🌴 Bright Lights, Beach Parades, and Bedtime Encouragement

We had such a fun and festive weekend in Charleston. We got our tree up, decorated gingerbread houses and took the kids to see Zootopia 2. I loved that we all did something together that my kids actually sat still for!

This week’s newsletter is all about keeping that holiday glow going.

From the glittering lobby and gingerbread magic at Hotel Bennett to the glow of boats and hometown cheer on the water and at the beach, there’s lots to look forward to. We also include a small, quiet piece for parents who find themselves awake in the night with little ones and some short thoughts to help carry you through those long hours through the night that hit hard during the day.

Below you’ll find quick ideas for seasonal outings, hometown traditions, and a few gentle reminders for the caregivers who keep it all moving.

And check out the Palmetto Parents store for Charleston Mom and Charleston Dad gear to represent your favorite city this holiday season!

Hotel Bennett is full of holiday magic and is such a fun thing to do in downtown Charleston during December. Located at 404 King Street, right across from Marion Square, the hotel transforms into a festive spot the whole family can enjoy throughout the month.

During the holidays, Hotel Bennett hosts several seasonal experiences including Holiday Tea for adults, Tea with Santa for kids, a life-size gingerbread house, and a special Letters to Santa station in the lobby. Kids can write their wish lists and drop them off at the official North Pole correspondence desk while parents take in the beautiful décor and cozy atmosphere.

Even if you’re not attending a seated event, stopping by to see the decorations is worth it. The gingerbread house is a favorite for photo ops, and the lobby feels bright, warm, and festive without being overwhelming for little ones.

Hotel Bennett offers valet parking, which is the simplest option when visiting with kids. There are also nearby public parking garages and street parking around Marion Square if you prefer to self-park. Weekdays and early afternoons tend to be the least crowded.

If you are able to make it to Hotel Bennet on Thursday night (December 11) the Charleston Caroling Company will be in the lobby for a special performance from 5:30-6:30pm. Hotel Bennett is a lovely way to slow down, soak in the holiday season, and create special memories right in the heart of Charleston.

One of Charleston’s most magical holiday traditions returns on Saturday, December 13, with the 2025 Holiday Parade of Boats. Beginning at 6pm, residents and visitors are invited to watch a dazzling procession of brightly lit boats as they illuminate the Charleston Harbor for a festive evening on the water.

The parade route travels from the Cooper River through Charleston Harbor and continues into the Ashley River. Families can enjoy the show from some of the best waterfront locations in the Lowcountry. Popular viewing spots include Waterfront Park for a close-up experience, The Battery for wide historic harbor views, and Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park for beautiful views from across the water.

This event is especially family friendly and easy to enjoy with kids of all ages. Bundle up with blankets, bring snacks or warm drinks, and enjoy a relaxed evening outdoors watching the boats glide by covered in holiday lights. The parade traditionally ends with fireworks over Charleston Harbor, adding an extra layer of excitement to the night. Firework timing can vary each year.

For families looking to experience the parade from the water, local boat rentals are available, and some families even decorate their own boats to join the procession. Boats are judged in power and sail categories and registrants are asked to provide an approximate number of passengers on board.

Whether you watch from the shoreline or from the water, the Festival of Holiday Lights on the Water is a festive Charleston tradition and a wonderful way to make holiday memories with your family.

Mark your calendar for a one‑and‑only holiday highlight on Folly Beach!

This Saturday, December 13 at Noon, Folly Beaches own Center Street transforms into a festive, sun‑soaked route as the 35th Folly Beach Christmas Parade rolls through. Expect quirky floats, community spirit, and the kind of local charm that makes this tradition feel special year after year. It’s the perfect midday outing for families, friends, and anyone who wants to soak up holiday vibes!

The weather looks like it will be a perfect 63 degrees! Bring a chair or blanket, grab a spot along Center Street, and enjoy the smiles, colors, and community cheer that only Folly Beach can deliver.

Allora is one of the newest restaurants in Charleston and it already feels like a hidden gem. It is the perfect place for a special date night that does not break the bank but still feels romantic and memorable. It is also a beautiful pick for a girls night thanks to its cozy atmosphere and designer worthy details.

The restaurant serves authentic Italian dishes with a coastal twist and everything about the space feels thoughtful. Even the small touches stand out. They served my hot tea in the daintiest little tea cup set and it felt so charming. The décor is gorgeous throughout but the bathroom near the bar deserves its own moment because it truly looks designer level. We chose to sit on the upstairs deck and they brought us blankets which made the whole night feel so cozy and intimate.

One of the most unique and truly fun parts of Allora is the little window outside where you can order full or mini cannolis along with espresso drinks and gelato. It feels almost mischievous to be eating such excellent treats from a window and it adds a playful feel to the entire experience. There is always room in your stomach for a mini cannoli—and coming from Boston I consider myself a cannoli expert. This one did not disappoint. It is by far the best cannoli I have had since moving down south.

We started our meal with the calamari and the Wild Arugula Rucola salad with tomato pistachio Amalfi lemon parmesan and olive oil. It was fresh and bright and the perfect start. For the main course we shared a few dishes which is always the best way to experience a new menu. The Paccheri Alla Sorrentina was rich with ripe tomato shaved prosciutto smoked scamorza and fresh basil. The Cavatelli with Mediterranean octopus red wine and bone marrow was another standout with deep comforting flavors that still felt light enough to enjoy on a coastal evening.

Allora is the kind of place you leave already planning your next visit. It has the charm of a tucked away Italian spot the comfort of a cozy neighborhood restaurant and the kind of special touches that make a night feel truly memorable. They are open daily from 11am -10pm. Whether you are planning a date night or gathering your closest friends this is a spot you will want to keep on your radar.

Although our youngest is 15 months old, we are still not sleeping! I still find myself awake in the middle of the night for sickness, tummy aches, or just fussiness. It is hard to keep up the late nights for as long as we have and I know that we are not the only family who is up late helping their kids. When you are up late getting ready for the next day, breastfeeding, comforting a baby, or caring for a little one with a stomach bug, try one of these thoughts:

1) This night is just one page in a very long story. It reminds you this moment is temporary. That small shift makes the night feel less heavy and lets you breathe easier.

2) Small kindnesses matter more than perfection. You may not do everything perfectly at 2am, but a soft voice or a gentle touch is enough. It replaces pressure with kindness toward yourself.

3) Calm is contagious. I can pass it on simply by being quiet and steady. Keeping things calm and quiet at night is a practical tip from pediatric experts, meant to avoid stimulating babies when feeding or changing. Believing your calm matters gives you a clear action when you feel frazzled.

4) I am a safe harbor in the storm, even if the storm lasts a few more hours. It puts your role into perspective. You may be exhausted, but you are still the safe place your child turns to. That steadiness is powerful on its own.

5) Morning will come. My body and heart will reset. I do not have to hold all of this at once. It allows you to pause mental lists and worry about tomorrow. Surviving the night is success. Everything else can wait!

6) Love is already present. I am adding more with every quiet minute. It turns the late night into meaning rather than punishment. Each minute of gentle caring is a quiet act of love, which can lift your spirits or at least soften the fatigue.

Pick one or rotate through them. They are short enough to whisper without thinking too hard, yet strong enough to slow your breath and ease your mind when the hours feel heavy. These thoughts will encourage me in the hard moments of the night and I hope it helps you too!

See you next week!

Love, Jenna