Guests in town? Not sure what to do? Here are some great family-friendly events throughout November that will be fun for everyone. As a bonus, there are several Charleston holiday events (scroll down) that you won't want to miss.
Organ Concert by Jared Johnson
When/Where: Noon-1 p.m. Nov. 18 at the Parish Church of St. Helena (Episcopal), 505 Church Street in Beaufort
Info: Free and open to the public. Jared Johnson is Canon Organist and Choirmaster of Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in Columbia, SC
Contact: www.sthelenas1712.org, patgould@islc.net, 843-522-1712
Habersham Farmer's Market
When/Where: 4-7 p.m. Nov. 18 at Habersham Marketplace in Beaufort
Info: Every Friday throughout the year, market-goers can visit the Farmers Market at Habersham. Not far from downtown Beaufort, the Habersham Market features fresh produce, baked goods, music and fun for the whole family.
Junior Jazz Foundation Golf Tournament
When/Where: 10 a.m. Nov. 19 at the Arthur Hills course in Palmetto Hall Plantation on Hilton Head Island
Info: The Junior Jazz Foundation's 7th annual golf tournament will help raise funds to give the gift of a musical foundation to area students through hole sponsorships; hole in one, longest drive and closest to the pin competitions; and a tournament filled with great prizes. The awards ceremony and a live performance will be held at The Jazz Corner following the tourney.
Cost: $100 individual and $300 a team to play, $100 to sponsor a hole.
Contact: For details or to donate a prize, call 843-842-8620.
Ten Year Silver Anniversary - Beaufort Homes for the Holidays
When/Where: November 19-20 in Habersham; A silver "Coastal Christmas" Anniversary Gala in St. Peter Walsh Palmetto Room kicks off the weekend tour Friday evening, November 18 at 7pm, with entertainment by the popular Headliners, catering by Southern Graces, and silent auction
Info: The silver sparkles at this year's Homes for the Holidays Tenth Anniversary Tour in the award-winning Habersham neighborhood where the vision for a holiday home tour in Beaufort all began. A celebration under Habersham's marketplace tent will be underway commemorating ten successful years of holiday home design. Eight private homes will be open for viewing with local interior and floral designers taking part. Returning to the tour are designers Sweet Bay on Bay, Outrageous Floral, designer Julie Terry, and Louise Uehling Interior Design.
Cost: Gala tickets are $75 per person and may be purchased by calling 522-6510. Tickets for the tour are $25 and may be purchased at the following Beaufort locations: The Chocolate Tree, Sweet Bay on Bay, and Tideland Realty. Tickets for the tour go on sale October 15. All proceeds benefit St. Peter Catholic School Endowment Fund, which assists families seeking a Catholic education for their children, but need assistance doing so.
Thanksgiving Tennis Academy
When/Where: Nov. 24-26 at the Sea Pines Resort on Hilton Head Island
Info: This year, in addition to enjoying a wonderful holiday meal, you can learn from a legend when you participate in a special Thanksgiving Tennis Academy with Stan Smith at The Sea Pines Racquet Club, located within The Sea Pines Resort. In addition to on-court instruction, an exciting exhibition, led by Smith and open to the public, will take place at 2:30 p.m. Nov. 25. The exhibition is complimentary, but attendees are asked to please donate canned goods that will benefit Hilton Head Island's Deep Well Project.
Cost: The cost to participate in the academy is only $369 per adult, not including lodging, and there is no deadline to sign up, but space is limited and the academy has filled up quickly in the past.
Contact: To sign up, call 843-363-4495 or jdeboer@seapines.com.
The Sandbox Sixth Birthday Carnival “Fun”raiser!
When/Where: From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 23 at The Sandbox Children's useum on Hilton Head Island
Info: The Sandbox Children’s Museum is turning six years old. The Sandbox’s parking lot will be turned into a carnival, complete with bounce houses, balloon typhoon, “hoops” and “corn hole”, and other carnival games with prizes, cotton candy station, holiday crafts including decorating ginger bread cookies and ornaments, Smokehouse BBQ lunch with all the “fixins” and of course, birthday cake by Ronnie’s Bakery. To get everyone in the holiday spirit, kids of all ages can play in the snow!
Cost: Ticket prices are $10 for adults and children (children under 2 are free). Ticket includes admission to the museum, all carnival activities and lunch. A variety of Birthday Bash sponsorships are also available and birthday donations are welcome.
