Dive into the holiday spirit at Aquarium Aglow, where twinkling lights, festive treats, and even Scuba Claus make for an unforgettable night at the South Carolina Aquarium. | Photo by Nathan Bell Photography
Is it just us, or does it not quite feel like the holidays until you’ve seen thousands of twinkling lights?
Enter: Aquarium Aglow at the South Carolina Aquarium, opening this Friday, Nov. 21, and running through Tuesday, Dec. 30.
Mark your holiday calendar and get excited to:
Explore the aquarium after dark.
Enjoy festive photo ops and sweet treats.
Be captivated by immersive installations.
Meet Scuba Claus (more on him in a minute).
Sip and snack on festive fare, including bevs for the 21+ crowd.
Did we have you at “Scuba Claus”?
That’s right — Santa’s traded in his sleigh for a dive mask and fins to explore the warmer waters of the Carolinas. You can catch him nightly in the Great Ocean Tank, so be sure to wave.
Almost as stunning as the lights themselves? The views from the Harbor Deck.
Amenities include equestrian facilities, trails, a boathouse, and a boat launch, to name a few.
Rendering provided by Charles Towne Farms
Development
Check out Charles Towne Farms, a new master-planned community in the Historic Ashley Plantation District. Zoned initially for a 3,500-home subdivision, developers decided to change course and limit density. Phase one includes 16 land parcels, ranging from 12 to 66 acres, with larger parcels in the following phases.
Civic
Today, voters in Folly Beach, Isle of Palms, and Lincolnville will head back to the polls to choose a mayor in their respective towns and cities. The runoff elections are today, Nov. 18. All eligible voters, including those who missed the initial election, can vote. Make sure you’re registered and ready.
Announced
A vacant building at 1001 King St. is at risk of collapse and is scheduled for demolition this week. The original demolition was delayed when crews found the building contained asbestos. The city closed King Street from Grove Street to Francis Street until the demolition is complete, and engineers say the area is safe. (WCBD)
Real Estate
Take a peek inside “Southern Charm” cast member Shep Rose’s new home, a converted schoolhouse on Sullivan’s Island. (Realtor.com)
Civic
The City of Charleston’s Board of Architectural Review has denied the demolition of a home formerly owned by master Blacksmith Philip Simmons. The board is now requiring a stabilization plan within 90 days, which can be pricey. Officials say financial resources are available to help cover the cost. (WCBD)
Number
$5 million. That’s how much Transportation Sales Tax funding has been secured for nearly a dozen new greenbelt projects in Charleston County. The program was created in 2004 and has helped preserve more than 26,000 acres for parks, green spaces, and conservation throughout the county. (WCBD)
Travel
White-sand beaches, volcanic backdrops, tropical wildlife, and mind-blowing cuisine. That’s what awaits at Travel and Leisure’s No. 1 trending travel destination for 2026 — Limon, Costa Rica. Whether you choose the Central American paradise or somewhere else entirely, Charleston International Airport is the place to start your adventure.
Community
Do you have a favorite restaurant? What about a pet-friendly spot? We want you to use your voice + passion for local biz and vote for CHStoday’s Best. Voting ends Tuesday, Nov. 25.
Quoted
“I get more from this daily newsletter than any other news outlet!” That’s what Tiffney C. said during our fundraising campaign last year. Every day, we strive to bring you positive, impactful news about our city, and you can help us in our mission with a one-time donation.
Finance
Investing in exotic and classic vehicles delivers results — a Lamborghini Countach sale just generated a 14% net return for MCQ Markets investors. Diversify for $20 a share.*
Editor’s Pick
She-crab soup is a classic, and who wouldn’t want a bowl of some that’s award-winning? | Photo provided by 82 Queen.
With chilly fall nights in full swing, it’s safe to say we’re
officially in soup season. Here are a few spots we love.
82 Queen | One of the menu items this downtown favorite is known for is its award-winning she-crab soup. It’s been voted Charleston City Paper’s “Best She-Crab Soup” more than 15 times.
Five Loaves Cafe | With locations in Mount Pleasant and Summerville, this spot offers daily house-made soups listed on their special boards.
LOLA | At this Cajun eatery, enjoy a crab + corn chowder paired with their signature praline cornbread for a perfect meal.
Chef Loong Dim Sum | This spot offers plenty of soup options for a chilly day, like pork wonton, egg drop, hot and sour soup, and several varieties of soup dumplings.
Benefit’s top-rated brow pen that’s on sale for a limited time. We love that it draws on three superfine lines in one stroke, resulting in fuller-looking brows in seconds. Bonus: Get $10 off your order of at least $20 with code HSN2025 by Sunday, Nov. 30.
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
A French bulldog float will make its way through New York City during this year’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. That got us thinking: What are the most Charleston-inspired animal floats that could feature in the festivities?
It wouldn’t be CHS without a bottlenose dolphin — like a huge version of this.
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