EVENT CALENDAR

Swing into the holiday spirit with the Charleston Jazz Orchestra as they perform winter classics during this year’s Holiday Swing: A Charleston Jazz Tradition. Guests will enjoy a sampling of holiday music ranging from “Carol of the Bells” to “The Christmas Song,” conducted by Robert Lewis with guest vocalist Zandrina Dunning. Guests should bring their own chairs and will be able to purchase beverages from Firefly Distillery and bites from a local food truck. Firefly Distillery, 4201 Spruill Ave., North Charleston. Friday, 6pm. $30. (843)641-0011, www.charlestonjazz.com

A Very SUSTO Holiday will feature the gothic and psychedelic creations of the locally based Charleston band with added holiday spirit. SUSTO’s founding member and singer-songwriter Justin Osborne has described the band’s three albums as meditations of his underlying fear—a ”susto,” according to Latin American cultures—which is cured by music. Groups of more than eight people may not be seated together. Music Hall, 37 John St. Friday, 8pm. $30. (843)853-2252, www.charlestonmusichall.com

Enthusiasts of any musical genre will enjoy Charlton Singleton’s annual Holiday Spectacular. Singleton is well known locally as a former conductor of the Charleston Jazz Orchestra and former music professor at the College of Charleston; however, his work as a founding member of the Grammy Award-winning band Ranky Tanky has promoted his career on an international level. Singleton and Friends will showcase their favorite holiday classics alongside “songs of uplift.” Groups of more than eight people may not be seated together. Charleston Music Hall, 37 John St. Saturday, 8pm show. $40. (843)853-2252, www.charlestonmusichall.com

Choose your favorite seasonal classic from Charleston Music Hall’s holiday film series. Follow George Bailey through his flashback in It’s A Wonderful Life, cheer as Santa comes to town in Elf, marvel at the leg lamp from A Christmas Story, and laugh at the hilarity of the Griswold family during National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. No more than eight people may be seated together. Charleston Music Hall, 37 John St. It’s A Wonderful Life: Sunday (December 6), Elf: Tuesday (December 15), 5:30pm doors; 7pm show. A Christmas Story: Saturday (December 19), 12:30pm doors; 2pm show. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation: Saturday (December 19), 5:30pm doors; 7pm show. $12; $10 ages 12 & under. (843)853-2252, www.charlestonmusichall.com

Enjoy a sophisticated selection of music in the winter theme during “A Classical Christmas,” part of Chamber Music of Charleston’s Salon Series, from the comfort of your home. An ensemble of viola, cello, bass, and violins will serenade guests with the holiday-themed creations of Holst, Felicien David, and Cornelli. Musicians will provide introductions to each piece. Ticket holders will receive a link via e-mail for the virtual performance, available for streaming until December 19. Chamber Music Charleston, 1804 Greenmore Dr. Sunday, 7pm. $20. (843)763-4941, www.chambermusiccharleston.org

Support the South Carolina Aquarium‘s Sea Turtle Care Center by bidding in a silent auction and watching virtual programming during a week-long fundraising campaign. Each day, members of the Sea Turtle Care Center team will introduce viewers to a patient and present auction items via live stream. Look out for appearance from local celebrities. South Carolina Aquarium, 100 Aquarium Wharf. 11am daily. (843)579-8540, www.scaquarium.org

The annual Charleston Christmas Special returns to the Charleston Music Hall to celebrate the holiday season through four socially distanced shows. Producers Brad and Jennifer Moranz will present a series of musical performances and comedy sketches for the entire family to enjoy—even from the comfort of home. A limited quantity of tickets will be available for in-person shows, however, guests may also purchase a live-stream ticket. Charleston Music Hall, 37 John St. Friday, 6 pm doors; 7 pm show. $39 in person, $20 live stream. (843) 853-2252, www.charlestonmusichall.com

