Our ultimate, VIP, very long Charleston holiday arts and entertainment event guide | Charleston Scene

‘Tis the season for holiday merriment, from art markets to Christmas ballets to Yuletide concerts. 

Since there’s so much going on in Charleston during the month of December, we decided to compile the best local happenings into one comprehensive calendar for your perusal and reviewal. 

Don’t miss out on some of the holliest, jolliest local productions of the year, from events you can enjoy with the whole family to date night or friends-night-out activities. 

To make things easier, we’ve placed events into a variety of categories, from music to festivals & parades and ordered the included activities by date.

Please enjoy, and mark your calendars now. Happy holidays, y’all! 

MUSIC

Carols and Cocktails

WHAT: Holy City Arts & Lyric Opera will perform music, and there will be cocktails and desserts, to benefit Carolina Youth Development Center

WHEN: 7-9 p.m. Dec. 2

WHERE: Pierce Park Pavilion, Daniel Island

PRICE: $75

MORE INFO: carolscocktails.givesmart.com

Yuletide Madrigal Feast

WHAT: The College of Charleston Madrigal Singers will present their annual Renaissance-style evening of holiday entertainment, featuring a multi-course meal, wassail, instrumental music and carols 

WHEN: 7 p.m. Dec. 2-4

WHERE: Circular Congregational Church, 150 Meeting St. 

PRICE: $50-$70

MORE INFO: go.cofc.edu/madrigal

David Koz and Friends Christmas Tour

WHAT: Christmas classics and a Hanukkah medley for the 24th annual rendition of saxophonist David Koz’s Christmas tour with Jonathan Butler, Rick Braun, Richard Elliot and Rebecca Jade

WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 3

WHERE: North Charleston Performing Arts Center, 5001 Coliseum Drive

PRICE: $38-$78

MORE INFO: northcharlestoncoliseumpac.com

The Sound of Charleston Holiday Edition

WHAT: Now in its 11th season, this program showcases the music of Charleston’s history, including gospel, Gershwin, jazz, music of the Civil War and light classics, performed by local professional musicians

WHEN: 7 p.m. Dec. 3, 10, 17, 23, 26 and 30 

WHERE: Circular Congregational Church, 150 Meeting St. 

PRICE: $16-$28, children under 7 free

MORE INFO: soundofcharleston.com

Holiday Swing: A Charleston Jazz Tradition

WHAT: Maestro Robert Lewis and the Charleston Jazz Orchestra, featuring vocalist Zandrina Dunning, will perform big band arrangements of winter classics and holiday favorites

WHEN: 5 p.m. Dec. 4

WHERE: Charleston Music Hall, 37 John St. 

PRICE: $10 students, $25-$62 general admission

MORE INFO: charlestonmusichall.com

Under the Streetlamp Hip to the Holidays

WHAT: Performance by four Broadway singers of favorite holiday tunes from the American radio songbook

WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 5

WHERE: Gaillard Center, 95 Calhoun St. 

PRICE: $29+

MORE INFO: gaillardcenter.org

Charleston School of the Arts Symphony Holiday Spectacular 

WHAT: Holiday favorites for the eighth annual concert

WHEN: 7 p.m. Dec. 9

WHERE: Gaillard Center, 95 Calhoun St. 

PRICE: $18+

MORE INFO: gaillardcenter.org

Reckoning’s All Request Christmas

WHAT: Song requests will be collected on the Facebook event page up until Dec. 4 and then performed live at the show by the local Grateful Dead cover band

WHEN: 9:30 p.m. Dec. 10

WHERE: Charleston Pour House, 1977 Maybank Highway 

PRICE: $15 advance, $20 day of show

MORE INFO: charlestonpourhouse.com

A Very Dave Barnes Christmas

WHAT: Singer-songwriter Dave Barnes and guests perform classic holiday originals and favorites

WHEN: 8 p.m. Dec. 10

WHERE: Charleston Music Hall, 37 John St. 

PRICE: $29.50-$49.50

MORE INFO: charlestonmusichall.com

Jingle Jam

WHAT: Christmas music from Dave D, a Toys for Tots drive (a donation gets you a $5 Rusty Bull Gift Card) and an ugly sweater contest with $50 in house cash up for grabs

WHEN: 7-10 p.m. Dec. 10

WHERE: Rusty Bull Brewing Co., 3005 W. Montague Ave. 

