Arts + Music | A la carte | Event Calendar
Spiegeltent: Marshgrass Mamas
Johns Island’s Marshgrass Mamas has been creating a signature blend of “swampy” bluegrass and old-timey music since 2001. Rooted in Appalachian folk traditions and shaped by more than two decades of shared musicianship, this all-female ensemble delivers a sound that is soulful and unmistakably their own. Enjoy their typical toe-tapping tunes interspersed with festive favorites for a fun holiday twist.
Dec. 21. 7:30 p.m. $25/ticket. Charleston Gaillard Center. 95 Calhoun St. Downtown. gaillardcenter.org
Holy City Holiday Market
More than 200 local vendors will come together in North Charleston for a weekend market and festival featuring live music, food trucks and plenty of holiday cheer. Kick off the festival with a preview party on Friday, and keep the party going over Saturday and Sunday across four neighboring locations. Food and adult beverages will be available for purchase, with holiday treats, baked goods and specialty items sprinkled in and around the vending villages.
Dec. 19 through Dec. 21. Event times vary. Free to attend. Various Locations in Park Circle. holycityholidaymarket.com
Charleston Christmas Special
The Charleston Christmas Special features a cast of more than 25 professional singers, dancers, and musicians performing all your holiday favorites. Produced by Brad and Jennifer Moranz. This year’s brand-new show includes skits, musical performances, and dance numbers sure to get everyone into the holiday spirit.
Dec. 19 through Dec. 21. Show times vary. Ticket prices vary. Charleston Music Hall. 37 John St. Downtown. charlestonmusichall.com
Tea with Santa
Head to Hotel Bennett for an enchanting holiday experience that’s become a beloved Charleston tradition. The hotel’s whimsical Tea with Santa transports guests and their loved ones to a world of magic and wonder with an array of delectable, holiday-inspired treats and a visit from Santa Claus himself. Sip on a selection of warm teas, and get a keepsake to commemorate the special day. Make reservations early to secure your spot.
Dec. 22. Event times vary. $98/adult; $68/children under 12. Hotel Bennett. 404 King St. Downtown. hotelbennett.com
Kid Tours: Arctic Animals
Learn about animals that live in freezing climates while creating your own arctic animal art at The Charleston Museum. Kid Tours highlights artifacts from the museum’s collection that have fascinated children for years. This program includes a tour highlighting the theme and an engaging craft project or educational activity.
Dec. 23. 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. Free with museum admission. The Charleston Museum. 360 Meeting St. Downtown. charlestonmuseum.org
Arts + Music
Celebrate seasonal sounds with North Charleston Pops!
North Charleston POPS! presents its annual holiday concert 7:30 p.m. Dec. 20
at North Charleston Performing Arts Center. POPS! and guest artists will fill the hall with classic carols, festive favorites and sparkling surprises in a merry, warmhearted evening for the whole family. 5001 Coliseum Dr.,
North Charleston. More: northcharlestoncoliseumpac.com
MORE HOLIDAY
- Dec. 19, 6 p.m.: The V-Tones’ Interstellar Holiday Dance Party with The Spaceport Floozies brings its sonic whimsy to Charleston Pour House, 1977 Maybank Highway. More: charlestonpourhouse.com
- Dec. 19 and 20, various times: Charleston Symphony’s annual Holiday Pops! lavishes audiences with seasonal songs and movie soundtracks, as well as the vocals of featured guest Rachel Potter. Charleston Gaillard Center,
95 Calhoun St. More: gaillardcenter.org
VISUAL ARTS
- Dec. 18-20, Noon-5 p.m.: Artist Chloe Hogan’s solo exhibition of paintings, Pale Fire/Shadow Dance, takes place at Storehouse Nine, Suite 115, Navy Yard Charleston.
More: Follow @chloe_hogan_art on Instagram
MUSIC
- Dec. 19, 8 p.m.: Sexbruise? (final Charleston show), Pour House
- Dec. 19, 7:30 p.m.: Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree, Tin Roof
- Dec. 20, 7:30 p.m.: Hearts On Fire, Tin Roof
- Dec. 20, 7:30 p.m.: MF Metal Night, Music Farm
- Dec. 20, 9 p.m.: Campbell Brown and Jim Rubush, Royal American
- Dec. 21, 7 p.m.: Lil Poppa, Music Farm
- Dec. 21, 8 p.m.: Marshgrass Mamas, Gaillard Center
- Dec. 22, 7:30 p.m.: Celtic Woman, Gaillard Center
- Dec. 23, 8 p.m.: Broken Speakers’ Funky Jingle Ball VIII, Pour House
- Dec. 27, 7 p.m.: Blue Dogs Homecoming Celebration, Charleston Music Hall
A la carte
WHAT’S NEW
Ramen mania: Pop-up Weems Ramen has opened a brick-and-mortar storefront at 1921 Reynolds Ave. in North Charleston. Open Wednesdays through Saturdays from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m.,
look for ramen bowls like green curry and miso in addition to cheese karaage and korokke, a potato and pork croquette with ginger-pepper relish.
More: barweems.com
Folly expansion: The team behind Jack of Cups Saloon has opened Jack of Cups Trading Post at 915 Folly Road. The restaurant is open 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. every day except Tuesdays. Once it has a beer and wine permit, it will close at 8 p.m.
Instagram: @jackofcupstradingpost
WHAT’S HAPPENING
Italian harvest: The Loft at Costa is hosting an Umbrian harvest dinner on Dec. 19 at 6 p.m. Guided by Beverage Director Mark McNeely, guests will taste the bold, expressive wines that define the region, and Chef Ryan Singletary will present a four-course dinner with elevated takes on Umbrian classics, including Urbani truffles. Cost is $250 per ticket.
More: costacharleston.com
Knives out: Middleton Made Knives is hosting a holiday vendor market at Halls Signature Events from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 20. Owner Quintin Middleton will be showcasing his latest handmade culinary knives available for testing and purchasing on-site. Other vendors include Philosophers and Fools Books, Carolina Dream CBD, Lumimelts Candles, Palmetto Crochet and Gullah Sweetgrass Baskets.
More: middletonmadeknives.com
GOING DARK
Fuel Cantina, an island-inspired restaurant and bar, announced its final day of service will be Dec. 20. The restaurant, a fixture on Rutledge Avenue for more than 15 years, has legions of fans frequenting it for pain reliever cocktails, tacos, burgers and games of bocce.
More: fuelcharleston.com
The Rarebit, a King Street eatery featuring classic cocktails and comfort food, will close Dec. 21 after its brunch service.




