Aaand the Holidays Are Here!

Happy Thanksgiving, all!

Since the holidays are officially here, we've pulled together a list of some of the season's star happenings, from tonight on through the New Year. Which ones will you attend?!

Go Out and Give Thanks (seriously, have you thought about going out tonight?)

Pilgrims and Indians Party at Mynt

Be thankful for $1.50 Bud Light drafts and $3 shots of Wild Turkey and American Honey this T-giving eve. Pick a team (pilgrim or Indian), dress the part, and party to the musical stylings of DJ Moo Moo Mack. 

Wednesday, November 21; Mynt, 135 Calhoun St.; learn more here

"Let's Dance" Thanksgiving Eve Mega Party at Mercury

Not into dressing up? No worries. Head north to Upper King's Mercury for a Thanksgiving Eve bash featuring Terrence McNeill and DJ D-Nyce.

Wednesday, November 21, 9pm-until; Mercury, 547 King St.

Have a Five-Star Thanksgiving Feast (let's face it—they can cook better than we can): 

Hank’s Seafood Restaurant

4:30-10:30pm; 10 Hayne St.; (843) 723-3474, www.hanksseafoodrestaurant.com

Halls Chophouse

2-8pm; 434 King St.; (843) 727-0090; www.hallschophouse.com

Oak Steakhouse

11am-4pm; 17 Broad St.; (843) 722-4220; www.oaksteakhouserestaurant.com

Get in the Holiday Spirit (don't be a Scrooge!): 

Holiday Festival of Lights

Bring the whole family out to soak up the season as you tour James Island County Park's elaborate three-mile light display. Then roast marshmallows, build gingerbread houses, and take train rides. Start the journey through a three-mile drive full of magnificent views of holiday lights and lively displays. Park the car after for family fun at Santa’s Village and Winter Wonderland which includes Santa’s SweetShoppe and Blitzen’s Burgers.

Now through December 31, daily starting at dusk; James Island County Park, 871 Riverland Dr;. $12 per car; (843) 795-7275, www.ccprc.com

A Christmas Story

Laugh at the uproarious tomfoolery of little Ralphie Parker in a theater-adapted version of the beloved 1983 film A Christmas Story. Julian Wiles directs Charleston Stage in a play that includes additional scenes drawn from Jean Shepherd’s memoir, In God We Trust, All Others Pay Cash, the original inspiration for the movie.

November 30-December 13; Thursday-Saturday, 7:30pm; Sunday, times vary; Dock Street Theatre, 135 Church St.; $49-$23; (843) 577-7183, www.charlestonstage.com

Gospel Christmas

Be baptized by joy-filled holiday songs inspired by African-American spirituals and traditional hymns at this Gospel Christmas performance. Conductor Dr. Isaiah R. McGee leads the Charleston Symphony Orchestra Spiritual Ensemble and Gospel Choir in this heart-warming show.

Friday, November 30 & Saturday, December 1,7:30pm; Sottile Theatre, College of Charleston, 44 George St.; $35; (843) 723-7528, www.charlestonsymphony.org

Marion Square Tree Lighting

Join Mayor Joe Riley and Santa Claus for the lighting of Marion Square’s 60-foot tree. Live gospel music, the Charleston Community Band, and more will provide the evening’s festive soundtrack, and stick around after as shops will stay open late!

Saturday, December 1, 4:30-6pm; Marion Square, corner of King and Calhoun Sts.

Parade of Boats

Once the tree's been lit and you've heard some solid carols, make your way down the peninsula to watch a brigade of boats decked out in their holiday finest. Watch the brilliantly shining boats travel down the Cooper River, through the Charleston Harbor, and into the Ashley from the USS Yorktown, the Waterfront Park, or the Battery, and be sure to stick around for the end-of-evening firework show.

Saturday, December 1, parade begins along Mt. Pleasant at 5:30pm, peninsula viewing starts at 6:30  

Holiday Chocolate and Beer Pairing Workshop

Chocolate and beer—what's not to like? Hosted by two experts of their respective crafts, Westbrook Brewing Company and Christophe Artisan Chocolatier-Patissier, you'll get to taste and sip six gourmet chocolate and beer combos. As if that weren't enough, there will be a prize awarded for the tackiest holiday sweater.

Tuesday, December 11, 6:30-8:30pm; Westbrook Brewing Company Tasting Room, 510 Ridge Rd., Mt. Pleasant; $20; (843) 297-8674 

Cheers to the New Year! (get fancy this NYE at one of these fabulous fêtes)

The 3rd Annual Platinum Ball

With music, fashion, and film; a portion of the proceeds benefit Youth Power Initiative and the RBI Program; tickets are all-inclusive

Monday, December 31, 9pm-2am; The Hippodrome, 360 Concord St.; $95 general admission, $150 VIP, $1,000 VIP table (seats 6); www.platinumballcharleston.com

The 12th Annual Snyder Grand Ball

With Quiana Parler and Friends, DJ Natty Heavy, and DJ R.Dot; heavy hors d'eouvres and open bar

Monday, December 31, 8pm-1am; The South Carolina Aquarium; $135 per ticket; www.snydergrandball.com

The 1st Annual Yorktown Countdown

With live music performances inside the airplane hangar and atop the USS Yorktown flight deck (for VIP patrons only) and Charleston's first ever Aircraft Carrier Ball Drop; full-service open bar

Monday, December 31, 9pm-1am; 40 Patriots Point Rd., Mt. Pleasant; $99, general admission, $149 VIP, $3,000 ultra VIP cabana;  www.yorktowncountdown.com