Can’t-miss Christmas events in Hilton Head, Bluffton & Beaufort this weekend
_edited.jpg "Town of Bluffton Christmas Parade 2019")
The Lowcountry is lighting up for the holidays and from Hilton Head up to Port Royal, the first full week of December is packed with tree lightings, parades, markets and family-friendly festivities.
No matter if you’re looking to visit a winter wonderland, get a jump on holiday shopping or watch a boat parade, the Lowcountry has got you covered.
Here’s a look at the holiday happenings in Hilton Head, Bluffton, Beaufort and Port Royal from Dec. 4 to 7:
Hilton Head
Christmas Belles at Coligny Theater: Dec. 4-14
This holiday comedy is full of festive chaos as the Futrelle sisters attempt to stage the ultimate Christmas pageant while dealing with squabbling siblings and production mishaps. Tickets can be found here.
4th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting: Dec. 10
This event has been rescheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 10 at 5:30 p.m. Folks will be able to watch the 30-foot Christmas tree come to life at Lowcountry Celebration Park, 94 Pope Avenue.
Christmas at Coligny Plaza: Dec. 6
Starting Dec. 6, folks can visit Coligny Plaza from 11:30 a.m. to 1p.m. to catch the holiday special Jevon Daily’s Kid Show and see Santa from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at Coligny Center Stage. These events occur every Saturday throughout December and on Dec. 21, 22 and 23.
Winter Wonderland Festival: Dec. 6
Visit Shelter Cove Community Park from 3 to 6 p.m. for a free, family-friendly celebration with bounce houses, food and drinks, a DJ, and a visit from Santa.
Holiday Nights & Lights: Dec. 6-8
Take a drive through the glowing displays of Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park from 6 to 8 p.m. as it becomes a winter wonderland.
Santa’s Workshop at Creative Escapes: Dec. 6 & 7
Kids can paint two Christmas ornaments, enjoy cookies, and take photos with Santa in this hands-on holiday experience. Tickets are required for entry. Begins at 1 p.m. at 20 Hatton Place, Suite 230.
Santa & Sirens: Dec. 1-16
Hilton Head Island Fire Rescue escorts Santa through neighborhoods beginning at 6 p.m. each night through Dec. 16. Folks can track Santa’s nightly route through the online Santa Tracker, available here.
Bluffton
3rd Annual Jingle Stroll in Old Town Bluffton: Dec. 4
Sip and shop your way through Old Town’s boutiques and galleries from 3 to 7 p.m. during this festive holiday stroll.
Bluffton Christmas Tree Lighting: Dec. 5
Starting at 5:30 p.m., folks can watch Bluffton’s Christmas tree come to life at Martin Family Park, located at 68 Boundary Street, followed by Santa’s Workshop at DuBois Park and an outdoor showing of “Arthur Christmas” at 6:30 p.m.
Bluffton Christmas Parade: Dec. 6
Starting at 10 a.m., the 54th annual beloved parade marches through Bluffton’s Historic District with festive floats, performances and community spirit.
Washington Square Holiday Makers Christmas Market: Dec. 6
Still in need of s holiday shopping spree? From 4 to 7 p.m., sip holiday drinks while browsing 40+ local vendors featuring handmade goods, art, clothing, jewelry, decor, wreaths and more.
Beaufort & Port Royal
Port Royal Tree Lighting: Dec. 3
Watch the sky glow over Paris Avenue as Port Royal lights its town tree to kick off the holidays at 6 p.m.
City of Beaufort/Town of Port Royal Fire Department Santa Visits: Dec. 4, 8, 11, 15 & 17
Santa will be visiting local neighborhoods with the Beaufort/Town of Port Royal Fire Department to spread holiday cheer. A full breakdown of select locations and neighborhoods can be found here. Keep an ear out for sirens and holiday music!
Beaufort’s A Night on the Town: Dec. 5
With a handful of holiday activities, music and food, this event also marks the official tree lighting to kick off the holiday season. Begins at 6 p.m. at 1301 Bay Street.
Gullah Taste of Christmas & Rice Cook-Off: Dec. 6
Enjoy the flavors and traditions of the Sea Islands at this culinary celebration featuring Gullah dishes and the beloved rice cook-off. Starts at 11 a.m. at Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park.
Light Up the Night Boat Parade: Dec. 6
Celebrate the holidays in true Lowcountry fashion as decorated boats parade along the Beaufort River in one of the Lowcountry’s most iconic holiday traditions. The parade begins at 5:30 p.m. at Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park.
Downtown Beaufort Christmas Parade: Dec. 7
Floats, performers, dancers, community groups, and Santa himself will bring festive cheer to downtown Beaufort starting at 3 p.m.
Beaufort County Black Chamber of Commerce Holiday Market: Dec. 7
The Beaufort County Black Chamber of Commerce hosts its second annual Holiday Market featuring local vendors and seasonal goods starting at 1 p.m. at 711 Bladen Street.
This story was originally published December 3, 2025 at 6:00 AM.
