Holiday lights and coastal delights

Here in the Deep South, a “White Christmas” is more about sandy beaches than snow-covered rooftops, but that doesn’t keep us from embracing the season with plenty of southern charm. From Harbour Town to Beaufort, the Lowcountry glows with twinkling lights and festive parades — even when it’s 70 degrees and flip-flops are still the footwear of choice. This year celebrate Lowcountry-style with Christmas tree lightings beneath towering oaks, boat parades where Santa arrives by sailboat and holiday markets where the scent of pluff mud blends with cinnamon and pine. Who needs snowflakes when you have a sky full of twinkling stars and the shimmer of lights on the water? Embrace the magic, savor the warmth, and enjoy a season that’s as enchanting as a snow globe — just with a lot more sunshine and fresh seafood.

A holiday wonderland

Harbour Town Lights

Stroll through Harbour Town this season, and enjoy festive light displays, highlighted by a majestic, towering Christmas tree. The lights shine nightly until Jan. 1, with live entertainment and activities filling the area with holiday cheer. Support the Deep Well Project by donating canned goods or toys at the well near the Liberty Oak stage. While in Harbour Town, visit the Harbour Town Christmas shop for unique holiday décor. Dates decked in holiday cheer…

Dec. 21: Ride the Polar Pines Express Holiday Wagon at Heritage Farms from 1-2:15 p.m. Enjoy crafts, hot chocolate and a reading of The Polar Express. Tickets are $17 for adults and $19 for children. Purchase tickets at seapines.com. 

Dec. 23: Holiday concert with Gregg Russell from 7:30-9 p.m. under the Liberty Oak Tree, followed by a visit from Santa Claus. Free. 

Illuminating the season

Shelter Cove Towne Centre Holiday Lights 

Shelter Cove Towne Centre transforms into a festive wonderland during the holiday season, with twinkling lights wrapping the palm trees, shops and a grand 28-foot Christmas tree at the center of Shelter Cove Community Park. Stroll the boardwalk along Broad Creek, where the lights shimmer off the water, or enjoy dinner at a waterfront restaurant with a view of the sparkling display. It’s a lively yet relaxed destination for families and couples, offering holiday events like Santa sightings and outdoor movies. Find the latest updates at sheltercovetownecentre.com. Date decked in holiday cheer…

Dec. 6: Bring the whole family for an afternoon of fun at the Winter Wonderfland Festival from 4-7 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 6. The free event will feature bounce houses, a parade, a DJ, food and drinks and a golden candy cane hunt.

A coastal Christmas

Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina Holiday Lights 

Enjoy the Lowcountry’s winter wonderland at Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina, illuminated with festive lights through Dec. 31. Stroll the boardwalk or dine at one of seven waterfront restaurants while admiring the sparkling holiday lights, including decorations on boats. While in the harbour, visit the A Coastal Christmas shop for unique ornaments and decorations. Dates decked in holiday cheer…

Nov. 29: Santa & Shopping Day. Santa arrives at noon by fire truck for photos and fun with bouncy houses and train rides around the marina for kids. Bring an unwrapped toy or canned food for the Deep Well Project to this free event.

Dec. 10: Enjoy Christmas in Ireland with Celtic Thunder’s Emmet Cahill at the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina. After the show, cross the street and enjoy a peaceful stroll beneath the stars, soaking in the marina’s holiday lights without the usual foot traffic.

Old Town magic

Old Town Bluffton Holiday Lights

Admire the festive wreaths lighting up May River Road as you head toward Old Town Bluffton. Park and take a leisurely stroll to DuBois Park and Martin Family Park on Boundary Street, both sparkling with bright white lights. Continue down to Wright Family Park, then loop back along Calhoun Street to the Promenade, where even more holiday beauty awaits. Dates decked in holiday cheer…

Dec. 6: The tree lighting ceremony starts at 5:30 p.m. at Martin Family Park, followed by Santa’s Workshop at DuBois Park Pavilion. At 6:30 p.m., enjoy a showing of Polar Express — bring blankets and chairs. Train rides will be available for children.

Dec. 7: The Town of Bluffton Christmas Parade kicks off at 10 a.m. in Old Town, rain or shine. This festive tradition takes place every year on the first Saturday of December and is the Lowcountry’s biggest parade of the year. 

Dec. 29: Join the community for Bluffton’s second annual menorah lighting ceremony at Martin Family Park from 5:30-7:30 p.m. This free event celebrates the season’s diverse traditions.

A weekend of festive fun

Beaufort Holiday Weekend 

Kick off the holiday season in downtown Beaufort with a festive weekend celebration during the first weekend in December. Enjoy fantastic shopping, a visit from Santa, a Christmas tree lighting, a boat parade and a Christmas parade. Celebrate the spirit of the season with live music, local performances and holiday cheer for the whole family. Be sure to stop by the Beaufort Christmas Shop for gifts, coffee or a light lunch. Dates decked in holiday cheer…

Dec. 6: A Night on the Town, a three-day event, kicks off with downtown retailers extending their hours, offering late-night shopping from 6 to 9 p.m. Visitors can enjoy entertainment from local choirs, dance groups and clubs, all while soaking up the holiday spirit. At 8 p.m., Santa Claus will light the city’s official Christmas tree, accompanied by a special performance of holiday hits from the Parris Island Marine Corps Band.

Dec. 7: Join the excitement at 5:30 p.m. at Waterfront Park as illuminated powerboats and sailboats take to the river, making two passes by the seawall for the wildly popular Light Up the Night Holiday Boat Parade. This parade of lights has become a beloved local tradition.

Dec. 8: The weekend culminates with the Beaufort Christmas Parade, starting at 3 p.m. The route will take the parade from Boundary to Carteret and onto Bay Streets, with Santa making a grand appearance atop a Beaufort-Port Royal fire truck, spreading cheer to all.