DiPiero Simmons McGinley & Bastress PLLC issued the following announcement on Nov. 19.
During the holidays, it’s typical to want to stay inside under a blanket and drinking hot chocolate by a fire rather than braving the cold outdoors. But that doesn’t always get you in the spirit of the season. If you need to get out of the house and start feeling festive, then don’t look any further because we’ve compiled this list of holiday events in Charleston that are sure to get you in the spirit!
Holiday Events
Whether you need to get a last minute gift, want to solve a murder mystery, or watch a stellar parade, then Charleston has you covered. Here are some holiday themed events that can cover any want that you have and provide fun for the whole family! Except the murder mystery, leave your kids at home for that one!
Holly Day. At the Clay Center, you can take part in holiday crafts, take a photo with Santa, and explore the museum and planetarium, all for the price of admission to the museum! Come by Nov. 29 from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. to celebrate Holly Day with us.
South Charleston Christmas Parade. The South Charleston Christmas Parade steps off at 12 p.m. on Dec. 7. The parade starts at 2nd Avenue and goes to the Mound. After the parade, 4th Avenue will be blocked off between C and D street for a holiday block party. Bring the whole family for a day full of holiday fun.
Santa’s Workshop. Edgewood Summit’s Annual Santa’s Workshop starts at 10 a.m. on Dec. 7 and will feature many vendors with handmade and custom crafted goods that are perfect as gifts for your loved ones this holiday season. Visitors are encouraged to also bring non-perishable food items to be donated to the United Mission.
Charleston Christmas Parade. Line the streets of downtown Charleston on Dec. 12 to watch the Charleston Christmas Parade that steps off at 7 p.m. The route begins and ends at Kanawha Boulevard, and hits Capitol Street, Washington Street, and Clendenin Street along the way.
Twas the Murder Before Christmas. Murder and Merriment presents a murder mystery event called Twas the Murder Before Christmas right here in Charleston! On Dec. 13 at 6 p.m. you can purchase tickets to the Hale Street Center to join in on the fun and figure out who is plotting to kill Uncle Charlie for his money!
Noon Year’s Eve. Kanawha County Public Libraries are hosting Noon Year’s Eve events for families with children who can’t stay up until midnight to celebrate the new year. Stop by at 11 a.m. on Dec. 31 at the Main Library, Clendenin Branch, Elk Valley Branch, or Cross Lanes Branch, and on Dec. 30 for the Sissonville Branch.
Holiday Concerts and Shows
If you don’t want to stand outside in the cold this holiday season, we totally get it! That’s why we also included this list of concerts and shows that are held indoors in the warmth. Take a seat and enjoy these shows that are sure to get you feeling festive.
Manheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis. The Charleston Coliseum Convention Center hosts the Manheim Steamroller 2019 Christmas Tour on Nov. 21 at 8 p.m. You won’t want to miss this iconic show of music that is a Christmas staple!
Holiday Concerts. You can attend various free Holiday Concerts at the Charleston Town Center Mall, now through December. Different artists will be performing throughout the season.
Christmas in Appalachia. The Charleston Coliseum Convention Center Little Theater is the spot where Christmas in Appalachia will be presented this year. Vision Appalachia sponsors this event, and all proceeds go to helping the children of Elk River Valley. Come to the show on Dec. 7 at 7 p.m. to get into the holiday spirit and help children in need.
Peace, Joy, & Harmony Christmas Concert. The Appalachian Children’s Chorus is putting on their Peace, Joy, & Harmony Christmas Concert this year on Dec. 8 at 4 p.m. at the Charleston Baptist Temple. Tickets are $12 on their site and $15 at the door.
Bill Gaither & The Gaither Vocal Band. If you’re looking for a concert full of Gospel music and tradition Christmas songs, then you’ll enjoy Bill Gaither & The Gaither Vocal Band Christmas Homecoming concert at the Charleston Coliseum. You can purchase tickets in advance for the Christmas Homecoming tour on Dec. 13 at 7 p.m.
Bob Thompson’s Joy to the World. Listen to pianist Bob Thompson during his show Joy to the World, an annual holiday tradition. He and his guests will play all of your holiday favorites in a modern jazz style, featuring instruments like the saxophone, drums, guitar, and bass. Purchase tickets to see this concert at the Culture Center Theater on Dec. 12 and 13 at 8 p.m.
The Nutcracker. A performance of The Nutcracker will take place at the Clay Center on Dec. 13 at 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 14 at 2 p.m. Come see the Charleston Ballet showcase their talent through this classic holiday show beautifully accompanied by the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra.
Cirque Dreams: Holidaze. Witness a fantastic blend of circus performances and the holidays with the Cirque Dreams Holidaze show on Dec. 19. There will be acrobatics, costumes, and all of the typical Cirque antics at this spectacular show that celebrates holiday themes.
Holiday Light Shows
Though we don’t have many, Charleston still has some must-see light displays this winter. If festive lights get you excited for the holidays, then you’ll be sure to leave these sites feeling ready for the season.
Shining Chimes. The Center Court of the Charleston Town Center transforms into Shining Chimes during the holiday season. There are over a million LED lights, 42 miles of wire, and 15 giant ornaments displayed for over 50 nights in the mall. You can come see the light show at 5, 6, 7, or 8 p.m. on any night.
Albans Festival of Lights. Come out to the opening night of the Festival of Lights at St. Albans Park on Nov. 29 starting at 6 p.m. There is no entrance fee. After opening night, you can visit the festival every night through Dec. 23, then the final night is Dec. 26. There will be thousands of lights and decorations throughout the park to enjoy!
Coonskin Park. Even though Coonskin Park closes at 4 p.m. in the winter, they put up a winter light display that you can view during the holidays for free.
Happy Holidays from DiPiero Simmons McGinley & Bastress, PLLC!
Now that you know what there is to do in Charleston this holiday season, you won’t want to stay inside until the holidays have passed. Remember to have fun in the snow, but also be careful! Bundle up appropriately, have someone hold your ladder while stringing up lights, and always use caution when driving in temperatures below freezing.
Original source can be found here.