January 13: On the grounds of the iconic Beaufort mansion, Marshlands. Scheduled to begin at 6 p.m., the event at 501 Pinckney Street is open to Historic Beaufort Foundation members and the general public. Ticket prices have been reduced this year to $45 per person and to $35 for those 35-years-old and younger.
March 5 – 10: The 27th Annual Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival brings together wine, spirits and food lovers for a six-day Festival. The Festival provides wine lovers and gourmet foodies alike, an opportunity to sample outstanding domestic and international wines and some of the Lowcountry’s best cuisine.
December 1 – January 11:
The Coastal Discovery Museum on Hilton Head Island is seeking artists who work in acrylic, pastels, clay, wood, fibers, metals, jewelry, watercolors, oil, mixed media or photography for The Art Market at Honey Horn, a juried fine art and craft show, April 28-29, 2012. Five thousand dollars in prize money will be awarded. Applications are available online. For details, contact Natalie Hefter at (843) 689-6767 ext. 225 or visit coastaldiscovery.org.
December 1 – January 7:
“Songs of My People,“ an exhibit of original paintings by renowned artist Luther Vann, is on display in the York W. Bailey Museum at the Penn Center on St. Helena Island. Vann, a native of Savannah and student of the Masters of the Harlem Renaissance, is the featured artist for the 2011 Heritage Days celebration. 16 Penn Center Circle W. (843) 838-2474 or penncenter.com.
December 1 – 31:
The Parris Island Museum is open daily from 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. and 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. on Family and Graduation Days. Explore the long, rich legacy of the Marine Corps, as well as the exciting history of the Port Royal region. Admission is free. The public is welcome to visit Parris Island, access may be dependent upon current security needs. A driver’s license, proof of vehicle insurance and registration are required. Boulevard de France. (843) 228-3650 or mcrdpi.usmc.mil.
December 1 – 31:
The Verdier House Museum in Beaufort’s National Historic Landmark District is open for tours, Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. “The Beaufort Artillery: Guardians of the Lowcountry Since 1776” exhibit features an “unsurrendered flag” Civil War flag carried by Beaufort’s Civil War militia and other memorabilia owned by the Historic Beaufort Foundation, the former Beaufort Museum and the Confederate Relic Room and Military Museum. Guided tours are available by appointment. 801 Bay St. (843) 379-6335 or historicbeaufort.org.
December 1 – 31:
Self-Guided Tours of the Hunting Island Lighthouse, South Carolina’s only publicly accessible historic lighthouse dating from the 1870s, 6 a.m.-6 p.m. Lighthouse admission is $2. Hunting Island State Park also offers a variety of Barrier Island educational programs for all ages throughout the year, such as “Beach Explorations,” “A Walk in the Woods“ and “Salt Marsh Kayaking.” Call the Nature Center for details and reservations. 2555 Sea Island Pkwy. (843) 838-7437 or southcarolinaparks.com.
December 1 – 31:
“The Story Quilts of Dorothy Montgomery” exhibit is on display in the ARTworks Gallery in Beaufort Town Center. This South Carolinian and contemporary quilter has been inspired by legendary 19th Century American quilter, Harriet Powers. 2127 Boundary St. (843) 379-2787 or beaufortcountyarts.com.
December 1 – 31:
Daily tours of Bluffton’s Rose Hill Mansion, a Gothic Revival-style home built circa 1858 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Reservations required. 199 Rose Hill Way. (843) 757-6046 or rosehillmansion.com.
December 1 – 31:
Gullah Heritage Trail Tours depart from the Coastal Discovery Museum at Honey Horn on Hilton Head Island, Tuesday-Sunday. Experience the Gullah culture of Hilton Head Island on a two-hour tour of 10 neighborhoods established during the Civil War. Reservations required. 70 Honey Horn Dr. (843) 681-7066 or gullaheritage.com.
December 1 – 22:
Daily Tours of the York W. Bailey Museum at the Penn Center on St. Helena Island, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults; $3 for youth. 16 Penn Center Circle. (843) 838-2432 or penncenter.com.
