Upcoming Events at Charleston’s Historic Plantations

  • Candlelight Tour ◊ December 1,2,8,9,15,16

Beautiful and moving, this eighteenth century historic house is the oldest untouched home open to the public in the United States. On select dates, Drayton Hall will be open for these reservation-only guided Candlelight Tours to a limited number of guests.

Experience Drayton Hall at night with these incredibly special candlelight experiences. This is a remarkable way to understand the house and the lives that touched it – and historic Charleston – from the perspective of a preserved colonial home.

Click here for additional information.

  • Spirituals Concert ◊ December 10

Ann Caldwell and The Magnolia Singers will usher in the holidays with their ancestral hymns. Enjoy a beverage and light bites at the reception before being seated for the performance. This event sells out every year, get your tickets early!

Performed in the beautiful George W. McDaniel Education Center at Drayton Hall, this traditional Charleston holiday concert is a rare opportunity to experience music that could have been heard centuries ago in the surrounding fields and praise houses in Charleston, SC plantations. Prior to the concerts, guests will enjoy a light reception with wassail – an historic and traditional holiday libation of Charleston.

Click here for additional information.

  • Home for the Holidays ◊ November 24, 2023-January 6, 2024

Step back in time with us to the roaring twenties as we embellish the Magnolia House in the jewel tones of the 1920’s for the holiday season. Our Magnolia House tour will spend time highlighting Norwood and Sara Hastie, who entertained lavishly during their 30 year ownership – including visits from presidents, first ladies, innovators and A-list celebrities of the time. 

Click here for additional information.

  • Grand Illumination and Dinner ◊ December 13 – 16

Join us for Christmas of 1782 at Middleton Place. As you make your way through the torch-lit gardens, you’ll meet historical reenactors portraying free and enslaved men and women of Middleton Place as they experience the end of the Revolutionary War, the departure of the British from Charleston, and Arthur Middleton’s return to his family. 

After the theatrical presentation, enjoy a  feast in the Pavilion. The chef and attendant served a buffet featuring favorite Lowcountry dishes that will make Grand Illumination a memorable part of your holiday season.  This event traditionally sells out. Purchase your tickets early!

Click here for additional information.

  • A Gullah Christmas Concert ◊ December 13

We are excited to present a Christmas concert event for the second year that will have a Gullah Christmas theme. However, this year’s event will have more of a Gullah Christmas flavor with more Gullah Christmas stories and Christmas songs performed by the Plantation Singers.

Tours of the plantation home beautifully decorated for the Christmas holidays will be an added bonus available for guests from 6:00 pm-7:00 pm on the day of the show. After parking in the parking lot next to the plantation mansion, please make your way around to the front of the home to enter for this tour.

Click here for additional information.

  • A Traditional Christmas at Boone Hall Plantation ◊ December 4, 2023 – January 1, 2024

Tours of the plantation home during the Christmas holidays are included with regular paid admission to Boone Hall Plantation. There is no additional charge to tour the  mansion beautifully decorated for the Christmas holidays.

Click here for additional information.

–Tidelines Editors

Holiday Magic in Historic Charleston

This season Charleston is offering plenty of free family-friendly opportunities to soak in the holiday magic.

  • Charleston Farmers Market in Marion Square will host special Holiday Markets on Saturdays and Sundays, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm on December 2, 3, 9, 10, and 16 (no market on December 17). You’ll find everything you need to deck the halls for the holidays and fill the pantry with local goodies, all from local farmers, growers, artisans and crafters.
  • Holiday Parade steps off at 3:00 pm, Sunday, December 3. This fun, high energy parade which will commence on Broad Street at Rutledge, travel north on Meeting Street, and conclude on Calhoun Street at Meeting Street. Tree lighting in Marion Square will take place at the conclusion of the parade.
  • Holiday Parade of Boats sets sail Saturday, December 9, in Charleston Harbor. This is a Lowcountry tradition. The display of lighted and festive boats proceeds from the Cooper River, through the Charleston Harbor and into the Ashley River. This is a family-friendly event is sure to become a holiday tradition for everyone. Viewing spots can be found along Charleston’s waterfront.
  • Holiday Magic on King Street (between John and Mary Streets) is planned for Thursday, December 7 from 6:00-8:00 pm. This family-friendly block party features live music and holiday vendors, with festive refreshments available for purchase.
  • Chanukah in the Square will take place on Sunday, December 10 at 4:00 pm in Marion Square. The event will feature live music, arts and crafts, and traditional seasonal food and will culminate with the lighting of a menorah at dusk. The celebration is an initiative of the Yaschik/Arnold Jewish Studies Program at the College of Charleston and Chabad of Charleston.