PRICE: Free

MORE INFO: rustybullbrewing.com

Charlton Singleton’s Holiday Spectacular

WHAT: In addition to holiday favorites, the repertoire from R&B to jazz to classical will include some of the band’s favorite uplifting songs

WHEN: 8 p.m. Dec. 11

WHERE: Charleston Music Hall, 37 John St. 

PRICE: $17 students, $20 general admission

MORE INFO: charlestonmusichall.com

Marshgrass Mamas Yuletide Spectacular

WHAT: James Island all-women bluegrass group featuring Shovels & Rope star Cary Ann Hearst perform holiday tunes

WHEN: 6 p.m. Dec. 11

WHERE: Charleston Pour House, 1977 Maybank Highway 

PRICE: $10 advance, $12 day of show

MORE INFO: charlestonpourhouse.com

‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ Spectacular

WHAT: A presentation by Gracie & Lacy and the Forte Jazz band featuring hit songs and themes from the movie, tap dancing and a live rendition of the sisters’ new original song, “It’s A Wonderful Life.”

WHEN: 3 p.m., 7 p.m. Dec. 11

WHERE: Forte Jazz Lounge, 477 King St. 

PRICE: $20-$40

MORE INFO: fortejazzlounge.com

Holiday Benefit to Remember Julia and Help Homeless 

WHAT: Musician and activist Julia Hamilton will be remembered with a drop-in musical benefit event where her friends will share her music on her old instruments; food and clothing will be collected for local homelessness relief efforts

WHEN: 6-8 p.m. Dec. 11

WHERE: 32 Sowell St., Mount Pleasant

PRICE: Free, donations accepted

MORE INFO: https://bit.ly/3nMHygE

Soul of Christmas with Bill Wilson

WHAT: Charleston soul legend Bill Wilson will perform a mix of original and classic Christmas songs

WHEN: 7 p.m. Dec. 15

WHERE: Lo-Fi Brewing, 2038 Meeting Street Road

PRICE: $25 advance, $30 day of show

MORE INFO: lofibrewing.com

Steven Curtis Chapman Acoustic Christmas

WHAT: Grammy-winning Christian musician will perform Christmas music

WHEN: 6-9:30 p.m. Dec. 16

WHERE: Cathedral of Praise, 3790 Ashley Phosphate Road

PRICE: $25-$75

MORE INFO: wayfm.com/events

The Charleston Christmas Special

WHAT: Brad and Jennifer Moranz present the 26th year of their holiday musical show, featuring some of the country’s most talented singers, dancers and musicians

WHEN: Various showtimes Dec. 16-22

WHERE: Charleston Music Hall, 37 John St. 

PRICE: $18-$40

MORE INFO: charlestonmusichall.com

Gaslight’s Funky Jingle Ball

WHAT: Southern soul band Gaslight Street is bringing their friends along to take you back to that “Aunt Nina and Uncle Jerry’s place at Christmas” feeling with their fourth annual Funky Jingle Ball

WHEN: 9:30 p.m. Dec. 17

WHERE: Charleston Pour House, 1977 Maybank Highway 

PRICE: $15

MORE INFO: charlestonpourhouse.com

Holiday Spirits! presented by Charleston Opera Theater

WHAT: Classical, popular and jazz stylings of traditional Christmas and Hanukkah music, with food trucks on-site and lawn seating available

WHEN: 5-7:30 p.m. Dec. 17

WHERE: Firefly Distillery, 4201 Spruill Ave. 

PRICE: $15-$30, children under 10 free

MORE INFO: charlestonoperatheater.org

Charleston Symphony Orchestra Chamber Music Christmas Concert

WHAT: The Charleston Symphony Orchestra will perform holiday music in a chamber music format

WHEN: 7:30-9:30 p.m. Dec. 17-18

WHERE: Charleston Library Society, 164 King St. 

