Every area of the Lowcountry offers plenty of holiday events, classes and programs to help the whole family – even the wee ones – get into the holiday spirit. Here are some of the offerings around Charleston this season.

Kids – All Ages

WHAT: Children’s Theatre: A Christmas Carol

WHERE: Sterett Hall Auditorium on the former Charleston Naval Base, 1530 7th St. in North Charleston

WHEN: Dec. 3, 10–11 a.m.

WHY YOU SHOULD GO: Atlantic Coast Theatre presents this traditional Scrooge story as performed by Charles Dickens and his sister, Fan, in the scene of the Dickens’ drawing room where 15 characters from the book are portrayed.

INFO: Cost is $2 for children, free for adults. Call 740-5854 or visit www.northcharleston.org/residents/Departments/Arts/default.aspx.

WHAT: Home for the Holidays with Dad

WHERE: St. Andrews Regional Library, 1735 N. Woodmere Drive

WHEN: Dec. 4 at 11 a.m.

WHY YOU SHOULD GO: Gather round for holiday songs, stories and fun. Get crafty and make a gift box for that special someone.

INFO: Free admission. Call 766-2546 or visit www.ccpl.org.

WHAT: Gingerbread Friends

WHERE: Mt. Pleasant Regional Library, 1133 Mathis Ferry Road, Mount Pleasant

WHEN: Dec. 4 at 2 p.m.

WHY YOU SHOULD GO: Create a garland of gingerbread people for a holiday home decoration.

INFO: Free. Call 849-6161 or visit www.ccpl.org.

WHAT: Gift Tag Creations

WHERE: The Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry

WHEN: Dec. 4 at 1:30 p.m.

WHY YOU SHOULD GO: Whether it’s for Hanukah, Kwanza or Christmas, create special gift tags that are perfect for everyone’s presents.

INFO: Recommended for all ages. Free with $7 admission. Visit www.explorecml.org for more information.

WHAT: Holiday “Art”itude

WHERE: The Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry

WHEN: Tuesdays in December at 3:30 p.m.

WHY YOU SHOULD GO: Exercise your “art”itude with winter-themed crafts – from snowflake creations and winter glyphs to ice castles and ice skating art.

INFO: Recommended for all ages. Free with $7 admission. Visit www.explorecml.org for more information.

WHAT: Holiday Nature Crafts

WHERE: Tiedemann Park, 38 Elizabeth St.

WHEN: Dec. 11, 10–11:30 a.m.

WHY YOU SHOULD GO: Celebrate the holiday season with crafts, live animals and more. Each participant will have the opportunity to make holiday crafts from natural items and enjoy a seasonal snack.

INFO: Free. Call 724-7332 for more information.

WHAT: Bingo with Santa

WHERE: Martin Park Playground, 155 Jackson St.

WHEN: Dec. 16, 4:30–6 p.m.

WHY YOU SHOULD GO: Kids will have fun playing Bingo. Prizes will be awarded.

INFO: Ages 4–12. Free. Call 724-7332 or 973-7222 for more information.

WHAT: That’s a Wrap!

WHERE: The Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry

WHEN: Dec. 18 at 1:30 p.m.

WHY YOU SHOULD GO: Children can design and then make their own wrapping paper in the art room.

INFO: Recommended for all ages. Free with $7 admission. Visit www.explorecml.org for more information.

WHAT: Noon Year’s Eve Ball Drop

WHERE: The Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry

WHEN: Dec. 31 at noon

WHY YOU SHOULD GO: “Count down” and have some fun ringing in the new year.

INFO: Recommended for all ages. Free with $7 admission. Visit www.explorecml.org for more information.

Kids – Little Ones

WHAT: The Nutcracker

WHERE: Mt. Pleasant Regional Library, 1133 Mathis Ferry Road, Mount Pleasant

WHEN: Dec. 13 at 10:30 a.m.

WHY YOU SHOULD GO: Hear the story of The Nutcracker and then help perform it with Once Upon a Ballet.

INFO: Free. Recommended for ages 3–5. Visit www.ccpl.org or call 849-6161 for more information.

Kids – School Age

WHAT: Historic Holiday Event

WHERE: The Charleston Museum

WHEN: Dec. 1, 3:30–5 p.m.

