With the holidays quickly closing in, it can feel overwhelming as a mom — especially when someone points out: “There’s only seven weekends before Christmas.” — and your already packed schedule has been sent into overdrive. But no matter how busy you get, it’s important to make time for your girlfriends. So here are ten festive ideas for a girls night out during the holiday season. 
- Create a Candle: Candlefish (71 Wentworth Street, www.candlefish.com) was founded by the experienced candlemakers behind Rewined Candles. The cool store holds classes and candle making workshops, or make reservations with a group of girlfriends for a private BYOB event where everyone gets to make their own scented candle — the perfect homemade gift for hard-to-please relatives.
The candle making team that created Candlefish in downtown Charleston.
- Women Woodworkers: At AR Workshop (280 W. Coleman Boulevard) in Mount Pleasant, let your DIY creativity flow by making home decor items such as plank wood signs, trays, lazy susans, chunky knit blankets or pillow covers. This locally-owned store has a full schedule of awesome classes and workshops in November and December. Call 843-501-0776 or visit www.arworkshop.com to sign up for a fun BYOB experience with the crafty chicks in your life.
- Paint the Town: No matter where you live, you can find a place to sip and paint including Fear No Easel in Mount Pleasant, Wine and Design and West Ashley, to name just a few. These are great for bigger groups, like book club, and usually have holiday-themed paintings for guests to take home.
- Art Appreciation: Head downtown to The Vendue (thevendue.com) with some of your art-loving friends to view the new exhibit “All The Blues,” which features 24 artists expressing art through one color. Dubbed Charleston’s Art Hotel, The Vendue will have the unique exhibition on display for the public to enjoy at its location on the corners of East Bay and Vendue Range. Afterward, visit the hotel’s beautiful Rooftop Bar for drinks or eat next door at Revival — a restaurant specializing in modern Southern-inspired cuisine.
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See the tasteful decorations during a Holiday Walking Tour. Seasonal Stroll: Holiday Walking Tours let you spend time with friends and learn about our historic city, all while exercising. The two-hour tours highlight downtown neighborhoods that are decorated for the holidays. In December, the tour ends at the beautiful Mills House Hotel, where everyone will enjoy hospitality and refreshments. Contact Charleston Strolls at 843-766-2080 or www.charlestonstrolls.com/holiday-walking-tour.
- Pottery Party: Get a group together and make gifts for teachers or co-workers, like painting coasters or mugs with your own unique style. Book a party at The Art Place in Seaside Farms in Mount Pleasant (www.theartplacestudio.com) or The Clay Cottage and Art Studio, on Chuck Dawley Boulevard (www.claycottageandartstudio.com).
- Wine Under the Oaks: This annual event at Boone Hall Plantation attracts hundreds of wine lovers with its gorgeous setting and selection of top-notch wineries and vendors. Spend the afternoon sampling wine and laughing with your favorite happy winos, or even take a tour of the main house that’s beautifully decorated for the holidays, on Sunday, Dec. 2, 1-5 p.m. Buy tickets before it sells out at www.boonehallplantation.com/special-events/wine-under-the-oaks.
Grab your girlfriends and enjoy Wine Under the Oaks at Boone Hall Plantation.
- Brewery Babes: Craft beer isn’t just for bros. Gather a group of your best beer-drinking gal pals and enjoy a guided tour of a local brewery, travel to three local microbreweries on the Brew Bus and sample delicious local brews during this 3.5 hour tour. Call 504-302-0989 or visit pubtourcharleston.com/tours-charleston-sc-breweries.
- Holiday Dinner Cruise: Set sail with your best mom friends during this special event aboard the Carolina Queen from 7-9 p.m., December 14,15, 21, 22, 27. Guests can enjoy a buffet dinner, scenic views of Charleston harbor, and live entertainment by the Plantation Singers featuring holiday favorites and Gullah spirituals. Make reservations at 843-722-1112 or charlestonharbortours.com.
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Meet your friends and shop the Charleston City Market at night. (Not So) Silent Night: Go shopping under the stars at the Charleston City Market (www.thecharlestoncitymarket.com) downtown every Friday and Saturday night from 6:30-10:30 p.m. With more than 100 talented artists and craftspeople, you and your friends can buy locally-made gifts for everyone on your Christmas lists. Afterward, unwind at Vintage Lounge, 545 King Street, a wine bar that features an amazing selection of wine, cocktails, small plates, charcuterie, and live music on the weekends.
