Beaufort prepares for the holiday season with a weekend of festive events such as A Night on the Town, Light Up The Night Boat Parade and the traditional Christmas Parade.

Main Street Beaufort, USA proudly presents the 28th Annual A Night on the Town. This opening of the Christmas holiday shopping season takes place on Friday, Dec. 6, from 6 to 9 p.m. A long standing tradition of the community, A Night on the Town is a mix of traditional and the contemporary.

An evening with a surprise around every corner and a number of things that will entertain, delight and get you in the holiday spirit. Shops will stay open late to welcome customers with special treats and a preview of their large and unique selection of items to help get a head start to the holiday season.

The evening also includes the City of Beaufort’s Tree Lighting Ceremony, entertainment by the Parris Island Marine Corps Band, choral performances and a rumored visit from Santa.

Take your pick of holiday parades by land or sea in Beaufort. Join Main Street Beaufort, USA and the Beaufort Sail and Power Squadron on Saturday, Dec. 7, at 5:30 p.m. for the Light Up the Night boat parade on the Beaufort River. Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park provides the best view of the parade. The first boats will start arriving at the seawall at the Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park by 5 p.m. Hot chocolate will be available courtesy of The Greenery.

The traditional Beaufort Christmas Parade will be Sunday, Dec. 8, at 3 p.m., through the streets of downtown Beaufort Floats, bands, groups of walkers and personal cars and trucks are expected to participate.

Application forms for the parades are available at www.downtownbeaufort.com/anightonthetown. For more information, contact Main Street Beaufort, USA at 843-525-6644 or email info@downtownbeaufort.com.

Holiday weekend is hosted by Main Street Beaufort, USA and presented by Subaru of Hilton Head at New River Auto Mall, 98.7 The River, 97.3 Kiss FM, Regions Bank, The Beaufort Inn, Best Western Sea Island Inn, The Craftseller, SCE&amp;G, The Beaufort Gazette, The Island News, and photographed by Captured Moments Photography.