Cultural Compendium | These holiday events will help brighten the season
After what felt like decades of transitions, transformations and accommodations due to the pandemic, the heart and soul of the cultural arts community — the presenters and the appreciators alike — are focusing their attentions toward the upcoming holidays. So here we go ...
HILTON HEAD DANCE PRESENTS THE NUTCRACKER
The Hilton Head Dance Theatre first presented this classic on Hilton Head Island in 1985, and in the years since, these holiday productions have delighted tens of thousands of residents and visitors alike. At the helm for each of these productions have been artistic directors Karena Brock-Carlyle and her husband, John Carlyle.
Where: Seahawk Cultural Center, 70 Wilborn Lane, Hilton Head
When: Friday, Nov. 18 at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 19 at 7:30, and Sunday, Nov. 20 at 2:30 p.m.
Info: hiltonheaddance.com
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BEAUFORT COMMUNITY NUTCRACKER
Throughout the world, Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker ballet is one of the most famous Christmas traditions. The Beaufort Community Nutcracker is proudly presenting two shows this month. Nearly 80 local dancers, along with three guest male professional dancers, will delight audiences of all ages.
Where: Beaufort High School Performing Arts Center, 84 Sea Island Parkway, Lady’s Island
When: Saturday, Nov. 19 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 20 at 3 p.m.
Info: NutcrackerBoardMembers@gmail.com
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MAIN STAGE COMMUNITY THEATRE
FOOTLOOSE, THE MUSICAL
Based on the hit film, and the true story of Elmore City, Oklahoma, which banned dancing for 90 years, Footloose is back! And it is winning over the hearts (and feet!) of the whole community.
Where: HHPS Main Street Theatre, 3000 Main St., HHI
When: Friday, Nov. 18 and Saturday, Nov. 19, at 7 p.m., and Sunday, Nov. 20, at 2 p.m.
Info: mainstagecommunitytheatre.org
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ARTS CENTER OF COASTAL CAROLINA
A CHRISTMAS STORY, THE MUSICAL
A Christmas Story: The Musical chronicles young Ralphie Parker as he schemes his way toward the holiday gift of his dreams. Meanwhile, an infamous leg lamp, outrageous pink bunny pajamas, a magical department store Santa, and a triple-dog-dare to lick a freezing flagpole are just a few of the distractions that stand between Ralphie and his Christmas wish.
Where: Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, 14 Shelter Cove Lane, HHI
When: Dec. 7–31. Times are 7:30 p.m. except 2 p.m. on Sundays. There are blackout dates.
Info: artshhi.com, 843.842.2787
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USCB CENTER FOR THE ARTS
JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH, JR.
Roald Dahl’s “James and the Giant Peach,” Beaufort Children’s Theatre.
Where: USCB Center for the Arts, 805 Carteret St., Beaufort
When: Friday, Nov. 18 and Saturday, Nov. 18, at 7 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 20 at 3 p.m.
Info: USCBCenterForTheArts.com
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LOWCOUNTRY CELEBRATION PARK
HILTON HEAD HANUKKAH CELEBRATION
Come celebrate the Jewish holiday Hanukkah. All are welcomed to participate in this event featuring the lighting of the Menorah, latkes and sufganiyot (traditional Hanukkah food), music, dreidel games and more. Attendees are invited to contribute to a holiday collection to support individuals in need.
Where: Lowcountry Celebration Park, HHI
When: Sunday, Dec. 18, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Info: Free admission
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FRIENDS OF THE BROTHERS
A CELEBRATION OF THE ALLMAN BROTHERS BAND
Where: Hilton Head Island Beach & Tennis Resort, 40 Folly Field Road, HHI
When: Saturday, Dec. 17 at 8 p.m.
Info: friendsofthebrothersband.com
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THE LOWCOUNTRY CHAPTER OF THE AMERICAN GUILD OF ORGANISTS PRESENTS:
DEBRA DICKENSHEETS IN RECITAL, FEATURING ZAC LAVENDER, CELLIST
Where: St. Andrew By-the-Sea United Methodist Church, 20 Pope Ave., HHI
When: Friday, Nov. 18 at 7 p.m.
Info: www.lcgochapter.org
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ANNUAL BLUFFTON COMMUNITY TREE LIGHTING
The Town’s Christmas tree lighting, Santa’s workshop and movie night, featuring “The Grinch,” is the official kickoff to the holiday season. It’s Bluffton’s way to usher in the holidays complete with lights, music and getting together with your neighbors.
Where: Martin Family Park and DuBois Park’s Pavilion, Bluffton
When: Friday, Dec. 2 at 5:30 p.m.
