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Eat, drink and be merry

STAFF

Where to get your kicks this holiday season

Isn't it a refreshing change of pace to see some Christmas events actually happening in the same general time frame as Christmas? It seems like way too many things are starting in November nowadays — sometimes even late October — making it awkward when you bump into Santa Claus at the mall on Halloween.

That's why, as a reward to those people who understand that a good holiday event happens — and follow us closely because we're going to get a bit technical here — close to the particular holiday it's affiliated with, Preview has compiled a list of some timely holiday happenings for you and your family to check out this season.

Music/theater

Charleston Symphony Orchestra: The CSO presents Handel's "Messiah." Resident Conductor Scott Terrell will lead the orchestra along with four guest soloists and the Charleston Symphony Orchestra Chamber Chorus. Today: The Citadel's Summerall Chapel, 171 Moultrie St. 8 p.m.; Dec. 7: Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 2545 Bohicket Rd. 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 9: Saint Theresa The Little Flower Catholic Church, 11001 Dorchester Road. 3 p.m. Tickets are $15. For more info, call 723-7528 (ext. 110) or visit www.charlestonsymphony.com.

"Canadian Brass": The Charleston Concert Association presents this holiday repertoire at the Gaillard Municipal Auditorium. Dec. 10, 8 p.m. Tickets are $15-$55 per person and may be purchased at the auditorium, by calling 554-6060 or visiting www.ticketmaster.com.

Charleston Men's Chorus: Dec. 9: The Charleston Men's Chorus presents its 13th annual Christmas Concert at Sottile Theatre, 44 George St., at 3 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for seniors and free for children ages 6 and under. They are available at all Cat's Music and Monster Music and Movie stores. For more information, call 720-8505 or visit www.cmchorus.com.

"A Tuna Christmas": The Footlight Players present this production set 24 hours before Christmas. Watch as 24 eccentric characters attempt to cope with seasonal traumas such as a disaster prone theater production of "A Christmas Carol," and a yard-decorating contest that's being sabotaged by a mysterious phantom. The theater is at 20 Queen St. Showtimes are today-Dec. 8, 13-15 at 8 p.m., and Dec. 16 at 3 p.m. Tickets are $25 for adults, $22 for seniors and $15 for students. For more info, call 722-7521 or visit www.footlightplayers.net.

Sounds of Joy: Hear Charleston's own singing sensations, "Virtuosity," featuring Amy Mitchell and Keturah Tetrev, as they sing along to holiday favorites as well as some new songs, too. Dec. 14, 7 p.m. Holy Trinity Church, 95 Folly Road (across from South Windermere Shopping Center). Free. For more info, call 556- 2560.

Pure Holidays 2: Pure Theater presents three one-act plays that organizers say will have you "doubled over howling." "Brother Bill" is about a financial adviser who has a run-in with federal agents; "Walking Backwards for The Last Time" features a disgruntled college tour guide; and "A Waffle House Christmas" is about an employee who juggles work and family on Christmas Eve. Dec. 14-16 and Dec. 20-22 at 7:30 p.m. The Cigar Factory on East Bay St. Tickets are $10 and available at www.puretheatre.org or at the door.

The Charleston Christmas Special: This two-hour musical variety show will be presented at the Charleston Music Hall. The show features several Broadway stars, a former Radio City Rockette, as well as world-renown musicians. Show times are 7 p.m. Dec. 14, 15, 18, 20, 21, 22; 2 p.m. Dec. 15, 19, 22; and 3 p.m. Dec. 16, 23. Tickets are $19.50-$31.50 and are available online at etix.com or by calling 800-514-3849.

The Have Nots!: Catch the popular improv group's "Holiday Extravaganza" on Dec. 21-22. This annual show takes audience suggestions and spins them into holiday-themed scenes that are guaranteed to make you laugh. Theatre 99, 280 Meeting St. 8 p.m. $12.50. For reservations, call 853-6687 or visit www.thehavenots.com.

