Well raptors, the holidays are upon us.  December is always a hectic time of year as holiday parties, events, and obligations consume our weekends.  However, if you are looking for something free and fun to do, check out these holiday happenings around town:

Best Freebies This December:

Thursday, December 4th 

What: Embrace the Christmas spirit with some a cappella as well as some accompanied vocal holiday music from throughout the ages, including chants of the first-century and Middle ages, Renaissance music, and modern tunes

When: 7:30-9:30 pm

Where: Downtown. Bethel United Methodist Church. 57 Pitt St.

What: Standup comedy—holiday themed

When: 7:30 pm

Where: Downtown. Theatre 99. 280 Meeting St.

Every Weekend

The Charleston Farmers Market, located in Marion Square downtown, will be open every Saturday and Sunday through the rest of December.  Santa and Mrs. Claus will make appearances each weekend as well as December 12 and December 19th from 12:00-5:00 pm.

Saturday, December 6th

What: Christmas tree lighting, including musical, dance, and theatrical performances, as well as a special appearances by Santa, Mrs. Clause, Captain Hook, the Wicked Witch of the West, and possibly Scrooge

When: 4:30-9:00 pm

Where: Downtown. Marion Square

What: North Charleston Christmas Festival and Parade—Craft and food vendors, carriage rides, jump castles,

a petting zoo, Christmas tree lighting, parade, and choir performance

When: 3:00-9:00 pm

Where: North Charleston. Park Circle.

Sunday, December 7th

What: City of Charleston Holiday Parade

When: 2:00 pm

Where: Downtown. From Colonial Lake to Marion Square

What: Mixson Mingle Jingle—Special outdoor event featuring complimentary photo oppurutnies with Santa, a petting zoo, live music, a caroling performance, special activities and a holiday market stocked with your favorite local product to help you find the perfect gifts

When: 2:00-6:00 pm

Where: North Charleston. Mixson. 4400 Marblehead Ln.

Saturday, December 13th

What: Holiday Parade of Boats

When: 5:00-7:30 pm

Where: Cooper River, Ashley River

Sunday, December 14th

What: Mount Pleasant Christmas Light Parade

When: 5:30

Where: Coleman Boulevard

Sunday, December 21st

What: Chanukah Celebration—Kosher food and live music

When: 4:00-6:00 pm

Where: Marion Square

Friday, December 26th 

What: Kwanzaa Celebration—Kinari lighting ceremony featuring dancers, drummers, and a speaker

When: 5:00-6:00 pm

Where: Marion Square

New Year’s Eve:

What: New Year’s Eve Celebration

When: 4:00-10:00 pm

Where: Marion Square

**Free parking vouchers for select downtown garages available through charlestonarts.org