Beaufort: Your Holiday Wonderland Awaits!
Ah, Beaufort! This charming historic city on the coast of South Carolina is all decked out for the holiday season, and trust us, you won’t want to miss the festivities. From cheerful parades to dazzling fireworks and delightful performances, getting into the holiday spirit has never been easier. So, gather your family and friends, and let’s dive into what Beaufort has lined up for December!
Kickoff with Festivities
The holiday celebration kicks off this Saturday, and boy, is it going to be a weekend to remember! Start your day at the beau Beaufort Candy Shoppe located at 103 West St. Ext., where none other than Santa Claus himself will be outside to take photos with excited kids from 1-5 p.m. Make sure to bring your holiday wish list!
Artists Sunday
Don’t forget that Sunday is also Artists Sunday. From noon to 4 p.m., downtown Beaufort transforms into a lively marketplace. Check out the pop-up market at The Arsenal on Craven Street, a historic gem built in 1798. You’ll love exploring creative works from local artists, sampling tasty food from food trucks, and enjoying music from street performers. Remember, local art makes the perfect holiday gift!
A Unique Musical Experience
If you’re in the mood for something a little different, don’t miss The Gullah Kinfolk Christmas Wish, an interactive musical taking place at the USCB Center for the Arts at 7 p.m. This thought-provoking show depicts the last Christmas before the Civil War and explores essential themes of family, freedom, and tradition in a unique Gullah context. Tickets for this powerful performance can be found online, so grab yours before they sell out!
Night on the Town
On Friday, mark your calendars for Night on the Town. Starting at 3:30 p.m., the streets will come alive as they close for festivities. Local merchants will open their doors, offering complimentary food and drinks to visitors. Just imagine strolling along Bay Street while enjoying live performances from the Parris Island Marine Corps Band!
You can get cozy around the beautifully lit Christmas tree during the lighting ceremony at 8:30 p.m., with a promise of some artificial snow to make it even more magical!
Community Gatherings
Looking to celebrate Gullah traditions? The Gullah Taste of Christmas and Rice Cook-off on Saturday from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. is perfect for you. Come and savor the rich flavors and heritage of the Gullah culture, and find out which dish earns the title of best rice dish this holiday season!
Lighted Boat Parade
No holiday season in Beaufort would be complete without the Lighted Boat Parade. The festivities kick off at 5:30 p.m., so grab a comfy spot along the seawall at Waterfront Park and enjoy the sight of beautifully adorned boats lighting up the water!
More Holiday Cheer Awaits
Santa will once again be making appearances for photos at Beaufort Candy Shoppe on Saturday from 1-5 p.m. And if you love Nativity scenes, be sure to stop by the First Presbyterian Church of Beaufort to view over 150 Nativity displays from around the world, open from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Dec. 6-7 and noon-3 p.m. on Dec. 8.
To honor those who have served, don’t miss Wreaths Across America at the Beaufort National Cemetery at noon on Saturday.
Lastly, Chabad Greater Hilton Head will light the Chanukah Menorah from 5-6:30 p.m. at Waterfront Park, followed by a stunning fireworks display!
Embrace the Holiday Spirit
With so much to do, Beaufort truly embraces the holidays in a way that’s both spectacular and heartwarming. Don’t miss out on making wonderful memories with your loved ones this December. Dive into the festivities and enjoy every moment of this enchanting season!
