Bluffton Prepares for the Festive Season with Annual Christmas Parade
Welcome to Bluffton, South Carolina, where the spirit of the holiday season is just around the corner! This year, the charming town will host its 53rd annual Christmas Parade on Saturday, December 7, starting at 10 a.m. The parade will wind through Bluffton’s Historic District, promising an exciting day filled with fun, floats, and festive cheer, rain or shine!
Festivities Kick Off on December 6
The holiday celebrations actually begin a day earlier on Friday, December 6, with the town’s Tree Lighting ceremony at Martin Family Park. Join your neighbors and friends at 5:30 p.m. for this heartwarming event followed by Santa’s Workshop, which will be set up at DuBois Park’s Pavilion. And don’t miss the magical movie screening of “Polar Express” at 6:30 p.m. at Martin Family Park. Be sure to bring along your favorite blankets and chairs to sit back and enjoy this festive film!
New Attractions This Year
This year’s celebration will introduce some exciting new additions! For the first time ever, attendees will be able to enjoy miniature train rides during the tree lighting event from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The train will take passengers on a delightful trip around both Martin and DuBois Parks. It’s a perfect way to kick off the holiday season with some whimsy for the little ones and the young at heart!
Community Spirit Shines Bright
As a proud enhancement to Bluffton’s festive line-up, the town will also celebrate its second annual Menorah Lighting ceremony on Sunday, December 29, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Martin Family Park. This inclusive event emphasizes community spirit and the collective celebration of diverse holiday traditions, making it a must-attend for all Bluffton residents and visitors alike!
Weather Readiness and Safety First
One thing to note is the weather—which can be unpredictable in December. Event organizers urge everyone to dress accordingly and be prepared for any weather conditions. Don’t worry about the parade getting canceled; the excitement continues rain or shine! The parade is a well-planned event, and rescheduling isn’t an option due to the complexity involved. The only reason it would be called off is if there were unsafe conditions like severe lightning.
Tune In or Join Us Live!
If you can’t make it to the parade in person, don’t worry! BCTV (Beaufort County TV) will be there to live stream and record the festivities. You can catch all the action on their channels, so gather your family and friends at home to enjoy the fun! The parade broadcast will feature local favorites, including Mark Robertson from 98.7, “The River” radio station, and Debbie Szpanka, the Town’s public information officer, anchoring the event.
Keeping Everyone Safe
Finally, as with any big event, safety is paramount. There will be a Lost & Found Children Safety Station set up, just in case the little ones get separated from their families amid the festivities. Keep an eye out for new parade rules and guidelines as well, ensuring everyone can enjoy the event in a safe environment.
So gather your friends and family, mark your calendars, and get ready to celebrate the magic of the season here in Bluffton—a place where community spirit shines bright, and holiday cheer is in the air!
