Black Heritage Holiday Travels: Sea Island Gullah Christmas Celebration

Looking for a uniquely Gullah heritage experience this holiday season? The Sea Island Gullah Christmas Celebration takes place December 5-8 in Beaufort, SC.

Sponsored by Gullah Traveling Theater Inc., The City of Beaufort, The Beaufort County Black Chamber of Commerce, USCB and The Gullah Geechee Chamber of Commerce , the Celebration honors the richness of Gullah-Geechee culture from the music to the storytelling to the food to a love for the environment and the history presented with the spirit of the people and the Christmas season.

Event Itinerary:

From theater to advocacy, this week is full of something for everyone and a perfect tradition to start with your family.

The Sea Island Gullah Christmas Celebration is centered on a Christmas story unlike any other. It is a re-enactment of the last Christmas before the Civil War after South Carolina secedes from the Union (December 20) and enslaved Africans in the lowcountry anxiously pondered their futures as free people as the planters discussed an impending war.

Lowcountry Energy & Environment Symposium

On December 5, 9am – 1 pm, participants can attend “Lowcountry Energy & Environment Symposium” as sponsored by the Gullah Geechee Chamber of commerce. This free and open to the public event requires registration. It will take place at the USCB Center for the Arts and focus on raising awareness of green, renewable energy opportunities and lifting the voices of lowcountry communities so they are heard in the policymaking process.

Learn more here: https://www.gullahkinfolktravelingtheater.org/copy-of-christmas-wish-2

Christmas Wish…Freedom

Program Summary: On the Sea Islands of Beaufort, SC, 1860, it’s the last Christmas before the Civil War. On December 20, 1860, South Carolina becomes the first state to secede from the Union. Masters in the Big House talkin’ ‘bout war coming. Servants in the Quarters Talkin’ ‘bout freedom coming. Aunt Pearlie Sue and Gullah Kinfolk bring this history alive through interactive storytelling, dancing, hand-clapping and foot stomping music that mesmerizes audiences as they journey back in time to celebrate this special Yuletide season. This fully staged musical production has become a holiday favorite with audience members traveling from both near and far to experience the spirit of the season. Com’ joy Yo’self!

The Gullah Kinfolk Traveling Theater

Company will present an interactive full-stage musical on Thursday & Friday, December 5 & 6 at 7pm at the USCB Center for the Arts.. Tickets are $15–$50 with VIP Tickets $125.

The Christmas Marketplace will be open on December 6, 5-9pm, at USCB.

Gullah Taste of Christmas & Rice Cookoff

On Saturday, December 7, 11am-4pm at the Henry C, Chamber Waterfront Parkin Downtown Beaufort, SC, participants can attend the Gullah Taste of Christmas & Rice Cookoff. Participants will be treated to a day of family fun that includes live entertainment, food vendors, line dancing, arts & craft vendors, and a Kiddie Village. Looking for holiday gifts? The Christmas Marketplace will take place at the same venue at the same times.

Learn more here: https://www.gullahkinfolktravelingtheater.org/copy-of-christmas-wish

A Gullah Christmas Sunday: Worship & Explore

Sunday, December 8 is “A Gullah Christmas Sunday: Worship & Explore” a time for locals and tourists to visit one of many historic Gullah congregations in the lowcountry for “worship, fellowship and discovery.”

Gullah and Black-Owned Cuisine:

We also recommend that you support one of the Gullah and Black-owned food establishments in the area. Please use our guide as a resource. Here are a few of our favorites:

Shopping:

Gullah Art is a great option for holiday gifting and a great way to support the local community. You should add the following to your shopping experience:

LyBenson’s: A premiere Black art gala full of original paintings sculptures and fine art photography, centered in Gullah and African American culture.
Penn Center Gift Shop : From art to books and memorabilia, there is something for every price point at the gift shop and the perfect place to take in Lowcountry scenery.

Heritage Fashion and Style: Looking for unique fashion while you are in town, here are some of our suggestions:

Ngome Lifestyle: Book a styling session with Ngome Lifestyle and get a curated African-inspired clothing experience.
Earth People Farms: From vintage style shirts to customer florals, Gullah Owned, Earth People Farms has you covered as a unique gifting option for those inspired by farm to Table living.

Social Impact Gifting:

The Gullah Kinfolk Traveling Theater is devoted to keeping the traditions and history of the Sea Island Gullah people through the arts. Please consider donating to help them deliver authentic Gullah and Black History 365 days a year. Your support enables the Gullah Kinfolk Traveling Theater to preserve and share this rich cultural heritage, ensuring it remains a vital part of American history. Consider a donation. Here are two ways to donate:

VIP Packages: Purchase VIP packages for other guests to attend
Recurring Donation: Give a monthly or quarterly donation in honor of your family or friends. Click here to donate: https://www.pledge.to/organizations/46-1806147/gullah-traveling-theater#donate

If you are looking to curate a new holiday tradition, we can’t think of a better way to celebrate than with the Gullah Kinfolk Travelling Theater and the Sea Island Gullah Christmas Celebration. From award winning theater performances to curated foodie experiences and holiday shopping markets, this event is a must attend and a great way to celebrate the holidays through travel, shopping and celebrating Gullah culture!