Merry Christmas, North Charleston!

On behalf of the City of North Charleston, Mayor Keith Summey wishes all a very Merry Christmas.
**be sure to watch until the end**

North Charleston Christmas events

To celebrate the upcoming holiday season, the City of North Charleston will feature the following public Christmas events.

Christmas Festival and Parade
Saturday, December 7, from 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm around Park Circle with the Christmas Parade beginning at 5:00 pm. The Christmas Festival includes a Holiday Market with children’s activities, craft and food vendors, and live musical performances on two stages. The Christmas Parade begins at the corner of Montague and Mixson Avenues, proceeds down Montague, around Park Circle, and concludes at Armory Park.

Immediately following the Christmas Parade, Mayor R. Keith Summey and Santa Claus will light the City’s Christmas tree located outside the front entrance of the Felix C. Davis Community Center.

Christmas Festival Schedule
3:00 pm - Police will close the Park Circle traffic circle, Montague Avenue from Mixson to the traffic circle, and Mixson and Lackawanna to West Enterprise to vehicular traffic
3:00 - 4:45 pm - Children’s activities (jump castles, petting zoo, carriage rides)
5:00 - 6:30 pm - Parade, immediately followed by the Christmas tree lighting
6:30 - 9:00 pm - Musical performances on all stages, children’s activities continue, food and craft vendors
9:00 pm - Roads opens to traffic


View North Charleston Christmas Events in a larger map

Winter Wonderland
Tuesday, December 3, from noon to 1:30 pm, Wednesday, December 4 - Friday, December 6, from 9:00 am to 1:30 pm at Armory Park. This free pre-school event provides young children an opportunity to visit Santa, participate in hands-on activities, including holiday arts & crafts, and take part in live performances and music.

For required pre-registration, contact the North Charleston Parks & Recreation Department at (843) 740-5807.

Children’s Theatre
Friday, December 6, at 10:00 am at Sterett Hall Auditorium. Atlantic Coast Theatre presents Yes, Virginia, There Is A Santa Claus. Francis P. Church’s famous newspaper reply to an inquisitive little girl is imaginatively brought to the stage in this fast paced show that pays homage to the classic holiday films of the 1940s. A reporter must follow leads to find proof about the existence of Santa Claus, realizing in the end that believing is proof enough. For grades K-8.

To purchase tickets, call (843) 740-5854. Children $2, accompanying adults free.

Breakfast with Santa
Saturday, December 7, from 8:00 am to 10:00 am at Felix C. Davis Community Center. Breakfast with Santa gives area children the opportunity to visit with Mr. and Mrs. Claus. A hearty meal is provided.

To purchase tickets, call (843) 745-1028 or visit the Felix C. Davis Community Center for $4 per person.



Film Screening - It’s A Wonderful Life
Saturday, December 7, at 7:00pm at the Olde Village Community Building. The Park Circle Film Society will feature the classic holiday film It’s A Wonderful Life, as part of the quarterly Silver Screen Series. Frank Capra's inverted take on A Christmas Carol stars Jimmy Stewart as George Bailey, a good man who's spent a lifetime giving up on his dreams in order to keep life in his small town humming. When a guardian angel named Clarence finds a despondent George poised to jump off a bridge, he shows George what life would've been like had he never been born.

All tickets sold at the door. General Admission - $5, Film Society Members - $2.

North Charleston POPS!
Saturday, December 7, at 7:30pm at the North Charleston Performing Arts Center. The POPS! presents A Rockin’ Christmas, a rockin' good time featuring the greatest pops music of the season. Classics like Santa Baby, White Christmas, Jingle Bell Rock, Merry Christmas Darling, It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year and The Christmas Song are just a few of the treats awaiting you in this high-energy holiday concert.

Ticket information

Christmas Concert
Sunday, December 8, at 7:00 pm at St. Thomas Episcopal Church. The Charleston Symphony Orchestra's wind and strings ensembles will perform familiar holiday classics to kick off the holiday season. Bring family and friends to share in the good cheer of the holiday!

