If the holidays had a signature scent in the Lowcountry, it would be salt air with a hint of pine. From Hilton Head Island to Bluffton to Beaufort, November and December 2025 are packed with parades, concerts, craft markets, tree-lighting traditions, and more excuses to enjoy this place we call home. If you're visiting, relocating, or already knee-deep in Hilton Head real estate, Bluffton real estate, or Beaufort real estate, this is your season to experience the Lowcountry at its finest.
Consider this your classic, no-nonsense guide to the best holiday happenings, complete with plenty of sparkle but zero fluff.
Holiday Events Across Hilton Head, Bluffton, and Beaufort (2025)
Hilton Head Island Holiday Events
Hilton Head Island Lantern Parade
When: Saturday, November 22
Where: Alder Lane Beach Access to Lowcountry Celebration Park
The beloved lantern parade returns, lighting up the shoreline with hundreds of glowing creations. Pack a jacket and a little patience. It’s worth every step.
Holidays at Shelter Cove
When: November 24 to January 4
Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina turns into a Lowcountry-style winter wonderland. Twinkling lights. Waterfront views. Zero chance of frostbite. That’s our kind of holiday season.
Santa at Shelter Cove
When: November 28, 11 AM to 2 PM
Santa makes his post-Thanksgiving debut, right on the harbor. Bring the kids. Bring your shopping shoes. Sales and specials all around.
Hilton Head Prep’s Festival of Trees
When: Starting Friday, November 21
Where: Marriott Hotel, Palmetto Dunes
Beautiful trees, big heart. All proceeds benefit Hilton Head Prep’s Tuition Assistance Program.
Harbour Town Lights
When: November 24 to December 31
Harbour Town goes full holiday chic. Wander the harbor, enjoy the towering Christmas tree, and drop off a toy or canned goods for Deep Well.
Gregg Russell’s Holiday Concert
When: Friday, November 28 at 7:30 PM
A Hilton Head classic under the Liberty Oak. The official Harbour Town tree lighting happens just before the concert.
Holiday Pops Concerts
A three-day musical tradition featuring JMR’s signature curation plus the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra Chorus.
• Nov 29 (7 PM): St. Gregory the Great, Bluffton
• Nov 30 (4 PM): First Presbyterian, HHI
• Dec 1 (7:30 PM): First Presbyterian, HHI
Hilton Head Choral Society “Celebrate the Holidays”
When: December 5, 7 PM
A warm and uplifting performance at First Presbyterian.
Hilton Head Island Christmas Tree Lighting Meetup
When: Friday, December 5 at 5 PM
Lowcountry Celebration Park turns festive with local vendors, music, and enough lights to make your neighbors jealous.
An Evening in December Christmas Concert and Dessert
When: Sunday, December 7 at 5 PM and 7 PM
A charming holiday concert paired with catered desserts at Hilton Head Island Community Church. Yes, you deserve a second helping.
Candy Cane Classic at Sea Pines Country Club
When: Saturday, December 6, 8 AM
Golf, tennis, and pickleball with a holiday twist.
Paws and Claws Parade
When: December 29, 1 PM to 3 PM, Harbour Town
Dress your pets in something festive and let them strut their stuff in this Santa-led parade.
Bluffton Holiday Events
Washington Square Christmas Market
When:
• Saturday, November 29, 4–8 PM
• Saturday, December 6, 4–7 PM
Forty plus local vendors, festive drinks from Coffee Lab and Lowcountry Taps, and all the cozy Bluffton charm wrapped into two nights.
54th Annual Bluffton Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting
When:
• Tree Lighting & Movie Night: Friday, December 5 at 5:30 PM
• Parade: Saturday, December 6 at 10 AM
Classic Bluffton at its best. Tree lighting, Santa’s Workshop, a showing of Arthur Christmas, and the iconic parade through Old Town.
Home Alone Movie Night at May River Manor
When: Friday, December 19 at 6 PM
Outdoor movie night by the pool or on the lawn. Bring blankets. Bring snacks. Channel your inner Kevin McCallister.
Beaufort Holiday Events
Bull Sharks “Light the Night”
When: Sunday, November 30 at 3 PM
Southside Park hosts crafts, caroling, reindeer games, and a tree lighting. Family-friendly and full of energy.
Beaufort Holiday Weekend
When: December 5–6
Downtown Beaufort comes alive with Santa appearances, a tree lighting, a boat parade, and a classic Christmas parade.
2025 Beaufort Business Association Christmas Parade
When: Saturday, December 6 at 12 PM
Front Street transforms into the ultimate parade route.
Gullah Taste of Christmas & Rice Cookoff
When: Saturday, December 6 at 11 AM
A highlight of the Gullah Christmas Celebration at Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park. Culture, flavor, and holiday spirit collide.
Real Love: Kenny Rogers & Dolly Parton Christmas Tribute
When: Saturday, December 13 at 7:30 PM
A nostalgic Christmas show at USCB Center for the Arts. Expect all the classics and maybe a few surprises.
Why These Events Matter for Future Homebuyers
If you're exploring Hilton Head homes for sale, Bluffton homes for sale, or Beaufort homes for sale, there’s no better time to experience the Lowcountry lifestyle than the holidays. Community events shine a spotlight on what truly sells homes here: the people, the culture, the traditions, and the joy of gathering under live oaks wrapped in lights.
This season gives buyers a firsthand look at the warmth of the region. And if you’re looking to list, nothing beats showing off your property when the whole town feels festive.
