Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in Charleston, SC

There are plenty of special events to choose from in Charleston this month, but there are a few that are truly great times for families with kids! Here are my picks for the best of the season.

1. The Holiday Festival of Lights at James Island County Park. This might be the tenth or so time I've mentioned this spectacular show of lights and fun at Santa's Village. I don't know how else to make the point. You really should go!

2. Support local artists, munch some kettle corn or boiled peanuts, and hit the jumpcastles at the Charleston Holiday Market, every Saturday downtown at the farmer's market in Marion Square. Don't miss a trip under the 90-foot tree of lights!

3. There's nothing as fun as a parade, and while several parades happened around Charleston last weekend, there are two coming up this Saturday that you can catch!  The Summerville Christmas parade happens Sunday, December 14 at 2 pm in downtown Summerville.  Later that day, the Mt. Pleasant light parade begins at 5:45 pm with a firework show.  The lighted floats then make their way down Coleman Boulevard, (beginning at Shem Creek and ending at the Sea Island shopping center). 

4. Regular ol' Saint Nicks can be seen all across the country, but how many cities can claim that their Santa scuba dives?  The South Carolina Aquarium presents the special "Scuba Santa and the Gifts of the Sea" show in the Great Ocean Tank, daily at 3 pm through December 23.

5. I know that December 31st seems a long ways off, but it's good to plan ahead. The New Year's event downtown in Marion Square is a great choice for celebrating with the family. Free, 4 pm - 10:30 pm New Year's Eve.

Now, go make some memories!

[Image credit: SXC/Mike Wade]