Your ultimate guide to the coast
Kick of the holiday season with the Annual City of Charleston Tree Lighting Ceremony takes place on Saturday, December 6: 4:30pm-6pm in Marion Square, at King and Calhoun Streets. The Mayor Joseph P. Riley, Jr. and Santa Claus is going to light the big 60-foot Tree of Lights, the Christmas tree at Marion Square.
For more information, please call 843-724-7305.
On Friday Nov 28, Jennifer Gentzel, spotted two North Atlantic right whales while on a fishing trip with the family, reports the Island Packet.
The right whale is the world’s most endangered large whale, so Jennifer, a Hilton Head Island resident, and here family were lucky to see two right whales swimming next to their boat.
(Click here to read the story)
According to NOAA, the population is estimated to total no more than 600 right whales and out of those only 300-350 can be found in the North Atlantic Ocean.
In the winter, a small part of the population consisting of adult females and young calves migrates to a well-known calving ground in the shallow waters between Savannah, Georgia and Cape Canaveral, Florida. The peak period is December to March. Females give birth to only one calf every three to five years. Calves nurse for about nine months. Calves average 15 feet in length, and a full grown right whale can reach up to 50 feet in length and weigh up to 70 tons.
The life span and duration of reproductive activity for the right whale is not known. It’s also difficult to tell how old right whales can get. It’s believed that they live at least 50 years.
The right whale has no dorsal fin, an arched jaw, and growths on their heads called callosities. They were named right whales because the whalers thought it was the “right” whale to hunt. They swim slow, they’re big and they float when killed.
Nowadays major threats include collision with ships, distrubance by other boats, entrapment or entanglement in fishing gear, habitat degradation and pollution.
An evening of dance music by Mark Roberts & Breeze, fun foods, desert extravaganza, sports corner for bowl game watching, libations and lots of surprises with all the New Year’s Eve traditional trimmings.
For more information please call 843-477-0020 or visit www.coastalscarc.org
Don’t miss the most extravagant and delightful holiday production in Charleston. For over 31 years, no show is more anticipated and treasured than Charleston Stage’s acclaimed original adaptation of A Christmas Carol, A Ghost Story of Christmas returning this year to the College of Charleston’s beautiful Sottile Theatre.
photo credit: krisdecurtis
This timeless holiday classic will touch your heart and brighten your holiday season with its message of hope and holiday cheer. Gather your friends and family for a true holiday tradition unlike anything else found in the Lowcountry. A joyous present for the entire family!
Flying spirits and magical apparitions will haunt the Lowcountry once again as the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future warm the heart of the world’s most pitiless curmudgeon. This haunting, original adaptation of the Charles Dickens classic, A Christmas Carol, A Ghost Story of Christmas, features stunning sets, dazzling special effects, and scores of bright period costumes.
Performances:
Thursday December 4 7:30 PM (Opening Night)
Friday December 5 7:30 PM
Saturday December 6 7:30 PM
Sunday December 7 3:00 PM
Thursday December 11 7:30 PM (Pay-what-you-will preview)
Friday December 12 7:30 PM
Saturday December 13 7:30 PM
Sunday December 14 3:00 PM
Saturday December 20 7:30 PM
Sunday December 21 3:00 PM
Prices:
Adult: $41
Seniors (60+): $39
Student: $31
$10 Bargain Seats Now Available. Bargain Seating is limited.
Tickets Now On Sale:
Order by Phone 843-577-7183 Mon-Fri 12:00 Noon-5PM (also open Sat 12:00 Noon-5PM Show Weeks only)
Order online at www.charlestonstage.com
Group Rates Available: Call Gina Barredo 843-577-5967
Special School Day Performances Available: Call Gina Barredo 843-577-5967
Student Rush: Students with valid ID are $6 one hour before curtain (subject to availability)
It’s the beginning of the holiday season and on December 6th the Joseph Manigault House in Charleston opens its doors for the special holidays decorations tour. The Garden Club of Charleston 
has helped decorate this beautiful house with creative arrangements, using only live plant materials that would have been available in the Lowcountry during the 19th century. The theme for this year is “Celebrating the Holidays with the Manigault Family.” Visitors may view the holiday decorations as part of the regular public tour.
December 6-31. Mon-Sat 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Sun 1:00-5:00 p.m.
FREE for Museum members and FREE with admission ($10/adults, $5/children, under 3 free)
For more information contact The Charleston Museum, 360 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC 29403
(843) 722-2996
www.charlestonmuseum.org