You’ve probably heard a lot of “happy holidays” this season — with good reason. Plenty of cultures celebrate the start of astronomical winter, the end of the year, or just the coming of cold weather by gathering with loved ones and giving thanks.
Look forward to:
- Lunar Bodhi Day | Friday, Dec. 8 | This holiday celebrates Buddha’s enlightenment through acts of kindness.
- Hanukkah | Today-Friday, Dec. 15 | This holiday begins today at sundown and celebrates the Jewish Festival of Lights.
- Yule | Thursday, Dec. 21-Monday, Jan. 1 | An ancient Germanic solstice festival. Celebrants mark the shortest day of the year and balance between light and dark.
- Christmas | Monday, Dec. 25 | This day is a cultural and religious festival commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ.
- Kwanzaa | Tuesday, Dec. 26-Monday, Jan. 1 | This is a week of African American and pan-African celebration culminating in Karamu on Sunday, Dec. 31.
Ways to celebrate these holidays around Charleston:
- Folly Beach Menorah Lighting | Saturday, Dec. 9, 5 p.m. | Folly River Park
- Chanukah in the Square | Sunday, Dec. 10, 4-6 p.m. | Marion Square Park
- A Kwanzaa Celebration | Tuesday Dec. 26-Friday, Dec. 29, 1-2 p.m. | IAAM
- Gullah Kwanzaa Celebration | Wednesday, Dec. 27, 1-3 p.m. | Pure Theater
For more holiday events, check out our guide around the city. Have a winter holiday event we should know about? Share it with us.