Charleston SC Events Nov-Dec 2014

Looking to fill your social calendar? We've got the rundown on what to do this holiday season.

Yall Fest

Nov 7 - 8

The fourth annual festival brings 61 acclaimed authors, including 39 New York Times bestsellers, to Charleston. The largest and most renowned festival in the country specifically geared toward Young Adult and Middle Grade Literature, with over 5,000 international fans expected to attend. A highly-anticipated annual event for booklovers of all ages. Various venues. 843-722-2666, yallfest.org

Charleston Veterans Day Parade

Nov 8

Enjoy a Veterans Day parade in downtown Charleston. This special event gives the community an opportunity to recognize America's heroes! Parade route begins at Concord St. and Market St. Begins 9:55am. 843-789-7488, charleston.va.gov

Lowcountry Hoedown

Nov 8

Suit up in your best plaid and prepare for a boot stompin' good time at the 3rd annual Lowcountry Hoedown. Sip on bourbon and whiskey cocktails from a dozen distilleries. Enjoy craft brews and nosh on BBQ, brisket & tasty Southern treats from Lowcountry restaurants and artisan food vendors. Live bluegrass music. Charleston Visitor Center Bus Shed, 7-11pm. 412-6122, lowcountryhoedown.com

Charleston Cup Steeplechase

Nov 9

Sanctioned by The National Steeplechase Association, the Cup has become one of the premier sporting events in the Lowcountry, offering spectators the opportunity to experience live horse racing at its finest. Attendees arrive early with their picnic baskets packed with everything from champagne and caviar to fried chicken and cold beer. Gates open 9am, race starts at noon. The Plantation at Stono Ferry. 766-6202, charlestoncup.net

Holiday Festival of Lights Fun Run & Walk

Nov 12- 13

Get a sneak peek of the festival’s 750+ illuminated displays and festival’s amenities, including gift shops, marshmallow roasting, train and carousel rides, and more. Advance registration is required for this preview. James Island County Park, 6:30 pm. 795-7275, ccprc.com/funrun

Taste of the World

Nov 13

The Charleston Port & Seafarers’ Society’s largest annual fundraiser is coming to Alhambra Hall. The event raises funds for the Society, an organization that welcomes and serves the needs of thousands of men and women who make their livelihood in the port or at sea. The event will provide an estimated 300-400 guests with the opportunity to sample a variety of different cuisines from some of Charleston’s best restaurants, as well as win prizes and participate in a silent auction. 843-442-1363, charlestonseafarers.org

2014 Holiday Festival of Lights

Nov 14 - Jan 1

Let the spirit of the season embrace you as James Island County Park comes alive with illumination at Charleston’s most beloved nighttime event. Gather family and friends to capture the magic of the holiday season. A three-mile driving tour with over 750 shining displays, plus experience exciting attractions, custom-designed for holiday cheer including Train Rides, Enchanted Walking Trail, Gingerbread House displays, Gift Shops, Climbing Wall, and photos with Santa. 795-7275. holidayfestivaloflights.com

3rd Annual Smoke on the Harbor BBQ Throwdown

Nov 14 - 15

This State Championship will feature two days of barbeque competition within a large competitor and vendor village centered around The Lookout Pavilion. Public sampling of chicken wings and pork butts will be available for purchase, along with numerous options for food and refreshments. Enjoy live music performances, a cocktail competition, and a Kids Zone with Drop Off option, all within a family friendly, casual and fun atmosphere. Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina. 843-284-7022, smokeontheharbor.com

Charleston Coffee Cup

Nov 16

The Charleston Coffee Cup will feature the best of local and regional coffee shops and roasters as well as coffee tastings, latte art competitions, and roasters challenges. Awards will be given by our celebrity judges including a Peoples’ Choice Award for the best local coffee shop. Delicious bites will be available from local brunch purveyors. Joe Riley Stadium. 10am-3pm. 843-633-1638, charlestoncoffeecup.com

Charleston Jazz Orchestra presents Holiday Swing

Nov 22

This performance will celebrate the holiday season and will be conducted in 2 sets. The Charleston Jazz Orchestra is a twenty-piece big band made up of many of the finest musicians in the Charleston area. They all have extensive resumes and have played in a great variety of groups and venues around the world. CJO continues to refine its sound, now in its sixth season. Charleston Music Hall. Set 1, 5pm; Set 2, 8pm. 843-641-0011, jazzartistsofcharleston.org

37th Annual Turkey Day Run & Goggle Wobble

Nov 27

A holiday tradition, the course takes participants through historic downtown Charleston and the Battery before returning to Marion Square for a post-race party. Runners will enjoy free food and beverages as well as live music and awards ceremony. A Children’s Fun Run and activities ensure that this is a fun event for any age. Marion Square, 9am. turkeydayrun.com

Holiday Market at Middleton Place

Nov 28 - 29

The Garden Market & Nursery and Museum Shop kick-off the shopping season with an open-air market including local artisans and vendors, live musicians performing festive carols, complimentary hot cider and treats, and featured items in both shops. 10am-4pm. 843-556-6020, middletonplace.org

A Sweet T. Christmas

Nov 28 - Dec 27

This Christmas believe that your greatest wishes can come true; even those you didn't know to wish for. Returning for a third holiday season is the laughingly lovely story of a heavenly stranger, a hapless handyman, a hopeless hostess, a hopping-mad Santa, and their hysterical hunt for the holy grail of wish granting, a winning lottery ticket! The show that has sold out the last two Decembers returns to the Black Fedora Comedy Mystery Theatre. 843-937-6453, charlestonmysteries.com