–Tidelines Editors

(Image credit: CharlestonCVB.com)

Holiday Night Markets Dec 1 and 2

The Town Market on James Island, 1122 Dills Bluff Road, will host its Holiday Market on Friday, December 1 from 6:00 – 10:00 pm. Get the family into the holiday spirit shopping with local vendors, enjoying eats from food trucks, and more.

Sea Island Farmers Market‘s annual Holiday Night Market will take place on Saturday, December 2, 2023.

The magical Holiday Night Market is held on the campus of Charleston Collegiate, 2024 Academic Road, Johns Island from 4:30-8:00 pm. With over 40 amazing local artisans displaying their unique, handcrafted offerings, you’re sure to find the perfect gift for everyone on your list.

The regular daytime farmers market will be Saturday, December 2 from 9:30 am – 1:30 pm. The market will be closed on December 23 and December 30 for its holiday break.

Remember parking and admission are always free at Sea Island Farmers Market.

–Tidelines Editors

(Image credits: The Town Market on James Island; Sea Island Farmers Market)

SIB December Activities

Santa Claus is coming to town, and our winter birds will help Rudolph lead the way. Join Seabrook Island Birders for some December fun!

Beyond Our Backyard: Lighthouse Inlet

When: Thursday, December 7, 2023, 9:30 am – 12:00 pm
Location: Meet at Seabrook Island Real Estate to carpool at 8:30 am or
meet at meet at Lighthouse Inlet at 9:30 am
Max: 10 
Cost:  Free for members, $10 per guest

Join SIB for a “Beyond our Backyard” visit to the incredibly diverse northeast end of Folly Island at Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve. Once the home of a Coast Guard station, this Heritage Preserve protects maritime forest, beach, dune, and marsh habitats for wildlife. This is a flat and easy  0.8-mile out-and-back walk that leads to the Morris Island Lighthouse. We will also be exploring the inlet area beach and marsh for a further 1.0 mile along a beach path and beach. At this time of year, we hope to see Savannah Sparrow, Cedar Waxwing, Gray Catbird, Sedge Wren, Red-Breasted Nuthatch, Ruby Crowned Kinglet, Eastern phoebe, Northern Harrier, dabbling ducks such as Red Breasted Merganser off shore, and a variety of sea birds and shorebirds.

Note there are no bathrooms at this location. Parking is along East Ashley Avenue.

A lunch option at one of Folly’s many restaurants will be determined later.

Travel details:

From Center Street, turn left onto East Ashley Avenue and follow this road to where it ends at a cul-de-sac.

Address:
Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve
1750 East Ashley Ave.
Folly Beach

Please register no later than December 5, 2023.  All registrants will receive a confirmation letter the day prior to the trip

Register here.

Learning Together on Ocean Winds Golf Course

When: Monday, December 11, 2023, 8:30 am – 10:30 am
Location: Meet at The Island House (golf course parking lot next to Spinnaker beach houses) for ride along the golf course in golf carts
Max: 24 (If all seats in golf carts are used) 
Cost: Free for members; $10 donation for guests – Priority will be given to prior waitlisted and members

The Seabrook Island Club closes one course a day, each week and allows SIB to use golf carts to travel the course to bird. Join us for a morning of birding by riding in golf carts for at least 9-holes on Ocean Winds golf course. We expect to see a large variety of birds including Egrets, Herons and birds of prey. We will also see and hear some of the smaller birds like Tufted Titmice, Eastern Bluebirds, Northern Cardinals, Carolina Wrens and some of the many warbler species. Since it is fall/winter, we can also expect to see Eastern Phoebes, Northern Flickers, Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers, Belted Kingfishers, Double-crested Cormorants, Bald Eagles, and more!

