By Delayna Earley
The Island News
The holiday season is here, and Beaufort has no shortage of festive events available to help everyone celebrate the season, beginning this week.
Gullah Kinfolk Christmas Wish…Freedom 2025 – USCB Center for the Performing Arts
On Thursday, Dec. 4 and Friday, Dec. 5 at 7 p.m., history comes alive in this interactive full-stage musical about the last Christmas before the Civil War. South Carolina has just seceded from the Union, talk of war is in the air and talk of freedom is spreading among servants in the Quarters. Tickets are available for purchase.
A Night on the Town – Downtown Beaufort
On Friday, Dec. 5, from 6 to 9 p.m. in downtown Beaufort. Kick off the season with music, shopping, holiday treats, performances and Beaufort’s beloved Christmas tree lighting. Beaufort’s downtown streets come alive with cheer – perfect for making memories, strolling under the lights and supporting local shops.
Movie Night Meets Night on the Town – Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park Pavilion
The fourth annual Christmas Double-Feature will begin at 6 p.m. and will end at 9 p.m. and will show the movies Elf and The Grinch.
14th Annual Nativity Celebration – 1201 North Street
On Dec. 5 and 6 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. and on Dec. 7 from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. the First Presbyterian Church of Beaufort will be holding their 14th Annual Nativity Celebration where they will be celebrating the Christmas story with more than 150 nativities from around the world. All ages are welcome to the free event.
Gullah Taste of Christmas – Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park
On Saturday, Dec. 6, beginning at 11 a.m., at Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park guests will be able to taste authentic Gullah cuisine and enjoy live holiday entertainment. Included in this event will be the Gullah Rice Cookoff.
The Polar Express – Port Royal Library
On Saturday, Dec. 6 from 2 p.m. to 3:45 p.m., join Port Royal Library for a Santa meet and greet following a screening of the film.
Annual Photos with Santa – Shellring Ale Works
On Saturday, Dec. 6, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., Santa will be available for complimentary photos at Shellring Ale Works in Port Royal.
Light Up the Night Boat Parade – Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park
On Saturday, Dec. 6, at 5:30 p.m. at Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park in downtown Beaufort. Gather along the waterfront as brilliantly decorated boats glide across the Beaufort River in a dazzling procession of lights. Bring your chairs, your cocoa and your holiday spirit – this is a Beaufort favorite for a reason!
Breakfast with Santa – 1810 Richmond Avenue, Port Royal
Hosted by Sprenger Health Care Port Royal and running from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Dec. 6, all are invited to the annual Breakfast with Santa where kids enjoy a magical morning filled with delicious food, fun games and photos with Santa himself.
BCBCC Second Annual Holiday Market – 711 Bladen Street
Beginning at 1 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 7, the market will feature local vendors, food trucks, a visit and photo ops with Santa and Mrs. Claus and live holiday spirit on Bladen Street.
Christmas Parade – Downtown Beaufort
On Saturday, Dec. 7, at 3 p.m. in downtown Beaufort a festive lineup of floats, performers, community groups and of course Santa Claus, himself will make their way along the City of Beaufort’s traditional parade route with one small detour due to the construction at the intersection of Bay and Charles Streets. It’s one of Beaufort’s longest standing traditions and a joyful way to wrap up the weekend.
Mistletoe Market – The Beaufort Inn’s Tabby Place
Running from Thursday, Dec. 11 through Saturday, Dec. 13 from 4 to 8 p.m. each day, come sip, shop and support the local businesses that make Beaufort home. Shop local and support the local businesses that are feeling the impact of the ongoing construction downtown that is causing a shift in visitor patterns.
Jingle All the Way 5K – Coleman Hall (Building 2) of Technical College of the Lowcountry
Saturday, Dec. 13, beginning at 9 a.m. and hosted by the TCL PTA Club. The 5K run is open to all ages and all proceeds benefit TCL’s Physical Therapist Assistant program. There is a $30 donation per racer and deadline to register is Dec. 9 at www.tcl.edu/jingle.
Jingle Jammie Jam Dance Party – Revolution Ballroom
On Saturday, Dec. 13, beginning at 7 p.m. get cozy for some dance lessons, hot chocolate and cozy holiday PJ’s. Open to the public (18+), singles and couples are welcome. Admission is $20 at the door or online.
Christmas Golf Cart Parade – Helena Square, Port Royal
On Dec. 13, carts must be lined up at Helena Square by 5:45 p.m. and will head to Shellring after for the official After Party and Awards.
4th Annual Christmas Extravaganza – 1304 Paris Avenue, Port Royal
Free event from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 14 in the Port Royal Pavillion. Free photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, refreshments and treats, facepainting and bounce houses.
High Tea with Santa – 703 Congress Street
On Dec. 20 at 4 p.m. join Santa at Mongolia Cafe for tea, house made soup and a chef curated savory and sweets tower. Reservations required. Call 843-816-8535 for more information.
Cadd Family Christmas Lights – 66 Springfield Road
Running through Dec. 27, the Cadd Family will be lighting up their area of Lady’s Island with their annual Christmas lights display. The display will run from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. from Sunday to Thursday and on Friday and Saturday from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. except when it rains.
New Year’s Eve Fireworks – Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park
On Dec. 31, at 9 p.m., bring in the New Year in downtown Beaufort at the Waterfront Park while watching fireworks along the Beaufort River.
Delayna Earley, who joined The Island News in 2022, formerly worked as a photojournalist for The Island Packet/The Beaufort Gazette, as well as newspapers in Indiana and Virginia. She can be reached at delayna.theislandnews@gmail.com.
