December 2019

​It’s the MOST wonderful time of the year! Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, or Kwanzaa, Charleston is a lovely place to celebrate the holiday season. Concerts, craft exhibitions, worship services, and a parade are just a few events the entire family will enjoy on cold, frosty evenings.

There are several events that continue for the entire month. “Let’s Roam Charleston’s Scavenger Hunt” is a new phone app that let’s you take a tour of the town on your own time and at your own pace. Artisans from all over the state have their works on display at the WV Culture Center and there is a beautiful quilt exhibit at the Robert C. Byrd Federal Courthouse. Both are opportunities to enjoy all month long.

There are wonderful concerts that are a much anticipated tradition every December. Bob Thompson’s “Joy to the World” and the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra’s “Sounds of the Season” are two of the most popular performances of the holidays.

Downtown stores stay open late every Thursday and Friday for convenient shopping while you enjoy dinner and drinks at the local restaurants and pubs. For those who enjoy being outdoors and running with friends, the Charleston ParkRun WV takes place at 9am every Saturday morning at Magic Island.

Children will especially enjoy “Nick Jr. Live” and the local production of “FROZEN” JR at the Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center (the CC&CC). Probably the most anticipated event in town this December is the screening of “Christmas Vacation” at the Clay Center on Dec. 23, with Chevy Chase appearing onstage for an entertaining commentary about the film. Unfortunately, that event sold out in 20 minutes!

Charleston is simply lovely during the holidays. Driving down Kanawha Boulevard and seeing all the homes along the river decorated so festively is a simple pleasure that never gets old.

Happy Holidays!!!