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From Hilton Head to Yemassee: Where to find Christmas & other holiday events this week

Charlie Finch, Pam Chanay and 11-month-old grandson, Elijah Szarek, ride in a gas powered 1963 three-wheeled golf cart decorated as Santa's sleigh during the fifth annual Port Royal Christmas Golf Cart Parade in 2014.
Charlie Finch, Pam Chanay and 11-month-old grandson, Elijah Szarek, ride in a gas powered 1963 three-wheeled golf cart decorated as Santa's sleigh during the fifth annual Port Royal Christmas Golf Cart Parade in 2014.

The Lowcountry is still buzzing with holiday cheer this month, offering everything from tree lightings and artisan markets to parades, menorah ceremonies and Santa sightings.

With celebrations unfolding from Hilton Head to Yemassee, folks have dozens of ways to soak in the season this week.

Here’s a roundup of Christmas and holiday events happening across Beaufort County from Dec. 10-14.

Hilton Head

Hilton Head Island Christmas Tree Lighting: Dec. 10

Rescheduled due to the weekend rain, folks will be able to watch the 30-foot Christmas tree come to life at Lowcountry Celebration Park, 94 Pope Avenue, at 5:30 p.m.

Sparkles & Spirits: Dec. 12

Get into the holiday spirit at Quarterdeck, 160 Lighthouse Lane, and enjoy chef-crafted bites, signature cocktails and a silent auction. Tickets are required; this event will be held from 6 to 9 p.m.

Christmas at Coligny Plaza: Dec. 13

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.

Hanukkah Celebration and Menorah Lighting: Dec. 14

Visit Lowcountry Celebration Park at 5:30 p.m. to participate in the Hilton Head Island Hanukkah Celebration and Menorah Lighting.

Santa & Sirens: Dec. 1 to 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.

Santa's arrival by helicopter at Coligny Plaza's Local Black Friday outdoor market marked the beginning of the 2015 Christmas season on Hilton Head Island.
Santa's arrival by helicopter at Coligny Plaza's Local Black Friday outdoor market marked the beginning of the 2015 Christmas season on Hilton Head Island. Jay Karr jkarr@islandpacket.com

Bluffton

Holiday Hustle Artisan Market: Dec. 14

Browse local artisan goods, gifts and seasonal treats at this festive holiday market from 1 to 4 p.m., hosted at the Bluffton Taproom, 10 Buck Island Road, Suite 200.

Beaufort

Mistletoe Market at The Tabby Place at The Beaufort Inn: Dec. 11-13

Sponsored by the Freedman Arts District, this pop-up holiday market from 4 to 8 p.m. invites folks to sip, shop and celebrate the small businesses in downtown Beaufort.

City of Beaufort/Town of Port Royal Fire Department Santa Visits: Dec. 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 County Christmas Tree Lighting: Dec. 12

Watch Beaufort County’s Christmas tree come to life at Beaufort County Courthouse Plaza. This annual celebration includes activities like face painting, food trucks, music and more. Gates open at 5:30 p.m.; parking is available at the Main Administration Building, 100 Ribaut Road.

Wilson McElveen of Beaufort shared this photo of the Beaufort National Cemetery decorated with Wreaths Across America remembrance wreaths, which were placed on veterans’ headstones in December.
Wilson McElveen of Beaufort shared this photo of the Beaufort National Cemetery decorated with Wreaths Across America remembrance wreaths, which were placed on veterans’ headstones in December. Submitted

Wreaths Across America at Beaufort National Cemetery: Dec. 13

Wreaths Across America honors our veterans by laying remembrance wreaths on the graves of fallen heroes. Join the community in remembering and honoring those who served, starting at noon on Dec. 13.

Port Royal

Shops of Port Royal Small Business Saturday “Re-Do Day”: Dec. 13

If you missed the first Small Business Saturday, the Shops of Port Royal are bringing it back for one more day. Enjoy a festive day of shopping local, discovering unique gifts, and kicking off the holiday season. This event is set for 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Port Royal Christmas Golf Cart Parade: Dec. 13

Port Royal’s beloved holiday tradition will stroll through Old Village this Saturday. Each year, residents deck out their golf carts with sparkling lights, decor and tinsel for the parade. Folks do not need to register to participate; simply arrive with your decorated golf cart between 5 and 5:45 p.m. at Helena Square.

The parade begins at 6 p.m., and an after-party will be held at Shellring Ale Works.

Photographs taken during the 7th Annual Port Royal Christmas Golf Cart Parade on Saturday, Dec. 10, 2016, in Port Royal. The Port Royal Veterinary Hospital won first place overall for their golf cart decorations.
Photographs taken during the 7th Annual Port Royal Christmas Golf Cart Parade on Saturday, Dec. 10, 2016, in Port Royal. The Port Royal Veterinary Hospital won first place overall for their golf cart decorations. Delayna Earley dearley@islandpacket.com

St. Helena

Fireside at Penn Center: Dec. 13

Fireside at Penn Center invites visitors to gather for oysters, stew, music and student creativity. Folks can experience Gullah Geechee heritage and the glow of a community bonfire all while celebrating the traditions that make the Sea Islands unique around the holidays and supporting local scholars. The event begins at 5:30 p.m.

Yemassee

Town of Yemassee Christmas Celebration: Dec. 14

While the parade may be canceled, Yemassee residents can still get into the holiday spirit with the tree lighting ceremony set for 5:30 p.m. in front of Town Hall and the Christmas Party from 5:45 to 7:30 p.m.

Children line up to meet Santa just after the Beaufort County Council's annual Christmas tree lighting in front of the Beaufort County Courthouse in 2011.
Children line up to meet Santa just after the Beaufort County Council's annual Christmas tree lighting in front of the Beaufort County Courthouse in 2011. Jonathan Dyer, The Beaufort Gazette
Anna Claire Miller
The Island Packet
Anna Claire Miller is a former journalist for the Island Packet
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