Events Calendar for November-December 2024

Looking to fill your social calendar? We’ve got the rundown on how to stay entertained this holiday season.

NOVEMBER

Tour the 2024 Southern Living Idea House 

Now through Dec. 22

Take a tour through the meticulously-designed Southern Living Idea House in the Kiawah River community on Johns Island overlooking the water. The house will be decorated for the holidays and each room has information about the furnishings and finishes. Tours are held Thursday – Saturday from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Sunday from 12 p.m. - 5 p.m. Tickets are $25 and a portion of each ticket supports community partners and nonprofits. 3008 Eventide Dr., Johns Island. www.kiawahriver.com/southern-living-idea-house-tour-tickets/

Coastal Carolina Fair

Oct. 31-Nov. 10

Since 1957, The Coastal Carolina Fair has been a beloved tradition with classic carnival games, food and rides and a bevy of culinary and artistic competitions, including quilting, ceramics, baking, a chili cook-off, multiple arts shows, bull riding competitions, farm animals, petting zoo, and more. There is live music and entertainment each day. Adult tickets are $15; children’s tickets are $7. Children ages five and under are free. Ride wristbands available. 3-9 p.m. weekdays, 3-9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 12-9 p.m. weekends. Clear bag policy. Exchange Park, 9850 Hwy 78 in Ladson.

Harvest Festival

Nov. 2

Celebrate autumn in its full glory with a day of family fun. Bluegrass sets from YeeHaw Junction, The Blue Plantation Band and New Ghost Town will pair perfectly with the delectable kettle corn, barbecue and other festival eats. There will be hayrides, kids’ crafts, pumpkin decorating and a crafters market to get a jump start on your holiday shopping. Admission is $10 per person, ages 13 and up, and free for those 12 and under. Gates open at 11 a.m.; music begins at 12 p.m. Folks are encouraged to bring chairs and/or blankets, and leashed dogs are welcome. 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. 2662 Mullet Hall Road, Johns Island.  ccprc.com/138/Harvest-Festival

Charleston Scottish Games

Nov. 2

The annual Scottish Games Park will be an energetic way to kick off November and celebrate Scottish history. A curated collection of food trucks and vendors will serve as the backdrop for the distinct sounds of the Charleston Pipe Band and Moonlight Ale. The evening festivities include a Scotch tasting and Calling of the Clans, a ceremony that used to be a battle call but now calls for unity amongst everyone. Advance tickets are $35 per person, day of tickets are $45, ages 6-12 are $5, and kids under five get in free. 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. 1045 Everglades Ave, in North Charleston. charlestonscottishgames.com

Holy Smokes: A Lowcountry Barbecue Festival

Nov. 9

Now in its third year, Holy Smokes brings together trailblazers in the national barbecue community to celebrate all things delicious. The festival will feature over 50 pitmasters and chefs, divided into “villages” of various barbecue styles and flavors as well as live music and libations. General admission tickets are $95; VIP tickets are $250 and include bites from special VIP chefs, all-inclusive bars, designated parking and early access to the event. 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. 1045 Everglades Ave., North Charleston. www.holysmokeschs.com.

Steeplechase of Charleston

Nov. 10

This upper-crust horse racing event at the Stono Ferry Racetrack is a mainstay event in the Lowcountry, complete with tailgating, stage entertainment, a merchant market and corgi races. The Lexus VIP Lounge will have an elevated views of the finish line, food service and an open bar. Tailgate tickets range from $250-$375 and include two tickets; general admission is $90; children 12 and under are free. The Lexus VIP Lounge is $275 per person. 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. 5000 Old York Course, Hollywood. steeplechaseofcharleston.com

SC Wildlife Federation Oyster

Roast Fundraiser

Nov. 10

An oyster roast fundraiser will support wildlife conservation with beautiful marshfront views at Bowen’s Island near Folly Beach. There will be fresh oysters as well as vegetarian options, beer and wine and raffle prizes. Individual tickets are $75. The last day to buy tickets is Nov. 4. Bowen's Island. 5-7 p.m.  www.scwf.org/events/2024-oyster-roast-bowens-island