Contact: To purchase tickets simply stop by The Sandbox or call 843-842-7645. To support this event as a sponsor or to make a donation, please call The Sandbox or e-mail Anne Finn at afinn@thesandbox.org.
Ornament Making at The Storybook Shoppe
When/Where: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 25 at The Storybook Shoppe, 41A Calhoun St., in Old Town Bluffton
Info: Children are invited to The Storybook Shoppe in old town Bluffton from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 26, to make an ornament to take home for their Christmas tree.
Contact: Nancy Beaupre, 843-757-2600, www.thestorybookshoppe.com or e-mail storybookshoppe@aol.com.
Grand Opening of Port Hilton Head
When/Where: 5 to 8 p.m. Nov. 16 at 421 Squire Pope Road.
Info: This fundraiser for local charities including the Lowcountry Red Cross and the Hilton Head Humane Society will feature great food by Celebrations Catering, libations, music and a beautiful waterfront setting with a gorgeous Lowcountry sunset. Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door.
Contact: RSVP at 843-689-7526 or by emailing sales@wecelebrateyou.com.
'Razzle Dazzle' for area Special Olympics
When/Where: 6 to 9 p.m. Nov. 19 at the Indigo Run Golf Club
Info: An Italian buffet featuring local vendors and artists (and, as the photo at right proves, neckrubs). In addition to the food and festivities, a prize drawing and silent auction will give patrons a chance at great prizes. A cash bar will be available. The money raised will benefit Area 8 Special Olympics, which consists of Beaufort, Jasper, Colleton and Hampton Counties. These organizations give over 300 adults and children a chance to participate in track and field, bocce, bowling, horseback riding, golf, disc golf and tennis.
Cost: Cost is $35 to attend.
Contact: For more information, call Cherie Taylor at 757-2293 or Kathy Cramer at 689-5800.
Kids College Third Annual Thanksgiving Feast
When/Where: The early childhood education center will hold the Third Annual Thanksgiving Feast at 11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 21 at the school, located at 17 Goethe Road near Kitties Crossing.
Info: Nowhere to go for Thanksgiving this year? Kids College has you covered. The sit-down feast will include home-cooked turkey, mashed potatoes and gray, green bean casserole, rolls, refreshments and more. "These are huge portions," said Shanel Riddle, owner of Kids College. "We sell out every year." Kids College is taking pre-orders and are pre-selling tickets. The event is open to the public. Riddle said due to the high demand, pre-purchase is a must. The deadline to pre-order is Nov. 19. Those interested also can order meals for delivery.
Cost: Cost is $5 per meal, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting Bluffton Self Help.
Contact: For more information, visit www.kidscollegellc.com, www.facebook.com/kidscollegellc or www.twitter.com/kidscollegellc.
The Annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner at Hudson
When/Where: This is the 13th year for the community dinner, which runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 24 hosted by Hudson's and St. Andrew-by-the Sea United Methodist Church.
Info: Every year 1,400 to 1,500 turkey dinners are served and anyone who wants to sit down with strangers can leave with new friendships. Turkey, dressing and all the trimmings are prepared by Hudson's and will be provided at no charge, along with entertainment. Voluntary donations will be collected to benefit The Deep Well Project, which helps Lowcountry families struggling with financial difficulties. But for many of those who participate, the dinner is about more than filling their tummies. It's a chance to give back by volunteering their time and talents. It's about the "spirit of giving." Many families return year after to take a turns serving others by dishing out vittles and then sharing their time and company over a dinner plate. Volunteers are needed for everything from cleaning up to pouring drinks or doling out cranberry sauce. The event is free.
Contact: For more information about volunteering, call 843-540-7925.
Community Christmas Tree Lighting
When/Where: 3:30-5:30 p.m. Nov. 26 at the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina.
Info: Join Santa, Mrs. Claus and their trusty reindeer Rudolph at the town's official Christmas Tree Lighting. Kick off the holiday season at this old-fashioned Yuletide celebration complete with Christmas carols, holiday crafts, yummy treats, a performance by the cast of "The Drowsy Chaperone" and photos with Santa. An island tradition, this community festival is free.