WHY YOU SHOULD GO: Children can sip on hot chocolate and taste yummy cookies as they decorate the little Heyward-Washington house in the Kidstory exhibit. Create ornaments and decorations both for the exhibit and to take home.

INFO: This event is free for members and $5 plus admission for nonmembers. Reservations required. Call 722-2996, ext. 264, or register online at www.charlestonmuseum.org.

WHAT: Kids Seasonal Stamping

WHERE: Redux Contemporary Art Center, 136 St. Philip St.

WHEN: Wednesdays, Dec. 1–22, 4–5:30 p.m.

WHY YOU SHOULD GO: Get ready for the holidays with fun and creative stamps.

INFO: This class is recommended for children ages 6–9. Cost is $100 for members and $120 for nonmembers. Call 722-0697 or visit www.reduxstudios.org.

WHAT: Sundaes with Santa

WHERE: Discovery Ice Cream in Mount Pleasant Towne Centre

WHEN: Dec. 4, 11 a.m.–noon

WHY YOU SHOULD GO: A toy drive for East Cooper Community Outreach, a nonprofit that provides emergency assistance and other services.

INFO: Admission is one, unwrapped toy or a cash donation per child. For more information visit www.mtpleasanttownecentre.com.

WHAT: Movie Fun: The Search for Santa Paws

WHERE: Dorchester Road Regional Library, 6325 Dorchester Road, North Charleston, 552-6466

WHEN: Dec. 2 at 4:30 p.m.

WHERE: St. Andrews Regional Library, 1735 N. Woodmere Drive, 766-2546

WHEN: Dec. 7 at 4 p.m.

WHY YOU SHOULD GO: When Santa and his new best friend, Paws, discover that the boys and girls of the world have lost the spirit of the season they take a trip to New York City. But after Santa loses his memory, it’s up to Paws and a few friends to save St. Nick and show the world what Christmas is really all about. Rated G.

INFO: Free. For more information visit www.ccpl.org.

WHAT: Stained Glass: Hands on History Workshop

WHERE: The Charleston Museum

WHEN: Dec. 9, 3:30–5 p.m.

WHY YOU SHOULD GO: Make diamond-shaped stained glass ornaments with staff from Blue Heron Glass then tour the Joseph Manigault House. Parents can sign up as well.

INFO: Recommended for ages 4 and older. Cost is $12 for members and $15 for nonmembers. Reservations required. Register online at www.charlestonmuseum.org or call 722-2996, ext. 264.

WHAT: Get Creative: Decorate a Votive Candle Holder

WHERE: Dorchester Road Regional Library, 6325 Dorchester Road, North Charleston

WHEN: Dec. 9 at 4:30 p.m.

WHY YOU SHOULD GO: All materials, including a candle, will be provided to create your decorated holder.

INFO: Free. Recommended for grades 6–12. Call 552-6466 or visit www.ccpl.org.

WHAT: Movie: “A Christmas Carol”

WHERE: Dorchester Road Regional Library, 6325 Dorchester Road, North Charleston

WHEN: Dec. 11 at 3 p.m.

WHERE: St. Andrews Regional Library, 1735 N. Woodmere Drive

WHEN: Dec.18 at 11 a.m.

WHY YOU SHOULD GO: When three ghosts take penny-pinching Scrooge on an eye-opening journey, he discovers the true meaning of Christmas. Rated PG.

INFO: Free. Recommended for grades 6–12. Call 552-6466 or visit www.ccpl.org.

WHAT: Cuttin’ Up: December Holidays

WHERE: Dorchester Road Regional Library, 6325 Dorchester Road, North Charleston

WHEN: Tuesday, December 14 at 4:30 p.m.

WHY YOU SHOULD GO: Decorate Christmas/holiday ornaments, and play Pass the Parcel and Santa Bingo.

INFO: Free. Recommended for grades 1–5. Call 552-6466 or visit www.ccpl.org.

WHAT: Ms. Rosemary’s Rockin’ Storytime: Rockin’ Reindeer

WHERE: St. Andrews Regional Library, 1735 N. Woodmere Drive

WHEN: Dec. 16 at 6 p.m.