WaterFest

Nov. 10

This annual waterfront event in Daniel Island offers music, oysters, drinks and chili. Children can get their faces painted and take in live demos by the South Carolina Aquarium. WaterFest will also have a raffle with prizes from local vendors. A portion of proceeds from the entry fee and the raffle will be donated to Charleston Waterkeeper, a local nonprofit that works to protect and restore waterways. Adult tickets are $25, and children’s tickets are $10. Children under 2 are free. 1-4 p.m. 101 River Landing Drive, Charleston. Eventbrite.com.

Holiday Festival of Lights

Nov. 15-Dec. 31

This James Island County Park extravaganza is one of the biggest highlights of the Lowcountry season. There will be a carousel, a festival train for children to view the light displays up-close, a workshop to build plush reindeer and visits with Santa. There will also be shops that offer fun stocking stuffers and holiday decor. You can also see the lights from a dragon boat on the lake or enjoy a sneak peek during the Festival of Lights Run & Walk event on Nov. 13 and 1. Depending on the night, a standard vehicle of up to 15 people is $15-$30 online or $20-$40 at the gate. 5:30 - 10 p.m. 871 Riverland Drive, Charleston. ccprc.com/3548/Discover-the-Festival

Mepkin Abbey’s Crèche Festival

Nov. 18-23 & Nov. 29-Dec. 7

Each year for over two decades, the Trappist monks at this monastery display over 300 Nativity scenes, or crèches, from all corners of the globe. The 2024 theme is “Nativity: In Glass and Under Glass.” This community offers a peaceful setting where guests can reflect and meditate while taking in the Mepkin Abbey’s pristine gardens and sculptures. This event is free but requires prior registration. 1098 Mepkin Abbey Rd., Moncks Corner. Various entry times. mepkinabbey.org

Cold Case Live!

Nov. 20

An event for the true crime aficionados. Delve into the nitty-gritty analyses and investigator insights of detectives who worked infamous cases like The Zodiac Killer and the JonBenét Ramsey case. Joe Kennedy, host of Starz TV’s “Wrong Man” will walk participants through the painstaking process of solving cold cases via reenactments and Q&A’s. 37 John St., Charleston. 8 p.m. charlestonmusichall.com

Aquarium Aglow

Nov. 21-Dec 30

Brighter and more dazzling than ever before, a dazzling mix of marine life and neon glow are sure to delight the entire family at the South Carolina Aquarium. The experience is complete with dozens of exhibits and grand installations and even a unique encounter with Santa as he takes a breather from the North Pole to scuba dive in the aquarium’s Great Ocean Tank. Specialty refreshments, including options for those 21 and up, are available as you take in the lights and sights. Ticket prices range from $21.95-29.95, depending on age and which day you come. 5:30–9 p.m. with scheduled entry times. 100 Aquarium Wharf, Charleston.

Boone Hall Christmas Tree Festival

Nov. 23-24

Create Christmas memories before you even pop the Thanksgiving turkey in the oven. Whether you want to ride the holiday Ferris Wheel, create holiday crafts for your loved ones, visit live Winter Queens, or just take in the live music, freshly baked cookies and giant inflatables, everyone is sure to have a grand time. Admission is free and many activities are free including holiday crafts and riding the holiday Ferris Wheel. 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.  2434 N. Hwy. 17, Mount Pleasant. boonehallplantation.com

Skate the Stadium

Starts Nov. 24 with many dates in

November & December

Celebrate the holidays in a winter skate land at Credit One Stadium. Or celebrate all things cozy at one of the fire pits with smores, cider, hot chocolate or an adult beverage. There will also be special events, such as an Ugly Sweater Night, a Holiday Mixology Class and a tree lighting ceremony. Tickets are $10 per person and includes skate rental and 45 minutes of rink time. Suite rentals available. 161 Seven Farms Drive, Charleston. creditonestadium.com

