Beaufort is fantastic place to be any time of the year, but it really lights it up for the holidays. As another holiday season quickly approaches, now is your chance to plan to escape the cold and see for yourself what the holidays are like here in beautiful Beaufort SC.
Southern hospitality meets the holidays every year in the Lowcountry and there are always plenty of ways to celebrate with community events, concerts, beautiful light displays and decorations throughout our historic town and lots of opportunities to visit with Santa Claus. With all that our community does, you’re sure to create warm memories for you and your family.
Let’s look at 5 reasons we can’t wait until the holidays arrive in Beaufort. After all, nothing compares to a small town Christmas celebration in the South.
The Gullah Kinfolk Christmas Wish Performance
On the Sea Islands in Beaufort, December 20, 1860 marks the last Christmas before the Civil War. 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 brings this history alive every holiday season through interactive storytelling, dancing, and hand-clapping and foot-stomping music that mesmerize 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. Christmas dis ain’t Christmas wit’out Aunt Pearlie Sue and Gullah Kinfolk!” See more about the event and get tickets.
Downtown Beaufort’s annual Night on the Town Celebration
The Night on the Town Celebration is the opening of the holiday shopping season in downtown Beaufort SC and takes place on Friday evening, December 1st. A long standing tradition here in Beaufort, A Night on the Town is a mix of traditional and the contemporary. The evening is filled with holiday entertainment on a closed off Bay Street and offers live music, carolers, puppet shows, dancers, choral performances, a holiday performance by the Parris Island Marine Band…and lots of good cheer. This year, roving choirs will be singing Christmas carols, while the Parris Island Marine Corps Rock Band will perform on the main stage at Charles and Bay Streets. Parents can bring their kiddies to have their pictures taken with Santa from 6-8 p.m. A recital of “The Night Before Christmas” happens on the main stage, and the Christmas tree lighting will take place around 8-830pm.
Capping off the evening is the lighting of the City of Beaufort’s Christmas tree and a visit by Santa himself.
The Annual Beaufort Christmas Boat Parade
Why should Christmas parades be relegated to land? If you’re near the water, catch the super fun Beaufort SC Christmas Boat Parade on Saturday, December 2nd and watch as dozens of beautifully decorated boats pass by in a parade of inventive Christmas decorations and twinkling lights at the downtown waterfront.
The Christmas Boat Parade is one of the things that makes the holidays so special here in the Lowcountry.
Beaufort SC Annual Christmas Parade
On Sunday, December 3rd, half of Beaufort turns out to enjoy the annual Beaufort Christmas Parade as it makes its way through the streets of historic downtown Beaufort at 3pm. Come see Santa, the holiday-themed floats, marching bands and fire trucks.
Cadd Family Christmas Display on Lady’s Island
For many, packing the kids in the family car and driving around to look at Christmas lights is a tradition this time of year. There’s one magical Christmas light display on Lady’s Island that is providing lots of holiday cheer as it dazzles visitors of all ages.
For the past several years, David and Amanda Cadd have been setting up a display at their house that has people coming to see it from all over. After several years on James F. Byrnes Drive in Royal Pines on the island, the family moved a short way down the road to a larger property along Springfield Road a few years ago. Check it out.
Usually kicking off right at Thanksgiving, they go all out in their huge Christmas walk-through, and it’s always pretty amazing.
Christmas in the south. You’ve heard the phrase, now come and experience it for yourself. It’s what we do in Beaufort.
Find tons of Holiday cheer this season at various local Beaufort events.