December 1 – 20:
“The Life and Times of Congressman Robert Smalls, 1839-1915,” an exhibit curated by Smalls’ direct descendent, Helen B. Moore, is on display at the Verdier House. The exhibit contains the family’s artifacts, documents and other memorabilia related to his life. Admission is $10 per person for non-members and includes a tour of the house and a new permanent exhibit on the Beaufort Volunteer Artillery. 801 Bay St. (843) 379-6335 or historicbeaufort.org.
December 1 – 18:
The South Carolina Repertory Company on Hilton Head Island presents “Oh Coward,“ a delightful musical revue celebrating Noel Coward’s wit and warmth. Wed.-Sat. at 8 p.m.; Sun. at 2 p.m. Opening Night Champagne Reception on Dec. 1. Talkbacks with the cast and director on Dec. 7 & 13. 136 Beach City Rd. (843) 342-2057 or hiltonheadtheatre.com.
December 1 – 12:
The Beaufort Art Association’s Annual Benefit Exhibit featuring original artwork by BAA members is on display and for sale in Beaufort Memorial Hospital. Proceeds from sales benefit the Betty Mazarin Pharmaceutical Assistance Fund. 955 Ribaut Rd. (843) 522-5774 or bmhsc.org.
December 1 – 4:
The Lowcountry Civil War Sesquicentennial Commemoration hosted by the Lowcountry Civil War Roundtable and the Coastal Discovery Museum at Honey Horn. A four-day event commemorating the 150th anniversary of the start of the Civil War with lectures by nationally-recognized experts/historians, exhibitions, theatrical performances, a Civil War encampment, historical tours of local and regional sites relating to Civil War history and an afternoon cruise re-enacting the Battle of Port Royal Sound. Four-day and daily tickets may be purchased in advance. 70 Honey Horn Dr. (843) 689-6767 ext. 223 or coastaldiscovery.org.
December 2 – 4:
Downtown Beaufort Holiday Weekend hosted by Main Street Beaufort, USA. 26th Annual A Night on the Town on Friday, 6-8 p.m. Downtown businesses stay open late with entertainment by local choirs, dance groups and clubs, lighting of the City’s Christmas Tree by Santa himself and a performance by the Parris Island Marine Corps Band. Light Up the Night Boat Parade in Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park on Saturday, 5:30-8:30 p.m. Traditional Christmas Parade through the downtown city streets on Sunday at 3 p.m. (843) 525-6644 or downtownbeaufort.com.
December 2, 6, 9, 13, 16, 20, 23, 27 & 30:
Friends of the Library Gently Used Bookstore is open in the Beaufort Branch Library on Tuesdays from 4-7:45 p.m. and Fridays from 1-4:45 p.m. 311 Scott St. (843) 255-6456 or beaufortcountylibrary.org.
December 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30:
Habersham Farmer’s Market in the Habersham Marketplace on Fridays, 4-7 p.m. Fresh local produce, plants, artisans, home baked and canned foods, crafts and more. 13 Market. (843) 846-3444 or habershamfarmersmarket.com.
December 2:
Trot for Tots 5K & Tot Walk hosted by USCB to benefit the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation at the Habersham Marketplace, 5 p.m. Pre-registration required. 13 Market. For details, e-mail Kerri Olivetti at Olivetti@uscb.edu.
December 3 – 17:
Visit with Santa TangerStyle in the courtyard at Tanger Outlet 2, 12-4 p.m. Professional photos with Santa. Kids and parents receive a free treat. 1414 Fording Island Rd. (843) 837-4339 or tangeroutlet.com.
December 3:
“The Metropolitan Opera Live in HD Season: Handel’s Rodelind” presented by the University of South Carolina Beaufort Center for the Arts in the USCB Performing Arts Center, 12:55 p.m. Series tickets are available. 801 Carteret St. (843) 521-4145 or uscb.edu.
December 3:
2011 Town of Bluffton Christmas Parade begins at Bluffton Town Hall, 11 a.m. The parade heads down Bridge Street to Calhoun Street to May River Road to Pin Oak Street and finishes at Oscar Frazier Park. 20 Bridge St. (843) 706-4500 or www.townofbluffton.sc.gov.
December 3:
“Celebrate the Season” at Old Santee Canal Park in Moncks Corner, 5-9 p.m. A fun-filled evening of Christmas activities, shopping, food, light displays, performances, life-size card displays, marshmallow roast, house tours, children’s crafts and more. Free and open to the public. 900 Stony Landing Rd. (843) 899-5200 or oldsanteecanalpark.org.
