“It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, everywhere you go…”
Festive decor, holiday happenings and warmer temperatures (comparatively to my friends and family in the Midwest) Charleston (and Seabrook Island!) is a great spot to celebrate the holidays. We have decked the halls already here on Seabrook and my December calendar is already chalk full of holiday events. Some may call me a Christmas fanatic, I am even listening to the Josh Groban Pandora station as I write this blog post, but I can’t help it! I love this time of year. So, without further adieu, I present to you my top 5 sights to see and can’t-miss events in December.
1. Festival of Lights
Daily, 5:30 – 10pm, Monday – Friday; 5:30 – 11pm Saturday & Sunday; Now – January 1st, James Island County Park
Admission: 1-15 guests: $20 per vehicle, $15 per vehicle Monday-Thursday with donation to the Lowcountry Food Bank
Before You Go: www.holidayfestivaloflights.com
If you haven’t yet made your way to the Festival of Lights at the James Island County Park, you are missing.out. Dream up the most magnificent Christmas light display you could possibly dream, now triple that. I LOVE the Festival of Lights so much, that the past 2 years I have gone not once, but TWICE. I simply can’t get enough! The tour begins by car (or, for the lucky passengers a pick-up truck with an open bed) through dozens of light displays in a variety of themes, and thousands of bulbs. But, your night isn’t finished yet! Once you are parked, make your way to Santa’s Village for nightly performances, fire pits, a train ride, treats, souvenir shops and the man in the red suit himself. This is a CAN’T MISS event for kids and adults alike!
2. Homegrown Holiday Bazaar
10am – 4pm, December 2nd, Johns Island County Park
Admission: Free
Before You Go: www.seaislandschamber.org/holiday-bazaar
The Homegrown Holiday Bazaar, sponsored by the Johns Island Farmers Market and the Sea Islands Chamber of Commerce, returns for its 4th year this weekend, this time at the Johns Island County Park. Over 100 vendors will be in attendance – it’s the perfect time and place to get your holiday shopping finished! (Because, if you are like me, you may or may not have spent far too much money on yourself over Black Friday weekend.) Come for the shopping, but stay for the live music from the V-Tones, holiday carriage and hay rides, an antique tractor show, horse meet & greets, Santa and food truck fare. + if you are in the mood to shop local this holiday season, be sure to stop by our neighbors Freshfields Village. And fun fact – although officially “closed” for the season, The Charleston Farmers Market hosts its holiday market from 9am – 3pm on December 2nd & 3rd, 9th & 10th and 16th & 17th.
3. City of Charleston Parade
3pm, December 3rd, Broad Street – King Street – Calhoun Street & Meeting Street
Before You Go: www.charleston-sc.gov/index.aspx?NID=1510
Last year I attended the City of Charleston Christmas parade with my favorite 2 year-old bestie in tow, and we had the best time! If boat parades aren’t your jam, head down to King Street for a festive and fun holiday spectacular this Sunday. Local organizations, companies and famous faces will stroll the streets of downtown blaring Christmas tunes. Before you go, be sure to click the link above for the parade route, a list of road closures and parking ramp suggestions. Fa la la la la!
4. Bohicket Christmas Parade of Boats
6-9pm, December 9th, Bohicket Marina & Market
Admission: Free
Before You Go: www.bohicket.com/events
You may have heard of the downtown Charleston Holiday Parade of Boats, but we also have a boat parade right here on Seabrook! Does it get more Lowcountry than that? Returning only for its second year, the Bohicket Christmas Parade of Boats not only showcases stunning light displays, the Charleston Coastal Choir will also be on island singing Christmas carols, and there will be s’mores and hot chocolate by the fire. Plus, The Ice Cream Boat is sponsoring an ugly Christmas sweater contest and the winner receives FREE ICE CREAM FOR A YEAR. That should be enticing enough, right?
5. Check out the Christmas Tree at the Lake House + Holiday Decor at the Club!
Although the Christmas Tree Lighting at the Seabrook Island Lake House has come and gone, the festive atmosphere on Seabrook will continue throughout the month. As mentioned above, Seabrook Island’s halls have officially been decked, including a nearly 12 ft Christmas tree right here in the Seabrook Island Real Estate front lobby! From the life-size toy soldiers facing the golf course to several indoor Christmas trees throughout the Island, be sure to soak it all in this holiday season.
+ don’t forget to stop by Marion Square downtown to see a seriously cool Christmas tree!
Christmas in Charleston is too is magical, too spectacular – it would be nearly impossible to list all of the events and recommendations here. So, be sure to check out the Charleston CVB for its tips and tricks on how to spend Christmas in the Lowcountry. It offers everything from a holiday event schedule, to gift ideas, to restaurant recommendations for tasty holiday feasts. + be sure to read the CVB’s “12 Reasons Why There’s No Place Like Charleston for the Holidays,” and tune into its advent calendar in December! Beginning on the 1st, it will be sharing gifts, recipes and traditions daily to celebrate #ChristmasinCharleston. AND for all events, happenings and news here on Seabrook, be sure to follow and subscribe to Tidelines Blog.
Happy Holidays, y’all!
Kelly Butorac
Marketing Coordinator
843.768.7789 • kbutorac@seabrookislandmarketing.com