Built in Belgium in 1947, the traveling spiegeltent (“mirror tent”) dance hall returns to the Lowcountry for a holiday cabaret. The venue, outfitted with stained-glass windows, a velvet-draped ceiling, and a multitude of mirrors, will host UK entertainment company Underbelly for an adults-only show that blends aerial feats, sexy sword-swallowing, and burlesque. Charleston Gaillard Center, 95 Calhoun St. Days vary, 7:30pm. $88-$65. (843)724-5212, www.gaillardcenter.org
The Charleston Place hotel welcomes families to gather around Santa’s sleigh for a holiday storytime with guest readers from the community. Hear classic tales, including “The Grinch” and “The Polar Express”, read by Mayor William Cogswell, artist Mary Alice Monroe, and author Harlan Greene. Charleston Place, 205 Meeting St. Wednesday, 5:30pm. Free. (855)666-8103, www.charlestonplace.com
Tour the festively decorated Edmonston-Alston House during this Holy City Christmas tradition. Then listen to the Charleston Caroling Company and warm up with wine and hot cider while local storytellers tell Gullah Geechee stories. Edmondston-Alston House, 21 East Battery. Thursday-Friday, 5:30pm-8pm. $55-$50. (843)722-7171, www.edmondstonalston.org
Experience flight demonstrations under the night sky at the Center for Birds of Prey. Guests will receive complimentary cocktails and hors d’oeuvres and meet staff of the Avian Medical Clinic to learn more about the treatment of injured wild owls. Advance registration is required. The Center for Birds of Prey, 4719 Hwy. 17 N., Awendaw. Thursday, 6-9pm. $125. (843)971-7474, www.thecenterforbirdsofprey.org
Pro ballroom dancer Derek Hough is best known for performing in the ABC series Dancing with the Stars, winning a record-breaking six times. This original production, set to perform in 38 cities across North America, features lively jingle bells, carols, and holiday tunes. North Charleston Performing Arts Center, 5001 Coliseum Dr., North Charleston. Thursday, 7:30pm. $799-$61. (843)202-2787, www.northcharlestoncoliseumpac.com
An American indie rock band hailing from Athens, Georgia, Futurebirds developed a sound that nods to country rock and features four-part harmonies. The group’s latest studio album, Easy Company, was released earlier this year. Charleston Music Hall, 37 John St. Thursday, 8pm. $55-$35. (843)853-2252, www.charlestonmusichall.com
Curated by fourth-generation needle worker Cookie Washington, this fiber and mixed-media exhibit hosted by Redux Contemporary Art Center combines futuristic elements with Black history. See works from Washington, as well as Tony Williams, April Anue, and Andrea Stubbs, ranging from wood-burning sculptures and contemporary fiber art quilts to handmade indigo-dyed paper constructions. Redux Contemporary Art Center, 1056 King St. Tuesday-Friday, 11am-5pm & Saturday, noon-3pm. Free. (843)722-0697, www.reduxstudios.org
Experts from across the Southeast lead historical house tours, design lectures, decor workshops, and more during this celebration of Southern excellence across a variety of fields. The lineup also includes book signings with notable Southern authors, including “Grumpy Gardener” Steve Bender, plus Saturday’s Holiday Village at the Charleston Visitor Center featuring seminars by Southern Living editors and cooking demos with renowned chefs. Locations, days, & times vary. $250-$20. (800)868-8118, southernlivingilluminationcharleston.com
This limited-time exhibition hosted by Simpatico Gallery features private images of John Lennon taken by photographer May Pang during the late singer’s “Lost Weekend,” which lasted from 1973 to 1975. Pang, who has published three books about Lennon paired with photos from her private archives, debuts these images in conjunction with the digital release of The Lost Weekend–A Love Story, a documentary on her and Lennon’s relationship. Simpatico Gallery, 63 Broad St. Friday, 3-8pm; Saturday, 11am–5pm; & Sunday, noon-4pm. Free. (843)478-4537, www.simpaticogalleries.com
