This, the first week of December and Advent, is filled with special holiday treats, like a free performance of Handel’s Messiah in one of Charleston’s most historic churches.
Handel’s Messiah in the Holy City
Handel’s Messiah is some of the most beloved music ever written. It’s often performed around the holidays, as it has both Christmas and Easter portions celebrating the life of Christ. Tomorrow - Wednesday, December 4th - is a chance to hear it in a gorgeous and very sacred setting, the Holy City’s own St. Michael’s Church. Here are the specifics:
- Performed by St. Michael’s Choir and special guests and friends, accompanied by Charleston Symphony Orchestra members;
- From 6:30 – 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, December 4th;
- Free of charge;
- In the historic St. Michael’s sanctuary, located at 71 Broad Street in downtown Charleston.
Here is its event page on Facebook. The Charleston Symphony will also present three holiday concerts of Handel’s Messiah, entitled the “Holy City Messiah.” Maestro Ken Lam with conduct, with the CSO Chamber Chorus and special guest soloists. These concerts will happen downtown in the Citadel’s Summerall Chapel on December 12th, at East Cooper Baptist Church in Mount Pleasant on the 14th, and at St. Theresa of the Little Flower in Summerville on the 15th. The Charleston Symphony will also perform several other holiday concerts, including Holiday Strings, CSO Holiday Brass, and the very popular Holiday Pops. Here’s a link to times and tickets for all of the above.
Light the Lake this Friday
Colonial Lake in downtown Charleston has undergone a wonderful $5 million renovation, with extensive new landscaping and improvements galore. Located on Broad Street between Rutledge and Ashley Avenues downtown, this 150-year old Charlestonian park has never looked better. This Friday, it officially kicks off Christmas with “Light the Lake,” when Mayor John Tecklenburg will light up a beautiful large Christmas right smack in the middle of the water. Charleston Parks Conservancy and Publix sponsor the celebration, which will happen from 5:00 till 7:30 p.m. this Friday evening, December 6th. Check out the following festive fun:
- Holiday cookie decorating with Publix;
- A festive photo booth and letters to Santa station;
- Ugly sweater contest;
- Model boats sailing on Colonial Lake by the Charleston Model Yacht Club;
- Bring a new, unwrapped toy to fill Santa's carriage for Toys for Tots.
- Performance by the Meeting Street Watoto Charleston Ensemble;
- Food trucks - like Independent Grounds Coffee House, Kickin' Chicken, Braised in the South Food Truck, The Pita Stroller, Pure Fluff Co., Roti Rolls, and T&T Original Kettle Korn;
- DJ Ede will be playing everyone's favorite holiday music;
- Admission and holiday activities are free;
- The event is rain or shine.
Here is the official website with more. So check out a special free performance of Handel’s Messiah. Then, later in the week, why not help Light the Lake while wearing an ugly Christmas sweater. And when you are interested in a great beach house Charleston, be sure to call us at EP. All best, Lowcountry Lisa your Isle of Palms vacation blogger