by Angela May

There’s never a shortage of things to do in the Lowcountry. And with the holiday season upon us, that only adds to the list of festive family fun options. Here is a short list of some of the great activities you and the kids can enjoy. Keep in mind this is just a glimpse at some of the many things happening around town. The list doesn’t even mention the multitude of holiday parades happening throughout the area. If there’s a holiday event you think Newby Mom readers would be interested in knowing about, let us know and we’d be happy to help spread the word.

Saturday, Nov. 5
10th Annual Harvest Fest, 11am-5pm
Mullet Hall Equestrian Center
Celebrate the harvest season on Johns Island. There will be live bluegrass music. And the kids will enjoy hay rides, live animals, lasso demonstrations and more. Feast on boiled peanuts, kettle corn, barbeque and other favorite festival foods. There is also a special trail riding adventure for horse owners. Admission is $5 per person. Kids 12 and under are free. For more information, call (843)795-4386 or visit www.ccprc.com/harvest.

Wednesday, Nov. 9 and Thursday, Nov. 10
Holiday Festival of Lights Fun Run & Walk, 6:30pm
James Island County Park
The entire family can enjoy this two-mile non-competitive fun run and walk. The course gives participants a sneak peek at the Holiday Festival of Lights displays. After reaching the finish line, participants can enjoy the other festival’s amenities (see below for festival details). Expected to be a sell-out event, register online at www.ccprc.com/funrun by Nov. 8 or register by phone at (843)795-4386. Race fees are $12 per person (age 3 and up).

Friday, Nov. 11-January 1, 2012
Holiday Festival of Lights
James Island County Park
A Lowcountry tradition for 22 years, enjoy a three-mile drive through the park to enjoy more than 700 twinkling displays. You can also park the car to enjoy other holiday attractions, such as Santa’s sweet shoppe, photos with Santa, marshmallow roasting pit, gift shops, enchanted forest walking trail and more. For more information and admission prices, visit www.holidayfestivaloflights.com or call (843)795-4386.

Thursday, Nov. 10
Holiday Craft Workshop, 4pm
Isle of Palms Rec Center
Decorate and make fun holiday hats. Bring your imagination. For kids 15 and under. To register, call (843)886-8294.

Saturday, Nov. 12
Old Village Harbor 5K Run, 8:30am
Mt. Pleasant
Enjoy a beautiful run/walk through Mt. Pleasant’s Old Village for this 12th annual event. Race begins and ends at Alhambra Hall. Fee: $20 early registration with T-shirt, $25 day of registration with T-shirt. For more information, contact Kari Moss at (843) 856-2196 or kmoss@tompsc.com.

Thursday, Nov. 24
Turkey Day Run & Gobble Wobble, 9am
Marion Square, Downtown Charleston
It’s a holiday tradition for many families. Presented by the Knights of Columbus, the race route takes participants on a scenic journey through the historic streets of Charleston and concludes with live music, free food and beverages. Strollers are welcome and there’s also a Children’s Fun Run. For more information and to register, visit www.turkeydayrun.com.

Saturday, Dec. 3
Reindeer Run, 9am
Southend Brewery, Downtown Charleston
Also a family tradition for many, the 21st annual Reindeer Run is a 5K run/walk through downtown Charleston that benefits MUSC Children’s Hospital. The race starts and finishes at Southend Brewery on East Bay Street, where there’s a post-race party with food, drinks and music. For more information and to register, visit www.reindeerrun.org.

Friday, Dec. 2
‘Santa’s Christmas Party’, 10am
G.M. Darby Building, Mt. Pleasant
Presented by Columbia Marionette Theater, enjoy a show featuring Santa, Jack Frost, an ice skater and Frosty the Snowman. Tickets are $2 per person. Call (843)849-2061 for reservations.

Friday, Dec. 9
‘The Nutcracker’, 10am
G.M. Darby Building, Mt. Pleasant
Presented by Becky’s Box of Puppets, enjoy this 45-minute performance featuring puppets up to four feet tall. Nearly thirty characters are performed by one person in this beloved holiday tale of a young girl and her adventures with the Nutcracker Prince. Tickets are $2 per person. Call (843)849-2061 for reservations.

Saturday, Dec. 10
Holiday Market and Craft Show
Farmers Market Pavilion at Moultrie Middle School, Mt. Pleasant
The show features the traditional food market of locally grown produce, baked goods and other homemade items. It also includes handcrafted gifts created by local artisans. The assortment includes Christmas ornaments, glasswork, and a variety of original art by local potters, craftsmen, photographers and artists.

Wednesday, Dec. 14
Santa’s Cookie Workshop, 4pm
Isle of Palms Rec Center
FREE event. All ages welcome to decorate cookies. To register, call (843)886-8294.

Friday, Dec. 16
Kid’s Night Out, 6-9pm
Isle of Palms Rec Center
Parents, drop off the children while you take care of your holiday to-do list. Kid activities include movie, games and crafts. Pizza and snack will be provided. $10 resident/$15 non-resident. To register, call (843)886-8294.

Monday, Dec. 19
Gingerbread House Decorating, 10am
Isle of Palms Rec Center
Children age 7-14 are invited to build and decorate their own gingerbread house. Event costs $5. To register, call (843)886-8294.

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