"Bat Lady" to present at Coastal Discovery Museum
When/Where: 3 p.m. Nov. 18 at the Coastal Discovery Museum at Honey Horn
Info: Vicky Beckham Smith will present a program on bats. Smith, a bat expert and environmental educator will cover the number and different kinds of bats in the world, the truth about popular bat myths, and interesting and unique adaptations bats have for their environment and the value of bats to our environment. The program will be illustrated with live bats, from nectar eating bats to the famous vampire bat. Smith's bat passion began at the Birmingham Zoo in 1997. She began presenting bat programs and later helped present workshops for teachers and other educators prior to being hired as staff educator for the zoo in 2000.
Cost: Reservations are required for the program with the cost being $7 per person.
Contact: Please contact the Museum at 843-689-6767 ext 223 for reservations.
Hilton Head Island Winter Wonder Festival
When/Where: 3-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 9 at Shelter Cove Park
Info: Start off your holiday season with a fun filled afternoon of southern winter activities with Santa Claus! Activities include moon bounces, carnival games, winter hayride, face painting, arts & crafts, tree decorating and live performances from the Main Street Youth Theater and the Bluffton School of Dance. Parents are free and must remain with their children.
Cost: For ages 2-15 admission is $10/per child. Concessions sold separately with a hot chocolate, s’mores, hot dogs, pizza and much more. All the proceeds of this event benefit the Hilton Head Island Recreation Association Children’s Scholarship Fund. Bring the family and enjoy an afternoon of Winter Wonder!
Contact: For more information visit www.islandreccenter.org or call the Island Recreation Center 843-681-7273.
The Bluffton Branch Library has several ongoing programs throughout the November:
Little Book Worms
When/Where: 11 a.m. Tuesdays at the Bluffton Branch Library
Info: Join Miss Wendy for stories, music, activities and a small craft - for ages 2-5. Parent or favorite adult required to attend. Even includes 30 minutes of programs with 15 minutes afterward for socialization.
Contact: For more information, call 843-255-6490 or visit http://www.beaufortcountylibrary.org/branches/bluffton
Book Baby Group
When/Where: 11 a.m. Wednesdays at the Bluffton Branch Library
Info: Miss Wendy will read stories, play music, have finger plays and fun activities - for babies up to 2 years old. Parent or favorite
adult required to attend. Even includes 30 minutes of programs with 15 minutes afterward for socialization.
Contact: For more information, call 843-255-6490 or visit http://www.beaufortcountylibrary.org/branches/bluffton
Lego Block Party
When/Where: 3-6 p.m. Mondays at the Bluffton Branch Library
Info: Open to all ages and prizes for the best build. Please leave your Legos at home so they don't get lost.
Contact: For more information, call 843-255-6490 or visit http://www.beaufortcountylibrary.org/branches/bluffton
November movies at Bluffton Branch Library
When/Where: Screenings are at 2 p.m. at the Bluffton Branch Library
Info: "Cars 2" at 2 p.m. Nov. 19; "Beethoven's Christmas Adventure" at 2 p.m. Nov. 26
Contact: For more information, call 843-255-6490 or visit http://www.beaufortcountylibrary.org/branches/bluffton
Crafty Saturdays with Miss Aimee
When/Where: 11 a.m. Saturdays at the Bluffton Branch Library
Info: Make something nice for yourself or for someone you love this holiday season. Activities and crafts include Handprint Turkeys Nov. 12; PuffBall Turkeys and Scarecrow Coloring Sheets Nov. 19 and Turkey Treat Boxes & Turkey Stickers Nov. 26.
Contact: For more information, call 843-255-6490 or visit http://www.beaufortcountylibrary.org/branches/bluffton
"Diary of a Wimpy Kid"
When/Where: Entries must be in by Wednesday, Nov. 23 at the Bluffton Branch Library
Info: Does your little one love the book "Diary of a Wimpy Kid"? Prove it by answering Miss Melinda's "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" trivia questions. Submit your entry for a chance to win the new book "Cabin Fever."
Contact: For more information, call 843-255-6490 or visit http://www.beaufortcountylibrary.org/branches/bluffton
The Music Lady
When/Where: 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 9 at the Bluffton Branch Library
Info: Beth Green, "The Music Lady," will lead this program for ages 1-3.
Cost: Free but registration is required. Please contact us at the children's desk or sign up with us today!
