Holiday Activities for Families in Bluffton, SC and Surrounding Areas: Hilton Head and Savannah
The holiday season in Bluffton, SC, and its nearby coastal gems—Hilton Head, Savannah, and Beaufort—offers a magical time for families to come together and create lasting memories. Whether you're looking for outdoor adventures, festive lights, or cultural celebrations, the Lowcountry has something special for everyone. Here's a guide to holiday activities that will bring joy to your family this season.
Bluffton’s Annual Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremony
Town of Bluffton Tree Lighting — Friday, December 5, 2025 @ 5:30 p.m. at Martin Family Park. After the tree lighting, enjoy Santa’s Workshop at DuBois Park Pavilion. Then stick around for a holiday movie under the stars. Bluffton.com
Bluffton Christmas Parade — Saturday, December 6, 2025 @ 10:00 a.m. through the Historic District. A beloved tradition with festive floats, local groups, and Santa Claus — it’s a fun and family-friendly way to kick off the holidays. Bluffton.com
Local Markets & Holiday Shopping
SOBA 2025 Holiday Market — Open Nov. 3 through Dec. 28, at Society of Bluffton Artists (SOBA) Gallery in Old Town Bluffton. Look for handmade art, jewelry, pottery, prints, and local crafts — perfect for unique holiday gifts. Gallery hours: Monday–Saturday 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
Jingle Stroll 2025 — Thursday, December 4, 2025 from 3:00–7:00 p.m. Slip into some local shops and galleries around Old Town for a festive “Sip & Shop” evening with treats and holiday cheer. Learn more
More Family-Friendly Holiday Fun
Christmas at The Cottage — Saturday, December 13, 2025, 9 a.m.–noon. Includes free Photos with Santa, hot chocolate (free for first 100 guests), and holiday treats. Great for a cozy morning outing with family. Bluffton.com
Golf Cart Christmas Parade — Also Saturday, December 13, 2025 @ 5:30 p.m. Bring the family for a festive evening — enjoy decorated carts, food trucks, holiday vibes, and a visit from Santa around 6:00 p.m. Bluffton.com
Holiday Hustle Artisan Market — Sunday, December 14, 2025 from 1–4 p.m. at Bluffton Taproom / Side Hustle Brewing Co. Perfect chance to support local artisans and find holiday gifts. Bluffton.com
Holiday Fun Just Down the Road — Savannah & Hilton Head (2025)
Savannah: Savannah Christmas Market & Savannah Lighted Boat Parade
Savannah Christmas Market at Plant Riverside District — Nov 20 – Dec 31, 2025. Daily 11 a.m.–9 p.m. through the riverfront district. The market features artisan goods, holiday décor, seasonal treats, live music/performances, children’s activities, a “Festival of Trees,” a gingerbread-house unveiling, and even photos with Santa. Plant Riverside District
Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony — Friday, Nov 28, 2025, 6:30–7:30 p.m. at Plant Riverside. Official kickoff for the market with a live reading of “Twas the Night Before Christmas,” choir performances, Santa & Mrs. Claus appearances. Visit Savannah
Savannah Lighted Boat Parade — Saturday, Nov 29, 2025 @ 7:00 p.m. A festive spectacle of 30+ decorated boats sailing along the Savannah River (from Eastern Wharf to Talmadge Bridge and back) — a classic coastal holiday tradition perfect for families. Visit Savannah
Christmas on the River / Waterfront Arts & Performances Weekend — Fri & Sat, Dec 12–13, 2025. Expect dance and musical performances at the riverfront, waterfront shopping along River Street, and holiday atmosphere as part of the broader festivities tied to the Christmas Market. Savannah Master Calendar
Savannah makes for an easy and rich holiday-season side trip if you want a bigger festive scene than Bluffton — markets, lights, riverfront strolls, and boat-parade magic.
Hilton Head Island: Coastal Holiday Lights & Family Festivities
Official Town Tree Lighting — Lowcountry Celebration Park, Friday Dec 5, 2025, 5:30–7:30 p.m. The 30-foot Christmas tree lights up the park with holiday music, food trucks, hot cocoa, a laser-light show, and a visit from Santa. Great free, family-friendly way to start the island’s holiday season. hiltonheadislandsc.gov
Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina Holiday Lights Display — nightly Nov 24–Dec 31, 2025 (starting ~5:00 PM) Take a waterfront stroll or dinner at the marina, surrounded by 125,000+ lights, holiday décor, garlands, and 2-D light displays — a relaxing holiday-lights outing for families or couples. Hilton Head Island
Shelter Cove Towne Centre Holiday Lights & Holiday Tree — Nov 18, 2025 through January 7, 2026 A walkable shopping + holiday-lights experience with a big decorated tree, store-front décor, and great opportunity for holiday photos. Shelter Cove, Hilton Head Island+2Shelter Cove, Hilton Head Island+2
Winter Wonderland Festival — Shelter Cove Community Park, Saturday Dec 6, 2025, ~3:00–6:00 p.m. Free family fun: bounce houses, music/DJ, candy-cane hunt, visits with Santa, treats — a festive daytime outing for kids and families. palmeravacationclub.com
Holiday Music & Concert Traditions — Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra / Hilton Head Choral Society: e.g. “Holiday Pops” shows Nov 30 & Dec 1, 2025 at First Presbyterian Church, and a “Celebrate the Holidays” concert Dec 5 — a cozy indoor holiday-season option if you want music and warmth. palmeravacationclub.com
Whether you're staying in Bluffton or venturing to the nearby towns of Hilton Head, Savannah, or Beaufort, the holiday season in the Lowcountry offers endless opportunities to create magical moments with your family. From sparkling lights and festive parades to unique markets and unforgettable concerts, this region has all the ingredients for a special holiday season.
Enjoy the Lowcountry’s charm, and happy holidays!