Since starting his stand-up career in his hometown of New Orleans, comedian Mark Normand has performed across the United States and appeared on TV shows such as Conan and The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. Normand has been a cohost of a weekly podcast called Tuesdays with Stories with fellow comedian Joe List since 2013. North Charleston Performing Arts Center, 5001 Coliseum Dr., North Charleston. Friday, 7pm. $156-$32. (843)202- 2787, www.northcharlestoncoliseumpac.com
Giacomo Puccini’s musical masterpiece comes to life in this production by Charleston Opera Theater. The four-act opera tells the story of a poor seamstress and her artist friends as they lead a Bohemian lifestyle, performed in Italian with English supertitles and accompanied by the Charleston Symphony. Sottile Theatre, 44 George St. Friday, 7pm & Sunday, 3pm. $127-$18. (843)605-1999, www.charlestonoperatheater.org
Get into the holiday spirit early by picking out the perfect fresh-cut tree at this festive event held at Boone Hall Farms the weekend before Thanksgiving. You’re sure to feel jolly as you ride the holiday Ferris wheel, create seasonal crafts, roast marshmallows, decorate cookies, and take family photos. Young ones can share their wish lists with Santa Claus, beginning at noon. In addition to trees, you’ll find handmade wreaths and other decorations to deck your halls. And if you don’t want to load your tree on top of your car, you can schedule a delivery by sponsor Starling Chevrolet for $10. Boone Hall Farms, 2434 N. Hwy. 17, Mount Pleasant. Saturday & Sunday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Free. (843) 856-5366, www.boonehallplantation.com
This Charleston-based, “not rock” band gained national attention after releasing its 2013 debut album, Radiation. Fans flock to hear SLO’s rock-fusion sound that also incorporates synthesizers and strings alongside playful, cryptic lyrics. Music Farm, 32 Ann St. Saturday, 9pm. $100-$25. (843) 853-2252, www.musicfarm.com
This multigenre comic and toy convention is geared toward collectors and cosplayers of all ages. Hunt for rare items, shop pop-culture gear, browse art vendors, and participate in a Super Smash Brothers Ultimate or Mario Kart 8 tournament. Don’t miss interactive discussions and Q&A sessions with comic industry professionals, anime voice actors, and fandom-related celebrities. Embassy Suites Hotel, 5055 International Blvd., North Charleston. Sunday, 10am-5pm. $20. www.charlestoncon.com
With a growing international following, Hungarian-American singer-songwriter ZÓRA performs with a signature deep tone and electric lyrics. Accompanying the musician is cirque artist Kimberly Adele, who will perform high-impact, aerial acrobatics. West Beach Conference Center, 2 Shipwatch Rd., Kiawah Island. Sunday, 7:30pm. $30. (843)768-9166, www.kiawahisland.org
Authors Penelope Coker Hall and Eliza Wilson Ingle will visit the Charleston Library Society for the local launch of A Curious Heart, their evocative biography of award-winning author and feminist Elizabeth Boatwright Coker. The book, written by descendants of Coker, details her rise from living in a small Southern town to being inducted into the South Carolina Academy of Author’s Hall of Fame in 1991. Charleston Library Society, 164 King St. Tuesday, 6pm. $15-$10. (843)7239912, www.charlestonlibrarysociety.org
Work in some cardio before you sit down for turkey dinner during the 47th-annual run of this popular 5K that starts in Marion Square. The USA Track & Field-certified route takes runners along Meeting Street past the City Market to White Point Garden, around the Battery, and north on King Street before returning to the finish line in Marion Square. Post-race, participants can enjoy live music, free beer, and food vendors. Cash prizes are awarded to winners in each age group, and there’s a fun run for children. The event, which boasts about 8,500 participants annually, raises money for more than 20 local charities, including Charleston Habitat for Humanity, East Cooper Meals on Wheels, One80 Place, Pet Helpers, and Water Mission. Marion Square, 329 Meeting St. Thursday, 7-11 a.m. $45-$10. (757) 373-4174, www.turkeydayrun.com
In this original adaptation of Charles Dickens’s timeless classic (and Charleston Stage’s most popular production), miserly Ebenezer Scrooge is visited by the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future, who take him on a journey to discover the true spirit of Christmas. Dock Street Theatre, 135 Church St. Saturday, 2-7:30pm. $96-$49. (843)577-7183, www.charlestonstage.com
