If you’re looking for a picture-perfect small southern town with a downtown district that offers the perfect festive backdrop to spend your Christmas, Beaufort is it.
In a recently published article, World Atlas named downtown Beaufort, SC as one of the “9 Most Festive Downtowns for the Holidays in the Southern United States.”
“Across the Southern United States, small downtowns light up for the holidays in ways that create a uniquely festive experience that reflects the town’s history and landscape,” World Atlas said. “From the reflected bulbs on lakes to the millions of tiny lights that line plazas, these towns pair local architecture and seasonal pageantry to create evenings worth traveling for; where antebellum mansions are open for candlelit tours, and where coastal and colonial rituals bring waterfronts and historic squares to life.”
In naming Beaufort on the list, World Atlas had lots to say.
“Beaufort brings Lowcountry maritime traditions to life in a waterfront celebration that blends history, culture, and community.”
“The Light Up the Night Boat Parade, a centerpiece of Beaufort’s holiday season, launches from Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park, where dozens of illuminated vessels, ranging from shrimp boats to sailboats, glide across the Beaufort River for spectators.”
“From the riverfront, it is an easy walk to Bay Street, where festive window displays, boutique shops, and candlelit restaurants extend the seasonal atmosphere late into the evening.”
“Additional programming includes a Gullah Christmas Celebration, highlighting storytelling and spirituals rooted in West African heritage, and a community tree lighting on the waterfront with performances by local choirs and dance troupes.”
Yes, Beaufort’s annual Holiday Weekend Celebration has been noticed far beyond town limits. Because it’s special, and one of the many things that make the holidays extra special here in Beaufort, SC.
Here’s the full list of the 9 Most Festive Downtowns for the Holidays in the Southern U.S. Each one is very special.
Natchitoches, LA
St. Augustine, FL
Fredericksburg, TX
Natchez, MS
Beaufort ,SC
Williamsburg, VA
Helen, GA
Eureka Springs, AR
Oxford, MS
“Holiday evenings in the South move slowly, with riverboat lights mirrored on the water at Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park, cressets and fireworks over Colonial Williamsburg, and skates circling The Square under a canopy of lights.”
“Each town keeps its own traditions, markets, home tours, boat parades, and musical performances, so an evening here is as much about place and memory as it is about spectacle.”