Winter Wonderland

Dec 2 - 5

This free pre-school event provides young children an opportunity to visit Santa, participate in hands-on activities, including holiday arts & crafts, and take part in live performances and music. Dec 2, from 12 - 1:30pm, Dec 3 - 5, from 9am - 1:30pm. Armory Park. 843-740-5807, northcharleston.org

Columbia City Ballet's The Nutcracker

Dec 6

Come experience The Nutcracker this holiday season, produced by the Columbia City Ballet. North Charleston Performing Arts Center. 5:30pm. northcharlestoncoliseumpac.com

Wine Under the Oaks

Dec 7

One of the premier holiday special events in the Lowcountry, the event will again be presented on the back lawn of Boone Hall Plantation with an expanded variety of over 100 fine wines being featured, gourmet foods, a champagne and desserts tent, ice sculptures, wine and food pairings, and added this year will be exciting wine and cooking demonstrations.  The Plantation will be decorated in holiday décor and it is the perfect way to kick-off the holiday season. 1-5pm. 884-4371, boonehallplantation.com

Charleston Sleigh Ride

Dec 12 - 31

Pegasus Charters offers the original Charleston Sleigh Ride. Depart from the Charleston Harbor Resort in Mt. Pleasant upon the Charleston Explorer. The tour travels along the Charleston Peninsula for 1.5 hours looking at Christmas decorations while listening to Christmas music and stories about Charleston's Christmas traditions. The tour provides a travel mug filled with hot chocolate which is yours to keep. Perfect for couples and families looking for a festive holiday outing. 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. Tours leave at 5:30pm. 843-276-4203, charlestonsleighride.com

Holiday Farmers Market & Craft Show

Dec 13

The annual Holiday Farmers Market & Craft Show combines all the goodies from traditional food market such as locally grown fresh produce, baked goods, hot food and homemade preserves with handcrafted gifts created by local artisans. Come see this year’s wonderful assortment of Christmas ornaments, glasswork, whimsical crafts, and a wide variety of original art by locally recognized potters, artists, craftsmen and photographers. Moultrie Middle School. 11am-4pm. comeonovermp.com

Holiday Parade of Boats

Dec 13

The 33rd Annual Holiday Parade of Boats will be held in Charleston Harbor. Participate in the parade by simply registering, decorating your boat from stem to stern with lights, and joining on the water. Captains and crews will be invited to the Captain’s Party and Awards Ceremony at Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina. Begins near the Mt. Pleasant side and ends in the Ashley River. 5-7:30pm. 724-7414. charlestonarts.org

37th Annual Kiawah Island Marathon

Dec 13

The 37th Annual Kiawah Island Marathon and Half Marathon is a Boston Qualifying race featuring live music throughout the course, spectacular course views and an incredible after party with food, beer and awards. 768-2780, kiawahmarathon.com

19th Annual Christmas Light Parade & Tree Lighting

Dec 14

More than 100 floats will march down Coleman Boulevard as the Mount Pleasant Christmas Light Parade sets sail. The tree lighting and fireworks display will begin at approximately 5:30 pm at Moultrie Middle School, immediately followed by the parade beginning at around 5:45 pm. The parade starts at the intersection of Coleman Boulevard and Pelzer Drive. 884-8517. comeonovermp.com

Grand Illumination at Middleton Place

Dec 18 - 20

Step back to Christmas, 1782, when Arthur Middleton finally was able to come back home after years of incarceration as a prisoner-of-war during the American Revolution. Stroll through gardens illuminated by torchlight, candlelight and starlight and hear costumed interpreters along the way tell stories of the joyous holiday season when the British evacuated Charleston at the end of the Revolutionary War. See the House seasonally decorated and glowing in candlelight, and on the Greensward, enjoy a warm fire, live music and refreshments. The event concludes with a Southern Buffet dinner. $55. 6-8pm. 556-6020, middletonplace.org

Happy New Year Charleston

Dec 31

This community celebration offers a non-alcoholic and family-oriented alternative program to celebrate the New Year in Charleston. This city wide, admission-free program has something wonderful for everyone: comedy, African dancing, many forms of music including classical, gospel and jazz, children’s activities and so much more. Marion Square, 4-10:30pm. 843-724-7305, charlestonarts.org

Yorktown Countdown

Dec 31

Bring in the New Year with Charleston's largest annual New Year's Eve celebration. Charleston’s premier aircraft carrier ball drop party will provide two admission level options, great music, premium spirits, special appearances and entertainment, with magnificent views for the holiday festivities. Live bands and DJ’s from all genres, including funk, rock, dance, and Top 40 Billboard hits. USS Yorktown Aircraft Carrier in Mount Pleasant. 9pm - 1am. yorktowncountdown.com

Polar Bear Plunge 2015

Jan 1

The Dunleavy's Pub Polar Plunge has been around for 20 years and since 2003 the Pub and their patrons have helped raise thousands of dollars for Special Olympics South Carolina. The annual event has grown from just a few folks jumping in the chilly waters of the Atlantic to thousands of 'plungers' ready to take a dip, all for a great cause. Dunleavy's Pub on Sullivan's Island. dunleavyspubpolarplunge.com