55th annual Bluffton Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting Events

The Town of Bluffton will kick off the holiday season Dec. 4-5 with its 55th annual Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting. The festivities launch a month of holiday events, including visits with Santa, outdoor ice skating, a holiday craft fair and a performance of "The Nutcracker."

Friday, December 4 | Tree Lighting

The festivities begin at 5:30 p.m. with the Town's Tree Lighting ceremony at Martin Family Park. Families can then visit Santa's Workshop at the DuBois Park pavilion before enjoying an outdoor showing of "The Muppet Christmas Carol" at 6:30 p.m.

Saturday, December 5 | Christmas Parade

The Bluffton Christmas Parade steps off at 10 a.m. and winds through the Historic District. For more than five decades, the parade has brought residents, businesses and community organizations together to celebrate the holiday season. As Bluffton has grown, so has this popular tradition. To help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone, the Town asks parade participants and spectators to follow all parade guidelines.

2026 Christmas Parade Guidelines

Parade entries: The parade is limited to 125 entries, accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Participants are encouraged to apply early.

Application deadline: Applications must be submitted by Friday, Nov. 13. Paper applications are also available at the Town of Bluffton Welcome Center, 111 Calhoun St.

Application link: https://www.townofbluffton.sc.gov/FormCenter/Town-15/Town-of-Bluffton-Christmas-Parade-Applic-100

Donations instead of entry fees: There is no required entry fee. Instead, participants are encouraged to donate to the Mayor's Stay Safe, Bluffton! Scholarship Fund. Donations support scholarships for Bluffton students and the Town's safe driving campaign, which promotes roadway safety and works to reduce traffic-related injuries and deaths.

How to donate: Donations of any amount can be made via the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, the nonprofit organization that manages the fund. Donations are tax-deductible.

Donation link: https://lowcountry.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=1796

Candy and giveaways: Throwing candy or other items from floats or vehicles is prohibited. Participants walking alongside parade entries may hand candy or promotional items directly to spectators. Spectators must remain out of the roadway.

Rain or shine: Both events are scheduled to take place rain or shine. The Town will cancel an event only if weather conditions are considered unsafe. If the parade is canceled, it will not be rescheduled because of the extensive planning and coordination required.