Charleston Prepares for Enchanting Holiday Celebrations with Historic House Tours and Festive Decorations

Charleston Gears Up for a Magical Holiday Season

Ah, Charleston! This charming city is getting ready to sprinkle a little festive joy as the holiday season approaches. If you’re looking for a delightful way to celebrate, then mark your calendars for December 7th because the garden magic is about to unfold at the historic Joseph Manigault House!

Historic Holiday Decor with a Lowcountry Twist

In collaboration with the Garden Club of Charleston, the Joseph Manigault House will unveil its annual holiday decorations that promise to whisk visitors back to the early 1800s with a stunning display of local greenery and florals. Guests can expect to see a variety of beautiful plants such as camellias, poinsettias, and gorgeous magnolia leaf wreaths that would have adorned homes in the Lowcountry of yesteryear.

Members of the Garden Club will enchant the house with creative wreaths and arrangements, bringing every mantle, door, and banister to life. This year’s display will reflect an air of historic authenticity that’s both beautiful and educational, encapsulating the spirit of a 19th-century Christmas in a truly remarkable way. And the best part? The festivities will continue through December 26th, giving everyone ample time to soak in the holiday cheer!

A Peek into the Past

The Joseph Manigault House, a National Historic Landmark, boasts stunning Federal style architecture with its prominent spiral staircase that welcomes every visitor into its grand central hall. This piece of living history was also the first structure to be saved from demolition during Charleston’s preservation movement in the 1920s. Inside, you can find an array of historic objects from the museum’s collection, making the visit even more intriguing.

Experience Holiday Traditions at the Heyward-Washington House

But wait, the celebrations don’t stop there! On December 5th, the Heyward-Washington House will host a themed guided tour led by Chad Stewart, the Curator of History. Guests will journey through the home that was once lived in by Thomas Heyward, Jr., a signer of the Declaration of Independence. Notably, this was also where George Washington resided during his visit in 1791.

During this delightful tour, you’ll learn how early Americans celebrated the holidays while indulging in delicious punch and cookies – a perfect treat for the season! The house, built in 1772, shines as a beacon of history and festivity, showcasing a collection of holiday decorations that transport visitors back to a time of celebration.

Plan Your Visit!

Monday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and on Sundays from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. The last tour starts at 4:15 p.m. at the Heyward-Washington House and 4:30 p.m. at the Joseph Manigault House. Tickets are available both onsite and online, with bundled options for discounted pricing.

Join the Holiday Spirit!