Admission is free.

Village Antiques & Collectibles Holiday Market
Saturday, December 14, and Sunday, December 15, from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm each day at Felix C. Davis Community Center. The Show will feature home decor, fine antiques, furniture, collectibles, antique guns, art, jewelry, rugs, crafts, vintage toys & games, silver, pottery, china, silver, salvage items, outdoor decor, vintage instruments, and more.

Admission is $2.00, all of which will be benefits The Spay Not Slay Endowment.

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Christmas lights and displays will shine at Park Circle and on the eight exterior islands nightly from December 7 until New Year’s Day.

North Charleston Presents Holiday Children’s Theatre Performance on Decemeber 6

Don Gruel and Noel Holland of Atlantic Coast Theatre for Youth return to North Charleston on Friday, December 6, 2013, to spread Christmas cheer with a performance of Yes, Virginia, There Is A Santa Claus. The production, presented as part of the City of North Charleston’s 2013-14 Children’s Theatre Series, is a fun, fast-paced family drama in the style of the classic holiday films of the 1940's.

Offering an imaginative twist to the story inspired by Francis P. Church's famous 1897 newspaper editorial response to an inquisitive little girl, A.C.T. sets their version in 1947. The production takes on the look and feel of the memorable films of post-World War II Hollywood, such as It’s A Wonderful Life and Miracle on 34th Street. The audience tags along with a reporter who must follow leads to find proof about the existence of Santa Claus, realizing in the end that believing is proof enough. The performance is appropriate for grades K-8.

Atlantic Coast Theatre for Youth is an acclaimed professional touring theatre company based in Orlando, FL. Founded in 1995, the company consists of husband and wife team, Don Gruel and Noel Holland. Don and Noel tour throughout the U.S. bringing their creativity and commitment to the art of Theatre for young audiences to performing arts centers, schools, libraries, museums, and festivals. Each season Atlantic Coast Theatre for Youth produces five to seven original shows and gives over 250 performances annually for more than 75,000 audience members.

Yes, Virginia, There Is A Santa Claus will be presented from 10:00am to 11:00am at the Sterett Hall Auditorium on the former Charleston Naval Base, 1530 7th Street, North Charleston, SC, 29405. Tickets are $2 per child; accompanying adults are admitted at no charge. Groups of 10+ are required to reserve space. Seats fill up fast, so reserve early by calling the City of North Charleston Cultural Arts Department office at 843.740.5854. For reservation forms, directions, or information on additional programs and events, visit http://bit.ly/culturalarts.

North Charleston Christmas Festival and Parade

Saturday, December 1 from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm around Park Circle with the Christmas Parade beginning at 6:00 pm. The Christmas Festival includes a Holiday Market with children’s activities, craft vendors, food vendors, and live musical performances on three stages. The Christmas Parade begins at the corner of Montague and Mixson Avenues, proceeds down Montague, around Park Circle, and returns to Mixson Avenue.

Immediately following the Christmas Parade, Mayor R. Keith Summey and Santa Claus will light the City’s Christmas tree located outside the front entrance of the Felix C. Davis Community Center.

Christmas Festival Schedule

3:00 pm	Police will close traffic circle to vehicular traffic
4:00 - 5:30 pm	Children activities (jump castles, petting zoo, carriage rides)
4:00 - 6:00 pm	Performances prior to parade
6:00 - 7:00 pm	Parade / Mayor’s Tree Lighting
7:00 - 9:00 pm	Performances on all stages
9:00 pm	Road opens for traffic

A map displaying each event and the parade route.

Performers at Christmas Festival 
Happy Feet Dancers
Leonard School of Music Jazz Band
Chilenia Jamison aka Nina Ross
Caley Crew - Soloist
Lowcountry Voices Ensemble
Ashley Gospel Singers
Michael Brown & F.O.C.U.S.

