Good morning Palmetto Parents!

Even though we’re still about two weeks out from Christmas, I’m venturing to say this might just be the most festive weekend in Summerville! In this week’s events section, we’ve rounded up some great events going on around town this weekend —beyond all the Santa appearances we featured last week.

One big highlight: the Summerville Christmas Parade is happening this Sunday at 2pm! If you’ve never been, it’s absolutely worth checking out—cheerful floats, local performances, and that small-town holiday magic that makes Summerville so special. Plus, check out this post to see all the details for more festive events coming up this month like the Holiday Night Third Thursday, Cocoa Cup 5k, and the Community Christmas Eve Service.

We’re wishing you a joyful week and hope you get to soak in some of the holiday cheer happening all around town.

Looking for a truly unique holiday gift or keepsake? 🎁 Experience the wonder of seeing your baby before they’re born at See Me 3D in Summerville! This family-owned studio offers elective 3D/4D prenatal ultrasounds using the latest technology to create clear, detailed images of your unborn baby. Share the joy with up to 10 guests in a warm, welcoming space. A beautiful way to bond before birth—appointments available now!

TO DO

Celebrate the Season at Old Santee Canal Park

Most families around the Lowcountry have heard of Charleston’s Holiday Festival of Lights—but tucked away in Moncks Corner, there's another magical light show that’s just as dazzling, and a little less crowded. Celebrate The Season at Old Santee Canal Park is a homegrown holiday tradition that’s quickly becoming one of our favorite ways to enjoy the season.

The Holiday Lights Driving Tour winds through a scenic path lined with thousands of twinkling lights, perfect for a cozy night out with the whole family. Whether you’ve got toddlers in pajamas or grandparents riding along with cocoa in hand, it’s a relaxed, festive experience that everyone can enjoy from the warmth of the car.

🌟 Special Nights: For an extra dose of holiday cheer, visit on December 12-13 or December 19–20 for Holiday in the Park, where you’ll find:

  • Santa visits

  • Marshmallow roasting

  • Hot chocolate

  • Holiday crafts

  • A festive market

And perhaps best of all—this event gives back. Over the years, Celebrate The Season has raised $1.3 million for local charities, making your visit feel even more meaningful.

Event Details
📍 Old Santee Canal Park – 1 Riverwood Drive, Moncks Corner
📅 November 28 – December 30 (Closed Dec. 24 & 25)
🕕 6-9pm
💵 $10 per vehicle / $20 per bus (cash and credit accepted)

SPECIAL FEATURE

Shopping Local This Holiday Season

🎁 Still shopping for gifts? If you’re looking for something meaningful (and clutter-free!), check out our Summerville Experiences Gift Guide for local ideas that make memories.

Get all your Summerville Mom and Dad gear at the Palmetto Parents store to represent your favorite city this holiday season!

LOCAL EVENT

Tomorrow’s Festive Event Round Up

The Summerville Museum is hosting another wonderful kids' program this Saturday at 10:30am! They will be celebrating the holiday season with crafting stations to create wood slice ornaments and cards. There will be food provided, including something savory and sweet. Each attendee will also be gifted a Christmas present from the museum. This event is free and is open to children six and up. There are still open spots for families to join in (but space is limited). You can register at [email protected] and reserve your spot!

Join the Dorchester Two Educational Foundation for a festive evening at McKissick Stadium (815 S Main St, Summerville) tomorrow, December 13 from 4–8pm! The fun kicks off at 4pm with over a dozen free holiday craft stations and games set up right on the football field, plus photos with Santa and food trucks offering tasty bites for purchase. At dusk, cozy up in the home stands for a screening of a classic Christmas movie—no chairs needed, but bring your blankets! Wear your best holiday gear for a chance to win a prize!

The 4th Annual Santa’s Workshop is tomorrow, December 13th from 10am-1pm at Ashley River Park! Hosted by the Dorchester County Sheriff’s Department, this festive, family-friendly event features a Christmas train, petting zoo, bounce house, cookie painting, music, axe throwing, and more—fun for kids of all ages. Entry is just $2 per person or FREE with a canned good donation. Don’t forget to grab lunch from the Sweet Southern Chill food truck while you're there!

RESTAURANT

Kersey House Bistro

Instagram post

On Saturday night we were gifted a night of free babysitting by one of our regular babysitters, so we knew we wanted to take advantage of it and have a special date. We usually opt for sushi, but when we pulled into the parking lot of a local sushi spot and there wasn't even a spot in the parking lot available, we knew we better try plan B. And thank goodness we did!

Enter: Kersey House, a charming French-inspired bistro tucked right in downtown Summerville. It’s been on our date night list for a while, and we were lucky to snag a last-minute reservation. From the moment we walked in, we knew we were in for something special. The host greeted us so warmly, we joked we wanted to hug him—he truly made us feel instantly welcome.

The atmosphere struck that rare balance of cozy and elevated. It was busy but not overwhelming, with a vibe that felt both intimate and celebratory. When we saw an entire section of the menu devoted to espresso martinis, and our Saratoga sparkling water arrived in its own ice bath, we knew this was our kind of place.

We started with a trio of appetizers:

  • The Kersey Salad, topped with an entire roll of creamy goat cheese

  • A fresh baguette, served with an exquisite honey and parsley butter (no notes!)

  • The lobster bisque, crowned with its own golden puff pastry lid

For mains, Daniel ordered the beef filet, and I went for the short rib—both rich, flavorful, and deeply satisfying. These were the kind of dishes that feel like a true treat, the kind of meal you simply can’t recreate at home (at least if you’re us).

And dessert was non-negotiable for Daniel. He ordered a warm chocolate cake with ice cream, served skillet-style and reminiscent of the most indulgent brownie ever. Absolutely delightful.

We couldn’t believe we’d waited this long to try Kersey House. It's not just a wonderful addition to the Summerville dining scene—it’s a standout. While our dinner felt like the perfect grown-up date night, we also noticed how family-friendly their lunch and Sunday brunch offerings are, complete with kids menu and options for various dietary needs (vegetarian, gluten-free, and more). They even offer a Saturday afternoon tea experience for a fun twist on the usual weekend outing.

Set in a beautifully restored historic building, Kersey House blends old-world charm with heartfelt hospitality and elevated, comforting food. Whether you’re looking for a memorable date night or a relaxed brunch with the family, this place delivers.

🕰 Hours:

  • Lunch: Thursday–Saturday, 11am-3pm

  • Dinner: Monday, Wednesday–Sunday, 3-9pm

  • Brunch: Sunday, 11am-3pm

  • Afternoon Tea: Saturday, 11am-3pm (by reservation)

📍 Location: 117 W. Luke Avenue, Summerville

PALMETTO PIECE

Let it Be Enough

It’s funny how the holiday season brings out both the most overwhelmed and the most ambitious versions of ourselves. One minute we’re staring down a mountain of laundry, wondering how we’ll make it through another week of packed schedules and school events. The next, we’re convincing ourselves that—yes—we definitely have time to hand-make ornaments, see every Christmas light show going on in a twenty mile vicinity, and bake ten dozen cookies from scratch.

This time of year tends to stir something in us—the desire to create, to make magic, to show our love in tangible ways. And that’s a beautiful thing. But it’s also okay to pause and ask: what’s actually needed? Maybe it’s not the handmade gifts or elaborate traditions. Maybe it’s your presence, your patience, your laugh. Maybe it’s just curling up on the couch with your kids and watching Elf for the tenth time. However you show up this season, let it be enough. Because it is. And the beauty of it all is that anything you don’t get to do this year, you can try again next year.

Love,

The Berks 👨‍👩‍👦‍👦

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