CHARLESTON, S.C. — A plan to expand holiday decorations across the entire City of Charleston, beyond the traditional downtown festivities, will have to wait until 2026. The city’s Ways and Means Committee voted this week to defer the proposal to increase the holiday budget, citing supply delays and limited planning time as key reasons for the postponement.
Mayor’s Vision: Holiday Spirit in Every Neighborhood
Charleston Mayor William Cogswell had hoped to introduce more holiday spirit to communities beyond the peninsula, where major events like Christmas tree lighting, Chanukah in the Square, and Kwanzaa celebrations typically take place in Marion Square.
“The idea is that we would expand holiday decorations across the city,” said Mayor Cogswell. “Not ostentatious or over the top, but make sure that every part of the city is represented, along with the peninsula as well.”
Budget and Backorders Cause Delay
According to Cogswell, a backorder on lights and decorations, along with the short timeline to coordinate with neighborhoods citywide, made the 2025 launch impractical. While the idea was well received by both residents and city leaders, officials agreed that proper planning and execution would require more time.
The mayor noted that while the city would likely need to invest upfront, the long-term goal is to attract private sponsorships to match city funding in future years — ensuring the expanded holiday effort is sustainable.
2026 Budget to Include Expansion Plans
Although the proposal won’t take effect this year, city officials say the idea is still very much alive. The plan is expected to be formally included in the 2026 city budget, and council members may even explore options to reallocate funds from other areas to support more decorations in the future.
Residents have already shown support for the idea, saying it would help build a sense of unity and celebration across all parts of Charleston, not just the downtown area.
2025 Holiday Season Will Proceed As Usual
Despite the delay in expansion, the city’s traditional holiday events will go on as planned this year. Charleston residents and visitors can still enjoy:
Christmas Tree Lighting at Marion Square
Chanukah in the Square
Kwanzaa celebrations
Other holiday programming and decorations in historic downtown
