Looking for a way to experience the holidays the Lowcountry this upcoming weekend? We have you covered with an extensive guide of what is happening this weekend. From luxury shopping experiences to Gullah arts, there is a plethora of things to do and explore in the Lowcountry.
Lowcountry Holiday Experience Guide
Thursday, December 5, 2024
- Traditional Beaufort Christmas Parade
- Time: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
- Location: 607 Bay Inn Downtown Beaufort, 607 Bay St, Beaufort, SC
- Art League Gallery’s Gallery of Gifts
- Time: Reception 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM (Exhibit runs Nov 26 – Jan 3)
- Location: Art League of Hilton Head, 14 Shelter Cove Lane, Hilton Head Island, SC
- Description: Gift items handmade by local artists available for purchase.
- Christmas Wish… Freedom (Interactive Musical)
- Time: 7:00 PM
- Location: USCB Center for the Arts, Beaufort, SC
- Tickets: $15–$50 (VIP: $125)
- Description: A full-stage musical bringing Gullah history to life.
Friday, December 6, 2024
- Beaufort Holiday Weekend Kickoff: Night on the Town
- Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Location: Bay Street, Downtown Beaufort, SC
- Description: Live music, tree lighting, carolers, vendors, and photos with Santa.
- Santa Visits at Shelter Cove Towne Centre
- Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Location: Shelter Cove Towne Centre, Hilton Head Island, SC
- Bluffton Tree Lighting Ceremony
- Time: 5:30 PM
- Location: Martin Family Park, Bluffton, SC
- Description: Includes Santa’s Workshop, train rides, and a screening of The Polar Express.
- Christmas Wish… Freedom (Interactive Musical)
- Time: 7:00 PM
- Location: USCB Center for the Arts, Beaufort, SC
Saturday, December 7, 2024
- 53rd Annual Bluffton Christmas Parade
- Time: 10:00 AM
- Location: Bluffton Historic District
- Gullah Taste of Christmas & Rice Cookoff
- Time: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Location: Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park, Downtown Beaufort, SC
- Description: Live music, food vendors, line dancing, arts & crafts, and family fun.
- Annual Light Up the Night Christmas Boat Parade
- Time: 5:30 PM
- Location: Beaufort Waterfront Park, Bay St, Beaufort, SC
- Town of Hilton Head Island Tree Lighting
- Time: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
- Location: Lowcountry Celebration Park, 102 Pope Ave, Hilton Head Island, SC
- Description: Live music, laser show, food trucks, and Santa Claus.
- Holiday Nights & Lights: Drive-Through Light Show
- Time: Evening
- Location: Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park, Hilton Head Island, SC
Sunday, December 8, 2024
- Beaufort Christmas Parade
- Time: 3:00 PM
- Location: Downtown Beaufort, SC
- Description: Floats, local bands, and Santa Claus!
- BCBCC Christmas Market
- Time: 1:00 PM
- Location: Beaufort County Black Chamber of Commerce, 711 Bladen St, Beaufort, SC
- Description: Holiday shopping, local vendors, festive food, and photos with Santa.
Ongoing Events
- Art League Gallery’s Gallery of Gifts
- Dates: Through January 3, 2025
- Location: Art League of Hilton Head, Hilton Head Island, SC
- Sea Island Gullah Christmas Celebration Weekend
- Dates: December 5–8, 2024
- Locations: Various venues in Beaufort, SC
- Description: Celebrating Gullah heritage with performances, storytelling, food, and history.
- Holiday Nights & Lights: Drive-Through Light Show
- Dates: December 7–9, 2024
- Location: Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park, Hilton Head Island, SC
Experience the Magic of a Southern Coastal Christmas: Lowcountry Holiday Events to Brighten Your Season
The Lowcountry, with its rich Gullah traditions, warm hospitality, and vibrant holiday spirit, is the perfect destination to kick off the Christmas season. From tree lightings to cultural celebrations, this lineup of holiday events offers something for everyone. Whether you’re a local or planning a getaway, explore these must-attend festivities that showcase the best of the season in South Carolina’s Lowcountry.
Hilton Head Island & Bluffton
Town of Hilton Head Island Tree Lighting
Celebrate the holidays with live music by artists such as Zach Stevens, Cynthia Cullen, Louise Spencer, Reggie Deas & Deas Guyz, Derrick Ludaway, and more, food trucks, and a spectacular tree lighting ceremony. Santa Claus and a laser show make this event truly magical.
