Christmas is coming: Save the date for these 11 festive events in the Lowcountry

Christmas is fast approaching, and there are plenty of ways to find some yuletide joy here in the Lowcountry. Take a break from decking your halls to check out some of the holiday happenings going on in our area this season!

Hilton Head’s Winter Wonderland Festival | Details Here

Hilton Head’s Winter Wonderland Festival at Shelter Cove Community Park is a sweet way to start the season. Packed with family festivities like carnival games, bounce houses, candy cane hunts, a parade, and an appearance from Santa himself, this event is a merry mix of holiday cheer.

When: December 3, 4 – 7pm

Beaufort’s Night on the Town & Tree Lighting | Details Here

Beaufort’s Holiday Weekend kicks off on Friday night with plenty of opportunities for shopping, food, and festive fun. Streets will be closed and shops will be open for this evening of holiday cheer. Grab dinner from one of the downtown restaurants before heading to the annual tree lighting for a cheery Lowcountry Christmas outing.

When: December 3, 6 – 9pm

Town of Bluffton Christmas Parade | Details Here

This Lowcountry Christmas tradition has been a cheerful part of Bluffton’s rich heritage for 50 years. This year’s parade will take place, rain or shine. Bundle up and bring the family out to Bluffton’s Historic District for a spectacular procession of festive floats and holiday fun!

When: December 4, 10am

Pet Visits with Santa | Details Here

Bring your furry friends to Shelter Cove Towne Center in Hilton Head to get holiday pictures of your pooch with Santa and support the Hilton Head Humane Society. Donations are being accepted and pets will be available for adoption.

When: December 4, 12 – 2pm

Society of Bluffton Artists’ Holiday Blitz Shopping Event | Details Here

Find unique gifts for everyone on your list at SOBA’s Holiday Blitz. Browse handmade items including jewelry, ornaments, wreaths, home décor and other works of art on the gallery’s open porch. Stop by the pop-up porch event on December 4 for a great view of Bluffton’s Christmas Parade!

When: December 4, 10am – 4pm

December 5, 11am – 4pm

Light Up the Night Boat Parade | Details Here

Bring the family out to Waterfront Park in Beaufort to enjoy the glow of Christmas lights as they sparkle on the sea. Boaters dress up their vessels with strings of lights and festive decorations to spread holiday cheer and make Christmas on the coast even merrier at this annual Lowcountry event.

When: December 4 – December 11

Historic Holidays on Hilton Head Island: A Celebration of Sea Island Traditions | Details Here

The Heritage Library is hosting events showcasing the history of the holiday season in the Lowcountry. From the colonial era to the Civil War, this series of events takes visitors on a tour of yuletide traditions throughout the years. The celebration culminates with a holiday open house where guests can enjoy rich cultural sites at their leisure on December 11.

When: December 4 – December 11

A Christmas Taste of Gullah | Details Here

Celebrate Christmas and Gullah culture at Waterfront Park in Beaufort. With authentic cuisine and live entertainment, this event showcases the time-honored traditions and heritage of a culture whose roots have been shaping the Lowcountry for over two centuries. Attendees will be the judges of the event’s rice cook-off, so be sure to come hungry!

When: December 4, 11am – 4pm

Elf, The Musical | Details Here

This hilarious musical based on the beloved Christmas movie is showing all season at the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina in Hilton Head. The family-friendly production follows Buddy the Elf as he leaves the North Pole and heads to New York City. This performance is packed with musical numbers, awesome choreography, and tons of holiday spirit!

When: December 8 – January 2

Sandra McCracken: A Live Christmas Concert | Details Here

Hilton Head Presbyterian Church is proud to host hymn-writer and soulful singer Sandra McCracken for a Christmas concert. Enjoy coffee, cocoa, treats, and a night of beautiful music to brighten your spirit. Free childcare is available upon registration!

When: December 17, 6:30 – 8:30pm

Hilton Head Island Jingle Jingle Bridge Run | Details Here

If you’re looking to stay active this holiday season, check out the Christmas Eve 5k and 10k races in Hilton Head. Participants will start at Crossing’s Park. The race’s route takes runners over the scenic Broad Creek via the Cross Island Expressway. Enjoy refreshments, music, and door prizes after the run.

When: December 24, 8am

DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE LOCAL’S GUIDE TO BLUFFTON & HILTON HEAD

Enter your information below to instantly download the Ussery Group’s local guide to Bluffton and Hilton Head Island. Featured inside: our favorite restaurants, activities, shopping areas, 2024 event dates, and more!