Skip the Crowds: Charming Cities to Visit Between Thanksgiving and Christmas

3. Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston combines mild late-fall weather with historic charm and fewer visitors than in spring or summer, making it a good pick for pre-Christmas travel. The city’s historic houses, cobblestone streets, and low-key holiday decorations create a relaxed, elegant atmosphere that’s ideal for strolling and tasting menus. Many museums and plantations offer seasonal events that feel intimate when attendance is lower, so guided tours often allow more time for questions and photos. Coastal temperatures usually remain comfortable for outdoor activities, and evenings deliver a cozy vibe without the winter chill found farther north. Book popular house tours and well-known restaurants in advance but expect generally easier reservations than in peak months. If you want southern holiday traditions and quieter streets, aim for early December and aim to visit neighborhood markets and local galleries midweek for the most relaxed experience.