During the holiday season, there is enough inspiration and magic along the coast from Mount Pleasant to Murrells Inlet to get even a Scrooge in the spirit. To create memories that will last well beyond winter, venture off the beaten path and explore the traditions of these alluring seaside towns.
MOUNT PLEASANT
Since the Mount Pleasant Christmas Light Parade first started more than a quarter century ago, according to the Town of Mount Pleasant’s Community Affairs & Marketing Division Chief, Nicole Harvey, “The parade has grown tremendously both in terms of participants as well as spectators. All of the effort that our community organizations and businesses put into creating amazing, beautifully-lit floats truly embodies the spirit of the holidays to produce an incredibly festive event that families will always remember. It is an event that is cherished by our entire community and the many people who visit to enjoy the spectacle of it all. Of course, all the happy children and smiling faces are just the best!”
This year’s parade will be held on Sunday, Dec. 14. To learn more about traffic, parking, seating and standing guidelines, visit tompsc.com.
AWENDAW
For a unique shopping experience reminiscent of the German holiday markets, step into the enchanting Christkindlmarkt Charleston in Awendaw and browse the wares of local craftsmen as well as seasonal gifts, decor and other traditional treasures imported from England, France, Germany, Sweden, Austria, Denmark and Nepal.
For the schedule and to purchase tickets, visit ticketsignup.io.
GEORGETOWN
The tree lighting at Francis Marion Park in Georgetown on Dec. 5 features performances from the School of Dance, carolers and two church choirs, alongside snow machines, a serving of hot chocolate donated by the Lions Club and a meet-and-greet with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Al Joseph, Main Street director for the City of Georgetown who emcees the festivities, said, “Every year our goal is to create more magical ‘Hallmark moments.’”
Joseph added, “Dec. 6 is our annual parade, which is a wonderful annual event that people look forward to. Afterwards, everyone gets the opportunity to take a photo with Santa in Francis Marion Park.”
Visit georgetownsc.gov to learn more about timing and scheduling.
PAWLEYS ISLAND
Every Saturday and Sunday in December, the Hammock Shops Village in Pawleys Island hosts a Christmas Village that includes the chance to take a picture with Santa and Mrs. Claus and enjoy a holiday train ride.
For more details, visit hammockshops.com.
MURRELLS INLET
Recognized as one of the premier events in the Southeast, the Nights of a Thousand Candles at Brookgreen Gardens is a magical experience for all ages. Vice President of Marketing Lauren Joseph said that although the gates open at 4 p.m., it’s better to arrive sometime after 5 and before 6 p.m. to avoid long lines. Guests will still have time to walk around before dark and the tree lighting, which starts around 6 or 6:15 p.m.
Once inside the event, the magic begins. “An 80- foot lit China fir tree that anchors the arboretum illuminates so brightly it can probably be seen from outer space,” Joseph said. “Additionally, along the Avenue of the Oaks, 3,000 candles are hand-lit and blown out each night.”
While strolling through the sculpture gardens, beneath the historic oak trees strung with two million lights, guests are entertained by a band as well as a bagpiper. Food is readily available, Joseph added, as Austin’s Harvest Restaurant takes reservations and the Old Kitchen is open. There are also food trucks such as Campbell Catering Company, which serves a Lowcountry buffet with fried shrimp. Beverage stations offer hot chocolate, wine and hot cider.
“Because the event is so popular, we sell out every year,” emphasized Joseph. “As such, we have an issue with people trying to sell counterfeit tickets. The only place you are guaranteed legitimate tickets are on our website. Do not purchase them on social media, not even on Eventbrite.”
Since the event happens rain or shine, be sure to check the weather and bundle up or bring an umbrella if needed. As this is Brookgreen Gardens’ biggest fundraiser to educate community members and guests about conservation, education and history, tickets are nonrefundable.
To learn more, visit brookgreen.org.
By Sarah Rose
The parade was started in the 90’s when I was Mayor of Mount Pleasant