Christmastime in Summerville: All the Events You Need to Know About

Christmastime in Summerville is an awesome time to enjoy everything that our town has to offer. From our annual Christmas tree lighting in Hutchinson Square, to the history-infused celebration at Middleton Place, Summerville has so many experiences at Christmas for your family to enjoy

Here is a list of the ones you do not want to miss!

December 1st: Annual Christmas Tree Lighting in Hutchison Square

Join the Town of Summerville and the Summerville Garden Club for the Annual Christmas Tree Lighting in Hutchinson Square on Tuesday, December 1, 2015, 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM. We will have food vendors with items available for purchase, a few free holiday themed activities for kids as well as free cookies from Summerville DREAM. The Summerville Jaycees will be participating in the event with Christmas Cards for event goers to write a short message and Christmas Cheers to the Troops serving oversees as part of their Annual Holiday Mail for Heroes Campaign. The musical entertainment will kick-off at 6:00 PM in front of Town Hall. The Tree Lighting is scheduled for approximately 7:00 PM. Little Main St. and W. Richardson Ave. between Main St. and Short Central will be closed to traffic for the safety of event goers. This is a rain or shine event.

December 3rd – 6th: Bethany United Methodist Church: The Living Christmas Story

“A few nights each December, the parking lot of Bethany United Methodist Church becomes the city of Bethlehem. The pavement and the people are transformed into the Living Christmas Story, a drive-through re-enactment of the way life was 2,000 years ago on the night Jesus Christ was born. Not an ordinary Christmas play, the Living Christmas Story uses real people from the Summerville community who become the people of Bethlehem. Villagers, a blacksmith, the innkeeper, pottery makers, the marketplace and many more scenes come alive as you drive through and experience the night Christ came to us.

Often described as beautiful and moving, the Living Christmas Story is an experience that many thousands of spectators have witnessed over the years. The presentation features 19 scenes, viewed as vehicles travel a candle-lit drive winding through the Bethany parking lot. Visitors see the angel Gabriel talking with Mary; the holy family traveling to Bethlehem; King Herod on his throne; and angels sharing the news of Christ’s birth with the shepherds in the field. On the other side of Bethlehem’s city gate, visitors watch blacksmiths, carpenters and potters in a bustling market scene. There are centurions on horseback, fishermen mending their nets, and, most importantly, Baby Jesus resting in a manger.”

The Living Christmas Story will be take place Thursday, December 3rd from 6:30-8pm and Friday, December 4th and Saturday, December 5th from 6:30-pm.

December 12th: Family Yuletide in the Stableyardss at Middleton Place

Fresh greenery, berries and other natural items gathered from the plantation will be provided to make wreaths and other holiday decor. Stableyards artisan shops will be lit by candlelight as craftspeople ply their trades and interact with visitors. Seasonal refreshments provided. Click here for tickets.

December 13th: Summerville Christmas Parade

Sponsored by Summerville DREAM, the Annual Christmas Parade is a free, public event that brings the community together to spread Christmas cheer. Traditionally, the parade is one of the largest in the state, and has featured nearly 3,000 participants with an overwhleming spectatorship of 25,000. The Parade sports an annual theme, in which the paricipants’ floats are judged, based on originality, creativity, and overall effort. Community members are encouraged to promote their organization, school or business to help celebrate the holiday. Spread Christmas cheer by dressing in holiday costume, handing out candy, etc. — only participants in the holiday spirit will be allowed to take part in the procession.

A Storybook Christmas is the theme for the 2015 parade.  A favorite Christmas tale, sweet memories from holidays past, or dreams for the future…. A Storybook Christmas has many different meanings. Parade Starts: Sunday, December 13th, 2015 @ 2 p.m.

December 17th: Christmas Carol Walking Tour

Sure you may have heard the story of Ebeneezer Scrooge and the three ghosts who visited him one Christmas night. However, if you have never heard the story as told by storyteller Tim Lowry, you have never really heard the story! Join us on December 17th, 2015 at either 5:30 p.m. or 7:00 p.m. for a memorable evening of ghosts and Christmas cheer! Tickets for this event $15.00. Get your tickets before they sell out! Click here for tickets.

December 17th-19th: Grand Illumination and Buffet Dinner at Middleton Place

Celebrate the return of Arthur Middleton from Philadelphia, the end of the Revolutionary War in the South and the departure from Charleston of the occupying British troops. Warm fires, dramatic presentations and buffet will help make Grand Illumination a memorable part of the season. Click here for tickets.

 

If you know of any other Christmastime events taking place in Summerville, please visit my Facebook page and share them!