Don’t forget to pick up your photos before leaving the Charleston Visitor Center. | Photos provided by Explore Charleston
All aboard, Charleston. This holiday season, get ready to meet The Charleston Santa at the Best Friend Train Museum — aka, home to America’s first locomotive, which began service on Christmas Day in 1830.
Beginning Friday, Nov. 29, children of all ages are invited to visit Santa at the museum every weekend leading up to Christmas. Psst... It’s conveniently located downtown between the Visitor Center and the Children’s Museum.
Everyone can get into the holiday spirit by bringing new, unwrapped toys to help Explore Charleston and the Children’s Museum fill up the train and support Toys for Tots. Last year, more than 700 toys were collected, and this year, the goal is 1,000 toys.
More holiday highlights
Holiday pop-up shop | The Children’s Museum is setting up a special toy store at the Best Friend Train Museum, with proceeds directly benefiting local families in need.
Elf Emporium | Kids ages 8 and under can pick out pre-wrapped gifts for their loved ones at this special shop inside The Children’s Museum’s lobby.
Thursday, Nov. 14 Paws on The Patio | 6-8 p.m. | Burtons Grill & Bar, Mount Pleasant | $30 | Take your four-legged friends to an exclusive happy hour that benefits the Charleston Animal Society.
Weenies and Tinis | 6-8 p.m. | Lamar’s Sporting Club | $35 | Dress in your best metallic cocktail hour attire and prepare for bites, cocktails, and an evening of socializing.
S’mores Campfire | 6-9 p.m. | Moxy Charleston Downtown | Free entry | Enjoy a live folk band, campfire cocktail specials, and s’mores.
Friday, Nov. 15 Holy Mahj Pop-Up | 12-4 p.m. | A Maker’s Post, Sullivans Island | Price of purchase | Shop for new tiles, mats, and all mahjong accessories before the holidays.
5k Beer Run | 11 a.m.-1 p.m. | Tideland Brewing, North Charleston | $35+ | Join the walk + run and celebrate at the finish line with a beer.
Cocktail Party | 6-9 p.m. | Groovers Listening Bar | Free entry | Get ready to groove to the music, sip on your favorite cocktails, and cuddle with adorable puppies.
Pro tip: You can experience the wonders of Aquarium Aglow on select evenings from Thursday, Nov. 21 through Monday, Dec. 30. This dazzling holiday light spectacular features larger-than-life installations, festive photo ops, and the most unique Santa encounter in Charleston.
Civic Early voting is underway for the Isle of Palms City Council runoff election. Those looking to cast their ballot early can do so until tomorrow, Nov. 15 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Those who want to vote in person will do so on Tuesday, Nov. 19. (WCBD)
Development Berkeley County Council voted to develop a ~2,000-acre vacant property. The space near Cane Bay would host 6,500 new homes + retail space, including two grocery stores. The development is expected to drive tax revenue to more than $100 million for the county and $400 million for Berkeley County School District over 30 years. (WCSC)
Outdoors West Ashley could soon be home to a new park. Charleston County approved the city’s ~$1 million request in greenbelt funds to help buy 115 flood-prone acres in the Church Creek drainage basin. The city will add $262,000 for the purchase. The plan for the proposed park would connect neighborhoods and existing greenspaces. (The Post and Courier)
Plan Ahead She’s a beaut, Clark. On Friday, Dec. 6, the Charleston Parks Conservancy and the City of Charleston are teaming up to celebrate the start of the holiday season at Light the Lake. The event features 500+ luminaries, kid-friendly activities, craft stations, and local food trucks. Mayor Cogswell will light the tree at 6 p.m.
Announced There will be some slight changes when it comes to parking on the Isle of Palms. Council voted to raise parking rates by 50 cents on Ocean Boulevard, matching the county’s parking rates. The city plans to implement the changes in spring. Residents will still be able to park for free. (WCBD)
Award And the Grammy goes to… Five Palmetto State natives have been nominated for the 2025 Grammy Awards, including two who have ties to Holy City. Take a look at their accomplishments and the categories they’re competing in. (The Post and Courier)
Ashley Cardona had training in modern French techniques and roots in southern flavor. | Photo provided by the Food Network
Potterheads prepare to cheer for Ashley Cardona, a baker who calls Charleston home + is whipping up some magic on Food Network’s “Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking” show. Tune in today, Nov. 14 at 8 p.m.; until then, here’s a sneak peek.
Keep reading for our conversation with Cardona as we talk about the show, baking, and Lowcountry favorites.
What does it mean to be able to represent Charleston on the national stage? Charleston is the city that my family and I have called home for three years now, and to represent the place that we love and have chosen to raise a family in has been incredible.
Tell us about your experience. The entire experience was surreal. From seeing James and Oliver on screen to having lunch with them, viewing the actual sets that were used to film, and bringing the movies to life through chocolate and sugar, it was hard to believe that this was real life.
Have you been keeping up with the escaped monkeys in Yemassee? Update: Two of the primates captured Tuesday reportedly enjoyed snacking on peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.
