Candlelight in Charleston feels right at home in a city where history, grace, and Southern charm are part of the everyday backdrop. Classical and contemporary programs take on a new glow inside landmark venues such as the Unitarian Church, The Charleston Museum and Carriage House. Surrounded by thousands of candles, these spaces turn each performance into a warm, intimate experience—and offer plenty of reasons why you should attend Candlelight in Charleston at least once.
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Candlelight concert near you: venues in Charleston
The Unitarian Church by Candlelight
With its soaring Gothic arches, stained-glass chancel window, and storied cemetery, The Unitarian Church offers a magical setting for Candlelight concerts at The Unitarian Church and live music in downtown Charleston. Steps from the Charleston Museum and Dock Street Theatre, and with convenient CARTA bus service along King Street, visitors experience Charleston history and artistry in the heart of the historic district. Read more about Unitarian Church.
The Unitarian Church is located at 4 Archdale St, Charleston.
The Charleston Museum by Candlelight
Founded in 1773, The Charleston Museum stands as America’s first museum and a defining landmark of the city’s cultural landscape. Home to more than 2.4 million artifacts, it holds the most extensive collection of South Carolina–related objects in the nation, spanning decorative arts, revolutionary history, and remarkable natural history finds. Highlights range from world-class Charleston silver and historic textiles to rare fossils, including the massive skull of Pelagornis sandersi, the largest known bird capable of flight. Housed in a modern structure on Meeting Street, the museum weaves centuries of Lowcountry stories into a setting that feels both formidable and thoughtfully contemporary.
Carriage House at Magnolia Plantation & Gardens by Candlelight
Candlelight concerts at Carriage House at Magnolia Plantation & Gardens take on a particularly enchanting character, surrounded by one of the South’s most storied landscapes. Nestled within the historic plantation grounds, this elegant venue brings live music in West Ashley to life beneath the glow of thousands of candles, where centuries of history and natural beauty create a serene atmosphere. Located along Ashley River Road and close to Middleton Place, the venue is accessible via CARTA Route 61, offering a setting that feels both timeless and deeply connected to Charleston’s heritage.
Carriage House at Magnolia Plantation & Gardens is located at 3550 Ashley River Road, Charleston.
Candlelight Reviews in Charleston
Candlelight has received countless 5-star reviews in Charleston by concertgoers who have praised the venues, musicians and atmosphere:
“The music was great and the church was beautiful.” – Featuring Vivaldi’s Four Seasons & More, May 8
“Loved the location & Coldplay. Would love to see more events in CHS!” – Tribute to Coldplay, May 8
“It was transcendent, entertaining, and surprisingly funny. Absolutely amazing for a date night.” – 90s Unplugged, May 1
“The musicians were extremely talented and the atmosphere was calming and beautiful.” – The Soundtrack of the ’60s, April 16
“The atmosphere created by the candlelight in the Unitarian Church venue was wonderful and just a perfect setting for the music. And the music was fabulous!” – Tribute to Adele, April 10
More classical concert venues in Charleston
Long Center for the Performing Arts: an elegant 2,242-seat theater featuring burnished Venetian plaster and cherry fascia panels.
Bass Concert Hall: Austin’s largest performing arts venue with an orchestra pit that can accommodate up to 100 musicians.
Bates Recital Hall: a premier venue with stadium-style seating, rich wood finishes and a Visser-Rowland organ.