Explore the sinister secrets of clothing and accessories from wardrobes past—including arsenic-laced green pigments and pieces that led to decimated animal populations—in the Historic Textiles Gallery. The Charleston Museum, 360 Meeting St. Monday-Saturday, 9 am-5pm & Sunday, noon-5pm. $30-$6. (843) 722-2996, www.charlestonmuseum.org
This exhibition at the Gibbes Museum of Art celebrates winners and finalists of what has become one of the South’s most prestigious art prizes since its inaugural award in 2008. Society 1858 recognizes artists whose work contributes to a new understanding of art in the South, including Leon Twiggs, Deborah Luster, and and Sonya Clark. Gibbes Museum of Art, 135 Meeting St. Monday-Saturday, 10am-5pm & Sunday 1-5pm. $12-$6. (843)722-2706, www.gibbesmuseum.org
The Best Friend of Charleston Museum, home to America’s first passenger steam locomotive, celebrates the holidays by inviting families to take photos with Santa Claus. The museum will be accepting new unwrapped toys to “fill the train” with gifts for children in need in support of Toys for Tots. Next door, the Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry will debut the Elf Emporium, a children-only shop where little ones ages eight and under can purchase Christmas gifts for others using tokens. The Best Friend Train Museum, 23 Ann St. Saturday & Sunday, 10am-4pm. Free, reservations required; tokens, $5 each. www.thecharlestonsanta.com
New Orleans-based artist Demond Melancon presents his first solo museum exhibit. Melancon gained attention for his intricate suits, including one prominently displayed at the International African American Museum, crafted with needles and thread and embellished with glass beads and feathers. Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art, 161 Calhoun St. Monday-Saturday, 11am-4pm. Free. (843)953-4422, www.halsey.cofc.edu
See works in a variety of mediums, including drawings, paintings, photographs, prints, video, and fabric art, from distinguished artists who have made their mark on The Citadel’s Fine Arts program over the years. Participants include fine artist Nathan Durfee (above), painter Mary Edna Fraser, and silk-screen duo Dos Bandidos. Moore Art Gallery, Capers Hall, The Citadel, 1 Lee Ave. Monday-Friday, 11am-3pm. Free. (843)225-3294, www.citadel.edu
Hotel Bennett hosts this whimsical tea party with Old Saint Nick, inviting little ones to munch on a variety of tea time treats and share their Christmas wishes with Santa. Grown-up guests can also indulge in a glass of Champagne. Camellias, 404 King St. Days vary, 11:30am, 2pm, & 4:30 pm. $95-$65. (843)203-0922, www.hotelbennett.com
In this original adaptation of Charles Dickens’s timeless story (and Charleston Stage’s most popular production), the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge is visited by the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future, who take him on a journey to discover the true spirit of Christmas. Dock Street Theatre, 135 Church St. Tuesday-Sunday, 2 & 7:30pm. $96-$49. (843)577-7183, www.charlestonstage.com
Brookgreen Plantation & Gardens continues its 25th-annual holiday tradition of illuminating the gardens with twinkling lights and thousands of hand-lit candles. Enjoy the sights with small bites from the Old Kitchen and a cup of hot chocolate, cider, or wine while carolers and rotating bands provide entertainment throughout the garden. Brookgreen Gardens, 1931 Brookgreen Garden Dr., Murrells Inlet. Tuesday-Sunday, 4-9pm. $35-$14. (843)235-6000, www.brookgreen.org
This half-hour, horse-drawn carriage ride through downtown includes caroling and Christmas lights viewing. The tour concludes at Santa’s stable with cookies, hot cocoa, and a visit with Mr. and Mrs. Claus. Old South Carriage Company, 14 Anson St. Thursday-Monday, 4-9pm. $35. (843)7239-712, www.oldsouthcarriage.com
More than two million bulbs light up James Island County Park for the return of its annual Holiday Festival of Lights. Enjoy nearly 750 displays from the car with a driving tour or explore the park on foot along the enchanted walking trail. Activities include a holiday train ride, Santa’s Village, a carousel, and more. Those with a sweet tooth can roast marshmallows or stop at Santa’s Sweet Shoppe for kettle corn, hot chocolate, and other holiday treats. James Island County Park, 871 Riverland Dr., Daily, 5:30-10pm. $30-$15. (843)406-6990, www.ccprc.com
The South Carolina Aquarium’s immersive holiday experience returns, featuring thousands of LED lights, illuminated glass-blown sculptures, and appearances from a wetsuit-wearing “Scuba Claus.” A rotation of musicians will play against a backdrop of marine life in the lower Great Ocean Tank Gallery. South Carolina Aquarium, 100 Aquarium Wharf. Days vary, 5:30-9pm. $30-$22. (843)5773474, www.scaquarium.org
