While there is still plenty to do on the island during your trip, and Hilton Head’s holiday calendar is looking rather full this year, visitors sometimes like to venture over the bridge to other nearby cities and towns. If you’re one of those people, we’ve made a list of holiday events that might be taking place during your trip. If you normally keep to the island and have been wanting a reason to explore Bluffton, Beaufort, or Savannah first-hand, maybe one of these events will catch your eye and be worth planning that day trip for!
The following events are listed by city or town, and from there, listed by date. Happy Holidays!
BLUFFTON, SC
SOBA Gallery Annual Holiday Market
Nov. 4th-Dec. 27th, 2024
6 Church Street, Bluffton, SC 29910
The Society of Bluffton Artists Gallery will host its Annual Holiday Market for the entirety of the holiday season, making it easy for visitors to find that perfect, unique gift for everyone on their list! This seasonal showcase will feature handcrafted, one-of-a-kind gifts by local artists including wreaths, small paintings, holiday decor, and more.
Holiday Art Walk in Old Town Bluffton
Friday, November 27th, 2024 | 3:00-6:00pm
Old Town Bluffton
More than 200 artists will be participating in this year’s Holiday Art Walk, with most galleries staying open late. Enjoy great art, music, and refreshments, as well as find great gifts for your friends and family. A great way to see Old Town Bluffton, all are welcome to join in on the fun! Parking will be available between May River Road and Water Street, as well as up and down Calhoun Street.
Bluffton Tree Lighting Ceremony
Friday, December 6th, 2024 | 5:30pm
Martin Family Park
Beginning at 5:30 pm, gather with friends and family to celebrate the holiday season as the Town of Bluffton lights its tree in Martin Family Park. Santa’s Workshop will immediately follow in nearby, DuBois Park’s Pavilion. Stay and watch the movie, “Polar Express” at 6:30 in Martin Family Park, or take a train ride from 6-8pm around both parks. If you’re planning on watching the movie, make sure to bring blankets and/or chairs so you’re comfy and warm while you watch!
53rd Annual Bluffton Christmas Parade
Saturday, December 7th, 2024 | 10:00am
Historic Downtown Bluffton
A favorite tradition among locals in Bluffton and Hilton Head, the Town of Bluffton will be hosting the 53rd annual Bluffton Christmas Parade! Kicking off at 10am on Saturday, head to downtown early to get a prime viewing spot ahead of time!
Winter Wonderland Craft & Vendor Market
December 14th & 15th, 2024 | 10:00am-4:00pm (Open until 5pm on Sunday)
Hilton Head Tanger Outlets 1
Hosted by Hometown Vendor Market at the Tanger Outlets on Sawmill Creek Rd, all are welcome to shop ’til you drop from one of the many local artisans, independent businesses, and merchants at the event. Find food, drinks, jewelry, handmade crafts, home decor, art, and much more! And this is all in addition to the many great nationally-known stores at the Tanger Outlets. Don’t let the name of the outlets fool you, you’ll still have to cross the bridge to get to either outlet!
2nd Annual Menorah Lighting Ceremony
Sunday, December 29th, 2024 | 5:30-7:30pm
Martin Family Park
This free event is open to the public, and will be hosted at the Martin Family Park from 5:30-7:30pm.
BEAUFORT, SC
“Gullah Kinfolk Christmas Wish, Freedom Coming”
December 5th & 6th, 2024 | 7:00-9:00pm
USCB Center for the Arts Performing Arts Center, 805 Carteret St, Beaufort, SC 29902
Presented by the Gullah Kinfolk Traveling Theater, see the “Historical Musical for the Ages!” This musical is about the last Christmas before the Civil War and takes place just after South Carolina seceded from the Union. While plantation owners are talking war, the enslaved are talking about their freedom! All are invited to watch history come alive in this interactive full-stage theater experience, directed and performed by Aunt Pearlie Sue and the Gullah Kinfolk.
More Information & Purchase Tickets Here
A Night on the Town & Tree Lighting Ceremony
December 6th-8th, 2024 | 6:00-9:00pm
Downtown Beaufort
Starting December 6th, this three-day event will take place downtown where retailers will stay open for late-night shopping from 6:00-9:00pm. Local choirs, dance groups, and various clubs will provide entertainment for visitors in the area, and make sure to gather at 8pm for the city’s official Christmas tree lighting. Santa Claus will have the honor, while the Parris Island Marine Corps band performs holiday hits.
Gullah Taste of Christmas & Rice Cook-Off
Saturday, December 7th, 2024 | 11:00am-4:00pm
Henry C. Chamber Waterfront Park
All are welcome to this free event that celebrates the rich culinary heritage of the Gullah people, who’s ancestors brought rice to the United States and transformed South Carolina into the wealthiest colony before the Revolutionary War. This event is a tribute their contributions to American society, cuisine, and the economy. Contestants will be cooking onsite, and the competition will be live-streamed. Whether you’re a contestant or a spectator, come be a part of this festive celebration and witness the culinary talents that continue to shape our culture!
