Celebrate the holidays as Charleston’s elite did with a candlelight tour of the Aiken-Rhett House. In the 1820s, formal dinners and family gatherings reflected the wealth and status of families whose fortunes were tied to plantation agriculture. Tables were set with imported porcelain, fine china, and polished silver, and meals often featured multiple courses blending Lowcountry staples with international delicacies. Evenings extended into music, dancing, and elaborate entertaining, all made possible by the labor of enslaved men and women on the property. By candlelight, visitors can experience how the antebellum elite marked the holiday season with elegance, display, and family tradition in one of Charleston’s most iconic homes.

The House Museum is not handicap accessible or stroller friendly. Recommended for ages 12 and above. Adults may enjoy an adult beverage post-tour if desired. Tickets are required, and advance purchase is recommended. $45 per person

Aiken-Rhett House Candlelight Tours are offered on the half-hour beginning at 5:30 pm until 7:00 pm. Each tour is approximately 45 minutes long.