Happy Thanksgiving, Palmetto Parents!
This week has been full of ups and downs, including a night in the ER on Thursday for our sick baby. We were so impressed with the care at MUSC Pediatric ER. The head nurse even held our baby to give me a break, and there was so much love and attention that I am so glad we went. Beyond that scary moment, the week is full of holiday magic around Charleston and we have so much to share with you.
From the return of Cougar Night Lights at the College of Charleston to the upcoming Light the Lake celebration at Colonial Lake, the city is glowing with festive events for families. We also discovered a wonderful new restaurant in West Ashley called Mazal which offers fresh Middle Eastern flavors and is a perfect change from all the turkey foods this season. I am also sharing three random tips for enjoying Thanksgiving without the stress. Enjoy!
TO DO
Cougar Night Lights at the College of Charleston
Cougar Night Lights returns to the College of Charleston this season and brings a beautiful burst of holiday magic to the historic Cistern Yard at 66 George Street. The annual event features more than forty six thousand lights that glow in sync with classic holiday music and contemporary songs. It is free to the public and runs nightly from December 2 through January 1 with a light show every half hour from 5:30 to 9pm.
This year marks the eighth season of the display which opens on the 2nd with a special showing for College of Charleston students, faculty, staff and their families. The show then opens to the public on December 3 and continues through the month. Emmy Award winning lighting designer and CofC alumnus John Reynolds brings the sparkling production to life. Cistern Yard sits at the corner of George and St. Philip streets and nearby parking is available in both the George Street Garage and the St. Philip Street Garage.
The college describes Cougar Night Lights as a joyful gift to the Charleston community and it truly feels that way. I always love seeing the Cistern lit up during the holidays and this event is one of my favorite ways to slow down and enjoy the season.
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EVENT
Light the Lake at Colonial Lake Park
Light the Lake returns to Colonial Lake Park this year and it is the perfect way to welcome the holiday season. The event takes place on November 30 from 5pm to 8pm at Colonial Lake on Broad Street in downtown Charleston. Families are invited to enjoy an evening filled with festive lights, community spirit and plenty of holiday cheer.
Visitors can stroll along the park pathways lined with one thousand glowing luminaries that reflect beautifully on the water. The atmosphere feels warm and magical and there are activities for kids, live entertainment and delicious offerings from local food trucks. It is a relaxed setting that makes it easy for families to enjoy the beginning of the season together.
The evening concludes with Mayor William Cogswell lighting the holiday tree at the center of Colonial Lake. It is a simple but meaningful moment that brings everyone together and marks the official start of the holidays in Charleston. Light the Lake is a wonderful event for families who want to slow down and celebrate the season in a beautiful setting.
RESTAURANT
Mazal in West Ashley
Mazal is one of those restaurants that immediately feels special the moment you walk in. Collier and I visited this week and were so impressed by the fresh Middle Eastern flavors, the relaxed atmosphere and the genuinely welcoming staff. The restaurant is named in honor of the owners’ grandmother which adds a beautiful personal touch to the entire space. It is bright and cozy with an open layout that makes it easy for families to settle in without feeling crowded. It is also truly kid friendly which is a huge win for parents who want a great meal with little ones in tow.
We tried several dishes and loved every bite. We started with the hummus topped with beef kebab which was rich, tender and so flavorful. The shawarma cauliflower was perfectly roasted with warm spices and the falafel plate came with a delicious lemon sauce that added the perfect brightness. Everything tasted clean and intentional and it is the kind of food you feel good about eating. Mazal is still in its soft opening phase and will be serving drinks soon which will make the experience even better.
Mazal goes above and beyond to make things easier for families. There is a coloring book station stocked with crayons and activities to keep the kids entertained while you wait. The bathroom has a changing table which is always appreciated and not something every restaurant offers. The whole experience felt thoughtful and easy and it is the type of place where parents can enjoy a great meal without stress.
If you are looking for a restaurant that feels both elevated and approachable, Mazal is a wonderful choice. We cannot wait to go back with the whole family.
Mazal is located at 1901 Ashley River Rd, Charleston and is open Sunday-Friday from 11am-8pm.
PALMETTO PIECE
Three Tips for Enjoying Thanksgiving Without The Stress
Thanksgiving is tomorrow and it is the perfect time to remember that the day is really about enjoying each other. Here’s a couple reminders to make your Thanksgiving holiday great:
The magic comes from the moments around the table and the laughter that fills the house, not from perfect recipes or picture ready decorations. Even if the main dish burns or the decorations do not look the way you planned, you can still have a day filled with joy and connection. Some of the best memories come from the things that go sideways and the stories you end up telling for years.
When the holiday is over, the leftovers can be a blessing. There are simple and creative ways to reuse your Thanksgiving meal so nothing goes to waste. You can make a cozy turkey soup with leftover vegetables. You can turn turkey into a fresh salad with herbs and grapes. You can stuff leftovers into a wrap for an easy lunch or create a warm bowl with turkey, mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables. Leftovers can carry the comfort of Thanksgiving into the rest of your weekend.
This weekend is also a wonderful time to make sure you refill yourself a little. Try to plan some time alone even if it is short. I am personally scheduling a mani and pedi for myself on Saturday after Thanksgiving and it will not be during nap time. You might wake up early to grab a quiet coffee and listen to a podcast by yourself or take a short walk without rushing. Just make sure you plan a head with your partner about getting alone time and who will watch the kids. Giving yourself space to breathe will make the season feel sweeter and help you return to your family with a full heart.
Thanksgiving does not have to be perfect to be meaningful. Let the day be what it is, enjoy the people around you and give yourself the grace to rest, laugh and soak in the simplicity of being together.
Have a happy Thanksgiving!
Love, Jenna