As always, be sure to bring your binoculars/cameras, hats and sunscreen.  Water will be provided.  

Please register no later than Friday prior to the trip. All registrants will receive a confirmation letter on Sunday, the day prior to the trip. If you need to cancel, please let us know so we can invite people on the waitlist to attend.

Register here.

December Movie, “Wild America – Season Two – Bird Watching”

(Episodes 7 and 8)

When: Tuesday, December 12, 2023 at 4:00 pm 
Location:  In person at Oyster Catcher Community Center (if there are at least five people) and virtually via Zoom

Wild America | S2 E3 Birds of Prey | Full Episode HD - YouTube

Birdwatching is one very popular way in which many people enjoy the wonder and fascination of our great American outdoors. More so than any other creatures, birds have captured the imagination of humans as they float on the wind, soar to great heights and make the world a more wonderful place.

Episode 7: “Owls: Lords of Darkness” – The Owl’s incredible sight and hearing are second to none in the animal world, and its ability to fly with utter soundlessness is nothing short of remarkable. Its life history is endlessly intriguing. The eighteen species of North American Owls are creatures of mystery. Owls are undisputed champions of the Birds of Prey. They reign — as they have for ages — lords of darkness.

Episode 8: “Wild Wings”- America’s birds come in all shapes and sizes, and they range from homely to breathtaking. But they share one thing in common — the awesome power of flight. The airborne freedom which sets birds apart from other creatures has been envied by man for centuries. All the diverse bird types are seen — powerful predators, melodious songbirds, and graceful water birds.”

Register here.

Backyard Birding at the Boat Ramp/Crab Dock

When: Monday, December 18, 2023,  8:00 am – 10:00 am
Location: 1201 Creekwatch Trace
Max: 12        
Cost: Free for members; $10 donation for guests 

Join SIB members near the home of Melanie and Robert Jerome at the boat ramp on Creek Watch Trace on Seabrook Island on Monday, December 18 at 8:00 am -10:00 am. Yes, we are starting that early. You will have views of the marsh and river, with many shore birds, Spotted Sandpipers, Egrets, Herons, Marsh Wrens, and many songbirds.  There is a lot to see at the SIPOA boat ramp and crab dock. Low tide will be 5:52 am. The marsh by the fire station may have some additional birds. There will be seats available to sit and bird or a group can go walking. Just start out by walking back to the Jerome’s backyard.

Bring  binoculars and bug spray.  

Please register no later than December 15, 2023. All registrants will receive a confirmation letter on Sunday December 17.  

Register here.

-Submitted by SIB

(Image credit: SIB, Wild America)

Holiday Decorations at the Joseph Manigault House Dec 2 – 27

Annually, the Garden Club of Charleston uses this magnificent antebellum house as a backdrop for their creative holiday arrangements, using plant material that would have been available in the Lowcountry during the first quarter of the 19th century.

On Saturday, December 2, be one of the first to enjoy these floral decorations along with music and holiday refreshments. Costumed carolers from the Charleston Caroling Company will provide entertainment from 2:00 to 3:00 pm. The House will be open to enjoy from 1:00 – 5:00 pm, with guides throughout the House available for questions. From December 2 – 27, you can visit the Joseph Manigault House Monday through Saturday 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, Sunday 12 noon to 5:00 pm. The last tour begins at 4:30 pm.

The Joseph Manigault House, a National Landmark, was the first structure to be saved from demolition in Charleston’s budding preservation movement of the 1920s. The house is an exceptional example of Federal style architecture, showcasing a prominent spiral staircase in the central hall, and features historic objects from the Museum’s collections.

