Bluffton Gears Up for the 53rd Annual Christmas Parade and Holiday Festivities

Get Ready for the 53rd Annual Bluffton Christmas Parade!

Bluffton, S.C. is buzzing with excitement as we get closer to the 53rd annual Bluffton Christmas Parade taking place on Saturday, December 7, at 10 a.m. The parade will wind its way through Bluffton’s historic district, and rain or shine, nothing can stop this festive celebration! This beloved event truly marks the beginning of the holiday season in our tight-knit community.

Kickoff to the Holiday Season

Before the parade, the town will host some fantastic festivities to warm up our holiday spirit. Starting at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, December 6, residents can gather at Martin Family Park for the traditional Tree Lighting Ceremony. The ambiance will be cozy and cheerful—just imagine the twinkling lights reflecting in the eyes of children and adults alike as we all come together to celebrate the season!

After the spectacular lighting, don’t miss Santa’s Workshop at DuBois Park Pavilion. Kids (and maybe a few adults) can enjoy crafts, snacks, and all things merry. Plus, the evening will wrap up with a classic showing of the movie “Polar Express” at Martin Family Park, starting at 6:30 p.m. So, make sure to bring along blankets and chairs to settle in for this heartwarming film.

All Aboard the Train!

This year brings a brand-new experience for parade-goers. From 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the tree-lighting ceremony, a miniature train will be rolling through Martin and DuBois Parks. It’s a great way for families to enjoy the festive cheer while taking in the beauty of the decorated parks. Just imagine how much fun the little ones will have riding around the parks in a cozy train!

A Community Affair

Not to be missed, Bluffton is proud to sponsor the second annual Menorah Lighting Ceremony as part of this year’s holiday offerings. This joyful celebration will take place on Sunday, December 29, from 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. at Martin Family Park. Everyone is welcome to join in commemorating this important holiday tradition, and it’s all free to the public!

Weather Preparedness

One thing to keep in mind is the weather. Get your outfits ready! Whether it’s sunny or a bit drizzly, the parade and all events will go on as planned. Of course, safety is the top priority, so if we get any dangerous weather, the parade could be canceled. But typically, this festive event happens as scheduled on the first Saturday of December each year.

Don’t Miss It!

If you can’t make it in person, don’t worry! You can still catch all the action live! The parade will be streamed on BCTV (Beaufort County TV) and even on YouTube, so the joy of the parade can reach everyone. The broadcast will be hosted by Mark Robertson and Debbie Szpanka, who will surely bring an entertaining and lively flair to the experience.

Safety First, Parade Rules

Lastly, a friendly reminder for everyone: please stay vigilant about the little ones in your group. The parade organizers have set up a Lost & Found Children Safety Station to ensure that everyone can enjoy the festivities worry-free. Just remember that the parade is all about celebrating together, so let’s keep it joyful and safe!

Mark your calendars and bring your holiday cheer as we all come together in Bluffton for what promises to be another spectacular Christmas celebration. We can’t wait to see you there!