Hilton Head community gathers for tree lighting on warm, sunny day

Temperatures may have been in the 70s Saturday, but that didn't stop those at Hilton Head Island's community tree lighting from getting into the Christmas spirit.

Held at the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, the free event featured music and dance performances, visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus as well as arts and crafts for children.

Still, the unseasonably warm temperatures had people out singing and sipping hot chocolate while wearing shorts and sandals.

"I love it," said Elizabeth Regan, of Hilton Head, who was wearing a sleeveless top and flip flops herself.

Originally from Minnesota, Regan said she didn't mind at all that it had been sunny and warm for the Thanksgiving holiday.

"No, this is fabulous," she said, as she watched her young son Quinn create a snowman picture at one of the arts and crafts tables.

The event offered not only a chance for Quinn to be creative -- something the 6-year-old loves doing -- but the free festivities were easy on the pocketbook as well.

"I have two other kids," Regan said. "So this is a way we can get out and not have to spend a lot of money."

For members of the Hilton Head Shore Notes, a four-part a capella group, Saturday's festivities were a way to enjoy each other's company while "singing in the season."

"We love bringing joy to the community," said member Elaine Lee after Saturday's performance.

A small section of the 30-plus-member singing group had opened the event with several holiday numbers, and Lee and member Marcia Cornell had stuck around to have a little fun.

"We're all pretty close," said Cornell. "We enjoy each other's company, and we just enjoy getting out and singing."

For Tracy Hancock who was out enjoying Saturday's festivities -- and the warm weather -- with her dog Jillie, the event was a way to feel connected to a new community.

"It's a nice, small-community atmosphere," she said.

Having moved to Hilton Head from Rochester, N.Y., the year before, Hancock said she didn't miss the snow at all.

"The snow is pretty -- for a day," she said, laughing.

Follow reporter Mindy Lucas on Twitter at twitter.com/MindyatIPBG.

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• Get ready for tree lightings and Santa sightings, Nov. 24, 2015

This story was originally published November 28, 2015 at 6:45 PM with the headline "Hilton Head community gathers for tree lighting on warm, sunny day."