–Tidelines Editors

(Image credit: charlestonmuseum.org)

December Activities at Freshfields

Letters to Santa – Drop off your letters to Santa in the special mailbox near the Christmas Tree on the Village Green. Freshfields will make sure Santa’s elves pick them up to deliver to Santa Claus in time. Don’t forget to include your return address and Santa will send you a special surprise!

Holiday Starlight Cinema Series – Bring your chairs, blankets, and picnics to enjoy a family friendy movie under the stars. The movies start at 6:00 pm.
~The Polar Express – Saturday, December 9. Starring Tom Hanks, this inspiring adventure is based on the beloved children’s book by Chris Van Allsburg.
~The Santa Clause – Saturday, December 16. A divorced adman inadvertently becomes the real Santa Claus when he puts on the suit of a guy that falls off his roof. This is another Tom Hanks movie.

Cars & Coffee – Saturday, December 16 from 9:00 – 11:00 am. Arrive in your favorite ride or stop by the Village Green to browse unique, antique, and other cool cars.

Jazz Night at Porch Bar – Thursday, December 28 from 6:00 – 8:00 pm. Enjoy a local jazz group at the Porch Bar at the Andell Inn.

For more information about the events at Freshfields, click here.

–Tidelines Editors

$100,000 SIHAF Challenge

Sea Islands Hunger Awareness Foundation Announces

2023 – $100,000 Hunger Awareness Challenge

The Sea Islands Hunger Awareness Foundation (SIHAF) is excited and very thankful for the loyal donors who have already generously offered to match our 2023 – $100,000 Hunger Awareness Challenge! 

As we approach the season of giving, we hope you will join us in raising awareness and much-needed funds to support our programs and partners in their quest to provide nutritious food and clean water to our sea islands neighbors for the coming year.

This is the foundation’s only fundraising event and we need the entire community’s support. Awareness is our “middle name,” and we’d like to make you aware of some important hunger facts regarding our neighbors on the sea islands and what we do to help.

SIHAF supports fourteen local organizations and programs. We partner with Zion Emergency Food Pantry, Hebron Zion Senior Citizens Ministry, Meals on Mondays of the Rockville Presbyterian Church, Charleston Area Senior Citizens Meals on Wheels Program, New Webster Johns Island Parish Food Pantry, St. James Bethel Food Pantry, Temple Take-Out Ministry of Wesley UMC, and Fields to Families and Sweetgrass Garden Co-op.  We also have three programs – Sea Islands Blessing Basket, Crock-Pot Cooking Classes, and Water Wellness Mission.

Our programs and partners serve Johns and Wadmalaw Islands residents in need, providing consistent, satisfying, and nourishing food, clean water, and special programs to over 2,500 sea islands neighbors, including 825 families.

We must buy nearly all the food we provide and, as you are aware, food prices are higher than ever.  And of course, as food costs rise, the number of new applicants for assistance continues to rise.

 In addition, SIHAF seeks special funds to provide stoves, refrigerators, microwave ovens, crock pots and electric can openers to those who need assistance in preparing, cooking, and storing their food.

SIHAF is an all-volunteer organization and hundreds of volunteers, including 9 Board members, give their time, talent, and treasure to provide, prepare, secure, sort, pack, and distribute food to our clients, as well as work on our many outreach programs.

Please help us reach our goal of at least $200,000 so we can continue to provide our programs, support our partners, and provide food and clean water to our sea islands neighbors in need in 2024. Please share this information with your friends and neighbors, new and old!

