Edisto Beach Christmas Weekend

Edisto Beach Christmas Weekend falls on the second Friday and Saturday of December: a Holiday Market at Bay Creek Park on Friday, December 11, 2026, and the Edisto Christmas Parade along Palmetto Boulevard on Saturday, December 12. It’s the centerpiece of a quieter holiday stretch on Edisto Island that runs from late November into mid-December.

At a Glance

• When: Holiday Market Friday, Dec. 11, 2026, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.; Christmas Parade Saturday, Dec. 12, 2026, 2–3 p.m.
• Where: Market at Bay Creek Park, 3706 Docksite Road; parade on Palmetto Boulevard from the 600 block to the 100 block
• Cost: Free to attend
• Organizer: Edisto Chamber of Commerce (parade); Town of Edisto Beach (market)
• Good for: Families, holiday shoppers, off-season visitors

Shopping Local on Friday

The market fills Bay Creek Park with vendors and a food truck from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It’s the cold-weather cousin of the park’s regular Wednesday Market, which wraps up in October. Bring a bag and some cash and you can knock out small gifts in an hour, with the marsh and marina as a backdrop.

A Vintage-Themed Parade Down the Beachfront

Saturday’s parade runs from 2 to 3 p.m. down the main road through the beach town, from the 600 block of Palmetto Boulevard to the 100 block. The Chamber’s listing calls it the 36th annual parade, and the 2026 theme is “A Very Vintage Christmas.” Groups and families can enter through the Chamber’s parade sign-up form; entry was free in 2025, and no 2026 fee has been listed.

The route is the main road through town, so anyone driving in from up-island should plan to be parked on a side street well before 2.

Making It a Holiday Season Trip

A handful of other 2026 events make a longer December stay worthwhile:

• Nov. 27–28: the Crèche Festival at Edisto Island United Methodist Church, 8103 Palmetto Road, with more than 150 nativity scenes (Fri. 9 a.m.–4 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.–noon).
• Sunday, Nov. 29, 5:30–7 p.m.: the Town’s Christmas Tree Lighting & Sing Along at Bay Creek Park.
• Sunday, Dec. 6: the Edisto Community Chorus Christmas Concert at Edisto Beach Baptist Church, 414 Jungle Road (time not yet posted).

The weekend is also a good excuse to see the island’s other side. Mid-December is quiet on SC-174, so a morning drive to the Edisto Island Museum or a look at the island’s historic churches pairs well with the beach-town festivities.

Is It Worth the Trip?

If you already love Edisto in summer, this is the weekend to see it as locals do: no crowds, easy restaurant tables, and a parade where you probably know someone on a float. Off-season rental rates make a long weekend easy to justify. It’s not a big-city light show, and that’s the appeal.

Plan Your Visit

• Parking for the parade: Find a spot on a cross street off Palmetto Boulevard early and walk to the route. Golf carts can cross Palmetto Boulevard but can’t drive along it.
• Between events: Walk the beach on a cool December morning (our shelling and shark teeth guide is a good companion), or try the trails in the state park.
• Weather: December days are mild but breezy near the ocean. Check Edisto weather and pack a layer.

FAQ

What are the dates for Edisto Christmas Weekend 2026?

The Holiday Market is Friday, December 11, 10 a.m.–4 p.m., and the Christmas Parade is Saturday, December 12, at 2 p.m.

Where should I watch the parade?

Anywhere along Palmetto Boulevard between the 600 and 100 blocks. Bring chairs and arrive early for a curbside spot.

How do I enter a float or golf cart?

Use the Chamber’s parade sign-up form, or call the Chamber at 843-869-3867.

What happens if it rains?

No rain date is listed. Check the Chamber’s Christmas Weekend page for updates that week.

Details from the Edisto Chamber of Commerce as of October 2026; confirm with the organizer before you go. Browse the rest of the season in our Edisto Island events calendar.