December 3:
Yemassee Town & Country Holiday Home Tour. This year’s tour will open up area plantations and homes. Proceeds benefit the Yemassee Revitalization Corporation. Call for details. (843) 441-7402 or yemassee-sc.org.
December 4:
The Hilton Head Choral Society’s 27th Annual Christmas Tour of Homes – The Bells of Belfair in Bluffton’s Belfair Plantation, 12-5 p.m. Six unique homes decorated in holiday splendor, refreshments and Christmas music performed by pianist Janice Creech at the Belfair Clubhouse from 2-4 p.m. and a raffle for one of six Mark Roberts’ Christmas Fairies. Tickets may be purchased in advance at various locations or at the gates of Belfair on the day of the tour. (843) 341-3818 or hiltonheadchoralsociety.org.
December 5 – 10:
23rd Annual Festival of Trees to benefit Friends of Caroline Hospice in the Charles Lind Brown Activity Center. Opening Reception with a silent auction, food from local restaurants, beer and wine, live music from Beek Webb and Company and the unveiling of the trees on December 5, 6-9 p.m. The festival features the sale of extravagantly decorated trees, baked goods, crafts, gift baskets, wreaths and more. Cookies & Photos with Santa on December 8. 1001 Hamar St. (843) 525-6257 or festivaloftreesbeaufort.com.
December 6 – 8 & 13 – 15:
“Printmaking” visual arts class with Deanna Bowdish for ages 10-16 at ARTworks in Beaufort Town Center, 4-5:30 p.m. Carve an image into a block and print from the surface. Pre-registration required. 2127 Boundary St. (843) 379-2787 or beaufortcountyarts.com.
December 6 – 8 & 13 – 15:
“Writing for the Stage” literary and performing arts class with Heather Denardo for ages 9-16 at ARTworks in Beaufort Town Center, 4-5:30 p.m. Learn the basics of scriptwriting using a variety of inspirational tools. No experience necessary. Pre-registration required. 2127 Boundary St. (843) 379-2787 or beaufortcountyarts.com.
December 6 – 8 & 13 – 15:
“Ornament Creations” visual arts class with Jean Norton-Torjussen for ages 6-9 at ARTworks in Beaufort Town Center, 4-5:30 p.m. Students create unique and wonderful ornaments ideal for gift giving. Pre-registration required. 2127 Boundary St. (843) 379-2787 or beaufortcountyarts.com.
December 7:
Free Holiday Party Planning Seminar presented by Celebration Events at the Hampton Lake Community/Lakeside Village in Bluffton, 11 a.m. Holiday entertaining ideas with food and beverage samples. RSVP required. (843) 836-7463 or e-mail cguscio@hamptonlake.com.
December 7:
“Lunch With Author Series: CJ Lyons” hosted by USCB at the Sea Pines Country Club on Hilton Head Island, noon. The former pediatric ER doctor and author of the Angels of Mercy medical thriller series discusses her latest book Rock Bottom, co-written with Erin Brokovich. Reservations required, series tickets available. (843) 521-4147 or e-mail kingsley@uscb.edu.
December 8:
Leighton Reeve Jewelry Trunk Sale at the Verdier House, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Using pearls and semi-precious stones from India, Thailand and China, Savannah artist Leighton Reeve makes a wide variety of formal and informal necklaces for all ages. A portion of the proceeds benefit’s the Historic Beaufort Foundation. 801 Bay St. (843) 379-6335 or historicbeaufort.org.
December 8:
Beaufort County Historical Society’s Fall Speaker Series at the Beaufort Yacht & Sailing Club, noon. H.H. “Bubba” Von Harten discusses his new memoir, Little Geech: A Shrimper’s Story. Free and open to the public; RSVP required. Meridian Rd. (843) 785-2767 or beaufortcountyhistoricalsociety.org.
December 9:
4th Annual Christmas Holiday Bash at Harold’s Country Club in Yemassee, SC. Roast turkey, fried fish, grilled venison, shrimp, greens and much more. Proceeds benefit the Yemassee Revitalization Corporation. Call for details. 97 US Hwy. 17A. (843) 441-7402 or yemassee-sc.org.