Christmas lights and displays shine at Park Circle and on the eight exterior islands nightly from the beginning of December until New Years Day.

A Christmas message from Mayor Keith Summey

On behalf of the City of North Charleston, Mayor Keith Summey wishes all a very Merry Christmas!

Christmas Events and Parade (Updated with photos)

Update: Parade photos added

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To celebrate the upcoming holiday season, the City of North Charleston will host the following public Christmas events.

Christmas Festival and Parade

Saturday, December 3 from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm around Park Circle with the Christmas Parade beginning at 6:00 pm. The Christmas Festival includes a Holiday Market with children activities, craft vendors, food vendors, and live musical performances on three stages. The Christmas Parade begins at the corner of Montague and Mixson Avenues, proceeds down Montague, around Park Circle, and concludes at Armory Park.

Immediately following the Christmas Parade, Mayor R. Keith Summey and Santa Claus light the City’s Christmas tree located outside the front entrance of the Felix C. Davis Community Center.

A map displaying each event and the parade route.

Winter Wonderland

Thursday, December 1 and Friday, December 2 from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon at Armory Park. This free pre-school event provides young children an opportunity to visit Santa, participate in hands-on activities, including holiday arts & crafts, and take part in live performances and music.

Live Performances on Thursday & Friday by Becky Becker of Becky’s Box of Puppets, helping children discover the joy of reading and weaving magical tales that come to life before your eyes are two of Becky's trademarks.

For required pre-registration, contact the North Charleston Parks & Recreation Department at (843) 745-1028.

Children’s Theatre

Friday, December 2 at 10:00 am at Sterett Hall Auditorium, Atlantic Coast Theatre presents a Beatrix Potter Holiday. Famous children's author, Beatrix Potter, arrives to entertain the guests at her annual holiday party. Stories such as "The Tailor of Gloucester" and "The Rabbit's Christmas Party" come to life on stage with the help of the audience. Her most famous character, Peter Rabbit, may even surprise the guests.

This performance is full but a waiting list is available in case of cancellation. Call 740-5854 for more information.

Breakfast with Santa

Saturday, December 3 from 8:00 am to 10:00 am at Felix C. Davis Community Center. Breakfast with Santa gives area children the opportunity to visit with Mr. and Mrs. Claus. A hearty meal is provided. Tickets can be purchased Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm at the Felix C. Davis Community Center for $4.00 per person.

To purchase tickets, contact the North Charleston Parks & Recreation Department at (843) 745-1028 or visit the Felix C. Davis Community Center.

$5 to $50 Gift Market

Saturday, December 3 & Sunday, December 4; 11:00 am-3:00 pm at The Meeting Place. Presented by the North Charleston Artist Guild.

The $5 to $50 Gift Market is the perfect place to purchase original art, jewelry, and fine crafts by local artists as gifts for family and friends this holiday season. Admission is free and, as the name suggests, everything will be priced at or below $50. More information at northcharlestonartistguild.org

Christmas lights and displays will shine at Park Circle and on the eight exterior islands nightly from December 3 until New Year’s Day.



PHOTOS: Christmas Festival and Parade

For general inquiries, the public should visit www.northcharleston.org or contact Sheri Pearson at (843) 740-2538.

Veterans Day in North Charleston

The City of North Charleston hosted its annual Veterans Day tribute on Friday, November 11, 2011 from at Park Circle with keynote speaker Colonel Frank S. Taylor. Over 500 veterans in attendance were honored.

The Department of Defense and the National Committee for Veterans Day selected North Charleston as a Regional Site for Veterans Day 2011. North Charleston is the only regional site in the State of South Carolina.



Major Joe Lysaght of the 3rd BDE South Carolina State Guard, gives the History of the Pledge of Allegiance.



Ten year old Tre' Williams reads his essay on what it means to be a veteran.

