HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS IN CHARLESTON!
Christmas is near and there is still plenty of time to spread holiday cheer! If there is one thing that Charleston County and the surrounding area is good at doing over the holidays, it is spreading the love and warmth of Christmas! Here are the holiday happenings going on from now through Christmas! Be on the lookout for a New Years Eve recap for all those last minute planners out there as well!
Now Through Christmas:
Holiday Festival of Lights – The Holiday Festival of Lights at James Island County Park is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year! This holiday Charleston staple has become the event that we all look forward to every year! Running now through January 1, it is estimated that this year features more than 2 million lights and 700 displays in a three mile loop. $10 per car. Opens at 5:30pm each day and closes at 10pm. James Island County Park
Holiday Pub Crawl – Hosted by Rainbow Market Tours, this holiday-inspired pub crawl is a fun, 2.5 hour, interactive tour of historic Charleston while feasting on delicious appetizers and holiday drinks at some of Charleston’s most popular bars. Tours run now til New Years, each night at various times throughout the night. $30 per adult. Times Vary. Rainbow Market, 40 N. Market Street.
A Christmas Carol: The Play – Dock Street Theater has amazing performances now until Christmas of the classic tale of Scrooge. A nightly performance Thursday-Sunday until December 21. $22-$48. 7:30pm. Dock Street Theater, 135 Church Street.
Charleston Christmas Special – Enjoy a classic Christmas variety show with live performances by musicians, dancers and actors in this wonderful Christmas spectacular. It will definitely get you into the Christmas spirit! $25 per ticket. Times vary. Now until Christmas. The Charleston Music Hall, 37 John Street.
Tuesday December 16th
Charleston Sleigh Ride – Each year, Pegasus Charters offers a fun and excited boat ride around the peninsula to see Christmas decorations and lights from the water! While listening to Christmas tunes and learning about Charleston history and Christmas traditions, you’ll get a complimentary travel mug filled with hot cocoa to enjoy! The Charleston Explorer is a covered vessel with restrooms available on board. Coolers are allowed on board if you wish to bring along additional festive beverages to help keep you warm. No glass bottles are allowed on the boat, aluminum and plastic only. 5:30pm-7:00pm. The Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina, 24 Patriots Point Road. For additional information and to purchase tickets, go to or call 843.276.4203.
Wednesday December 17th
Mex 1’s Ugly Sweater Party – Mex 1 Coastal Cantina is joining in on the Ugly Sweater madness by hosting an Ugly Sweater Tap Takeover! The party will include an Ugly Sweater Competition, live music from Yellowknife, drink specials. Some head for some tasty mexican with your prettiest ugly sweater for prizes and fun. FREE! 6pm-12am. Mex 1 Coastal Cantina, 817 St. Andrews Blvd
HoM Ugly Sweater Party – Instead of typing the same thing again, I’ll just say that HoM is doing the same, fun party that Mex 1 is hosting! So you must choose – downtown or West Ashley? Where will you rock your most wonderful ugly sweater? FREE! 8-9pm. HoM, 563 King Street.
Santa’s Fancy Femmes – Journey back to the 1950s VEGAS, and era of lavish entertainment, hot broads, and celebrity headliners….The ambiance of this cabaret theatre is sure to launch you back in time, complete with table side service. $29.75 per ticket. 8pm. Charleston Performing Arts Center, 873 Folly Road.
Thursday December 18th
Elise Testone sings for Toys for Tots – Local singer and American Idol phenom will perform at Prohibition to get us all into the holiday spirit and to raise money for Toys for Tots. And if you bring a bring new, unwrapped toy, you will not be charged a cover for the event! Other performers include Adam Fallen, Rodrick Cliche and Calvin Baxter. $5 cover or new, unwrapped toy. 8pm. Prohibition, 547 King Street
Men’s Shopping Night on King Street – Refreshments and shopping tailored for men. Gift counseling, personal shopping and ideas for the women in their lives. 5:00 – 8:00 PM. King Street.
Friday December 19th
SoCal Holiday Block Party – Join Boones, Kickin Chicken, King Street Grill, Mellow Mushroom and Upper Deck for SoCal’s (South of Calhoun Street) third annual block holiday block party. Along with restaurants, Coast Brewing Company will take part in this joyously holiday themed event with proceeds going straight back to the Charleston community. Each restaurant will have a various Coast brews on tap, Coast gear, raffles and all kinds of entertainment. Admission to the event is similar to Elise Testone’s holiday performance – simply bring a new, unwrapped toy donation. Entry is a new, unwrapped toy. 9pm-12am. South of Calhoun Street on King Street.
Living Nativity – Hosted by the children at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church on the church grounds, this living nativity of Jesus in his manger is performed by the children of St. Paul’s. FREE! 6pm-8pm. St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 604 Pitt Street, Mt. Pleasant.
Coast Records Christmas Party – Independent record label out of the Holy City, Coast Records, will host its inaugural Christmas Party at Republic Garden & Lounge. The party will feature music from local artists like Human Resources (formerly known as Donnie Dies), The Dunder Chiefs, Tyler Boone, Shannon Vogt and other special guests! FREE! 6pm-10pm. Republic Garden and Lounge, 462 King Street.
Saturday December 21st
Marion Square Holiday Market – It is the final Holiday Market before Christmas! Be sure to head to Marion Square to purchase all of your last minute gifts. Local artists, bakers and chefs will be there for all of your gift needs! Featuring live Christmas music all day! Open on Sunday as well! FREE! 9am-4pm. Marion Square, King and Calhoun Street.
