SC has one of the best small towns to visit for Christmas, HGTV says. Here’s where & why
HGTV selected 50 small cities across America that go all out with Christmas decorating and one is in South Carolina.
It’s Beaufort, the historic city on Port Royal Island, population about 14,000.
HGTV praised big city holiday events but not to be missed are small towns that “promise to deliver a storybook Christmas filled with candy canes, hot chocolate and Santa.”
HGTV says the city is known for Spanish moss and Southern charm. It also has many well-preserved antebellum mansions, including the one used in the movies “Prince of Tides” and “The Big Chill.”
The British founded the city in 1711, making it South Carolina’s second-oldest city after Charleston.
HGTV recommends Gullah Taste of Christmas & Rice Cookoff. The event includes Da’ Gullah Rice Cookoff.
Its website calls it a “spirited culinary competition” held in “tribute to the rich heritage of the Gullah people, whose ancestors brought rice to the United States, transforming South Carolina into the wealthiest colony before the Revolutionary War.”
The event draws young chefs — 17 and under — as well as adults, who stand to win $3,000 for first place.
HGTV recommended Christmas Wish ... Freedom 2025 by the Gullah Traveling Theater Inc. and Holiday Bash presented by the University of South Carolina Beaufort Center for the Arts.
The musical, which was staged on Thursday, is about the last Christmas before the Civil War when South Carolina had seceded from the Union, Master’s talking war, and “servants in the Quarters talking freedom coming.”
Holiday Bash is the Beaufort Symphony Orchestra’s concert at 5 p.m. Dec. 14 at the USCB Center for the Arts. Ticket prices with fees range from $17.03 to $53.25.
“Elsewhere, holiday markets, horse-drawn carriage rides and the opportunity to explore the town’s historic district with its quaint streets and antebellum homes create a warm atmosphere to celebrate the season,” HGTV said.
Visit Beaufort has a full list of December events including the annual boat parade Dec. 6, sweetgrass basket workshop at Marshfield Mercantile and the Christmas parade.