PRICE: $10-$40

MORE INFO: charlestonlibrarysociety.org

A Satirical Pop Christmas

WHAT: Charleston satirical pop band Sexbruise? will play a holiday show

WHEN: 9:30 p.m. Dec. 18

WHERE: Charleston Pour House, 1977 Maybank Highway 

PRICE: $13 advance, $15 day of show

MORE INFO: charlestonpourhouse.com

Acid Christmas

WHAT: Ross Bogan and Stu White of Doom Flamingo perform “acid Christmas” songs

WHEN: 9 p.m. Dec. 18 

WHERE: The Royal American, 970 Morrison Drive

PRICE: $10

MORE INFO: theroyalamerican.com

A Damn Fine Christmas

WHAT: Will Blackburn, Kanika Moore and Noah Jones will perform soulful Christmas music

WHEN: 7 p.m. Dec. 19

WHERE: Lo-FI Brewing, 2038 Meeting Street Road

PRICE: $25 advance, $30 day of show, $40 VIP

MORE INFO: lofibrewing.com

Candlelight Orchestra Christmas Concert

WHAT: With over 1,000 candles illuminating performers, the traveling Candlelight Orchestra will play classical romantics and season favorites

WHEN: 5 p.m., 6:30 p.m., 8 p.m. Dec. 19

WHERE: South Carolina Society Hall, 72 Meeting St. 

PRICE: $45-$55

MORE INFO: charlestoncvb.com

Chamber Music Charleston: The Night Before Christmas 

WHAT: This concert will feature favorite classical holiday songs and retellings of Christmas tales, such as “The Donkey’s Christmas Carol” and “The Night Before Christmas.”  There will be an appearance from Elsa of “Frozen.”

WHEN: 1 p.m., 3:30 p.m. Dec. 20

WHERE: Sottile Theatre, 44 George St. 

PRICE: $10-$15, kids 3 and under free

MORE INFO: chambermusiccharleston.org

Holiday POPS!

WHAT: Annual show by Charleston Symphony Orchestra featuring choirs, dancers, guest vocalists and pipers 

WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 22-23

WHERE: Gaillard Center, 95 Calhoun St. 

PRICE: $25+

MORE INFO: gaillardcenter.org

Blue Dogs Happy Howlidays Homecoming Show

WHAT: Celebrating 25 years of the Blue Dogs’ annual show at the Music Hall and new holiday EP “Happy Howlidays”

WHEN: 8 p.m. Dec. 29

WHERE: Charleston Music Hall, 37 John St. 

PRICE: $25-$50

MORE INFO: charlestonmusichall.com

STAGE & SCREEN

Hanukkah Film Festival

WHAT: Eight nights of exclusive, award-winning new Jewish films presented by Menemsha Films and Charleston Jewish Filmfest that can be streamed at home

WHEN: Nov. 28-Dec. 5

WHERE: Streaming services

PRICE: $36

MORE INFO: hanukkahfilmfestival.com

‘Elf the Musical’

WHAT: Based on the Will Ferrell movie, this play tells the story of Buddy the Elf (“What’s your favorite color?”)

WHEN: Various showtimes Dec. 1-19

WHERE: Dock Street Theatre, 135 Church St. 

PRICE: $32-$75

MORE INFO: charlestonstage.com

An Evening with Chevy Chase

WHAT: A Q&A with Chevy Chase live on stage after a screening of “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation”

WHEN: 7 p.m. Dec. 1

WHERE: North Charleston Performing Arts Center, 5001 Coliseum Drive

PRICE: $48-$98

MORE INFO: northcharlestoncoliseumpac.com

‘The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Musical’

WHAT: Christmas musical transporting audiences to Santa’s workshop

WHEN: 6 p.m. Dec. 2

WHERE: Gaillard Center, 95 Calhoun St. 