Contact: For more information, call 843-255-6490 or visit http://www.beaufortcountylibrary.org/branches/bluffton
Charleston:
Holiday Festival of Lights
When/Where: Through Jan. 1 at James Island County Park
Info: Every year the James Island County Park lights up over 2 million lights to provide you with an enchanting 3-mile driving tour. Fun for everyone - in fact, they also offer a marshmallow roast and a 54 passenger train ride through the park to view the lights.
Cost: To tour the lights in your car is $10/car and if you'd like you can ride the train around the lake for $3/person and children under 2 are free if they sit in the lap of an adult.
Contact: 843-795-7275
Elfstravaganza holiday event
When/Where: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at Wonder Works in Mount Pleasant
Info: Holiday festival. Admission is free to the public. The author of The Elf on the Shelf - A Christmas Tradition will be doing a book signing from 11-1. Complimentary pictures with the main character of the book, Elfie, will be available along with several holiday-themed activities such as ornament decorating and writing letters to Santa. Keys for Hope will donate all proceeds to Crisis Ministries to help build a soup kitchen and homeless shelter for those in need this holiday season.
Elfstravaganza is a free event to kick off the holiday season. The event will showcase all of the top toys for the 2011 holiday season, some of which are only available at Wonder Works. Guests can reserve a copy of the new Elf on the Shelf movie, meet the inventor of one of this year's top toys, the Spooner Board, as well as the inventor of the popular MOGO bracelets, and meet Tate Nation in addition to purchasing a signed copy of his brand new jig-saw puzzle. Wonder Works will also be giving away free MOGO Carolina Girl Charm set with any MOGO bracelet purchase. The event will include free cupcakes provided by Cupcake, boiled peanuts from Hubee-D's and with the help of the arts and crafts program Little Picasso, kids can make ornaments and decorate their letters to Santa.
Garden Sprouts: A Nature Series for Toddlers and Their Parents
When/Where: 9:30-10:15 a.m. Tuesdays, Nov. 15, Nov. 29 Hazel Parker Playground, 70 E. Bay St., Charleston
Info: Toddlers will learn about gardening and nature through cooperative play and sharing time. Each class will include a lesson with songs and stories, a nature walk, parachute play and an insect or animal interaction. The indoor play area has four stations: a farmer's market, gardening area, educational puzzles and blocks and an art center. This is not a drop-off class. Payment includes one child aged 18 months to 3 years and an adult chaperone. Infant siblings welcome.
Cost: $40
Garden Shoots: A Nature Series for Preschoolers and Their Parents
When/Where: 1:15-2 p.m. Tuesdays, Nov. 15, Nov. 29 Hazel Parker Playground, 70 E. Bay St., Charleston
Info: Toddlers will learn about gardening and nature through cooperative play and sharing time. Each class will include a lesson with songs and stories, a nature walk, parachute play and an insect or animal interaction. The indoor play area has four stations: a farmer's market, gardening area, educational puzzles and blocks and an art center. This is not a drop-off class. Payment includes one child aged 2-5 years and an adult chaperone. Infant siblings welcome.
Cost: $40
Learn to Crab
When/Where: 10 a.m. to Noon Saturday, Nov. 19 Daniel Island Waterfront Park and Trails, adjacent to 101 River Landing Drive, Daniel Island
Info: Did you know fall is the best time to harvest large blue crabs in South Carolina? Join the Charleston Parks Conservancy for crabbing. Each participate will receive one drop net to use and take home. We'll supply the bait. The class will be set up for catch and release; however, if you choose to keep your crabs (larger than 5 inches), please bring a cooler (with ice) or a bucket. We'll have crab recipes on hand.
Holiday in the Garden: A Craft Program for Children Ages 6 to 11
When/Where: 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Dec. 17 Hazel Parker Playground, 70 E. Bay St., Charleston
Info: Finish up your shopping while the kids make a few gifts of their own. They will create garden-themed holiday crafts, including botanical bobbles and nature-inspired cards. Other activities include reindeer games, sip on hot chocolate and enjoying some holiday cookies. *There will be a $20 charge plus $1 a minute for children left after 12:15 p.m. If your child has food allergies, please pack his/her snack and drink.
Cost: $40
Contact: For more information on any of these events, contact education coordinator Mary Horton at or 843-724-5003. Register for the events online at CharlestonParksConservancy.org.
