More than a dozen must-see Christmas light displays in Beaufort and Jasper counties
After more than a year and a half of subdued celebrations because of COVID-19, residents of the Lowcountry seem ready to celebrate Christmas. Twinkling lights and yards dotted with inflatable characters can be found in almost every neighborhood.
If criss-crossing the county to look at Christmas lights isn’t already an annual tradition, 2021 is a great year to start. Gas up the vehicle — yes, that’s more expensive this year but likely still cheaper than taking a family out for dinner and a movie — crank up the holiday music and get ready to be dazzled.
Here are a few must-see stops to add to your Google Maps route:
Hilton Head
Dove Street Festival of Lights: The neighborhood on Hilton Head’s south end wowed visitors with its swagged lights for two decades until 2010. Organizer Paul Beckler (look for the man in the Dr. Seuss hat) and his family decided the area needed a pick-me-up after the last year and resurrected the display. Dove Street is one-way; drivers on North Forest Beach Drive should take Curlew Road to Dune Lane, then turn left onto Dove Street to find the entrance. Hours are 5:30 to 11 p.m. daily until New Year’s Eve.
Coligny Plaza: https://colignyplaza.com/christmas-at-coligny-2021
Harbour Town: www.seapines.com/events
Clarke Family Lights in Sea Pines: Michael Clark and his family set out to create an outlandish “Griswold” display at their home located at 1 Beaver Lane in Sea Pines last year, and it was such a success they’re back for a second year. They’ll host a fundraiser for Deep Well on Dec. 20 featuring Santa and hot chocolate. Cash, checks and food donations will be collected from 5:30 to 8:30 that night.
Shelter Cove Towne Centre: www.sheltercovetownecentre.com/events
Shelter Cove Harbour and Marina: www.sheltercovehiltonhead.com/santa
Hilton Head Fire Rescue’s Station 3: Driving through the light display at Hilton Head Fire Rescue’s Station 3, located at 534 William Hilton Parkway, is a perennial favorite holiday activity for thousands each year. New, unwrapped toys for ages 1-12 are being collected for Deep Well through Dec. 15. More info: https://www.facebook.com/hhilights
Bluffton
Lowcountry Community Church: The church’s inaugural Trail of Lights at 801 Buckwalter Parkway is open to the public from 5 to 9 p.m. the following dates: Dec. 10-12, 17-19, 23-25. It features more than two dozen displays that include an 80-foot wide nativity and a series based on “The 12 Days of Christmas.” More info: www.lowcountrycc.org/events
Arborwood Lights: When you round the curve in front of 9 Arbormeade Circle (or search for Arborwood Lights in Google Maps), you may not know where to look first. It seems every square inch is covered in lights. Hours are 6 to 9 p.m. through New Year’s Eve. Visitors can choose an ornament from a display to help provide holiday toys, gift cards, diapers and clothes to 15 children in need. More info: https://www.facebook.com/Arborwoodlights
Sharman Family Light Show: This animated light display at 43 Neligh Lane in the Cypress Ridge neighborhood features 8,500 smart programmable LED lights that move with the music coming in through your vehicle’s radio tuned to 99.3 FM. The music isn’t all Christmas-related; a recent night had a rotation that included a tribute to Queen among the holiday hits. Hours are 6 to 9 p.m. through Dec. 31. A donation box for charity is set up near the family’s driveway. More info: https://www.facebook.com/Sharman-Family-Light-Show-326444134612783
Beaufort area
Cadd Family Light Show: For the past 10 years, the Cadd family at 66 Springfield Road on Lady’s Island has decorated their property and invited the community to enjoy the show. Their lights are synchronized with music, and there is a “snow” machine for the kids to enjoy. Visitors should park at the roadside and walk through the displays. Hours are 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 5:30 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday to the end of the year.
Mink Point Boulevard: Two homes on Mink Point Boulevard directly across the street from each other shine brightly through the night. They’re synchronized with music, and there are lots of displays to see.
Ridgeland
Brendlen’s Lowcountry Christmas Light Display: This year’s display at 1570 Driggers Lane is in honor of four fallen firefighters in Jasper County. The event in its 25th year features Santa and Mrs. Claus from 5 to 8 p.m. Dec. 11 along with crafts for kids, face-painting, hot chocolate and desserts. Other nights, visitors can drive through the property to see the displays from 6 to 10 p.m. More info: https://www.facebook.com/Brendlens-Lowcountry-Christmas-Light-Display-305914815602
Blue Heron Nature Trail: 15,000 lights illuminate 57 displays along the Blue Heron Nature Trail at 321 Bailey Lane. Hours are 6 to 9 p.m. nightly through Dec. 24.
Mobile lights
Brandon Wooden’s Christmas car has been swapped out this year for a Christmas truck decorated with thousands of lights. You can find him parking at shopping centers or, by request, at businesses and neighborhood get-togethers. Follow his “Spread the Glow page on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/brandon.wooden55.
Did I miss your favorite display? Is your neighbor’s house a beacon for Santa? Send a photo and the address to me at lwilson@islandpacket.com.