WHY YOU SHOULD GO: Which reindeer do you like best? Join librarians for a fun reindeer craft.

INFO: Free. Call 766-2546 or visit www.ccpl.org.

WHAT: Play Day: Gingerbread Friends

WHERE: Poe/Sullivan’s Island Branch Library, 1921 I’on Ave., Sullivan’s Island

WHEN: Dec. 18 at 10 a.m.

WHY YOU SHOULD GO: Create a garland of gingerbread people for a holiday home decoration.

INFO: Free. Call 883-3914 or visit www.ccpl.org.

WHAT: Holiday Crafts

WHERE: Main Library, 68 Calhoun St., downtown

WHEN: Dec. 18 at 11 a.m.

WHY YOU SHOULD GO: Tis’ the season for holiday crafts at the library. All ages will create some fun decorations and gifts for your loved ones.

INFO: Free. Call 805-6930 or visit www.ccpl.org.

WHAT: Winter Wonderland Storytime

WHERE: Main Library, 68 Calhoun St., downtown

WHEN: Dec. 21 at 6 p.m.

WHY YOU SHOULD GO: Join librarians for a snowy story time.

INFO: Free. Call 805-6930 or visit www.ccpl.org.

Families

WHAT: The Aquarium Holiday Adventure

WHERE: The South Carolina Aquarium

WHEN: Now through Dec. 26

WHY YOU SHOULD GO: Take an extraordinary adventure to the North Pole with The Polar Express 4-D Experience. Kids can play in holiday-clad Camp Carolina. View unique LowCANtry sculptures created out of thousands of donated cans. After the holidays, all can goods will be donated to Crisis Ministries. Don’t miss watching Scuba Claus swim with the fish.

INFO: Free with admission ($17.95 for adults, $10.95 for children ages 2–11, younger than 2 are free). For more information call 577-FISH (3474) or visit www.scaquarium.org.

WHAT: The Holiday Festival of Lights

WHERE: James Island County Park

WHEN: Now through Jan. 2, 2011

WHY YOU SHOULD GO: Winter Wonderland and Santa’s Village feature giant greeting cards, photos with Santa, a climbing wall, carousel, train rides, gift shop and Santa’s Sweet Shoppe.

INFO: Cost is $10 per vehicle for 1–15 guests, $25 per vehicle for 16–30 guests and $100 per vehicle for 31+ guests.

For more information and schedule of activities, events, outdoor movies and more, call 795-4FUN or visit www.holidayfestivaloflights.com.

WHAT: Free horse-drawn carriage rides

WHERE: Mount Pleasant Towne Centre

WHEN: Select weekends through Dec. 24

WHY YOU SHOULD GO: Enjoy a free horse-drawn carriage ride around the mall.

INFO: For information visit www.mtpleasanttownecentre.com.

WHAT: Charleston Sleigh Ride

WHERE: Shem Creek in Mount Pleasant

WHEN: Dec. 1–31

WHY YOU SHOULD GO: Get into the holiday spirit this year wrapped in a cozy waterproof blanket sipping hot chocolate during a leisurely tour of the Charleston Harbor. Listen to holiday music and learn about Charleston holiday traditions.

INFO: Cost is $40 per adult and $30 per child ages 3–12, younger than 2 are free. For more information visit www.ThrillerCharleston.com or call 276-4203.

WHAT: Holiday Safety Festival

WHERE: Cannon Park, off Calhoun St., between Rutledge and Ashley avenues

WHEN: Dec. 4, 2–5 p.m.

WHY YOU SHOULD GO: Learn about how to stay safe from injuries this holiday season with more than 10 interactive exhibits and a visit from a special guest.

INFO: Free. For more information visit www.musckids.com/safekids or call 792-5327.

WHAT: North Charleston Christmas Festival

WHERE: Park Circle

WHEN: Dec. 4, 4–9 p.m.

WHY YOU SHOULD GO: There will be children’s events, a marshmallow-roasting pit, crafts, a holiday farmer’s market, visits with Santa and more. The annual tree-lighting ceremony with Mayor Keith Summey and Santa will occur on the front lawn at Park Circle after the parade.

