S SNOW PLACE LIKE THE CHARLESTON PLACE PACKAGE | NOVEMBER 25 – DECEMBER 31 

Travelers may delight in the magical allure of Charleston during the holidays, where the  spectacle of snow transforms The Charleston Place into a winter wonderland. With nightly  snowfall in Market Street Circle, joyful musical performances, festive menus, and even visits from Santa Claus, the Southeast’s holiday headquarters offers an unparalleled celebration creating  memories that last a lifetime. This special package includes:

• An exclusive view of our snowy courtyard from your guest room accommodations • A holiday-themed welcome amenity (once per stay)
• In-room hot chocolate service and cookies (once per stay)
• Exclusive access to our Snow Experience tickets

This package is subject to availability and restrictions may apply. Seven-day advance notice is required. Two-night minimum stay required.

All experiences can be reserved by visiting www.CharlestonPlace.com/Experiences unless otherwise noted.

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