Holiday Pops: Charleston Symphony Orchestra presents its Holiday Pops concert featuring the Charleston Symphony Orchestra, CSO Chorus, Charleston Children's Choir, Rollings School of the Arts Handbell Choir and St. John the Baptist Girls Choir. Dec. 15, 8 p.m. Gaillard Auditorium. Tickets are $15-$40, with student tickets available for $5. Tickets can be purchased at the auditorium box office, by calling 554-6060 or online at www.charlestonsymphony.com.

Tuba Christmas: OK, so generally the only people who can tolerate the sound of a tuba are parents of a child who is in a marching band, but for some strange reason when you put a bunch of them together playing Christmas music, it's actually fun. Dec. 7, 8 p.m. St. Matthews Lutheran Church, corner of King and Vanderhorst streets. Free. For more info, call 276-9239.

Parades/lightings

Summerville Christmas Parade: The fun begins at 2 p.m. on Dec. 9 in downtown Summerville. For more info, call 821-7260.

Mt. Pleasant Christmas Light Parade: The 12th annual Town of Mount Pleasant 2007 Christmas Light Parade will take place on Coleman Boulevard. The evening kicks off with fireworks, followed by the parade, which begins at Shem Creek and ends at Sea Island Shopping Center. Dec. 9, starting at 5:30 p.m. For more info, call 849-2061 or visit www.townofmountpleasant.com.

Isle of Palms tree lighting: Catch this ceremony at 6-8 p.m. today at Front Beach on the Isle of Palms. For more info, call 886-8294 or visit www.iop.net.

Throwback Christmas Bash: Raw Dogg Entertainment Inc. presents Throwback Christmas Bash featuring Da'Rawdoggz and the sounds of DJs Unstable, RickyLee and Vince D. Ages 21 and over only. Doors open at 9 p.m. with bash to begin at 10:30 p.m. Dec. 21 at Toucan Reef, 360 Concord St. Free. Call 442-9900 or visit www.rawdoggentertainment.com.

Shopping with Friends: More than 100 retailers will give 10 percent of their sales directly to Lowcountry AIDS Services all day Dec. 8. From candle holders to cashmere sweaters, each purchase you make will result in a gift to the services group and its clients who are in desperate need of both medical and financial help. Last year, the event raised more than $100,000 in retail donations to the agency. For a complete list of participating stores, visit www.aids-services.com.

Today (Dec. 6)

11th Annual Holiday Book Signing: Preservation Society of Charleston's Book & Gift Shop, King and Queen streets. 5-8 p.m. 722-4630 or www.preservationsociety.org.

Hanukkah Dinner: Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim, 90 Hasell St., Charleston. 5:45-7:45 p.m. 723-1090.

Festival of Wreaths Finale: Lowcountry Senior Center. 865 Riverland Drive. 6 p.m. $12 members, $18 nonmembers. 762-9555 or www.rsfh.com/seniorcenter.

Instant Carols: If you want to make music yourself, head to Creative Spark's 'Instant Christmas Carols' piano workshop. The class is 6 to 9 p.m. at 757 Long Point Road. Tuition is $45 plus the cost of materials from the instructor ($25 and up). 881-3780 or creativespark@bellsouth.net.

Holiday Crafts: Otranto Road Regional Library, 2261 Otranto Road. 4 p.m. 572-4094.

Holiday Trunk Show Extravaganza: 704 S. Shelmore Drive, Mount Pleasant. Shelmore Village shops. 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Also Dec. 7. ida@ida-one.com.

Madrigal Dinners: Randolph Hall, College of Charleston. 7 p.m. $60. Also Dec. 7 and 8. 950-6306 or www.cofc.edu/sota.

Movie Time: James Island Library, 1248 Camp Road. 10:30 a.m. Ages 3-5 with caregiver. Christmas movie, snacks, music and more. 795-6679.

'The Nutcracker': Becky's Box of Puppets. Cooper River Memorial Library, 3503 Rivers Ave. 10 a.m. 744-2489.

