The Lowcountry’s best holiday boat parades and light displays
Seas the holiday
“Happy holidays” takes on a whole new, shimmering meaning in the Coastal South when the boat parades and floating displays light up the night. As the festive season sails in, the waterways of the Lowcountry transform into sparkling rivers of joy, adorned with boats decked out in their holiday finest. Join us on a merry maritime journey through the best waterborne celebrations this side of the Mason-Dixon Line. All aboard for holiday cheer, Southern style!
Yuletide yachts
Deck the Hulls Christmas Boat Parade
When: 6-8 p.m., Dec. 9
Where: Skull Creek shoreline, Hilton Head Island
Details: Boaters will compete for prizes as they dazzle spectators with a variety of festively decorated boats, costumed crews and holiday music. This year’s event will feature more boats than ever, and the parade route will bring boats within feet of the docks, particularly the waterfront restaurants along Skull Creek. The 7-mile parade begins in Port Royal Sound, adjacent to Dolphin Head/Pine Island and proceeds south past Ribaut Island, Safe Harbor Skull Creek Marina, Mariner’s Point, Villages of Skull Creek, Bayshore, The Boathouse, Skull Creek Boathouse, Skull Creek Dockside and Hudson’s. The boats will turn around just before the bridge near Hilton Head Harbor, and the parade will end back at Safe Harbor Skull Creek Marina.
Night lights
Lighted Boat Parade
When: 5:30-8:30 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 2
Where: Waterfront Park, Beaufort
Details: Be sure to grab one of the best wooden swings at Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park to watch Beaufortonians participate in this popular annual parade. The festive event is part of the Beaufort Holiday Weekend celebration along the Beaufort River. Boats make three laps along the seawall, offering plenty of time to pick and cheer for your favorites. Winners are announced at the end of the event and are awarded cash prizes. Boat owners go all out.
Go with the flow
Savannah Boat Parade of Lights
When: Nov. 25
Where: Savannah River; Savannah
Details: Unfortunately, you may have missed the boat on this amazing annual holiday event that takes place each year at the end of November along the Savannah River. The 2023 event included more than 40 vessels decorated in lights, led by the Georgia Queen Riverboat, parading down both sides of the waterfront. There was live music, a tree-lighting ceremony and a firework extravaganza. Mark your calendars for 2024.
Gimme Shelter
Holiday Boat Lights
When: Dec. 1-31
Where: Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina, Hilton Head Island
Details: Take a stroll through Palmetto Dunes’ version of a winter wonderland as Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina transform into a kaleidoscope of colors for the holiday season. Meander along the boardwalk, bask in the glow of the festively adorned marina and boats twinkling with holiday lights, and savor the unique charms of a Lowcountry “winter.” Make a night of it by enjoying an appetizer and cocktail at one of the locally owned restaurants or checking off your holiday shopping list at one of the locally owned boutiques.
Talk of the Town
Harbour Town Lights
When: Nov. 26-Jan. 1
Where: Harbour Town Yacht Basin, Hilton Head Island
Details: Start the Christmas season right by visiting Harbor Town to enjoy the beautiful light display of decorated boats and illuminated seasonal figures. With live entertainment and plenty of holiday activities each night, Harbour Town is the perfect place to spend a cool December evening. While you’re enjoying the holiday season, help the Deep Well Project make a difference in someone’s life. Drop off a couple of canned goods or a new, unwrapped child’s toy in the well by the Liberty Oak stage.
Festive floats
Charleston Holiday Parade of Boats
When: 5:30 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 14
Where: Charleston Harbor, Charleston
Details: View the procession along Charleston’s waterfront, or decorate your own boat and join the parade. The display of lighted and festive boats proceeds from the Cooper River through the Charleston Harbor and into the Ashley River, culminating in a brilliant fireworks display over the harbor. Viewing from the downtown peninsula starts around 7:30 p.m. Great places to view the parade are the Mt. Pleasant Waterfront Park Pier, the area around the South Carolina Aquarium, Liberty Square and The Battery area.