For this group show, Meyer Vogl Gallery asked resident artists to submit a single piece, with entries ranging from landscapes to tablescapes to “anything-you-can-think-of-scapes.” An opening reception will be held on December 6 from 5 to 8 p.m. Meyer Vogl Gallery, 122 Meeting St. (843)805-7144, www.meyervogl.com
See works from local artist KC Collins, known for her mesmerizing depictions of scenic waves and beaches painted using vibrant colors, at Robert Lange Studios. In addition to her larger works, Collins will also debut 40 small, porthole-inspired paintings. An opening reception will be held on December 6 from 5 to 8 p.m. Robert Lange Studios, 2 Queen St. Free. (843)805-8052, www.robertlangestudios.com
This annual lineup of candlelit holiday shows is hosted at Circular Congregational, one of the oldest churches on the peninsula. For its 15th season, the concert will highlight the music of Charleston’s history, from gospel spirituals to the music of George Gershwin, Civil War camp songs to jazz standards. Circular Congregational Church, 150 Meeting St. Tuesday, Friday, & Saturday, 7pm. $28-$16. (843)270-4903, www.soundofcharleston.com
The Footlight Players present a theatrical adaptation of the 1983 film that follows nine-year-old Ralphie Parker on his quest to get a genuine Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas. Directed by Michael Okas and written by Philip Grecian, the heartwarming show features iconic elements from the movie, including the infamous fishnet-clad “leg lamp.” Queen Street Playhouse, 20 Queen St. Days & times vary. $60-$46. (843)722-4487, www.footlightplayers.net
America’s Got Talent semifinalist Lightwire Theater presents the magical tale of a young bird named Max who, after getting blown off course during his flight south for the winter, ends up at the North Pole. The show features Lightwire’s captivating puppetry talent and dancers in electroluminescent costumes, as well as songs from the likes of Nat King Cole and Mariah Carey. Charleston Gaillard Center, 95 Calhoun St. Saturday, 1pm. $70-$19. (843)724-5212, www.gaillardcenter.org
Learn more about the lives of influential women of color who contributed to the creation and maintenance of Middleton Place throughout the centuries during this insightful 30-minute walking tour. Participants will meet at the house ruins and explore the grounds before returning to Eliza’s House. Tickets are included with general admission. Middleton Place, 4300 Ashley River Rd. Saturday, 1pm-1:30pm. $32-$10. (843)556-6020, www.middletonplace.org
This high-energy procession begins on Broad Street at Rutledge, travels North on Meeting Street, and concludes on Calhoun Street at Meeting Street. Watch marching musical ensembles, clubs, and organizations, then head to Marion Square for a grand tree lighting and other festivities. Broad St. & Rutledge Ave. Saturday, 3pm. Free. www.charleston-sc.gov
North Charleston’s Park Circle neighborhood decorates its streets with twinkling lights, Christmas trees, and other holiday decorations. Watch as festive floats, vintage cars, and other vehicles cruise around the green space at 5 p.m. Afterward, enjoy live music, hayrides, marshmallow roasting, and an artist market. Felix C. Davis Community Center, 4800 Park Cir., North Charleston. Saturday, 4-8pm. Free. (843)745-1028, www.northcharleston.org
Charleston Jazz Orchestra takes audiences through a holiday concert with a Big Band theme. Charleston Music Hall, 37 John St. Tuesday, 5 & 8pm. $64-$10. (843)853-2252, www.charlestonmusichall.com
Dozens of decorated floats will participate in this nighttime parade that comes on the heels of the city’s annual Christmas Tree Lighting program. Main Street, Moncks Corner. Saturday, 6pm. Free. www.monckscornersc.gov
Saturday, December 7, 2024
7:00 PM 8:00 PM
Ashley River Baptist Church
1101 Savannah HighwayCharleston, SC, 29407
Now in its 25th year, the Charleston Gospel Choir returns for this annual holiday concert. The group celebrates and performs gospel, spirituals, and sacred music for annual concert events locally and across the country. Ashley River Baptist Church, 1101 Savannah Hwy. Saturday, 7pm. $39-$17. www.charlestongospelchoir.org