'Peter and the Wolf' and 'The Angel Tree': Robert Ivey Ballet. Sottile Theatre, 44 George St. 9 and 10:30 a.m. Also Dec. 7; noon Dec. 8. $8. 556-1343.

Tree Lighting Ceremony: Front beach on the Isle of Palms. 6-8 p.m. 886-8294 or www.iop.net.

'Santaland Diaries': Catch Charleston Stage's production of 'The Santaland Diaries' at the American Theatre. The show contains adult content and explicit language. Tickets are $19.50-$26.50. 8 p.m. Also 8 p.m. Dec. 13-14, 20-22, and at 6 and 9 p.m. Dec. 7-8 and 15. 577-7183.

Handel's 'Messiah': The Charleston Symphony Orchestra will conduct three performances of Handel's 'Messiah,' featuring guest soloists and the Charleston Symphony Orchestra Chamber Chorus. The performance is at 8 p.m. at The Citadel's Summerall Chapel; also 8 p.m. Dec. 7 at Holy Spirit Church, Johns Island; and 3 p.m. Dec. 9 at St. Theresa the Little Flower Catholic Church. General admission is $15. Student tickets are $5. Tickets are available at the Gaillard Auditorium box office, 77 Calhoun St., through Ticketmaster at 554-6060, at Ticketmaster outlets or at www.charlestonsymphony.com. 723-7528, ext. 110.

Progressive Dinner: 'A Charleston Holiday' progressive dinner includes a nighttime carriage ride through Charleston and dinner at the Kings Courtyard Inn, Circa 1886 and the John Rutledge House Inn. The event begins at 5:30 p.m. at Kings Courtyard Inn, 198 King St. The cost is $90 per person. Also Dec. 7, 8, 10, 14, 15, 17, 18, 20, 21 and 22. 853-7828.

'A Tuna Christmas': The Footlight Players. 20 Queen St. $25 adults, $22 seniors 62 and up, $15 students. 8 p.m. Also 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Dec. 13-15, and at 3 p.m. Dec. 16. 722-7521 or www.footlightplayers.net.

Friday (Dec. 7)

Holiday Candlelight Tour: Edmondston-Alston House, 21 East Battery. 6-8 p.m. $20. Also Dec. 14. 722-7171 or www.middletonplace.org.

Holiday Trunk Show Extravaganza: See Dec. 6.

Madrigal Dinners: See Dec. 6.

Progressive Dinner: See Dec. 6

'The Nutcracker': G.M. Darby Building, Mount Pleasant. 10 or 11:30 a.m. $2 per child; accompanying adults free. Presented by Becky's Box of Puppets. 849-2061 or www.townofmountpleasant.com.

Low Country Singing Christmas Tree: Summerville Baptist Church. The concert is at 7:30 p.m. (also at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 8-10 and at 5 p.m. Dec. 8-9). Tickets are $6. 873-2440.

Handel's 'Messiah': See Dec. 6.

'Peter and the Wolf' and 'The Angel Tree': See Dec. 6.

Winter Wonderland: G.M. Darby Building, Mount Pleasant. 4-5:30 p.m. $18 residents, $25 nonresidents. Ages 4-8. 849-2061 or www.townofmountpleasant.com.

Saturday (Dec. 8)

Christmas Brass Concert: Charleston Symphony Orchestra. St. Matthew's Lutheran Church, 405 King St. 4 p.m. Adults $15, students $5 with valid student ID. Tickets available through Ticketmaster Outlets. www.charlestonsymphony.com or 723-7528.

Holiday Farmers Market: Marion Square. Saturdays, 8 a.m.-4 p.m., and Sundays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Also Dec. 9, 15 and 16. 724-7305.

Lowcountry Wreaths: The Lodge, Middleton Place, 4300 Ashley River Road, Charleston. 4 p.m. $8. Learn to make a wreath from natural materials. Reservations required. 556-6020 or www.middletonplace.org.

Madrigal Dinners: See Dec. 6.

Progressive Dinner: See Dec. 6.

Make and Take a Felt Craft: Mount Pleasant Regional Library, 1133 Mathis Ferry Road. 2:30-4:30 p.m. Ages 5-11. 849-6161.