- When: Saturday, December 7, 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
- Where: Lowcountry Celebration Park, 102 Pope Ave, Hilton Head Island, SC
- Host: Town of Hilton Head Island
- Facebook event
- Event Details
Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park’s Holiday Nights & Lights: A Drive-Through Light Show
Take a magical drive through a dazzling light display. This family-friendly event promises holiday wonder for all ages.
- When: December 7–9, 6-8pm
- Where: Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park, 40 Hariet Tubman Way, Hilton Head Island, SC
- Host: Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park
- Event Details: https://exploremitchelville.org/visit/ or Event Details
Bluffton Tree Lighting and Christmas Parade
Kick off Bluffton’s holiday season with the annual tree lighting, complete with Santa’s Workshop and train rides. The festivities continue Saturday with the Christmas Parade.
- When:
- Tree Lighting: Dec 6, 5:30 PM
- Christmas Parade: Dec 7, 10:00 AM
- Where: Martin Family Park, Bluffton Historic District
- Host: Town of Bluffton
- More Information
Art League Gallery’s Gallery of Gifts
Browse handmade gifts by local artists and celebrate creativity in this cozy gallery event. Perfect for finding one-of-a-kind presents.
- When: Reception: Dec 5, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
(Exhibit runs Nov 26 – Jan 3) - Where: Art League Gallery, 14 Shelter Cove Lane, Hilton Head Island, SC
- Host: Art League of Hilton Head
- Event Details
Beaufort
Sea Island Gullah Christmas Celebration Weekend
Celebrate Gullah culture with storytelling, music, food, and the interactive musical Christmas Wish… Freedom. This four-day event honors the Gullah-Geechee heritage and offers a rich cultural experience.
- When: Thursday, December 5 – Sunday, December 8
- Interactive Musical: Dec 5 & 6, 7:00 PM, USCB Center for the Arts
- Gullah Taste of Christmas: Dec 7, 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park
- Where: Various venues in Beaufort, SC
- Host: Gullah Traveling Theater Inc., City of Beaufort, Beaufort County Black Chamber of Commerce, and others
- More Information
Beaufort Holiday Weekend
Immerse yourself in a weekend full of holiday cheer, from tree lightings to parades. Highlights include Night on the Town with caroling, food vendors, and performances, and the Christmas Boat Parade.
- When: Friday, December 6 – Sunday, December 8
- Night on the Town: Dec 6, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Boat Parade: Dec 7, 5:30 PM
- Christmas Parade: Dec 8, 3:00 PM
- Where: Downtown Beaufort and Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park
- Host: City of Beaufort
- Event Details
BCBCC Christmas Market
Support local vendors while shopping for unique gifts at this vibrant market. Enjoy festive food, community fun, and photos with Santa.
- When: Sunday, December 8, 1:00 PM
- Where: Beaufort County Black Chamber of Commerce, 711 Bladen St, Beaufort, SC
- Host: BCBCC
- More Information
Light Up the Night Christmas Boat Parade
Watch a spectacular parade of boats decked out in dazzling holiday lights. A favorite Lowcountry tradition!
- When: Saturday, December 7, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Where: Beaufort Waterfront Park, Bay St, Beaufort, SC
- Host: Beaufort Water Festival
- Event Details
Make the Lowcountry Your Holiday Destination
With its rich Gullah traditions, picturesque waterfronts, and festive atmosphere, the Lowcountry is the ultimate holiday destination. Come for the culture, stay for the joy, and make unforgettable memories this season. 🎄This holiday season, make the Lowcountry your destination for cultural heritage, festive lights, and coastal charm. Whether you’re captivated by the Gullah culture at Mitchelville, charmed by Bluffton’s small-town warmth, or dazzled by Beaufort’s waterfront festivities, your holiday weekend will be one to remember.
Start planning today—book your accommodations, pack your holiday spirit, and prepare for a journey through history, lights, and joy!
A Holiday Weekend of Magic, History, and Lights in the Lowcountry
Looking for a unique way to celebrate the holiday season while immersing yourself in rich cultural history? Hilton Head Island, Bluffton, and Beaufort offer an unforgettable holiday experience, blending festive fun with Gullah culture and history. At the heart of your adventure is Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park’s “Holiday Nights & Lights,” an enchanting drive-through display of twinkling lights and holiday cheer. Pair this magical experience with other seasonal highlights to create the perfect Lowcountry weekend getaway.
Main Event: Holiday Nights & Lights at Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park
Step into a winter wonderland at Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park, where the “Holiday Nights & Lights” display illuminates the park with dazzling lights and festive displays. Now in its fifth year, this family-friendly event promises holiday magic for all ages.