PRICE: $34.95+

MORE INFO: gaillardcenter.org

‘It’s a Wonderful Life’: A Radio Play

WHAT: The holiday classic movie comes to life as a live 1940s radio broadcast, with the help of an ensemble including the character George Bailey, as he considers ending his life one fateful Christmas Eve

WHEN: 8 p.m. Dec. 2-4; 3 p.m. Dec. 5; 8 p.m. Dec. 9-11

WHERE: Flowertown Players, 133 S. Main St., Summerville

PRICE: $20-$25

MORE INFO: flowertownplayers.org

Terrace Theater Holiday Drive-in Movies

WHEN: 7:30 p.m. start time; “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas” (2000) and “Gremlins” Dec. 3-5; “The Grinch” (2018) and “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” Dec. 10-12; “Polar Express” and “A Christmas Story” Dec. 17-19

WHERE: Terrace Theater, 1956 D Maybank Highway 

PRICE: $35 per car for double features

MORE INFO: terracetheater.com

Charleston Music Hall Holiday Film Screening

WHAT: “Love Actually” film screening, with live caroling beforehand; Billy Mack’s “Christmas is All Around” is on the agenda

WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 3

WHERE: Charleston Music Hall, 37 John St. 

PRICE: $12

MORE INFO: charlestonmusichall.com

Mount Pleasant Performing Arts Co.’s ‘The Nutcracker Ballet’

WHEN: 7 p.m. Dec. 3-4; 3 p.m. Dec. 5

WHERE: Sottile Theatre, 44 George St. 

PRICE: $30-$35

MORE INFO: sottile.cofc.edu

Cirque Dreams Holidaze 

WHAT: A whimsical, Broadway-style, multi-million-dollar musical of seasonal favorites infused with contemporary circus artistry

WHEN: 4 p.m., 8 p.m. Dec. 4

WHERE: North Charleston Performing Arts Center, 5001 Coliseum Drive

PRICE: $29-$99

MORE INFO: northcharlestoncoliseumpac.com

‘White Christmas’ Screenings

WHAT: Ninth annual screenings of “White Christmas” with prizes for ugliest sweater and best singing voice

WHEN: 1:15 p.m. and 7:15 p.m. Dec. 6 and 8

WHERE: Terrace Theater, 1956D Maybank Highway 

PRICE: $15

MORE INFO: terracetheater.com

Hip Hop Nutcracker

WHAT: A remixed version of “The Nutcracker,” smashing hip-hop dance and Tchaikovksy’s timeless music together into a contemporary performance, feat. MC Kurtis Blow

WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 7

WHERE: Gaillard Center, 95 Calhoun St.

PRICE: $29+

MORE INFO: gaillardcenter.org

It’s the Most Horrible Time of the Year

WHAT: An evening with horror author Grady Hendrix, presented by Buxton Books, including a holiday presentation, book signing and screening of rare Christmas episode from a hit ’80s TV show

WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 9

WHERE: Terrace Theater, 1956 D Maybank Highway 

PRICE: $22

MORE INFO: terracetheater.com

A Very Merry Footlight Holiday Special Variety Show

WHAT: “It’s sort of like an old-school variety hour mixed with a touch of SNL and a lot of nostalgia for those ’70s and ’80s era television specials like ‘Donnie & Marie’ and ‘A Year Without a Santa Claus,'” said organizer Kyle Barnette

Special guests include Dance Lab performers

WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 9-10; 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. Dec. 11-12

WHERE: Queen Street Playhouse, 20 Queen St. 

PRICE: $25

MORE INFO: footlightplayers.net

A Very Naughty Rocky Horror Christmas

WHAT: Brooke Collins presents “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” with a costume contest and pre-show of Santa Claus. vs. The Martians. 

WHEN: 11 p.m. Dec. 10

WHERE: Terrace Theater, 1956 D Maybank Highway 

PRICE: $15

MORE INFO: terracetheater.com

Dance Conservatory of Charleston’s Nutcracker Ballet

WHEN: 2 p.m., 6 p.m. Dec. 11; 1 p.m., 5 p.m. Dec. 12

WHERE: Sottile Theatre, 44 George St. 

PRICE: $25-$40

MORE INFO: sottile.cofc.edu

Snow Queen Ballet

WHAT: Palmetto City Ballet presents “The Snow Queen” based on the fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen

WHEN: 7 p.m. Dec. 19; 3 p.m. Dec. 20

WHERE: Sottile Theatre, 44 George St. 

