Little Palm and The Coffee Counter entrance decorated with holiday garland

Holidays in Charleston

A Holiday Getaway in Charleston Awaits…

Every winter, Little Palm trades its tropical look for pine trees, fire pits and private ski huts. From November 9 through January 31, it's Little Pine, our après-ski holiday pop-up and our favorite way to spend the holidays in Charleston. Add holiday dining hours and the Historic District right outside our door at 237 Meeting Street, and the season mostly plans itself.

Here's what's on at The Ryder this year.

RESERVE YOUR HOLIDAY GLOW PACKAGE
Available November 1, 2026 through January 8, 2027
Book 2+ nights and receive a $100 Dining Credit and a special gift.

Two women toasting inside a Little Pine holiday ski hut

Little Pine - Charleston's Favorite Après-Ski Tradition

Après-ski meets the Lowcountry as Little Palm transforms into Little Pine for the holiday season. Cozy up in the poolside ski huts, settle in beside the fire pits, and explore a lineup of holiday cocktails and seasonal bites. No mountains required — just a touch of Christmas spirit beneath the palms.

Après This Way

Friends strolling past holiday decorations outside The Ryder Hotel

Holiday Happenings

Settle in beside the fire pits at Little Pine with holiday cocktails and seasonal bites, pick up something festive from The Coffee Counter, and head down the street to Emeline for even more Christmas festivities. The holidays are in full swing in Charleston’s Historic District.

View All Events

Holiday cocktails on a table at Little Pine

Host a Holiday Party at Little Pine

Holiday parties look different in The Backyard. Picture glowing fire pits, a warm hearth, dozens of pine trees and a little après-ski energy under the Charleston palms. It works for the office party, the friends' dinner and the family get-together you keep meaning to plan.

For groups of 8 to 20, our chefs put together family-style menus made for sharing. Each course is priced per selection, so you can build the spread around your group.

Bigger crowd? Expanded capacity and full buyouts are available. Advanced reservations are required, and large parties need a commitment to confirm.

Plan Your Holiday Event

Friends in winter hats laughing with Ryder gift cards

Give the Gift of Charleston

Some people are hard to shop for. A Ryder gift card works for a hotel stay, dinner at Little Palm, drinks at the bar or coffee at The Coffee Counter. Load any amount, and it never expires.

Purchase Gift Cards

The Ryder pool with a decorated Christmas tree and Little Pine ski huts

The Official Soundtrack to the Holidays

Every Little Pine needs a soundtrack. Ours is on Spotify, so you can bring the holiday mood home or queue it up for the drive in.

Listen Now

Women in colorful dresses on a sunny patio decorated with Christmas trees

Holiday Gallery

Ski huts, fire pits and a whole lot of pine trees. Get a look at Little Pine before you visit and find your holiday state of mind.

View Holiday Gallery

Holiday decorations along a downtown Charleston street near The Ryder Hotel

Things to Do in Charleston for the Holidays

Staying downtown means most of the season is a walk away:

  • Holiday shopping on King Street, one block from the hotel
  • The City of Charleston's annual Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting in Marion Square
  • An evening stroll through the Historic District, from Meeting Street to the City Market
  • The annual Holiday Festival of Lights at James Island County Park, about a 20-minute drive

Charleston winters are mild, so a jacket usually covers it.

Explore Charleston

Holidays in Charleston FAQs

  • When is Little Pine open this holiday season?

    November 9 through January 31, at Little Palm in The Ryder Hotel, 237 Meeting Street in downtown Charleston.

  • Can I reserve a ski hut or fire pit at Little Pine?

    You can. Ski huts seat up to six and include a complimentary charcuterie board, at $75 to $150 depending on the day and time. Fire pits seat up to five with blankets included, at $50 to $100. Cancelling within 48 hours carries a $25 fee per person.

  • Is Little Palm open on Thanksgiving and Christmas?

    It is. Holiday dining hours are 8 am to 8 pm on Thanksgiving, 8 am to 10 pm on Christmas Eve, 8 am to 8 pm on Christmas Day and 8 am to 8 pm on New Year's Eve.

  • Can I host a holiday party at The Ryder?

    Little Pine hosts groups of 8 to 20 with family-style menus, and larger groups can book expanded space or a full buyout. Reservations are required in advance.

  • What is there to do in Charleston in December?

    Charleston's holiday season includes Little Pine at The Ryder, the city's annual Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting in Marion Square, the Holiday Festival of Lights at James Island County Park and holiday shopping on King Street.

  • Where should I stay in Charleston for the holidays?

    The Ryder, at 237 Meeting Street in the Historic District, puts you one block from King Street, with a holiday pop-up on site and the Holiday Glow offer for stays of two nights or more. Travel + Leisure named it one of the 15 best hotels in Charleston, AFAR included it in Hotels We Love, and it was recognized in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards 2025.

  • Does The Ryder sell gift cards?

    Yes. Ryder gift cards cover hotel stays, dining and drinks, can be loaded with any amount and never expire.

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