‘Let it Snow’ at the Charleston Place

Nov. 24-Dec. 31

From Nov. 24 through Dec. 31, snow will magically fall on Market Street Circle, blanketing the holiday trees in a lovely sheet of winter white. Snow falls at 6, 7 and 8 p.m. daily. New this year, families and their little ones can enjoy a 4 p.m. matinee snowfall on Saturdays only. After Christmas Eve, snowfall takes place once per night at 6 p.m. Hot cocoa and cookies available for purchase.  205 Meeting Street. www.charlestonplace.com

Snowflake March

Wednesdays from Nov. 29- Dec. 20

Each Wednesday during the holiday season, families are welcome in the lobby of Charleston Place to enjoy the Dance Conservatory of Charleston’s pop-up performances of The Nutcracker. There will also be a meet-and-greet session with the dancers. These experiences are free and open to the public. 205 Meeting St., Charleston. 5:30-6:30 p.m. charlestonplace.com

Gullaxy World Market©

Saturdays starting Nov. 30

The Quaponda tribe and Growing Spirit Nature School will hold a weekly immersive arts market and cultural afternoon at the Charleston Woodlands from 2- 6 p.m. with an adventure that blends the cultural heritage of the Quaponda Tribe, creativity, history and community spirit. Archival artifacts, fossils and handcrafted merchandise from local artisans will be available for sale. 4279 Ashley River Rd. Charleston.

Candlelight Tour of Drayton Hall

Nov. 30

Enjoy the vast history and architecture behind this 18th-century historic house. This is a unique way to better understand this colonial structure, people who resided in it and historic Charleston. General admission for all ages is $55; Friends of Drayton Hall, $50. 3380 Ashley River Rd., Charleston. Tours start at 5:30 p.m. and each half hour until 7 p.m. draytonhall.org.

A Christmas Carol

Nov. 30-Dec. 22

It wouldn’t be a Lowcountry Christmas without the Dock Street Theater’s classic adaptation of “A Christmas Carol.” Audiences continue to be charmed by the stunning scenery, period costumes and enchanting effects. Tickets range from $54-91, with a “pay as you please” this performance on December 4 at 7:30 p.m. with online tickets only going on sale 24 hours before the performance. 135 Church St., Charleston. charlestonstage.com.

DECEMBER

Spiegeltent: Cabaret Royale by Underbelly

Dec. 4-21

Straight from London’s West End, Cabaret Royale is a night sure to be filled with sparkling glamor and humor. Enjoy seductive burlesque and astounding feats like sword swallowing and aerial acrobatics. This event is perfect for when you want to take in a spectacular show that isn’t heavy on the holiday themes. Evening performance times vary. Gaillard Center, 95 Calhoun St. Tickets range from $64-88. galliardcenter.org

A Motown Christmas

Dec. 4 at 7 p.m.

This show combines Motown’s greatest hits with beloved holiday classics. Between the unforgettable harmonies and the choreographed song-and-dance numbers, A Motown Christmas is an event the whole family can enjoy together. Tickets range from $41 to $66. Parking is $10. 7 p.m. 5001 Coliseum Drive, North Charleston. northcharlestonpac.com

Christmas on the Battery: Carols, Candlelight, and Gullah Christmas Stories

Dec. 5-6

Enjoy a magnificent and educational evening at the historic Edmondston-Alston House. Take a self-guided tour of the beautifully decorated home by candlelight while listening to the Charleston Caroling Company. Then, head to the courtyard where a local storyteller will perform Gullah holiday stories while you sip on hot cider or wine. Tickets are $55 per person and $50 for Middleton Place Foundation members and include two drink tickets. Tickets must be purchased in advance. 5:30-8 p.m. 21 East Battery, Charleston. middletonplace.org

Illumination Charleston

Dec. 6-7

Light up the holiday season the Southern Living way! This event will have an Illumination Market downtown and a tour of the decorated 2024 Southern Living Idea House on Johns Island. There will also be a full day of cooking and entertaining demonstrations, book signings with revered Southern authors and meet-and-greets with the magazine’s editors and contributors. Tickets range from $100 to $225. The house tour is at 3008 Eventide Dr, Johns Island. The holiday market is at 375 Meeting St. Charleston. Visit www.southernlivingilluminationcharleston.com for the full schedule.