PRICE: $40-$45

MORE INFO: sottile.cofc.edu

A Drag Queen Christmas

WHAT: Hosted by Trinity The Tuck and Monet X Change, this drag show includes holiday classics and naughty shenanigans

WHEN: 8 p.m. Dec. 22

WHERE: North Charleston Performing Arts Center, 5001 Coliseum Drive

PRICE: $35-$150

MORE INFO: northcharlestoncoliseumpac.com

Patti O’ Furniture’s Drag Spectacular feat. Ginger Minj’s Winter Wonderland Variety Show

WHAT: Holiday drag spectacular

WHEN: 8 p.m. Dec. 23

WHERE: Charleston Music Hall, 27 John St. 

PRICE: $18 advance, $20 day of show; $10 add-on cast meet-and-greet

MORE INFO: charlestonmusichall.com

VISUAL ARTS & MARKETS

Illumination Charleston

WHAT: Three-day event featuring a series of events to celebrate preservation, inspiration and contemporary design and style while honoring Charleston’s historic spaces

WHEN: Dec. 2-5

WHERE: Aiken-Rhett House, 48 Elizabeth St.; Second Presbyterian Church, 342 Meeting St.; Fritz-Porter, 701 East Bay St.; Visitor Center, 375 Meeting St.; Nathanial Russell House, 51 Meeting St. 

PRICE: $75+

MORE INFO: illuminationcharleston.com

Hanahan Christmas Tree Lighting and Market

WHAT: Meet Santa Claus and shop local vendors, while listening to local school music performances 

WHEN: 5-8:30 p.m. Dec. 3

WHERE: Hanahan Recreation Department, 3100 Mabeline Road

PRICE: Free

Daniel Island Holiday Market

WHAT: Artisans, crafters, specialty foods and live music

WHEN: 5-8 p.m. Dec. 3

WHERE: Guggenheim Terrace, Daniel Island

PRICE: Free

Christmas Made in the South

WHAT: 28th annual holiday market, featuring hundreds of vendors, arts and crafts demonstrations and an appearance from Santa

WHEN: 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. Dec. 3-4; 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 5

WHERE: Ladson Exchange Park, 9850 Highway 78

PRICE: $8 adults, Free children 12 and under

MORE INFO: christmasmadeinthesouth.com

POHO Holiday Night Market

WHAT: Pour House’s biggest night market of the year featuring local goods, makers, vintage collectors, art, live music by Swamptooth and food from Root Note

WHEN: 5-9 p.m. Dec. 4

WHERE: Charleston Pour House, 1977 Maybank Highway 

PRICE: Free

MORE INFO: charlestonpourhouse.com

Santa in the Swamp

WHAT: Santa will arrive by flat-bottom boat and greet visitors. There will also be craft vendors, food trucks and dance performances by Moncks Corner Dance Studio and Palmetto Xtreme Dance Studio.

WHEN: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Dec. 4

WHERE: Cypress Gardens, 3030 Cypress Gardens Road

PRICE: $5-$10

MORE INFO: cypressgardens.berkeleycountysc.gov

Charleston Holiday Market

WHAT: Charleston Farmers Market throughout holiday season

WHEN: Dec. 4-5, 11-12, 18-19

WHERE: Marion Square, 329 Meeting St. 

PRICE: Free

MORE INFO: charlestonfarmersmarket.com

Old Village Street Fest

WHAT: Open-air holiday market on Pitt Street presented by Out of Hand and Post House with shopping, live entertainment, food trucks and kids’ activities

WHEN: 2-8 p.m. Dec. 4

WHERE: Block between Venning and Morrison Streets

PRICE: Free

The Charity Market

WHAT: DJs, raffle, food trucks, vendors and performers

WHEN: 12-5:30 p.m. Dec. 4

WHERE: Purple Buffalo, 2702 Azalea Drive

PRICE: $5

MORE INFO: purplebuffalo843.com

Johns Island Holiday Night Markets

WHAT: More than 40 vendors, live music by Noah Grove, a visit from Santa and s’mores and food trucks