After more than a decade of entertaining the community, 34 West presents its last theatrical production, a touching musical comedy following the misadventures of a washed-up ’70s TV star who tries to save Christmas. 34 West Theater Company, 200 Meeting St. Thursday-Sunday, 8pm. $54. www.34west.org
Learn more about Charles Towne’s fortifications and the citizen-soldiers who protected the early colony. Head to the gun platform along the history trail to watch as reenactors dressed as militia members fire replica 17th-century cannons. Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site, 1500 Old Towne Rd., West Ashley. Saturday, 1, 2, & 3pm. $12-$7. www.southcarolinaparks.co
This exhibit from fine-art photographer Sheryl Sabol features 28 unedited, square-format photos of iconic Lowcountry landmarks, ranging from the Ravenel Bridge and Rainbow Row to Hampton Park and Alhambra Hall. The images reflect the artist’s connection to the places, offering a “love letter to Charleston.” An opening reception will be held on December 4 from 6 to 7 pm, where copies of an art book will be available for purchase. Saul Alexander Gallery, Main Library, 68 Calhoun St. Monday-Thursday, 9am-8pm; Friday, 9am-6pm; & Saturday 9am-5pm. (843)805-6930, www.ccpl.org
Geared toward little ones ages 10 and under, Play Dayz at the Oaks invites kids to enjoy face painting, balloon animals, art and crafts, and more on the first Tuesdays of the month. Mount Pleasant Towne Centre, 1218 Belk Dr., Mount Pleasant. Tuesday, 10am-noon. Free. (843)216-9900, www.mtpleasanttownecentre.com
Charleston Library Society hosts respected style editor Tori Mellott, who boasts more than 20 years of experience with publications such as House Beautiful, Elle Decor, and Domino, for a discussion on her debut book. Southern Interiors: A Celebration of Personal Style features 28 diverse residences that illustrate how the region’s traditions of hospitality are interpreted in the modern day. Charleston Library Society, 164 King St. Tuesday, 6-7pm. $15-$10. (843)723-9912, www.charlestonlibrarysociety.org
Hockey fans can gather at the Charleston Coliseum to watch the Stingrays versus Rapid City. Bring a stuffed animal to throw onto the ice after the home team’s first goal. Toys will be collected and given to local children in need for the holidays. North Charleston Coliseum, 5001 Coliseum Dr., North Charleston. Saturday, 6pm. $33-$21. (843)529-5000, www.northcharlestoncoliseumpac.com
The South Carolina Ballet takes the stage for the holidays, presenting the familiar story of Clara, the Nutcracker, and the Rat King accompanied by music from Tchaikovsky. This year’s production offers a fresh twist and modernized story that pays homage to Southern history and features a new romantic subplot. Charleston Music Hall, 37 John St. Tuesday, 7pm. $55-$35. (843)853-2252, www.charlestonmusichall.com
Join style editor Tori Mellott—who has worked for publications such as Domino and Traditional Home and is now the style director at Frederic—as she shares the design inspiration for the homes in her first book, Southern Interiors: A Celebration of Personal Style during a talk at Charleston Library Society. The hardcover features several Lowcountry interiors, including the homes of designers Matthew Monroe Bees, Angie Hranowsky, Amelia Handegan, and antiques dealer John Pope. Several of the homeowners, including Chelsea Handegan and Pope, will take part in the discussion. In her intro, Mellott writes, “As a design editor who has spent the last 25 years traipsing through hundreds of houses decorated by the very best designers in the world, I have to tell you, it’s always been the Southern ones that really set my heart on fire. They capture an ineffable quality that’s hard to define but impossible to ignore.” Charleston Library Society, 164 King St. Tuesday, 6-7 p.m. $15-$10. (843) 723-9912, www.charlestonlibrarysociety.org
Stop by The Charleston Place lobby on Wednesdays for graceful pop-up performances from Dance Conservatory of Charleston. After each show, there will be an opportunity to meet and greet the ballerinas and take photos. Charleston Place, 205 Meeting St. Wednesday, 5:30pm. Free. (855)666-8103, www.charlestonplace.com
Vocal supergroup The Motortown All-Stars present an evening of Motown’s greatest hits and seasonal standards accompanied by high-energy choreography and soulful harmonies. Charleston Performing Arts Center, 5001 Coliseum Dr., North Charleston. Wednesday, 7pm. $66-$41. (843)202-2787, www.northcharlestoncoliseumpac.com