The Marshgrass Mamas bring their John’s Island roots across the Ashley River for their Yuletide Special at Charleston Pour House. Band members Hazel Ketchum, Cary Ann Hearst, Kristin Meierer, Dee Payne, Gina Perez, Chandler Marburg, Lauren Bevins Cahill, and Caitlin Cahill Pipe blend harmonies and bring an abundance of energy to every performance. Proceeds will benefit Our Lady of Mercy. A limited number of tables are available, and guests must purchase an entire table. Charleston Pour House, 1977 Maybank Hwy. Friday, early show, 6pm; late show, 8:45pm. $10 per seat. (843)571-4343, www.charlestonpourhouse.com

Watch as festively decorated boats cruise through the Charleston Harbor during the annual Holiday Parade of Boats. Snag a socially distanced spot along the waterfront to view the display of twinkling lights. Charleston Harbor. Saturday, 5:30-7:45pm. Free. www.holidayparadeofboats.com

The piercing trumpet of famous jazz musician Louis Armstrong is one that musical enthusiasts around the world could never forget. In this one-person play set at the Waldorf Astoria in New York during 1971, author and actor Terry Teachout takes his audience on a journey through Armstrong’s career. Accompanied by Pure Theatre core ensemble member Scott Streater, Teachout celebrates Armstrong’s art and explores the jazz icon’s struggle as a Black musician. Ticket holders will receive a link via e-mail for this virtual performance. Pure Theatre, 134 Cannon St. $15. (843)723 4444, www.puretheatre.org

Southern soul band Gaslight Street is hosting its third annual Funky Christmas Jingle Ball at Charleston Music Hall. The Charleston-based band has spent almost a decade together, with five albums and countless local performances in their repertoire. Gaslight Street members and guest musicians will offer a medley of Christmas classics—and a funky horn section. Groups of more than eight people may not be seated together. Charleston Music Hall, 37 John St. Thursday, 8pm . $20. (843)853-2252, www.charlestonmusichall.com

Join Charleston band Sol Driven Train in celebration of 20 years of performances. Sol Driven Train was born in the spring of 2000 as a close circle of friends jammed in downtown college apartments. Now, this five-person band has established itself as a force of pop and folk musical energy within the Americana and jam scenes. A limited number of tables are available, and guests must purchase an entire table. Charleston Pour House, 1977 Maybank Hwy. Friday, early show, 6pm; late show, 9pm. $15 per seat. (843)571-4343, www.charlestonpourhouse.com

Celebrate the holiday season with Charleston Symphony Orchestra during the annual Holiday Pops concert, conducted by Yuriy Bekker. Gather the family to hear and sing along to winter musical favorites such as “Sleigh Ride” and “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.” A limited number of seats will be available to ensure social distancing. Guests may purchase tickets by phone for one of three performances. Charleston Symphony Orchestra, 95 Calhoun St. Friday, 7:30-9pm; Saturday, 12pm & 7:30pm. $25-$114. (843)242-3099, www.charlestonsymphony.org

Charleston Music Hall’s brand new series will feature performances from locally, regionally, and nationally recognized drag queens each month, beginning with RuPaul’s Drag Race competitor Ginger Minj’s “Winter Wonderland Variety Show” featuring Gidget Galore. The series is produced by “Charleston’s Drag Mama” Patti O’Furniture, former Miss South Carolina Pride and longtime LGBTQ activist. Groups of more than eight people may not be seated together. Charleston Music Hall, 37 John St. Friday, 8pm. $25. (843)853-2252, www.charlestonmusichall.com

Sing along to country music holiday classics with Charleston-based outlaw country band Solid Country Gold. The group is composed of six members passionate about classic country artists such Merle Haggard, Hank Williams, and Willie Nelson. Special guests include local singer-songwriters Lindsay Holler, Jordan Igoe, Grace Joyner, Aisha Kenyetta, and Mel Washington alongside Americana group She Returns from War. Groups of more than eight people may not be seated together. Charleston Music Hall, 37 John St. Sunday, 7pm. $20. (843)853-2252, www.charlestonmusichall.com