Mount Pleasant Holiday Farmers Market and Craft Show: Mount Pleasant Municipal Complex, 100 Ann Edwards Lane. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. www.townofmountpleasant.com.

'The Nutcracker': Charleston Ballet. Gaillard Auditorium. 2 and 7:30 p.m. Adults $30-45, students $15. Also 3 p.m. Dec. 9. 723-7334 or www.charlestonballet.org.

'Peter and the Wolf' and 'The Angel Tree': See Dec. 6.

Saturday Movie: Dorchester Road Regional Library, 6325 Dorchester Road. 'A Very Merry Pooh Year.' 3 p.m. 552-6466.

Saturdays with Santa: Elf Central, Summerville Town Square. Noon-4 p.m. Also Dec. 15 and 22. 821-7260 or www.summervilletourism.com.

Second Annual Holiday Spectacular: V-Tones and Friends. Main Library, 68 Calhoun St. 3-4:30 p.m. 805-6930.

Shopping With Friends: Lowcountry AIDS Services. Downtown Charleston retailers. $40. www.aids-services.com or 747-CARE.

Spotlight Saturday: Main Library, 68 Calhoun St. 2 p.m. Screening of 'How the Grinch Stole Christmas,' craft and snack. 805-6930.

Low Country Singing Christmas Tree: See Dec. 7.

Sunday (Dec. 9)

Annual Summerville Christmas Parade: Downtown Summerville. 2 p.m. 821-7260.

Christmas Bells and Song: Johns Island Presbyterian Church, 2550 Bohicket Road, Johns Island. 7 p.m. Free but reservations required. 559-9380 or www.jipc.org.

Christmas Light Parade: The 12th annual Town of Mount Pleasant Christmas Light Parade is at 5:30 p.m. on Coleman Boulevard. The event starts with fireworks and is followed by a lighted nighttime parade. 849-2061 or www.townofmountpleasant.com.

Christmas in Charleston Concert: Charleston Men's Chorus. Sottile Theatre, 44 George St. 3 p.m. $15 adults, $10 seniors/students. Available at Cat's Music stores. 720-8505 or www.cmchorus.com.

Low Country Singing Christmas Tree: See Dec. 7.

Handel's 'Messiah': See Dec. 6.

Holiday Farmers Market: See Dec. 8.

'The Nutcracker': See Dec. 8.

Monday (Dec. 10)

Holiday Jewelry Special: Isle of Palms Recreation Department. Make a necklace or bracelet and a pair of earrings. 6:30-7:30 p.m. Two-day class also meets Dec. 12. Ages 8 and up. $35 residents, $40 nonresidents. Register by Dec. 7. 886-8294.

Progressive Dinner: See Dec. 6..

Low Country Singing Christmas Tree: See Dec. 7.

Tuesday (Dec. 11)

'The Christmas Gift': Porkchop Productions. 9:15 and 10:30 a.m. Dec. 11 at Main Library, 68 Calhoun St.; 3:30 p.m. Dec. 11 at John L. Dart Library, 1067 King St. Also at 10:30 a.m. Dec. 12 at John L. Dart Library, 1067 King St.; 4 p.m. Dec. 12 at West Ashley Library, 45 Windermere Blvd.; 10:30 a.m. Dec. 13 at Cooper River Memorial Library, 3503 Rivers Ave.; 6 p.m. Dec. 13 at Otranto Road Regional Library, 2261 Otranto Road.

Progressive Dinner: See Dec. 6.

Holiday Story time: Dorchester Road Regional Library, 6325 Dorchester Road. 10:30 a.m. Also Dec. 12. Ages 3-6. 552-6466.

Wednesday (Dec. 12)

'The Christmas Gift': See Dec. 11.

'A Gullah Christmas': Featuring Carolyn 'Jabulile' White. Cooper River Memorial Library, 3503 Rivers Ave. 10 a.m. 744-2489.

Holiday story time: See Dec. 11.

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