This holiday musical celebration features members of the Charleston Symphony Orchestra and Ashley Ridge Dance Company, as well as performances by local singer Heather Rice and America’s Got Talent Season 6 winner Landau Murphy Jr. Charleston Gaillard Center, 95 Calhoun St. Thursday-Saturday, 7:30-10pm. $164-$26. (843)724-5212, www.gaillardcenter.org
Amassing more than 500 million global streams, Arizona native Avery Anna blew up online during quarantine for her acoustic covers of songs from the likes of Willie Nelson, Patsy Cline, and Taylor Swift. She achieved further success following the release of her debut album, Breakup Over Breakfast, which features a romantic tracklist of 17 songs. Music Farm, 32 Ann St. Saturday, 8pm. $25-20. (843)853-2252, www.musicfarm.com
Support sea life and explore the South Carolina Aquarium’s exhibits decorated with thousands of holiday lights. Guests, who are encouraged to don ’70s-inspired attire to match this year’s “Deep Sea Disco” theme, can indulge in hors d’oeuvres and cocktails, enjoy live music, and bid in a silent auction. Proceeds benefit the South Carolina Aquarium’s Sea Turtle Care Center, funding research and providing supplies to care for sea turtles rescued from state beaches. South Carolina Aquarium, 100 Aquarium Wharf. Saturday, 8-11pm. $145-$75. (843)577-3474, www.scaquarium.org
Wine and dine under the oak trees during this fundraiser at Boone Hall Plantation benefitting local organizations. Pair your glass of red or white with a spread of oysters, decadent desserts, and other bites while vibing to The Midnight City Band and watching culinary demonstrations. Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens, 1235 Long Point Rd., Mount Pleasant. Sunday, 1-5pm. $80. (843)884-4371, www.boonehallplantation.com
Ring in the holiday season the Lowcountry way at beautiful Drayton Hall. Enjoy all-you-can-eat oysters, a chili bar, and a wide selection of wines and beers while listening to live music. Ticket purchase also includes admission to tour the historic home, its grounds, and on-site galleries. Drayton Hall, 3380 Ashley River Rd. Sunday, 2-5pm. $105-$85. (843)769-2600, www.draytonhall.org
Chamber Music Charleston presents an evening of elegant classical pieces from the early Romantic period. Participating artists include pianist Roman Rabinovich and violinist Diana Cohen. A light reception will be held during intermission. South Carolina Society Hall, 72 Meeting St. Sunday, 2pm & 4pm. $145-$30. (843)763-4941, www.chambermusiccharleston.org
More than a dozen of Charleston’s top chefs, including Swig & Swine’s Anthony DiBernardo and Ray England of Husk, will gather for this celebration of live-fire cooking and the chance to be crowned as “Heritage Hero.” Guests can enjoy live entertainment, beverage pairings, and curated samples, then vote for the “Best Bite of the Day.” Proceeds benefi t Event Zero Inc., a nonprofi t dedicated to fostering positive environmental and social impacts within the events industry. The Refi nery, 1640 Meeting Street Rd. Sunday, 3:30-7pm. $150-$99. www.heritagefiretour.com
Climb aboard the USS Yorktown for a holiday craft market hosting local vendors. Guests can peruse and purchase festively decorated wreaths made by community organizations, with all proceeds benefiting the USS Yorktown Foundation and Patriots Point programming. USS Yorktown, 40 Patriots Point Rd, Mount Pleasant. Sunday, 9am-5pm. $28-$22. (843)884-2727, www.patriotspoint.org
Spend a Sunday shucking all-you-can-eat bivalves from Lowcountry Oyster Co. on Firefl y Distillery’s fi ve-acre fi eld alongside Noisette Creek. Local DJs will spin tunes while food trucks will provide a variety of fare. Attendees should bring their own oyster knives, chairs, and blankets. Firefly Distillery, 4201 Spruill Ave., North Charleston. Sunday, 11am-5pm. $35. (843)557-1405, www.fireflydistillery.com