December 10:
“The Metropolitan Opera Live in HD Season: Gounod’s Faust” presented by the University of South Carolina Beaufort Center for the Arts in the USCB Performing Arts Center, 12:55 p.m. Series tickets are available. 801 Carteret St. (843) 521-4145 or uscb.edu.
December 10:
“Holiday Wreaths” workshop for ages 12 and up at Old Santee Canal Park in Moncks Corner, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Create a beautiful holiday wreath from natural materials found around the park. Pre-registration required. 900 Stony Landing Rd. (843) 899-5200 or oldsanteecanalpark.org.
December 10:
Lowcountry Boys & Girls Club – A Lowcountry Christmas Gala, 6- 10 p.m. Beaufort Inn in the Tabby Garden, 809 Port Republic St. Proceeds to benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Beaufort. (843) 575-5430 or bgclowcountry.org.
December 11:
USCB Festival Series, the Lowcountry’s Premier Chamber Music Concerts with artistic director and host Ed Aaron, at the USCB Performing Arts Center, 5 p.m. Music from Beethoven, Novacek, Shostakovich, Mozart and Schumann performed by world-renowned artists. Series subscriptions are available. 801 Carteret St. (843) 521-4145 or uscb.edu/festivalseries.
December 11:
“Joyous Sounds of Christmas: A Concert to Celebrate the Season” at Sea Island Presbyterian Church, 6 p.m. Featuring the Kirk Choir, Cherub Choir, Covenant Choir, Angel Choir, Sea Island Ringers and Coventry Ringers with audience carol singing. Freewill offering. 81 Lady’s Island Dr. (843) 525-0696.
December 14:
“Time for Tots: Christmas” story time and crafts for ages 3-5 at Old Santee Canal Park in Moncks Corner, 10 a.m.-noon. Pre-registration required. 900 Stony Landing Rd. (843) 899-5200 or oldsanteecanalpark.org.
December 14:
“The Art of Storytelling” workshop for ages 16 and up with Kim Weitkamp, Andy Offut Irwin and Bil Lepp at ARTworks in Beaufort Town Center, 7-9 p.m. Pre-registration encouraged. 2127 Boundary St., Ste. 18A. (843) 379-2787 or beaufortcountryarts.com.
December 15:
An “Uncalled for Christmas” show produced by ARTworks featuring Kim Weitkamp, Andy Offut Irwin and Bil Lepp at the Shed in Port Royal, 7:30 p.m. An endearing cast of characters and holiday memories come alive through story and song. Tickets may be purchased at the door. Paris Avenue. (843) 379-2787 or beaufortcountryarts.com.
December 15:
“December Musings: Music of the Season” presented by the Beaufort Symphony Orchestra at the USCB Performing Arts Center, 8 p.m. 801 Carteret St. (877) 548-3237 or www.beaufortorchestra.org.
December 17 – 18:
Open House at Bluffton’s Hampton Lake. Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. & Sun., 1-4 p.m. More than a dozen model homes will be available to tour. Complimentary hot chocolate will be served at The Tackle Box Gift Shop in Lakeside Village and guests are invited to enjoy lunch at Backwater Bill’s, the community’s private, lakefront restaurant. Reservations and credit card payment required for lunch. 98 Fording Island Rd. (843) 836-5253 or hamptonlake.com.
December 18:
Dixieland Jazz Society of the Lowcountry New Orleans-style Jazz Jam at The Jazz Corner in The Village at Wexford, 2-5 p.m. Free admission, minimum purchase for table seating. 1000 Wm. Hilton Pkwy. (843) 842-8620 or djslc.com.
December 18:
“December Musings: Music of the Season” presented by the Beaufort Symphony Orchestra at the USCB Performing Arts Center, 3 p.m. 801 Carteret St. (877) 548-3237 or www.beaufortorchestra.org.
December 18:
“The Nativity Scene” featuring musical performances by local choirs in the Frissell Community House at the Penn Center on St. Helena Island, 6:30 p.m. 16 Penn Center Circle. (843) 838-2432 or penncenter.com.
