Culture // 5 min Read

5 Must-Do Holiday Events in the Lowcountry

Written by Palmetto Bluff

lowcountry christmas

How to Spend a Lowcountry Christmas at Palmetto Bluff

There’s no better way to start anticipating the holidays than by making plans to spend time with family and friends. Now that the holiday season has arrived, many look forward to embracing the Christmas spirit by filling their calendars with experiences they can share with their loved ones. Spending Christmas in the Carolinas is simply unmatched, thanks to its abundance of yearly holiday festivities.

To help you make the most of the holiday season, we’ve compiled a list of the must-do holiday events happening in the Lowcountry this year. Get ready to mark your calendars and make some memories! 

1. Hilton Head Island Lantern Parade

Date: November 23, 2024
Location: Hilton Head Island, SC

Kick off the holiday season with the Hilton Head Island Lantern Parade, an enchanting event that brings a procession of illuminated handmade lanterns to the beach. Starting near the Alder Lane Beach Access and concluding at Lowcountry Celebration Park, this event combines creativity and community spirit. Guests can join pre-parade activities such as lantern-making workshops and enjoy live music as they get ready to light up the night along the shoreline.

2. Savannah Boat Parade of Lights

Date: November 30, 2024
Location: Savannah River, Savannah, GA

Experience the season in a coastal style at the Savannah Boat Parade of Lights. This annual event features boats decorated in dazzling holiday lights cruising along the Savannah River, creating a festive waterfront scene. Starting at 7:00 PM at the Eastern Wharf Dock, the evening includes live entertainment and an exciting after-party at the Thompson Savannah Hotel.

3. Savannah Christmas Market

Dates: November 21 – December 31, 2024
Location: Plant Riverside District, Savannah, GA

Inspired by traditional European holiday markets, the Savannah Christmas Market at Plant Riverside District offers a full season of festivities. Visitors can browse holiday-themed gifts, indulge in seasonal treats, and enjoy live performances. Highlights include the Festival of Trees, gingerbread house unveilings, and meet-and-greet sessions with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

4. Beaufort Holiday Weekend

Dates: December 6 – 7, 2024
Location: Beaufort, SC

The Beaufort Holiday Weekend brings together holiday traditions with a coastal twist. Festivities include the Light Up the Night Boat Parade and a holiday street parade through Beaufort’s historic district. Visitors can also explore local shops and restaurants, fully immersed in the holiday spirit of this charming town.

5. Bluffton Christmas Parade

Date: December 7, 2024
Location: Historic District, Bluffton, SC

The 53rd Annual Bluffton Christmas Parade is a favorite local tradition. It features festive floats, marching bands, and community groups. The event starts at 10:00 AM, with road closures beginning at 8:00 AM in the Historic District. This family-friendly parade brings the Bluffton community together and is a great way to enjoy the season’s spirit.

6. Palmetto Bluff Holiday Farmers Market

Date: December 8, 2024 |  9am to 1pm
Location: Wilson Village Green

Get your gift wrap ready and shop an array of festive fare at this year’s Palmetto Bluff Holiday Farmer’s Market. A crowd favorite, this special event will feature local artisans, live music, and breakfast treats with Mr. and Mrs. Claus. Pssssst… Don’t forget to send your wishlist to Santa by submitting a letter when you’re there! 

Come Home for the Holidays at Palmetto Bluff

These holiday events are just a glimpse of what it’s like to spend Christmas in the Carolinas and live in the Lowcountry. With all the festivities this season in the Lowcountry, you may want to find a residence you can call home during the holidays. 

Nestled between Hilton Head Island and Savannah, Georgia, lies the best-kept secret in the Lowcountry, Palmetto Bluff. Members of the Palmetto Bluff Club also boast access to upscale amenities and charming homes, all offering breathtaking views of the surrounding scenery. During the holidays and the rest of the year, there is always something new to discover at Palmetto Bluff. 

To explore the endless opportunities at the Bluff, simply click below to schedule your visit. We look forward to meeting you!

Contact Us Contact Us

Conservation
Loyalties Divided

By Katie Epps, Palmetto Bluff Archaeologist Standing on the bluff that rises above the May River, gaze across the vast expanse of marsh and sky. This is a landscape virtually untouched by time. Imagine this vista in the eighteenth century, in the throes ...

Aug 2025

Club Life
Back to School at the Bluff

The school year has officially begun, and the sound of school buses can be heard throughout the Lowcountry. As is true for much of South Carolina, Bluffton and the surrounding areas have experienced exceptional growth over the past 10 years, and so have the op...

Aug 2025

Club Life
Fall Into Fun: Upcoming Events at Palmetto Bluff

As summer gives way to fall, Palmetto Bluff welcomes the season with a thoughtfully curated lineup of events that reflect the spirit of community and the beauty of the Lowcountry. For Club members, these gatherings are more than celebrations—they’re a signatur...

Aug 2025

Club Life
The Perfect Pace: Spend a Day at Palmetto Bluff

Tucked into the heart of the South Carolina Lowcountry, Palmetto Bluff is more than a destination—it’s a way of life. Spanning 20,000 acres of pristine marshes, winding rivers, and timeless Southern charm, the Bluff offers something for every type of traveler....

Aug 2025

Real Estate
Tour This 24-Acre Private Estate in Palmetto Bluff’s Most Exclusive Enclave

Tucked deep in the maritime forest and bordered by the headwaters of the May River, 11 Headwaters Road is one of the most private and secluded properties in Palmetto Bluff. Set on 24 acres within a gated enclave of just ten legacy estates, this seven-bedroom, ...

Aug 2025

Real Estate
Two-Bedroom Homes in Palmetto Bluff: Small Spaces, Big Advantages

Two-Bedroom Homes in Palmetto Bluff: Small Spaces, Big Advantages At Palmetto Bluff, life moves at a more thoughtful pace, one centered around nature, community, and well-designed spaces that invite you to slow down and savor the moment. Within this disti...

Jul 2025
coore and crenshaw

Sporting Life
What to Expect from the New Coore & Crenshaw Golf Course

Take a Peek at the Coore & Crenshaw Course at Palmetto Bluff Golf has always been more than a game at Palmetto Bluff. It is a way of experiencing the land, connecting with nature, and building community through quiet competition and shared moments. With t...

Jul 2025

Club Life
More at Moreland: An Enclave for Active Lifestyles

Moreland Village is centered around an active lifestyle that’s easily accessible to homeowners. With the Movement Studio just steps away from the Conservancy Classroom, residents can grab a coffee from Canteen, partake in pilates, then join a bluebird research...

Jul 2025
brian bryne

Conservation
Behind the Bluff with Land and Wildlife Manager: Brian Byrne

Brian’s Journey to Palmetto Bluff If you’ve ever spotted a feral pig along a trail, heard the call of a hawk overhead, or taken a peaceful walk through the Bluff’s maritime forest, you’ve likely experienced the quiet impact of Brian Byrne’s work. As the Palme...

Jul 2025
palmetto bluff home

Real Estate
Why Palmetto Bluff is the Perfect Place for a Second (or Third) Home

Why You Should Consider Investing in a Palmetto Bluff Home Some places feel like a getaway. And then there are places that feel like coming home. Palmetto Bluff manages to be both. Tucked between Hilton Head Island and Savannah, this 20,000-acre haven in t...

Jul 2025

CURIOUS ABOUT LIFE AT THE BLUFF?

Sign up for our newsletter

LIVE
Community Villages
Experience
Palmetto Bluff Club
On The Water
The Arts Initiative
Events
Conserve
About Us