The Aquarium is introducing wild new animal residents (think: batfish and eels), along with giant decorations like pine cones + poinsettias to brighten up your holidays.
Date night idea: Spend a magical evening with your significant other at Aquarium Aglow.
Photo by Nathan Bell
Tickets + timing
Aquarium Aglow tickets can be purchased in advance online. Buy your tickets early, as prices increase by $3 on the date of each event.
The event runs from 5:30 to 9 p.m. with scheduled entry times. Check your tickets to make sure you arrive on time, and have them ready on your phone or printed for quick access. All guests are welcome to stay until the event ends at 9 p.m.
Bonus: Proceeds from every ticket support animal care, education, conservation + sea turtle rehabilitation.
Where to park
The most convenient parking option is the city-operated garage at 24 Calhoun St., right next to Liberty Square and the Aquarium. Metered parking is also available on nearby streets.
Pro tip: Both options are pay-to-park and are not operated by the Aquarium.
More tips
For guests with sensory sensitivities, the Aquarium offers free checkout of KultureCity sensory bags which include tools like noise-reducing headphones and special strobe glasses to help make visits more comfortable. Check out these tips for a sensory friendly visit before you go.
Swinging Oak Sip ‘n’ Paint | 4-6 p.m. | Bay Street Biergarten | $45 | Join for sips, to get creative, and enjoy a beautiful patio.
Wynsum Antiques and Interiors - Grand Opening | 5:30-8:30 p.m. | Wynsum Antiques and Interiors, Mt. Pleasant| Price of purchase | All are welcome to tour the beautiful new shop and enjoy a catered affair with food and drinks.
Friday, Nov. 22
A Special Thanksgiving Mixology Class | 5-6:30 p.m. | Striped Pig Distillery, North Charleston | $60 | This interactive class will teach you how to make holiday cocktails.
Garden & Gun Winter Market | Through Sunday, Nov. 24 | Times vary | Garden & Gun Headquarters | Free | Shop, eat, and drink at this event celebrating the spirit of Southern craftsmanship.
Saturday, Nov. 23
Find Your Light: Firefly Yoga with Unity Yoga | 11 a.m.-12 p.m. | Firefly Distillery, North Charleston | $15 | Start your weekend with outdoor all-level yoga rooted in creative movements to build flexibility and strength.
Seagrove Pottery Festival Weekend (two locations) | Through Sunday, Nov. 24 | Times vary | Participating Pottery Shops in Seagrove, Seagrove, NC | $5+ | Two festivals celebrate the traditions of pottery in Seagrove, NC for shopping throughout the weekend before Thanksgiving.*
Rusty Streetman will return to the Isle of Palms’ city council after defeating Susan Hill Smith in Tuesday’s special election runoff. Streetman will claim Councilwoman Elizabeth Campsen’s seat, following her resignation last summer. (WCBD)
Cause
Progress continues at Plymouth Park on James Island. The City of Charleston has ordered playground equipment, with a groundbreaking set for the coming weeks. Friends of Plymouth Park are fundraising with the Oysters in the Park event this Saturday. Tickets are $55, with proceeds supporting park upgrades. (WCSC)
Shop
This weekend, vintage lovers should check out Shop The Block, which will be hosted at Bevi Bene Brewing this Saturday, Nov. 23. From 12 to 4 p.m., attendees can browse from 20+ vendors selling vintage clothes and handmade goods, plus enjoy some food truck options.
Drink
Cheers to the holidays. The Restaurant at Edmund’s Oast will kick off next week’s festivities with a Champagne Night on Monday, Nov. 25. There will be $15 glasses available from four women-led Champagne houses. Reserve your spot. (Holy City Sinner)
Number
$1,849. Per WalletHub, that’s the average 2024 holiday budget of a Charlestonian. The research calculated the max holiday budget for 550+ US cities using metrics like population, income, age, and ratio of savings to monthly expenses. Pro tip: Start with our gift guide.
Plan Ahead
Get ready for some action. Mex 1 Snowboard Rail Jam will return to Firefly Distillery on Saturday, Jan. 11. The event will feature a larger ramp and more snow than previous years and competitors from across the US doing flips, tricks, and high-flying stunts. Tickets start at $35. (Holy City Sinner)
Show
Get ready to laugh. Comedian Matt Rife’s “Stay Golden Tour” is coming to the North Charleston Coliseum on Saturday, June 21. Tickets go on sale tomorrow, Nov. 22 at 12 p.m. (WCBD)
Cause
Did you know? Lowes Foods is raising money for Hurricane Helene relief through Pouring for Neighbors. Head to any Beer Den in North Carolina or South Carolina to grab a pint of the craft beer on Tap No. 1, and $1 per pour will be donated to Feeding America.*
Health
Repair, recovery, longevity. That’s the focus at interveneMD, a practice committed to educating patients about their pain so they can be an active participant in their treatment. Explore services.*
Featured Deal
For a limited time, you can give the gift of a lifetime of languages for less. Think: Forever access to all of Rosetta Stone’s immersive + engaging lessons at more than 60% off. Snag the deal.*
Edu
Calling all military families. Charleston Southern University, ranked among the “Best Online Bachelor’s Programs for Veterans” by U.S. News & World Report, offers a welcoming environment + personalized support for every military-connected student. Learn more.*
Family
Cheers, Charleston.Crush Yard is celebrating one year with the addition of a brand-new sports bar. Stop by for pickleball, good food, and family fun — no reservations needed. Plan your visit.*
Shop
A sports gift your kids won’t put down: Dribbleup’s top-selling Smart Basketball. Unlock thousands of interactive drills led by real coaches — it’s 60% off for the holidays.*
Category
Cause
🦪 Let’s shellabrate
Your taste buds will love this event for a good cause. | Photo provided by Toadfish Outfitters
Are you ready for some shucking fun for a good cause? On Sunday, Dec. 8, Toadfish Conservation Coalition will host its annual Shellabration at Bowen’s Island Restaurant.
This 21+ event celebrates coastal conservation with local oysters, top chefs, live music, and a silent auction to support oyster restoration efforts across South Carolina. All proceeds benefit Toadfish’s mission to clean and protect coastal waters.
Bonus: VIP guests can enjoy an exclusive happy hour from 1:30 to 3 p.m., with general admission open from 3 to 7 p.m.
Tickets are $100 for general admission and $175 for VIP access.
