Any visit to the South Carolina coast is magical, but it really lights up during the holidays. Fortunately, a bright Christmas season is just around the corner.
Getting Things Started
Things get started just after Thanksgiving during Deck the Hall at The Sanctuary. The Kiawah Island Resort kicks off the season at 5 p.m. with a Tree Lighting Ceremony and a sing-along of favorite Christmas carols.
All Lit Up
Just up the road, the Holiday Festival of Lights lights up James Island County Park with three miles of two million shimmering lights. It’s a holiday highlight for young and old. Festival of Lights opens at 5:30 p.m. each night “rain or shine” from Nov. 15-Dec. 31. Drive through and marvel at a winter wonderland of light displays.
The event also includes an old-fashioned carousel, marshmallow roasting, train rides and, of course, Santa visits each night. With Blitzen’s Burgers, Santa’s Sweet Shoppe, giant greeting cards, an enchanted walking trail, and live entertainment, this is a complete Christmas package all in one place.
A Lowcountry Plantation Christmas
When the holidays roll around, Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens gets all decked out in holiday finery. From Dec. 8-Jan. 1, the plantation mansion and grounds are beautifully decorated in Christmas decorations of all kinds. Every room of the plantation's main floor has a tree, each adorned with a variety of ornaments. If you look closely, you'll see unique details about the decorations. For example, some ornaments are made with local sweetgrass.
On another tree, decorations are made with cotton and berries grown on the plantation. There are wreaths made from magnolia tree leaves, also grown on the historic grounds. Arrangements at the front entrance are filled with fruit. There are no plastic decorations and lots of live trees. And, you can tell from the fresh pine scents that fill the air.
Here’s their gift to you - tours of the home are included in the admission of the Boone Hall Plantation during the holidays with no additional fee. But keep in mind, they are closed on Christmas Day.
Lighting up the Water
Gather on the shores of Charleston harbor on Dec. 14 to watch brightly decorated boats of all shapes and sizes during the annual Parade of Boats. The flotilla sets sail about 5 p.m. from the Mount Pleasant side of the Cooper River and ends on the Ashley River about 7:30 p.m. Lots of restaurants around the area have special menus for the event, so make it an evening.
Take in all the holiday festivities then sip your cocoa in a luxurious island home or condo. Leave the hustle and bustle behind and relax with a Low Country Christmas vacation.