By Delaney Elder and Wyatt Barczak [email protected] [email protected]
Tuck those last few presents under the tree and slip into your ugly sweater because the holiday season wraps up this weekend with the most festive events before Christmas arrives.
Spread cheer with the family this weekend at the Holy City Holiday Market as it hosts dozens of artisanal vendors and family fun across multiple venues. Then, light the menorah at the Vodkas and Latkes event, sponsored by the KKBE, which will have tasty Jewish dishes and drag queen bingo.
Or clear your schedule for this year's Rip City Spectacular, featuring Rip City comics and amazing local artists performing their unique twists on holiday classics.
Then, grab your tickets for Broadway's hit musical "Ain't Too Proud -- The Life and Times of The Temptations" highlighting the rise of MoTown's angel-voiced band The Temptations. And don't forget to make some time for Rockabillaque's Swingin' Holiday Spectacular event for a high-energy retro evening packed full of mid-century tunes and displays.
FRIDAY (DEC. 20)
Rip City's Holiday Showtacular
Get in the holiday groove at the Music Farm, 32 Ann St., Charleston with the 2nd Annual Rip City's Holiday Showtacular, starting at 8 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 20. It's a night of holiday festivities featuring some talented local artists, including Jenna Desmond from Babe Club and Kaizer, performing classic holiday tunes and even some holiday originals. And in between the music, Rip City performers will bring their unique style of unhinged frivolities with their hosts, Nameless Numberhead, at the helm. Tickets are available in advance for $15 and at the show for $17 each. For more information, visit tinyurl.com/4fzuju2n.
FRIDAY (DEC. 20)
'Ain't Too Proud -- The Life and Times of The Temptations'
Experience Broadway's hit musical, "Ain't Too Proud -- The Life and Times of The Temptations," here in the Charleston area at the North Charleston Performing Arts Center, 5001 Coliseum Drive. Beginning at 7:30 p.m., Dec. 20 the performance will tell the story of The Temptations' extraordinary journey from the streets of Detroit to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. It's set to the beat of the group's treasured hits, including "My Girl," "Just My Imagination," "Get Ready," "Papa Was a Rolling Stone" and many more. Tickets to see the performance range between $67-$93. Learn more about the event at tinyurl.com/mrynkn7y.
FRIDAY-SUNDAY (DEC. 20-22)
Holy City Holiday Market
Grab yourself a bundle of holiday cheer, some cold brews and wrap up your holiday gift shopping this season at the Holy City Holiday Market. This festive sip and stroll event will take place across multiple venues including The Porter Room, Firefly Distillery, Holy City Brewing and The Station in Park Circle, North Charleston. Featuring a slew of artisanal vendors with unique craft gifts perfect for that special someone, locations will be open from 5-9 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 20, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 21 and 11 a.m.-3 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 22. Locations will be pumped up with live music from bands like The Simplicity, Super Reggae Man and Sufferin' Moses. There will also be delicious bites from a handful of tasty local food trucks and more fun holiday entertainment for the family to enjoy. The event is free and open to the public. For more information on the market, you can contact [email protected] or visit tinyurl.com/3mp5kbau.
SUNDAY (DEC. 22)
Vodkas and Latkes
Get in the festive spirit for Channukah this year and get a taste of latkes topped with traditional and gourmet garnishes. Vodkas and Latkes will be kicking off at Charleston Union Station, 652A King St. from 6-10 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 22. Organized by the Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim (KKBE), show your Jewish pride with an evening of celebration, cultural heritage and good food. This year's event puts a new spin on the holiday with Drag Queen Dreidel and Drag Queen Bingo hosted by the praised local drag performer Ms. Patti O'Furniture. General admission tickets are priced at $72 with a VIP option at $108 where guests will have exclusive access to a VIP area catered with champagne and caviar throughout the night. For more information on the event, you can call 843-723-1090 or visit tinyurl.com/2575bxt4.
SUNDAY (DEC. 22)
Rockabillaque Swingin' Holiday Spectacular
The Rockabillaque Swingin' Holiday Spectacular is back at the Charleston Gaillard Center, 95 Calhoun St. bringing its high-energy vintage charm to the Spiegeltent at 7:30 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 22. This festive evening of retro rhythms will feature Chicago-based retro-vintage vocalist Tammi Savoy. The show will also host the Miss Swingin' Holiday Pin-up Contest, where contestants will show off their mid-century glamor, style, personality and attitude to compete for the title of Miss Swingin' Holiday 2024. Tickets are available for purchase for $25 each. To learn more about the performance, see tinyurl.com/2hbkv5sx.