In Photos

Veterans Day in North Charleston, a Tribute to our Veterans

The City of North Charleston will hosts its annual Veterans Day tribute on Friday, November 11, 2011 from 10:30 am – 1:00 pm at Park Circle with keynote speaker Colonel Frank S. Taylor. We ask veterans and the public to join Mayor R. Keith Summey and City Council in this special ceremony. Last year, over 500 veterans in attendance were honored.

Ceremony Program

The Department of Defense and the National Committee for Veterans Day has once again selected North Charleston as a Regional Site for Veterans Day 2011. North Charleston is the only regional site in the State of South Carolina.

All veterans in attendance will be called by name and will receive a commemorative medal. Veterans are urged to RSVP no later than October 25 to (843) 740-5809 or via email at cdambaugh@northcharleston.org.

Prior to the ceremony, from 9:30 am – 10:30 am, a story swap will be held in the Felix Davis Community Center. Veterans will have an open opportunity to share memories and stories about their service with fellow veterans. The story swap is open to the public. Veterans wishing to speak should RSVP to (843) 740-5809.

The event’s keynote speaker, Colonel Frank S. Taylor, RET USAF is a native of Charleston, South Carolina and has commanded the 3rd Light Coastal Brigade, South Carolina State Guard since May 16, 2009. Col. Taylor is a graduate of The Citadel, earning his bachelor’s and master’s degrees, Squadron Officers School, Air Command and Staff College, Air University, earning his master’s of military operational art and science, and Air War College. His major awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal with five oak leaf clusters, Joint Services Commendation Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal with two oak leaf clusters, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with six oak leaf clusters, Air Reserve Forces Meritorious Service Medal with 2 devices, National Defense Service Medal with bronze service star, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, and the Armed Forces Services Medal amongst others. Col. Taylor retired from the Air Force Reserves on January 4, 2007, after which he was commissioned a Palmetto Patriot on January 14, 2011 by the Lieutenant Governor of South Carolina.

4th of July in North Charleston

The City of North Charleston will hold its 4^th of July Festival at Riverfront Park on Monday, July 4, 2011, 3:00 pm - 10:00 pm. The event is free of charge and all general admission.

The following is a schedule of events:

3:00 pm 3:30 pm 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm 5:15 pm – 6:30 pm 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm 9:00 pm – 10:00 pm

Festivities begin Welcoming remarks from Mayor R. Keith Summey The Calvin Taylor Band The Legends of Beach 7 Once Show of fireworks over the Cooper River

Guests are invited to bring lawn chairs and blankets, as there will be no seating provided. No alcohol is permissible within the park. A wide variety of food vendors will be on site. Children activities will be available free of charge, including inflatable jump castles, games, the play area, the giant sandbox, and the water fountain.

Riverfront Park is located on the former Charleston Naval Base, easily accessible from I-526 and I-26. Enter the former Charleston Naval Base by the McMillan Avenue or Virginia Avenue gate and turn onto Hobson Avenue. Riverfront Park signs are visible for easy to follow directions. All parking is free and shuttles will be available for the convenience of guests.

Open to the public year-round, Riverfront Park has become a favorite destination for residents and visitors. Set on the banks of the beautiful Cooper River, the park is adjacent to the historic homes once occupied by the Charleston Naval Base officers, surrounded by graceful grand oak trees and peaceful river vistas. Bordered by Noisette Creek, the park boasts a magnificent contemporary Performance Pavilion and meadow.

Riverfront Park is home to the Greater Charleston Naval Base Memorial, erected in honor of the countless military personnel and civilians that served the United States and the Greater Charleston region while the Charleston Naval Base was operational. The Memorial is the only location in the United States that displays both the Lone Sailor and the Homecoming statues. Riverfront Park is also the location of North Charleston’s Annual National Outdoor Sculpture Competition and Exhibition. A component of the 2011 North Charleston Arts Festival, the Competition and Exhibition features large-scale contemporary sculptures on display throughout the year.

For further information visit the City’s website at http://www.northcharleston.org.