Lightwire Theater’s A Very Electric Christmas

Dec. 7

Audiences of all ages will be captivated by the technological innovations of moving light characters and the magical tale of family, friendship and hope set to timeless holiday hits. This enchanting production combines puppetry and theater. Tickets range from $19.50 to $69.62 per person. Show is at 1 p.m. 95 Calhoun St., Charleston. galliardcenter.org

Holiday Market in Marion Square

Dec. 7, Dec. 8, Dec. 14, Dec. 15, Dec. 21

The holiday market at Marion Square is a surefire way to find everything you need to make your holiday a little brighter for you and your loved ones. Fill everyone’s stockings with goodies from local artisans, crafters, growers and farmers. 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. each day listed. 329 Meeting Street, Charleston. charlestonarts.org

Charleston Holiday Parade

December 7

Come join the City of Charleston for a fun, high-energy parade that will commence on Broad Street at Rutledge, travel north on Meeting Street and conclude on Calhoun Street at Meeting Street. Participants include musical ensembles, clubs and organizations. A tree lighting will follow in Marion Square. Parade starts at 3 p.m.

Summerville Christmas Parade

Dec. 8

The Summerville Christmas Parade is a family-friendly event that aims to bring the community together to celebrate the season while representing the local traditions and Summerville hospitality with decorated cars/trucks, floats and walking groups. Route will be W. 4th St. N to Main St.; Main St to W. Richardson; W. Richardson to N. Hickory St. 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.

A Coastal Christmas Foodees Food and Culture Festival

Dec. 13-15

This event at Exchange Park is the number one touring food truck festival in the Southeast, serving essentially as a massive cook-out. With three days full of fun, food and community with over 50 food trucks and over 60 crafters and artisans, the mission behind the event is to promote unity through foods from around the world. The event on Dec. 13 runs from 1-7 p.m., while the 14th and 15th run from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. Free to attend, and every registered ticket will be entered to win a meal. 9850 Hwy. 78, Ladson. foodfest.com

A Gullah Christmas Concert

Dec. 13

This Boone Hall event will have a distinct Gullah holiday flavor. The evening will start with a tour of the historic house from 6-7 p.m., followed by two 40-minute performances that will include Gullah stories and Christmas songs sung by the Plantation Singers group. Complimentary hot chocolate, cider, and Christmas cookies will be available. Adult tickets are $30, and ages 3-17 are $15. 6 p.m. – 9:15 p.m. 1235 Long Point Rd., Mount Pleasant, SC 29464. boonehallplantation.com

Folly Christmas Parade

Dec 14

Celebrate the holidays Folly-style with a parade down Center Street with Santa on a firetruck that features floats, decorated vehicles and walking groups. 12 p.m.

Holiday Parade of Boats

Dec. 14

The holiday boat parade is a longstanding favorite for Lowcountry families. The fleet of lighted sea vessels travel from the Cooper River, through the harbor, and into the Ashley River. Take in the procession from the downtown and Mt. Pleasant waterfront, or join the parade with your own festive boat. Bring along some hot drinks and a cozy blanket to complete the evening. 6 p.m. For more information or to enter the boat parade, visit charlestonarts.org/holiday-magic-2/.

Indigo and Clay Resist Printing

Dec. 15

Charleston fiber artist Kristy Bishop will demonstrate how to pull a print with a silk screen, painting with clay, block printing and dipping prints into indigo on the grounds of Magnolia Plantation. Tickets are $150 per person. Garden admission is included in the price. 10:30 a.m. 3550 Ashley River Rd., Charleston. magnoliaplantation.com Live Oak Dr. traveling south and ending at the intersection of W. Coleman Blvd. and Patriots Point Rd. experiencemountpleasant.com  ϒ