Buddy’s Big City Tree Lighting

Story by Market Editor
October 31, 2025

A snowy Tree Lighting with Buddy, Olaf and more! Meet Moolan, Olaf’s new furry friend.

The Charleston City Market is hosting its annual tree lighting on Friday, December 5th, Festivities begin at 6:30 pm.

This enchanting snowy Tree Lighting is sure to provide the Christmas magic you need ! We are delighted to invite you to join us for “Buddy’s Big City Tree Lighting” as Buddy the Elf swings by our big city to illuminate our stunning, live City Market Christmas tree. Where there’s snow, you can bet Olaf and the Frozen cast won’t be far behind, bringing along their new friend, Moolan. Take care of your holiday shopping by visiting all the talented, local artists and vendors on Market Street, stretching from East Bay Street to Meeting Street. Spread some holiday cheer by bringing a new, unwrapped toy or book for “Toys for Tots.” You’ll even receive a complimentary hot chocolate for your kindness and generosity to “Toys for Tots.” Enjoy the tunes, shopping, and holiday vibes prior, and following, the Tree Lighting, which will commence in Anson Square at 7:00 pm.

Meet the cast of characters

Meet & Greet with Elsa, Anna, Kristoff, Olaf and his furry friend MOOLAN

Join us in the Market, near East Bay Street, at 6:30 PM to meet and greet Elsa, Anna, Kristoff, Olaf, and their newest furry friend, Moolan as they prepare for a fun-filled musical and shopping stroll, ultimately leading to the Tree Lighting ceremony in Anson Square, under the direction of Tim Falvey, a celebrated Charleston musician. This Christmas will be Moolan’s first Christmas and she has chosen to celebrate with us!!!! Moolan,a beautiful Highland baby cow who was born in April. When Moolan is not hanging with her Frozen friends, she lives at Crosswind Farm in Holly Hill, S.C

7:00PM

Buddy’s Big City Tree Lighting, Anson Square

Did someone say snow? Buddy is overjoyed about lighting our beautiful tree and helping to bring snow to the City Market. The Palmetto Carriage Works has generously agreed to pick Buddy up iand deliver him to the safely to the Market. Additionally, Buddy knows Santa and cannot wait to see him! To light the tree, bring Santa, and make it snow, Buddy needs us to sing loudly and clearly. As the phrase goes, ‘The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.’ We invite you to join us in this festive celebration and sing with all your heart. Be sure to arrive at Anson Square by 7 to catch Buddy’s arrival.

Meet MOOLAN!

We are delighted to introduce Moolan, the newest friend of Kristoff and Olaf. Born in April, Moolan will experience the magic of her first Christmas with us at “Buddy’s Big City Tree Lighting“. This festive event will offer attendees the chance to take photographs with the entire cast and give Moolan a sweet hug, capturing the special moment in a picture. Moolan presently resides at Crosswind Farm, in Holly Hill.

A special thank you to Kaminsky’ss for their kindness in contributing Hot Cocoa to the first 25 people who donate new, unused toys to Toys for Tots! Kamisnky’s will be on site selling Hot Cocoa and small desserts after the donation of 25 hot chocolates.

Photo Opportunities:

Noah Grove’s festive Christmas music performance is the perfect backdrop for photo opportunities with Buddy the Elf, Santa, Elsa, Anna, Kristoff, Olaf, and Moolan. As Buddy aptly puts it, “I just like to smile. Smile! Smiling’s my favorite,” so be sure to smile and capture the moment with this delightful group. Photos will continue until 9:15 PM,  so you can enjoy some shopping if you want to skip the line and come back for photos.

Musical Attractions

The Cobra Chorale of Cane Bay HIgh School

The Cobra Chorale is the top performing mixed voice ensemble at Cane Bay High School in Summerville, SC. In addition to 4 major concerts annually, they also perform at school and community functions, present an annual Holiday Madrigal Dinner, and perform at the Piccolo Spoleto Festival in Charleston. The Cobra Chorale has performed featured concerts at the 2020 and 2016 Southern Division ACDA Conferences, the 2025, 2015 and 2011 SCMEA State In-Service Conferences, and the 2025, 2018 and 2013 SC ACDA Fall Conferences. Cobra Chorale consistently receives “Superior with Distinction” ratings at State and Regional Festivals and was named the 2023 and 2019 Palmetto State Choral Championships’ Grand Champions. Additionally, they were the Grand Champion of the 2022 and 2018 Georgia Southern Invitationals, the 2017 College of Charleston Invitational and were the 2016 AAAA SC State Champions.

The Charleston Caroling Company

The A cappella carolers are sure to brighten your season as they stroll through the Market, in their Dicken’s dressed costume, performing favorites form Christmases gone By.

Earl White

One of Savannah’s most accomplished saxophonists brings his jazzy Christmas melodies to our city.

– Bernie Beauchamp

Meet Bernie, Charleston’s premier puppeteer, skilled at entertaining all ages.

VTONES of Charleston

VTONES of Charleston will entertain the crowd with some festive Christmas tunes including: Mele Kalikimaka

THE HOT CLUB of Charleston

Charleston’s favorite vintage swing band playing the timeless holiday classics.

Noah Grove

Noah Grove performs live festive Christmas music while you enjoy Photo Opps with Buddy the Elf, Santa, Elsa, Anna, Kristoff, Olaf and Moolan Anson Square by the Big Tree

Enjoy Shopping throughout The Market all night long!

Categories: News & Announcements