INFO: For more information call 740-2531 or visit www.northcharleston.org.

WHAT: City of Charleston Tree Lighting Ceremony

WHERE: Marion Square

WHEN: Dec. 4, 4:30–6:30 p.m.

WHY YOU SHOULD GO: Festivities start with community bands and caroling. Mayor Joe Riley Jr. and Santa Claus officially light the tree around 6 p.m.

INFO: For more information visit www.charleston-sc.gov.

WHAT: Holly Days

WHERE: Downtown Summerville

WHEN: Dec. 4, 11 a.m.–4 p.m.

WHY YOU SHOULD GO: There will be shopping, caroling, live holiday window displays, cocoa and cider and more.

INFO: For more information call 821-7260 or visit www.summervilledream.org.

WHAT: The Annual Spirituals Concert

WHERE: Drayton Hall

WHEN: Dec. 4 and 5 at 3 p.m. and Dec. 6 at 6 p.m.

WHY YOU SHOULD GO: Concerts feature Ann Caldwell and The Magnolia Singers performing Gullah music and spirituals. There will be a catered reception and informal tours of the house before the concert starts.

INFO: Cost is $35 for adults and $30 for friends of Drayton Hall. To make a reservation call 769-2605 or visit www.draytonhall.org.

WHAT: Holiday Farmers Market

WHERE: Marion Square

WHEN: Dec. 4–19, Saturdays 8 a.m.– 4 p.m. and Sundays 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

WHY YOU SHOULD GO: Local farmers and artisans showcase their best assortment of food, art, crafts and gifts.

INFO: For more information visit www.charleston-sc.gov.

WHAT: Chanukah in the Square

WHERE: Marion Square Park

WHEN: Dec. 5, 4–6 p.m.

WHY YOU SHOULD GO: Activities will include lighting of the first candle on the 9-foot menorah, live music, crafts and food.

INFO: The event is free and open to the public. For more information call 724-7305 or visit www.charleston-sc.gov.

WHAT: City of Charleston Department of Recreation Tree Lighting

WHERE: James Island Recreation Center

WHEN: Dec. 6, 5:30–6:30 p.m.

WHY YOU SHOULD GO: All ages will enjoy the spirit of Christmas at this annual tree lighting. Holiday music will be provided by Harborview Elementary Choir.

INFO: Free. Call 795-5678 for more information.

WHAT: Holiday Entertainment

WHERE: Marion Square

WHEN: Dec. 10–12 and 17–19, Fridays 10 a.m.–6 p.m. and weekends 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

WHY YOU SHOULD GO: Children’s choirs, bands and more will delight audiences at Marion Square.

INFO: Free. Visit www.charleston-sc.gov.

WHAT: West Ashley Tree Lighting

WHERE: Bees Landing Recreation Center

WHEN: Dec. 10, 6:30–7:30 p.m.

WHY YOU SHOULD GO: Enjoy music, crafts and holiday fun.

INFO: Free. Call 724-7327 for more information.

WHAT: Holiday Family Fun Event

WHERE: The Charleston Museum

WHEN: Dec. 11 at 10 a.m.

WHY YOU SHOULD GO: Watch a movie and then view a special one-day exhibit of model trains and train sets from our extensive toy collection. Create fun holiday crafts including a reindeer ornament and a jingle bell.

INFO: Free for members and with general admission ($10 for adults, $5 for children, free for children younger than 3). To make a reservation for the event, Call 722-2996, ext. 264, or register online at www.charlestonmuseum.org.

WHAT: Family Arts and Crafts with Grace Dunbar

WHERE: Poe/Sullivan’s Island Branch Library,1921 I’on Ave., Sullivan’s Island

WHEN: Dec. 11 at 10 a.m.

WHY YOU SHOULD GO: Bring your family and friends to create Christmas decorations.

INFO: Free. Call 883-3914 or visit www.ccpl.org.

WHAT: The Nutcracker

WHERE: Gaillard Auditorium

WHEN: Dec. 11 and 12

WHERE: North Charleston Performing Arts Center

WHEN: Dec. 17

WHY YOU SHOULD GO: The shows will feature hundreds of local children from downtown Charleston, North Charleston, and Dorchester District 2 Schools. This version follows the traditional storyline but takes place in Charleston in 1865.