Let the good times roll! Beaufort.com calendar provides a schedule of events along with detailed information regarding each community event happening in Beaufort and the Lowcountry. Search by month to view the many diverse arts and cultural events taking place every day in Beaufort. If we’ve missed something, let us know, so we can let everyone else know what is happening in Beaufort!
December 18th! “The Nativity Scene” featuring musical performances by local choirs in the Frissell Community House at the Penn Center on St. Helena Island, 6:30 p.m.
December 15th! An “Uncalled for Christmas” show produced by ARTworks featuring Kim Weitkamp, Andy Offut Irwin and Bil Lepp at the Shed in Port Royal, 7:30 p.m. An endearing cast of characters and holiday memories come alive through story and song. Tickets may be purchased at the door.
December 15th & 18th! “December Musings – Music of the Season” presented by the Beaufort Symphony Orchestra at the USCB Performing Arts Center, 8 p.m. on December 15th and 3 p.m. on December 18th. 801 Carteret St. For tickets, call (877) 548-3237 or visit beaufortorchestra.org
December 11th! “Joyous Sounds of Christmas – A Concert to Celebrate the Season” at Sea Island Presbyterian Church, 6 p.m. Featuring the Kirk Choir, Cherub Choir, Covenant Choir, Angel Choir, Sea Island Ringers and Coventry Ringers with audience carol singing. Freewill offering.
December 9th! 4th Annual Christmas Holiday Bash at Harold’s Country Club in Yemassee, SC. Roast turkey, fried fish, grilled venison, shrimp, greens and much more. Proceeds benefit the Yemassee Revitalization Corporation. Call for details.
December 4th! Join us Sunday afternoon for a fun-filled Christmas Parade through downtown Beaufort filled with local bands, performers and, of course, SANTA! Bring the entire family out for the 2011 Traditional Christmas Parade. This is a community event featuring more than 100 entries with Christmas Holiday Themes.
Join Beaufort Sail and Power Squadron and Main Street Beaufort, USA as we celebrate another festive holiday season and the magical display of decorated boats ambling up the Beaufort River in the Light Up the Night Boat Parade at the Waterfront Park. Bring the family to watch the enchanted display of decorated boats and enjoy [...]
December 2nd! Downtown businesses stay open late for your shopping pleasure! Entertainment by local choirs, dance groups, and clubs. Christmas Tree lighting with Santa himself and a performance by the Parris Island Marine Corps Band immediately following the official lighting of the City’s Christmas Tree. Friday, December 2nd, 6-8 p.m. ANOT Entertainment Invite and Application [...]
Auldbrass Plantation showcases the architectural genius of Frank Lloyd Wright. Location: Combahee River, East of Yemassee on River Road, Beaufort County A true architectural treasure, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is nestled in the backwoods of the South Carolina Lowcountry. Located just outside Yemassee, Auldbrass Plantation is the only Southern Plantation designed [...]
The Parris Island Museum is open daily from 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. and 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. on Family and Graduation Days. Explore the long, rich legacy of the Marine Corps, as well as the exciting history of the Port Royal region. Admission is free. The Depot is home to the Marine Corps’ first Command Museum, the [...]
In the 18th century, cotton truly was king in Beaufort. Sea Island Cotton – a strain of cotton unique to the Lowcountry — served as a lucrative crop for local planters like the Elliott, Fripp, Barnwell, Heyward, Pope and Jenkins families. After the Revolutionary War, the British market for indigo disappeared, so planters needed a [...]
Located just 16 miles east of the historic town of Beaufort and is one of the most popular and beautiful beaches in South Carolina. This 5,000 acre park and it’s 3 miles of natural beach hosts more than a million visitors a year. It’s a place where you can truly find yourself again. It’s a [...]
The historic Hunting Island lighthouse was originally constructed in 1859 and is the only lighthouse in the state of South Carolina that is open to the public. From the top platform, for those who are adventurous enough to climb the 167 step spiral staircase, one truly can get a birds eye view of the Atlantic [...]
The sea islands that extend along the Eastern coast of South Carolina and Georgia have a history and a style all their own. From the sandy beaches of Edisto Island, SC to the isolated beauty of Cumberland Island, GA, the South Atlantic coast boasts a variety of islands that appeal to the dreamer in each [...]