WHEN: 4:30-8 p.m. Dec. 4 and 18

WHERE: Charleston Collegiate School, 2024 Academy Road

PRICE: Free

Thrifters and Drifters Holiday Market

WHAT: More than 25 local artisans and vendors

WHEN: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 5

WHERE: The Royal American, 970 Morrison Drive

PRICE: Free

MORE INFO: theroyalamerican.com

Stocking Stuffer Holiday Show

WHAT: Charleston Artist Collective art show and market from 28 artists

WHEN: Dec. 8

WHERE: Charleston Artist Collective, 414 Whilden St., Mount Pleasant

PRICE: Free

MORE INFO: charleston.artistcollectives.org

Annual Antique Stroll: A Few of My Favorite Things

WHAT: Antique dealers, vintage vendors and design experts gather together to share stories behind some of their favorite objects

WHEN: 6-7:30 p.m. Dec. 8

WHERE: Gibbes Museum of Art, 135 Meeting St. 

PRICE: $25 members, $35 non-members

MORE INFO: gibbesmuseum.org

Holiday Sip ‘N Shop 

WHAT: 15 guest artisans in addition to the store’s more than 45 vendors

WHEN: 6-9 p.m. Dec. 9

WHERE: The Station, 4610 Spruill Ave. 

PRICE: Free

MORE INFO: facebook.com/thestationparkcircle

23rd Annual Holiday Market and Craft Show

WHEN: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 11

WHERE: Mount Pleasant Farmers Market Pavilion, 645 Coleman Blvd. 

PRICE: Free

December Pickers Hullabaloo Flea Market

WHAT: More than 60 vintage vendors and artisans, along with live music, food trucks and beverages

WHEN: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 11

WHERE: The French Eclectic Warehouse, 4244 Scott St., North Charleston

PRICE: $10 early bird entry at 10 a.m.; Free general admission at 11 a.m.

MORE INFO: pickershullabaloo.com

84Flea Holiday Market

WHAT: Vintage market with over 40 local and visiting vendors, food trucks and a DJ

WHEN: 12-4 p.m. Dec. 12

WHERE: Tradesman Brewing Co., 1647 King Street Ext.

PRICE: Free

Redux Open Studios

WHAT: Peruse the studios and purchase holiday presents from local artists

WHEN: 5-8 p.m. Dec. 16

WHERE: Redux Contemporary Art Center, 1056 King St. 

PRICE: Free

MORE INFO: reduxstudios.org

Holy City Holiday Market

WHAT: 7th annual holiday market at Holy City Brewing

WHEN: 12-5 p.m. Dec. 18

WHERE: Holy City Brewing, 1021 Aragon Ave. 

PRICE: Free 

MORE INFO: holycitybrewing.com

Holiday Market Adopt & Shop

WHAT: Gift shop holiday packages, local vendors, adoptable dogs and Firefly cocktails, along with food trucks and tastings

WHEN: 12-6 p.m. Dec. 18

WHERE: Firefly Distillery, 4201 Spruill Ave. 

PRICE: Free

MORE INFO: fireflydistillery.com

Holiday Holy City Vintage Market

WHAT: Tarot card readings, rock music covers by Dumb Doctors and vintage and artisanal gifts galore

WHEN: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 19

WHERE: The Royal American, 970 Morrison Drive

PRICE: Free

MORE INFO: instagram.com/holycityvintagemarket

FESTIVALS & PARADES

Holiday Festival of Lights

WHAT: 2 million light bulbs make up holiday displays for this drive-thru festival featuring a place to stop, peruse art, meet Santa and roast s’mores

WHEN: 5:30-10 p.m. now-Dec. 31

WHERE: James Island County Park, 871 Riverland Drive

PRICE: $15-$30

MORE INFO: holidayfestivalofllights.com

Christmas in the Creek Tree Lighting

WHEN: 6 p.m. Dec. 3

WHERE: Goose Creek Municipal Center, 519 N. Goose Creek Blvd. 

PRICE: Free

MORE INFO: cityofgoosecreek.com

Emeline Tree Lighting w/HALO

WHAT: Christmas tree lighting at Hotel Emeline with music by Leah Edwards of HALO, pop-up holiday shop and complimentary hot cider, cocoa, holiday cookies and celebratory cocktails

WHEN: 4-6 p.m. Dec. 3

WHERE: Hotel Emeline, 181 Church St.

