Ready, Set, Christmas on Upper King Street

This weekend there's so much to do in Charleston you can't begin do it all, but starting in the Upper King Design District is a smart choice. Pick up a parking voucher from any of our merchants, and park in one of our three city lots free. Proceed to Marion Square for the Holiday Farmers Market, Saturdays from 8-4, and Sundays from 10-4 all month. Under brightly colored tents you'll find baked delights, wreaths, fresh greenery, and a wonderful assortment of arts, crafts and holiday gift items. Visit the market, then head up King Street to see what our stores and restaurants have cooked up for holiday shoppers.
    Kudu Coffee has a warm brew waiting for your mid-day enjoyment. The French Hare Gallery and Galleria offers free portrait sessions between 2:00 and 4:00. You'll want to sniff their new King Street Home Fragrance Candle and pick up several for gifting. Palmer Davis Antiques has the prettiest window Santa this year and Nancy Koltes at Home will satisfy your need for snug and beautiful bedding and pj's. There are gifts to be had at Putumayo, B'zar and Ellington for your most stylish friends. Go to Cupcake for a midday sweets fix, then cross over to Three Dog Bakery and pick up a treat for Fluffy. Global Awakening offers gifts you'll be proud to give, and Wonderland will help you cross the wee ones off your list. Wouldn't your tree be even prettier on a new rug from Fine Rugs of Charleston, and don't forget pretty French linens for your table from Lesesne.
    From 4:30-6:00, Mayor Joe Riley will lead the 21st Annual City of Charleston Tree Lighting Ceremony. Of course he'll be joined by Santa . After the market, you'll want to toast the holidays with a glass of wine at The Trusted Palate.  It's a good thing there are 24 shopping days 'till Christmas, because you've only scratched the surface of Upper King Street!
    Join us all month for fun, food, shopping, entertainment and memories. Many of your favorite stores will be open Sundays, and most are open until 8:00 pm on Thursdays. Watch our web site for news and gift ideas, and be sure to sign up for Upper King News delivered right to your email inbox. There it is--in the upper right corner of column three. Good job. See you on Upper King!