Annual Lighted Boat Parade
Saturday, December 7th, 2024 | 5:30pm
Henry C. Chamber Waterfront Park
Head to Downtown Beaufort and snag a spot along the waterfront for the best-lighted boat parade around. Enjoy an evening filled with festive lights, beautifully decorated boats, and a large amount of holiday spirit as Beaufort celebrates the season on the Beaufort River! Arrive early to attend the Gullah Taste of Christmas and Rice Cook-Off at the park from 11am-4pm, or grab a bite to eat at one of the many delicious restaurants along Bay Street. Retailers will also be staying open later than normal as they participate in A Night on the Town.
Christmas Parade
Sunday, December 8th, 2024 | 3:00-5:00pm
Downtown Beaufort
If you fancy a trip to the beautiful and historic, Beaufort, you won’t want to miss the Christmas Parade led by Santa himself! This kid-friendly event will have you feeling the holiday spirit as you cheer on all of the holiday floats, marching bands, and more! Stick around after the parade for a walk along the waterfront park, or to grab a bite at one of the restaurants along Bay Street. Let’s not forget about the many locally owned retailers that offer perfect gifts for your loved ones!
SAVANNAH, GA
Magic of Lights
November 22nd-January 4th, 2024 | 5:00-10:00pm
South Georgia State Fair, 105 Fort Argyle Rd, Savannah, GA 31419
This unique and dazzling drive-through holiday lights experience gets bigger and brighter year after year, with the current display having more than a mile of light displays that bring your favorite holiday scenes and characters to life. You’ll see a Holiday Barbie™ display, the supersized Bigfoot® Monster Truck, and life-sized dinosaurs of Prehistoric Christmas!
Elf the Musical
November 23rd-December 30th, 2024 | Various Show Times
The Historic Savannah Theatre
Back by popular demand, buy your tickets now for the comical stage adaptation of the classic film about the lovable, Buddy the Elf. This show is a heartwarming delight for the whole family that you won’t want to miss. After all, the best way to spread Christmas Cheer is singing loud for all to hear!
More Information | Purchase Tickets
City Market Lights & Delights
December 6th, 2024 | 6:00-8:00pm
City Market, 219 Bryant St, Savannah, GA 31401
See City Market in all of it’s holiday glory during this special one-day event. Enjoy exclusive discounts from local merchants, live caroling in the courtyard, appearances by the American Prohibition Museum’s historical characters, and more. Father Christmas and other historical characters will lead a lighted procession through the courtyard, inviting everyone to sing along to classic Christmas tunes. This event is free to attend.
More Information | City Market Shop & Hop
Savannah Santa Train presented by Coastal Heritage Society
Saturday, December 7th, 2024 | 9:00am-5:00pm
Georgia State Railroad Museum
Purchase your tickets to reserve your spot on Savannah’s favorite family holiday event. Running every 20 minutes throughout the day, you’ll have a chance to hop aboard a holiday-themed train ride experience along with Tin Soldier Training, see model trains with Coastal Rail Buffs, make holiday crafts, and more. Your family will also learn about holiday traditions from around the world through hands-on activities.
Holiday Makers Market
Saturday, December 7th, 2024 | 12:00-6:00pm
Service Brewing Company, 574 Indian St, Savannah, GA 21401
More than 50 local artists and makers will be setting up shop at Service Brewing’s Holiday Makers Market. Grab a cold beer and peruse all of the crafted goods. This is a family-friendly event, with creative crafts available for children taught by Loop it Up Savannah, a non-profit youth arts and enrichment organization. Arrive hungry, since the Oh Crepe and Smashed Savannah food trucks will be on the scene. As if it wasn’t already fun enough, DJ Jose Ray will also liven up the day with some tunes!
More Information & Vendor List
Kwanzaa Marketplace hosted by Savannah African Art Museum
December 7th, 14th, & 21st, 2024 | 12:00-4:00pm
Savannah African Art Museum’s Courtyard, 201 E. 37th St, Savannah, GA, 31401
Mark your calendars for the third annual Kwanza Marketplace, featuring vendors and artists selling handmade items, art, clothing, and more. Find unique items and gifts that are all inspired by Africa, African Art, and African Culture. This event is open to the public and allow visitors to learn more about the African American celebration, Kwanzaa, that is based on the celebration of “First Fruits.”
Christmas on the River
December 13th & 14th, 2024 | Various Times
Plant Riverside District, 400 W River St, Savannah, GA 31401
Enjoy a full weekend of Christmas cheer with live music and performances by local dance and musical acts. Various performances will be scheduled for Friday and Saturday evenings at Plant Riverside District, in addition to the European-style outdoor Savannah Christmas Market (that takes place from November 21st to December 31st on the Plant Riverside District Riverwalk). The 32nd Annual Lighted Christmas Parade will start at 5:30 pm on the 14th and will include more than 50 floats, dancing groups, and more. There are also even more festivities and events hosted by Plant Riverside District such as the Festival of Trees, Gingerbread House Unveiling, Brunch with Santa, and more.
