10 Must Do Christmas Events in Beaufort
As the calendar flips to December, Beaufort has a full slate of holiday activities planned. Here are 10 of our favorites that are sure to put you in the holiday spirit.
1. Annual Night on the Town Celebration, December 7th
This opening of the holiday shopping season takes place on the closed off streets of downtown Beaufort with a big ol’ Christmas street party. Shops will stay open late to welcome regular and new customers with special treats. The evening features the City of Beaufort’s Tree Lighting Ceremony, entertainment by community organizations, schools, churches, dancers and a rumored visit from Santa.
Learn more about Beaufort’s Holiday Weekend here.
2. The 2018 Festival of Trees, December 4th – 6th
One of Beaufort’s most beloved holiday celebrations, The Festival of Trees to benefit Friends of Caroline Hospice, continues a tradition that started more than 30 years ago. December 4 – 6, over 60 beautifully and whimsically decorated trees will be on display at Tabby Place in Downtown Beaufort.
The Celebration of Giving Gala, hosted among the trees on December 6, features music, wine, beer and lots of food from some of Beaufort’s best local restaurants. Do a little holiday shopping at the silent auction while you’re there.
Learn more about Festival of Trees here.
3. Light Up the Night Christmas Boat Parade, December 8th
Delight in illuminated boats passing by the waterfront seawall as local residents ‘Light Up the Night’ at the annual holiday boat parade along the Beaufort River. This unique event is one of the many things that make the holidays extra-special here in Beaufort. Catch a little Lowcountry holiday spirit while sipping hot chocolate and cheering for your favorite boat.
Learn more about Beaufort’s Holiday Weekend here.
4. Port Royal’s Annual Christmas Golf Cart Parade, December 7th
Nothing says Lowcountry like a parade of decorated golf carts. Join the Town of Port Royal for the 9th Annual Christmas Golf Cart Parade through the Old Village Streets. The route begins at Helena Place and will take you down Paris Avenue to Live Oak Park where there will be a Chili cook-off, kid zone, & more!
5. Beaufort’s Annual Christmas Parade, December 9th
Bring the whole family and enjoy the traditional Beaufort Christmas Parade through the streets of downtown Beaufort on Sunday December 9th at 3pm. You’ll see floats, marching bands, golf carts, and personal cars and trucks in the parade… all celebrating the holiday season. Keep your eye out for Santa himself with the Beaufort Fire Department.
Learn more about Beaufort’s Holiday Weekend here.
6. Gullah Kinfolk Christmas Wish, December 7
The full-stage musical, “Gullah Kinfolk Christmas Wish” has become a local holiday favorite. Through soul-stirring, foot stopping singing and dancing, the audience is drawn into the excitement of the Yuletide season. It’s December of 1860, the last Christmas before the Civil War, Reconstruction is soon to come…Masters in the Big House talking about the war coming, Servants in the Quarters talking about freedom coming. Aunt Pearlie Sue & Gullah Kinfolk bring to life all the history of that long ago holiday season on the Sea Islands of historic Beaufort South Carolina.
Learn more about Gullah Kinfolk Christmas Wish here.
7. Parris Island Marine Band Holiday Concert, December 8
Music lovers, make plans to join the Parris Island Marine Band for their Let the Bells Ring! Holiday Concert at Battery Creek High School’s Performing Arts Center on December 8 at 3:30pm. An annual favorite, the group will again be performing a variety of seasonal favorites in a magical concert that is free for all ages.
8. SNOW Day at the 31st Annual Festival of Trees, December 2nd.
This one’s for the kids… The Festival of Trees is hosting a SNOW day on Sunday, December 2nd from 11am – 2pm turning Tabby Place into a winter wonderland of real, fluffy, white snow. Bring your children downtown for a day of building snowmen, friendly snowball fights, face painting, and more. Elsa and Anna from Disney’s Frozen will also be there to enjoy talking with the kids and taking photos. In the Lowcountry, we typically don’t have snow to celebrate the holiday season, so don’t miss this chance.
Learn more about Festival of Trees here.
9. Wreaths Across America at Beaufort National Cemetery, December 15th
Each December on National Wreaths Across America Day, the mission to Remember, Honor and Teach is carried out by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery and over 1400 additional locations in all 50 U.S. states, at sea and abroad. Thousands of wreaths will be laid at the Beaufort National Cemetery starting at Noon.
10. Gingerbread 5K in Port Royal, December 8
Put on your favorite Santa hat, elf outfit, or any other holiday costume for the 2nd Annual Gingerbread 5K in Port Royal on Saturday, December 8. Run or walk through the beautiful Old Village and down to the Sands. Then celebrate your accomplishment with s’mores. For more information click here.
As you can see, there is no shortage of holiday events in Beaufort. For even more… please visit our Event Calendar. The holidays are indeed a special time, and spending time here in Beaufort helps make wonderful memories for our families and yours. Happy Holidays!