A Lowcountry Christmas

Welcome to this month’s Blogorail Peach Loop. Today we are discussing regional Holiday events. Welcome aboard!

Even though it’s not the typical Christmas setting, there’s still lots of holiday cheer!  Most people don’t think sun and sand when they think Christmas but here in the South, that’s what you’ll get for most holidays.  Our first Christmas in the South after living in Michigan our entire lives was a bit of an adjustment.  It was nice to share pictures spending Christmas morning at the beach with the ocean waves crashing behind us to family bundled up in the cold snowy north though!  Whether you live here or just visit, there are lots of holiday happenings in the Lowcountry.

Savannah Santa Train

The George State Railroad Museum hosts the Savannah Santa Train each year for one magical day.   Come decked out in your holiday best to ride on the train, make crafts, get your face painted and just have some fun.  Tickets are required for this event and do tend to sell out quickly.  If you’re planning on attending, ordering your tickets in advance is a good idea.  Having your time already booked can give you the ability to plan around meals and nap times to help keep meltdowns to a minimum.

Charleston County Festival of Lights

One of the first adventures we took after we’d moved was to this Festival of Lights.  After paying an admission fee, you’re able to drive through hundreds of different light displays.  Half way through the displays, there’s an option to park and explore a little holiday village set up complete with a train ride and campfire to warm up.  You’ll even get to see a really cool sand sculpture on your explorations.  Once you’re done checking everything out, you’ll get to ride through the rest of the displays before heading home for the night.  Bring your own snacks to enjoy in the car or purchase some when you stop.

Harbour Town Lights

Nothing says Christmas in the South like a lighthouse surrounded by Christmas lights.  Make time to visit Harbour Town in Sea Pines to check out the lights.  There is an entrance fee to get into Sea Pines but viewing the lights is free.  Some nights include other events like movies under the oak trees or making s’mores.

Dove Street Lights

For many years, residents of Dove Street on Hilton Head Island put together amazing light displays and people flocked from miles around to check them out.  After the costs continued to grow and it got too much for the families to keep up with the growing demand, Shelter Cove took over the display.  Reminiscent of the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights, you can walk through the light display in the “snow” and even meet Santa himself!  We love having this little reminder of Disney so close to home.  While viewing the lights is free, donations are generally collected for local organizations helping families in need.

While you’re enjoying the lights and festivities, remember to dress for the weather.  Once the sun goes down, things can get chilly quickly so it’s a good idea to bring a jacket or sweater along.  During the day when the sun’s shining, enjoying holiday decor in shorts and a t-shirt might be more appropriate.  And feel free to share those pictures on social media with all your friends shoveling snow.  They’ll love it – I promise!

 

For more information on regional holiday events to visit with your family,
check out the other great posts from the Blogorail!

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Here is the map of our Blogorail Peach | Family Adventure | Regional Holiday Events

• 1st Stop – Home is Where the Mouse Is | New York City Christmas
• 2nd Stop – Always Moving Mommy | A Lowcountry Christmas
• 3rd Stop – Trips with Tykes | Christmas in San Francisco
• 4th Stop – Adventureland Pam | Christmas Town at Busch Gardens
• 5th Stop – Family Travel Escapades | Christmas in Louisville