Tons of holiday events step off this weekend and dominate the next 17 days leading up to Christmas Eve. Here are my picks for the best bets for upcoming Christmas fun.

Mount Pleasant Holiday Market
Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Town Farmer's Market, Moultrie Middle School
This annual market offers a combination of locally grown produce, baked goods, hot food and homemade preserves. Handcrafted gifts by local artisans will include Christmas ornaments, glass work, whimsical holiday crafts, and original art by locally recognized potters, painters and photographers. Read more.

Christmas Light Parade and Fireworks
Sunday, 5:30 p.m.
Coleman Blvd., Mount Pleasant
The annual Christmas parade down Coleman Boulevard is Mount Pleasant at its best. Gather along the sidewalk on Coleman Boulevard just before dark to watch throngs of decorated floats twinkle along the street. Fireworks at Moultrie Middle School celebrate the lighting of the town Christmas Tree. Arrive early, try to get a seat near Moultrie Middle. Read more.

Santa at Wonder Works
Saturday, 10 a.m.
Belle Hall Shopping Center, Long Point Road
Want to make your kids explode with excitement? Santa + Toys = OMG. It's happening Saturday at Wonder Works in Belle Hall Shopping Center. Take the kids and pick up a present or two. Feel good about the fact that Wonder Works is a locally owned business that sells plenty of educational toys. Read more.

Pet Photos at Towne Centre
Sunday, 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Palmetto Grande Drive
Take your four-legged friend by Towne Centre on Sunday for a photo with Santa Claus. There's a contest for cutest photo with prizes. Read more.

Chocolate, Beer, and Ugly Christmas Sweaters
Tuesday, 6:30 p.m.
Westbrook Brewing Co., 510 Ridge Rd.
Get your tackiest Christmas sweater and head to this event at the brewery off Long Point Road. Who can argue with beer, chocolate and irreverent tackfests? Not me. If you can't be merry here, at least you can get tanked.

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