- When: December 7–9, 2024, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Where: Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park, 40 Harriet Tubman Way, Hilton Head Island, SC
- Cost: Free (donations warmly accepted)
- Details: Drive through twinkling displays while enjoying holiday music, hot cocoa, and a festive atmosphere. Guests are encouraged to line up early on Beach City Road.
- Learn More: Explore Mitchelville
Friday: A Bluffton Kickoff
Begin your weekend in the charming town of Bluffton, where holiday traditions meet small-town charm.
Bluffton Tree Lighting
Kick off the festivities with Bluffton’s annual tree lighting ceremony at Martin Family Park. Enjoy Santa’s Workshop, miniature train rides, and a screening of The Polar Express.
- When: December 6, 5:30 PM
- Where: Martin Family Park, 67 Lawrence St, Bluffton, SC
- Details: Train rides run 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM, with Santa’s Workshop and live entertainment.
Gift Shopping at Art League Gallery’s Gallery of Gifts
Before or after the tree lighting, stop by the Art League Gallery for their special reception, part of their Gallery of Gifts exhibit. Find unique, handmade items by local artists to check off your holiday shopping list.
- When: Reception: Friday, December 6, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
(Exhibit runs Nov 26 – Jan 3) - Where: Art League Gallery, 14 Shelter Cove Lane, Hilton Head Island, SC
- Details: Enjoy refreshments, meet the artists, and shop for one-of-a-kind holiday gifts in a festive atmosphere.
Dinner & Gullah Vibes
After the tree lighting, savor traditional Gullah cuisine at a local eatery like Ruby Lee’s or Kind of Blue on Hilton Head Island. Don’t forget to sample the famous crab rice or shrimp and grits!
Saturday: History, Culture, and Lights
Spend Saturday immersed in Lowcountry traditions before the magic of Holiday Nights & Lights.
Morning: Bluffton Christmas Parade
Kick off your day with the 53rd Annual Bluffton Christmas Parade through the Historic District. Floats, bands, and festive cheer make this a can’t-miss event.
- When: December 7, 10:00 AM
- Where: Bluffton Historic District
Afternoon: Gullah Taste of Christmas in Beaufort
Head to Beaufort for the Gullah Taste of Christmas at Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park. This celebration features a rice cookoff, live music, crafts, and a kid-friendly village.
- When: December 7, 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Where: 707 Bay St, Beaufort, SC
Evening: Holiday Nights & Lights
Holiday Nights & Lights Drive-Through
Make Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park’s “Holiday Nights & Lights” the highlight of your Saturday night. This dazzling drive-through light display promises a magical experience for all ages. Cap off your day at Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park. Arrive early (or by 7:45) to avoid long waits and enjoy the full experience of dazzling lights and festive music.
- When: Saturday, December 7, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Where: Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park, 40 Harriet Tubman Way, Hilton Head Island, SC
Hilton Head Island Tree Lighting at Lowcountry Celebration Park
Join the Hilton Head Island community at Lowcountry Celebration Park for the 3rd Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. This free event features live music, food trucks, and plenty of holiday cheer.
- When: Saturday, December 7, 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
- Where: Lowcountry Celebration Park, 102 Pope Ave, Hilton Head Island, SC
- Details: Enjoy performances by local talents, a visit from Santa Claus (5:45 PM – 7:00 PM), and a spectacular laser show to close the night. The tree lighting happens at 6:30 PM. Overflow parking is available at USCB with a shuttle service starting at 5:00 PM.
Art League Gallery’s Gallery of Gifts
If you missed Friday’s reception or need more time to shop, revisit the Gallery of Gifts exhibit during its regular hours.
- When: Saturday, December 7, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Where: Art League Gallery, 14 Shelter Cove Lane, Hilton Head Island, SC
Sunday: A Lowcountry Farewell
Finish your weekend with holiday traditions and a touch of history.
Afternoon: Beaufort Christmas Parade
Join the festive crowds in Beaufort’s downtown for the annual Christmas Parade, led by Santa and featuring local bands and floats.
- When: December 8, 3:00 PM
- Where: Downtown Beaufort
Holiday Nights & Lights Drive-Through
If you’re staying through Sunday Night, cap off your Holiday Weekend with Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park’s “Holiday Nights & Lights”. This dazzling drive-through light display promises a magical experience for all ages. Cap off your day at Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park. Arrive early (or by 7:45) to avoid long waits and enjoy the full experience of dazzling lights and festive music.
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