Things to do this Christmas in the South Carolina Low Country
Michael Gonzalez
Broker/Owner
Broker/Owner
The South Carolina Low country is one of the best places to live in. Not just for the beautiful beaches, waterways, and wildlife, but also because of all the activities you can enjoy with your family and friends throughout the year. As you know, the holiday season is fast approaching! Starting with Thanksgiving, everyone has started their countdown and the excitement grows day by day. Christmas is definitely one of the biggest and most awaited seasons of the year!
There are a lot of activities happening throughout the Hilton Head Island, Bluffton, and Beaufort areas! Here are some our favorite things you can do this “Christmas in the South Carolina Low Country” that you and your loved ones will surely enjoy!
Beaufort
image source: Discover
Festival of Trees
Where: The Tabby Place
Date & Time: December 3, 2016 - December 8, 2016 at 7:00 pm
One of Beaufort’s most cherished holiday festivities! Beautifully decorated trees are showcased and judged for their uniqueness and creativeness. An Opening Gala kicks off the event at The Tabby Place followed by an auction, music, drinks and food. All proceeds will benefit Friends of Caroline Hospice.
image source: Eat Sleep Play Beaufort
A Night on the Town
Where: Chamber Waterfront Park
Date & Time: December 2nd, 2016 | 6-9PM
A shopaholic's dream come true! Downtown businesses will stay open late to ensure you have enough time for shopping! Witness Christmas Tree lighting with Santa while being entertained by a dance group, local choirs, and clubs.
image source: www.weumc.net
Beaufort Christmas Parade
Where: The streets of downtown Beaufort
Date & Time: Dec. 4, 2016, at 3:00 pm
Join the Annual Beaufort Christmas Parade as cars, floats, trucks, bands, and groups of walkers parade through the town!
image source: Eat Sleep Play Beaufort
Light Up the Night Boat Parade
Where: Chamber Waterfront Park
Date & Time: December 3, 2016 at 5:30 pm
Choose between land or sea in Beaufort though the best view of the parade in Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park. The boats will start arriving at the seawall at the Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park by 5:30 pm. Boats will make passes by the seawall. Enjoy the parade with a hot chocolate available courtesy of The Greenery.
image source: Your Island News
The Nativity Scene at the Penn Center
Where: Penn Center
Date & Time: December 18, 2016 at 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Penn Center, one of the most significant African American historical and cultural institutions in existence today, invites you to their Live Nativity Scene. They will let you cherish the season's spirit as they take you to a moment of silence, songs, and praises. Brought to you by their very own mass church choir.
Founders’ Night Fireworks, Beaufort Waterfront Park
Where: Beaufort Waterfront Park
Date & Time: December 31, 2016 at 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Everyone is invited and free for all on Dec. 31 from 5 - 7 pm with fireworks beginning at 7 pm. Cuddle with a mug of hot chocolate while you are enveloped in a blanket and relax as you fill your eyes with wonderful colors and awesome fireworks to watch.
Bluffton
Bluffton Tree Lighting & Christmas Parade
Where: Bluffton Town Hall 20 Bridge Street
Date & Time: December 2nd 5pm & 3rd 10am, 2016
The Bluffton Christmas Tree, located at the Town Hall, is lighted Friday, December 2nd before the Christmas Parade at the start of the holiday season. This year, the mayor will deliver a welcome speech followed by a musical performance by MC Riley Elementary students, and of course an appearance by Santa Claus! Tree lighting is at 5pm.
The Bluffton Christmas Parade is an annual "must see" event! Beginning in front of Town Hall and parading through downtown Bluffton, the parade offers fun for the whole family. The parade starts at 10am, but bring a chair and get there early to claim a prime spot along the viewing route.
Hilton Head
image source: www.sheltercovetownecentre.com
Dove Street Festival of Lights
Where: Shelter Cove Towne Centere
Date & Time: November 19, 2016 - December 31, 2016 at 6:00 pm 10:00 pm
For over 20 years, Hilton Head Island has celebrated the Dove Street Festival of Lights, located at Shelter Cove Town Center with over 70,000 lights for the 2016 holiday season! Park your car, stroll through the lights and falling snow (bubbles) while enjoying nightly shopping, holiday entertainment, dining and much more.
Image source: www.hiltonhead.com
Harbour Town Lights in The Sea Pines Resort
Where: Sea Pines Resort
Date & Time: November 25, 2016 - January 1, 2017 at 7:30 pm
Enjoy the Harbour Town Lights in The Sea Pines Resort’s Harbour Town. Stroll along the harbor and enjoy the illuminated seasonal figures, with the centerpiece being a towering Christmas tree. Harbour Town is the perfect place for families to be this Chrismas season with live entertainment and activities. The official tree lighting will take place just prior to the Gregg Russell concert on Friday, December 23 at 7:30 p.m.
image source: Hilton Head Island
Taste of the Season
Where: Hilton Head Marriott Resort & Spa
Date & Time: December 2, 2016 at 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
35 restaurants featuring the top chefs of the Low Country will be serving exemplary dishes for you to enjoy. Attendees can enjoy the tastiest signature plates, along with great drinks and desserts. There will be a silent auction, too, which offers great gifts that you can choose from.
image source: Hilton Head Island
Winter Wonderland Festival
Where: Shelter Cove Community Park
Date & Time: December 2, 2016 at 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Winter Wonderland Festival is happening once more at Shelter Cove Community Park. Start the holiday celebration right! Bring your kids as there will definitely be a lot of kid-friendly activities! The hunt for the golden candy cane, children's parade and a lot of carnival games plus more and of course, the event will definitely be graced by Santa himself.
image source: Island Packet
Annual Polar Bear Swim at Harbour Town
Where: Harbour Town
Date & Time: December 31, 2016 at 10:00 am -11:00 am
End the year with a splash and join the Annual Polar Bear Swim on a chilly winter day. No need to worry about getting comfy afterward as hot chocolate and refreshments awaits you onshore.
image source: Island Packet
Hilton Head Ice Skating Rink
Where: Shelter Cove Town Center
Date & Time: November 18, 2016 - January 1, 2016
Schedule: Monday - Sunday, including holidays.
Monday to Friday - 7 to 8:30 pm
Saturdays to Sundays: 2 to 3:30 pm, 5 to 6:30 pm, and 7 to 8:30 p.m
A teens-only session (Friday) - 9 to 10:30 pm
A skating rink on an Island? You heard it right! This is what Shelter Cove Town Center offers on Hilton Head Island. Enjoy skating on synthetic ice in view of the palm trees! It is a place envisioned by the builders to create a stronger bond among families and friends in a fun environment.