PRICE: Free

North Charleston Tree Lighting

WHAT: Yuletide tunes by the North Charleston High School chorus and band will fill the air as Mayor Keith Summey lights the city’s 40-foot-tall Christmas tree

WHEN: 6-7 p.m. Dec. 3

WHERE: Felix C. Davis Community Center, 4800 Park Circle

PRICE: Free

MORE INFO: northcharleston.org

North Charleston Christmas Festival & Parade

WHAT: A festival and parade, featuring live music from DJ R Dot, Victorian Christmas carolers, visits with Santa, a petting zoo, hay rides, a marshmallow roasting pit and kids’ activities

WHEN: 4-8 p.m. Dec. 4

WHERE: Felix C. Davis Community Center, 4800 Park Circle

PRICE: Free

MORE INFO: northcharleston.org

Charleston Holiday Parade

WHEN: 3:30 p.m. Dec. 5

WHERE: Start on Broad St., down Meeting St., to Calhoun St. at Meeting St.

PRICE: Free

Deck the Halls Tree Lighting and Holiday Golf Cart Parade

WHAT: Watch or join the parade of lighted golf carts and then enjoy live music and the annual tree lighting

WHEN: 5-8 p.m. Dec. 10

WHERE: Brighton Park Blvd., Summerville 

PRICE: Bring toys for Toys for Tots drive

MORE INFO: nexton.com

Folly Beach Christmas Parade

WHEN: 12 p.m. Dec. 11

WHERE: Folly Beach Center Street

PRICE: Free

MORE INFO: cityoffollybeach.com

Summerville Christmas Parade

WHAT: This year’s theme is “Christmas in the Pines”

WHEN: 2 p.m. Dec. 12

WHERE: Summerville DREAM, 130 E. 2nd N. St. 

PRICE: Free

Mount Pleasant Holiday Parade

WHAT: More than 100 floats will make their way down Coleman Boulevard. A tree lighting kicks things off at Moultrie Middle School. 

WHEN: 5:30 p.m. tree lighting, 5:45 p.m. parade Dec. 12

WHERE: Moultrie Middle School, past Shem Creek to Sea Island Shopping Center

PRICE: Free

FOOD & BEV

Pub & Brewery Tours of Charleston’s Annual Holiday Pub Crawl

WHAT: A 2.5-hour walking tour visiting three to five historic pubs while learning the stories and legends of Charleston’s culture and holiday history. Guests pay for holiday beverages along the route, but provided complimentary appetizers and holiday treats are free. 

WHEN: 1 p.m., 4 p.m., 7 p.m. daily now-Jan. 10

WHERE: Departs from Tommy Condon’s Irish Pub, 160 Church St. 

PRICE: $45 

MORE INFO: pubtourcharleston.com

Breakfast with Santa

WHAT: Eat breakfast in a festively decorated restaurant, and have your picture taken with Santa

WHEN: Dec. 4-5, 11-12

WHERE: Handcraft Kitchen & Cocktails, 735 Coleman Blvd. 

PRICE: $19 kids 10 and under, $30 adults; reservations required

MORE INFO: handcraftmtp.com

Milk and Cookies with Santa

WHAT: Ferry cruise with Santa 

WHEN: 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. Dec. 4, 11 and 18

WHERE: Daniel Island Ferry, 101 River Landing Drive

PRICE: $25-$35

MORE INFO: diferry.com

‘Home Alone’ Trivia Night

WHAT: “Home Alone” trivia, with a $150 house cash prize

WHEN: 7 p.m. Dec. 15

WHERE: Rusty Bull Brewing, 3005 W. Montague Ave. 

PRICE: Free

MORE INFO: rustybullbrewing.com

Santa Brunch

WHAT: Santa and Mrs. Claus will visit for brunch, which includes holiday specials and cocktails

WHEN: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Dec. 19

WHERE: 100 Church St., Mount Pleasant

PRICE: Free to attend, make reservations in advance 

MORE INFO: tableandtavern.com

Sixth Annual Festivus Party

WHAT: “Gather around the Festivus pole and hoist a pint;” meatloaf sandwiches included

WHEN: 5-8 p.m. Dec. 23

WHERE: Tradesman Brewing Co., 1647 King Street Ext. 

PRICE: Free

MORE INFO: tradesmanbrewing.com