Holiday Festivities Begin in Beaufort with Santa, Local Artists, and Gullah Experiences

Holiday Cheer Kicks Off in Beaufort This Weekend!

Well, folks, the most wonderful time of the year is just about to begin right here in Beaufort! With Thanksgiving around the corner and a lineup of exciting events, it’s time to get in the holiday spirit! From Black Friday to Small Business Saturday, and let’s not forget about Artists Sunday, there’s something for everyone to enjoy!

Santa’s Making an Appearance!

First up, this Saturday, November 30, bring the family to meet Santa himself outside the Beaufort Candy Shoppe from 1 to 5 p.m. What better way to kick off the Christmas season than snapping a memorable photo with the jolly man in red? So grab your festive outfits and get ready for some holiday magic!

Artists Sunday: Celebrate Local Talent!

Mark your calendars for Sunday, December 1, because it’s Artists Sunday! From noon to 4 p.m., downtown Beaufort transforms into a winter wonderland of creativity. Head over to the Arsenal for a pop-up market filled with local artists who will be showcasing one-of-a-kind holiday gifts. There will also be food trucks serving up delicious eats and street musicians playing festive tunes. Let’s get shopping and support our local artists!

A Gullah Christmas Experience

On December 5 and 6, immerse yourself in a unique local experience with the “Gullah Kinfolk Christmas Wish.” An interactive musical that takes you back in time, this performance explores the last Christmas before the Civil War at a South Carolina plantation. Don’t miss it at 7 p.m. at the USCB Center for the Arts. Grab your tickets online; this is a performance that promises to be heartwarming and enlightening!

Night on the Town!

Who doesn’t love a lively night out? Join the fun on Friday, December 6, for Night on the Town when streets close at 3:30 p.m. Merchants will be out in full swing, offering complimentary food and drinks as you stroll through town. Check out the booths on Bay Street hosted by local non-profits, and enjoy dining at our welcoming downtown restaurants. There will be music, caroling, and even a concert by the Parris Island Marine Corps Band! Don’t forget to capture those special moments with Santa outside the Beaufort Candy Shoppe starting at 6 p.m., followed by a movie on Bay Street and the traditional tree lighting with snow at 8:30 p.m.

Gullah Taste of Christmas and Lighted Boat Parade

The festivities continue on Saturday, December 7, with the Gullah Taste of Christmas and Rice Cook-off from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Come celebrate and honor Gullah traditions in our community. Plus, for those who love nautical festivities, the annual Lighted Boat Parade will begin at 5:30 p.m. So grab a cozy blanket and a hot beverage, and claim your spot along the seawall at Waterfront Park for this beautiful sight!

Parade Day Extravaganza!

Get ready for the annual Christmas Parade on Sunday, December 8, starting at 3 p.m. Expect to see dazzling floats, festive costumes, and of course, Santa wrapped up in the holiday spirit as he rides in on a Beaufort-Port Royal fire truck!

Mark December Dates!

But wait, there’s more! The fun continues all month long with opportunities to view breathtaking Nativity displays, honor fallen heroes with Wreaths Across America, and celebrate Chanukah with a menorah lighting. Plus, what’s a New Year without a fantastic fireworks display at Waterfront Park on December 31?

This holiday season in Beaufort is shaping up to be one to remember! So gather your loved ones, enjoy the festivities, and let’s spread that holiday cheer!