INFO: For more information call 723-7334 or visit www.charlestonballet.org.

WHAT: A Gingerbread House Workshop

WHERE: The Inn at Middleton Place

WHEN: Dec. 12, 2–4 p.m.

WHY YOU SHOULD GO: Design an edible architectural masterpiece at an architecturally award-winning inn. All materials will be provided.

INFO: Cost is $15 for adults, $12 for children ages 3–16, free for younger than 3 with a paying adult. Reservations required. Call 556-0500.

WHAT: Grand Illumination: Christmas 1782

WHERE: Middleton Place

WHEN: Dec. 17–18, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

WHY YOU SHOULD GO: Stroll through gardens illuminated by torchlight, candlelight and starlight listening to costumed interpreters tell stories. See the house decorated and glowing in candlelight, enjoy a warm fire, live music and a buffet dinner in the Pavilion.

INFO: Dinner buffet is included; cash bar. Tickets are $45 per adult and $20 per child. Reservations required. Call 556-6020.

WHAT: Santa in the Swamp

WHERE: Cypress Gardens, 3030 Cypress Gardens Road, Moncks Corner

WHEN: Dec. 18

WHY YOU SHOULD GO: Santa will arrive by swamp boat and take photos with guests including pets. Local vendors will sell unique items and handmade crafts.

INFO: Cost is $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 6–12 and free for children age 5 and younger. Call 843-553-0515 or visit www.cypressgardens.info.

WHAT: Community Day

WHERE: The Gibbes Museum of Art, 135 Meeting St.

WHEN: Dec. 18, 10 a.m.–1 p.m.

WHY YOU SHOULD GO: Sponsored by the Junior League of Charleston. Activities include holiday art-making for children as well as special performances.

INFO: Free. Visit www.gibbesmuseum.org.

WHAT: Porkchop Productions presents Holly and the Secret Santa

WHERE: Mt. Pleasant Regional Library, 1133 Mathis Ferry Road, Mount Pleasant, 849-6161

WHEN: Dec. 18 at 10:30 a.m.

WHERE: Dorchester Road Regional Library, 6325 Dorchester Road, North Charleston, 552-6466

WHEN: Dec. 18 at 3 p.m.

WHERE: Main Library, 68 Calhoun St., 805-6930

WHEN: Dec. 19 at 3 p.m.

WHY YOU SHOULD GO: Join Holly as she tries to unravel a holiday mystery … and learns an important lesson along the way.

INFO: Free. Recommended for all ages. Visit www.ccpl.org.

WHAT: Classical Kids Concert

WHERE: Dock Street Theatre, 135 Church St.

WHEN: Dec. 23, 1–1:45 p.m.

WHY YOU SHOULD GO: The beloved children’s story “The Night Before Christmas” comes to life as a trio of musicians play favorite Christmas songs for flute, violin and cello.

INFO: Cost is $5 for children and $10 for adults. Call 763-4941 or visit www.ChamberMusicCharleston.org.

WHAT: St. Julian Devine Kwanzaa Festival

WHERE: St. Julian Devine Community Center, 1 Cooper St.

WHEN: Dec. 28, 2–6 p.m.

WHY YOU SHOULD GO: This is an annual event with a community parade, African drumming and dancing.

INFO: Free. Call 724-7327 for more information.

WHAT: Holiday Festival of Lights Winter Carnival

WHERE: James Island County Park

WHEN: Dec. 31 at 5:30 p.m.

WHY YOU SHOULD GO: Will feature inflatables, games, mechanical rides, a carousel, climbing wall and children’s activities. Fireworks at 9 p.m.

INFO: Cost is $10 for unlimited rides on most attractions (does not include train). Single tickets are $1 and most rides cost about three tickets. For more information visit www.holidayfestivaloflights.com.

WHAT: Happy New Year Charleston

WHERE: Marion Square and surrounding locations

WHEN: Dec. 31 at 4 p.m.

WHY YOU SHOULD GO: This nonalcoholic event features family-oriented concert and presentations to ring in the new year.

INFO: Free. Call 724-7305 or visit www.charleston-sc.gov.