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:
Yule | Saturday, Dec. 21
Christmas | Wednesday, Dec. 25
Hanukkah | Wednesday, Dec. 25-Thursday, Jan. 2
Kwanzaa | Thursday, Dec. 26-Wednesday, Jan. 1
Ways to celebrate these holidays around Charleston:
Winter Solstice Ritual + Soundbath | Saturday, Dec. 21 Join this Winter Solstice Ceremony with rituals of reflection, fire, and sound, honoring renewal and alignment.
Chanukah in the Square | Sunday, Dec. 29 Experience this 17th annual event features live music, food, crafts, and a community menorah lighting.
Gullah Kwanzaa Celebration | Monday, Dec. 30 Join the Gullah + Geechee Family Foundation for African drum classes, healthy juicing demos, art activities, storytelling, and a drum circle.
Acupuncture Integral Soundbath | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Portico Longevity | $95 | Wind down with a restorative soundbath paired with auricular acupuncture, followed by community connection and tea.
Thursday, Dec. 12
Seabrook Island Holiday Extravaganza | 4-7 p.m. | Seabrook Island Town Hall | Free entry | Find unique holiday gifts from local vendors, savor food from local food trucks, and enjoy live music.
Friday, Dec. 13
Rewined Gourmet Holiday Market | Through Sunday, Dec. 15 | 11 a.m.-5 p.m. | 71 Wentworth | Free entry | Experience the delightful aromas at this first annual candle pop-up market.
Outdoor Holiday Movie Night | 7 p.m. | Credit One Stadium | Free | Bring your beach chair and blanket to view “A Christmas Story.”
Saturday, Dec. 14
Folly Beach Christmas Parade | 12 p.m. | Center Street, Folly Beach | Free entry | See floats, marching bands, and community associations show their holiday spirit.
25th Annual Holiday Market and Craft Show | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | Mt. Pleasant Farmers Market | Price of purchase | Explore holiday ornaments, glasswork, whimsical crafts, and art by local artisans.
Bearcat, a neighborhood restaurant in West Ashley, announced its “last service for the foreseeable future” was Saturday, Dec. 7. The restaurant served the community for 13 months. Read the statement.
Opening
Charleston native and Chef Mark Bolchoz is opening a new neighborhood spot in Hanahan. Cane Pazzo will serve classic Italian flavors with Lowcountry ingredients complemented by an extensive list of old-world and natural wines. The opening is slated for spring 2025.
Drink
Now through Monday, Dec. 30, The Mills House Hotel is offering 12 Cocktails of Christmas featuring a lineup of yuletide-inspired drinks. City Editor Erika here — I enjoyed Silver Bells with tequila, mint, lime, cranberry, simple syrup, and Prosecco.
Eat
Erika again — StarChefs’ Rising Stars Restaurant Week is underway until Dec. 18. I had the chance to attend a guided olive oil tasting lunch with several of this year’s Charleston-Savannah Rising Stars honorees, hosted by Chubby Fish and Corto Olive Oil. Don’t miss the chance to try dishes from these talented local chefs.
Award
Drum roll, please. King Street District and Inskip Creative invited King Street businesses between Line and Broad Streets to participate in its second Holiday Window Contest. See the winners, including the judge’s choice and the people’s choice.
Community
The City of Charleston announced West Ashley’s Mulberry Park Playground is finished and open. The playground is next to the Food Forest, created in partnership with the Charleston Parks Conservancy.
Shop
Are you a fan of the local coffee shop babas? Based on popular demand, they’ve launched their own merch. You can now purchase a hat designed by designer and illustrator Lauren Hakmiller.
Show
Award-winning entertainer Aziz Ansari known for playing Tom Haverford in “Parks and Recreation,” will stop at the Gaillard Center for his “Hypothetical Tour.” Tickets are available beginning Friday, Dec. 13 at 10 a.m. Did you know — Ansari is from Columbia? (WCBD)
Wellness
Thinning hair doesn’t stand a chance with KilgourMD’s dermatologist-developed serums. Increase follicle growth by 200% when you get the bundle for $150, featuring 15% + free shipping.*
Announced
Meet Jobs, our virtual job board for all industries that can connect you with top local talent. Post your first listing for free and watch those applications roll in.
Category
Shop
🎁 7 holiday presents $20 or less
Including a chic bedside carafe and a winter-friendly lip balm. | Graphic by 6AM City
Shop some of our favorite finds that will brighten up anyone’s holiday, all available for $20 or less.
Local pick:Get Carried Away | Prices vary | From housewarming gifts to must-have tablescape pieces, this Mount Pleasant market has lots of options that won’t break the bank.
Bedside carafe + tumbler | $18.99 | Gift a pretty amber tumbler and glass perfect for adorning any bedside table.
Local pick:Charleston Tea Olive Handcrafted Soap | $9.49 | These soaps are handcrafted with the highest quality of oils like coconut oil, olive oil, sunflower oil, avocado oil, and shea butter.
A great gift for a significant other or someone you love — a personalized song plaque you can customize with their favorite song + a photo of you together.
Here’s a photo of the Silver Bells cocktail from the 12 Cocktails of Christmas lineup at The Mills House. I recommend grabbing a friend, enjoying dinner at the hotel’s Iron Rose restaurant, sipping a festive cocktail, and marveling at the stunning holiday décor. Don’t forget to visit the charming The Rebecca Illustrated Shop inside the hotel, filled with artwork, gifts, and souvenirs.
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