Donate: 

By Check Mailed To
Sea Islands Hunger Awareness Foundation (SIHAF)
PO Box 268
Johns Island, SC 29457-0268

Donate Online
Via Credit or Debit Card at: fightislandhunger.org

SIHAF is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization –
All donations are tax-deductible

For more information about SIHAF go to fightislandhunger.org

-Submitted by Sea Islands Hunger Awareness Foundation

(Image credit: fightislandhunger.org)

Keep Up with The Lake House Nov 29

The Lake House Activities & Event

  • 8th Annual Canned Food Drive – November 1 – December 8. Drop off your canned goods at The Lake House lobby. We are off to a great start – 3,362 pounds donated already!
  • Working Together to Prevent Type 2 Diabetes Presentation – Live presentation on Wednesday, November 29 at 1:00 pm. Available on Zoom on Thursday, November 30 at 10:00 am.
  • Get The Scoop – Monday, December 4 at 4:00 pm in the Oyster Catcher Community Center. The topic is Sustanaility on Seabrook ; SIPOA’s Compost Program.
  • BYOB Bingo – Monday, December 4 from 4:30 pm until 6:00 pm.
  • Keep Betsy Beautiful – Thursday, December 7 at 4:30 pm.
  • Happy Hour Singles Game Night – Tuesday, December 12 from 4:30 – 6:00 pm.
  • Polar Bear Plunge – Monday, January 1 at 10:30 am at North Beach near Boardwalk 1.

Click here for more information about The Lake House Activities

Fitness Classes

Monthly Schedule
The December fitness calendar can viewed by clicking here. This schedule does not include Semi-Private classes.

Class Changes

  • Morning Flow Yoga – Effective Friday, December 1, Morning Flow Yoga will move to 10:05 am in The Lake House Studio.  

Semi-Private Series
Sign up now for the following Semi-Private classes. For more information about the Semi-Private series as well as detailed descriptions of the individual classes, click here.

  • Brain Health – Tuesdays & Thursdays, December 5 – January 25 at 2:00 pm
  • Mind & Body Chair – Mondays & Fridays, December 1 – 22 at 4:00 pm.
  • All Over Fit – Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays, December 4 – December 22 at 8:30 am.
  • Yin Yoga – Tuesdays, December 5 and 19 at 5:15 pm.
  • Chair Yoga – Wednesdays, December 6, 20 and 27 at 2:30 pm.
  • Sit & Be Fit – Mondays & Fridays, December 1 – 22 at 3:00 pm.
  • Social Fit Hybrid – Wednesdays, December 6 – 27 at 4:00 pm.

The Lake House Wellness Services

For complete information about the Wellness Services, click here.

Indoor/Outdoor Pools

The regular outdoor pool hours:
– Monday through Friday opens at 9:15 am following the conclusion of the water classes and closes 9:00 pm.
– Saturday and Sunday open from 8:00 am to 9:00 pm.

Information about the indoor pool, as well as the rules for both indoor and outdoor pools, can be viewed by clicking here.

Please bring a towel with you. Pool towels are not provided. Amenity Cards are required to access The Lake House.

-Submitted by Jamie Mogus Mixson, The Lake House Manager

Keep Betsy Beautiful Dec 7

Join the Kiawah Conservancy on Thursday, December 7, from 4:30 to 6:00 pm at The Lake House to learn about our exciting new campaign to preserve the natural beauty, watershed, and wildlife habitat on Betsy Kerrison Parkway!

This area is vital to the ecological health of Kiawah Island and with the ever-increasing development of Johns Island, the Kiawah Conservancy recognizes the importance of preserving this area now before it’s too late.

If you can’t attend the December 7 presentation at The Lake House, there are 3 other opportunities to learn about “Keep Betsy Beautiful.” These are on Kiawah Island, click here for details.

All the sessions are open to the public, but space is limited and registration is required. Click here to register.

–Tidelines Editors

Reminder: Holiday Concert on Dec 4

Remember that on Monday, December 4, 2023 the Charleston Coastal Choir will perform a holiday concert, “Sing of a Merry Christmas.” The concert will take place at 5:00 pm at the Holy Spirit Catholic Church, located at 3871 Betsy Kerrison Parkway.

Under the direction of Van McCollum, the Charleston Coastal Choir will perform both traditional holiday music as well as some unique musical pieces which will certainly help the audience get into the holiday spirit! Please come out to enjoy seasonal holiday music and to support your friends and neighbors in the Charleston Coastal Choir. We hope to see you there!

-Submitted by Deborah Banecker