Info: tobchristmasparade@townofbluffton.com, attendees should bring blankets and chairs
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51st ANNUAL BLUFFTON CHRISTMAS PARADE
Hosted by the Town of Bluffton, parade participants will step off from Town Hall and proceed through Old Town and end at Red Cedar Elementary School.
Where: Old Town Bluffton
When: Saturday, Dec. 3 at 10 a.m.
Info: tobchristmasparade@townofbluffton.com, attendees should bring blankets and chairs
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HILTON HEAD PREP FESTIVAL OF TREES
HHP Festival of Trees is one of the area’s largest holiday-themed events. The trees, a spectacular display of beautifully and creatively themed Christmas trees in all sizes and colors are sponsored and decorated by local organizations, businesses and individuals. There will also be wreaths, centerpieces, and garland. All proceeds benefit HHP tuition assistance program for local students.
Where: Marriott Hilton Head Resort & Spa, 1 Hotel Circle, Palmetto Dunes, HHI
When: Nov 17–Dec 3
Info: hhpfestivaloftrees.com
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ARTS INITIATIVE AT PALMETTO BLUFF
HOLIDAY ARTISAN MARKET
The Arts Initiative at Palmetto Bluff is excited to announce its first annual Holiday Artisan Market. Kindle the spirit of the season and join in for an afternoon of comfort, joy and magnificent art. Guests can finish their holiday shopping with an incredible selection of original pieces from local artists and craftsmen. There will also be live entertainment from Shay Martin Lovette, children’s activities and a visit with Santa Claus to bolster the seasonal merriment and 20% of the ticket price and 10% of participating artisan sales will benefit Family Promise of Beaufort County.
When: Sunday, Dec. 4, noon to 5 p.m.
Where: Boathouse Row at Palmetto Bluff’s Wilson Village
Info: palmettobluff.com or Morgan Stewart at morgan@alexandramalloy.com
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ARTS CENTER OF COASTAL CAROLINA
HOLIDAY KICK-OFF!
Santa, Mrs. Claus and Rudolph are part of the festivities! Lowcountry groups will perform, including the cast of “A Christmas Story, The Musical.” Get a jump start on shopping at our art market.
Where: Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, 14 Shelter Cove Lane, HHI
When: Saturday, Nov. 19, 3-5 p.m.
Info: artshhi.com 843.842.2787
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HISTORIC HOLIDAYS: A CELEBRATION OF SEA ISLAND TRADITIONS
From Dec. 4-11, come over the bridge to Hilton Head for the Heritage Library’s event, curated by Gullah Celebration. Featuring entertainment by Louise Cohen of the Gullah Museum of Hilton Head Island, Aunt Pearlie Sue, Ring Shouters and Deaz Guyz.
Where: Gullah Market at Lowcountry Celebration Park
When: Saturday, Dec. 4, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Info: Visit www.gullahcelebration.com to purchase tickets
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HISTORIC MITCHELVILLE FREEDOM PARK’S DRIVE-THROUGH HOLIDAY LIGHT DISPLAY
This is a drive through experience of lights in the heart of Historic Mitchelville.
Where: Coastal Discovery Museum, 70 Honey Horn Drive, HHI
When: Dec. 4-6, begins at dusk each night
Info: www.eventbrite.com/e/2021-historic-holidays-tickets. Reservation requested.
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COLONIAL CHRISTMAS AT ZION CHAPEL OF EASE CEMETERY
Tour the cemetery and learn about what Christmas was like during the colonial era on Hilton Head Island. Meet living history characters and hear their stories.
Where: At the intersection of Mathews Drive, Folly Field Road and U.S. 278
When: Tuesday, Dec. 7, 4-5:30 p.m.
Info: Cost $5 per adult, children are free
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A SOLDIER’S HOLIDAY AT FORT MITCHEL
Tour this Civil War-era fort and learn about what the holidays were like for the soldiers serving there.
Where: Hilton Head Plantation at 65 Skull Creek Drive – gates passes available
When: Thursday, Dec. 9, 4-5 p.m.
Info: www.eventbrite.com/e/2021-historic-holidays-tickets. Reservations requested
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AUTHORS, ARTISTS & AFTERNOON TEA
HOLIDAY TEA SERVICE AND SWEET & SAVORY HOLIDAY TASTINGS
Obtain author signatures on books for the holidays; shop with local artists and basketmakers and listen to holiday stories for children (free milk and cookies, too!).
Where: USCB Hilton Head campus
When: Saturday, Dec. 10, 10-4 p.m.
Info: $15 entrance fee, $35 includes entrance and tea service, children under 12 free, Heritagelib.org/historicholidays for tickets, cash bar
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HILTON HEAD CHORAL SOCIETY: A SEASON OF NEW BEGINNINGS
THE MANY MOODS OF THE SEASON
Where: First Presbyterian Church, 540 William Hilton Parkway, HHI
When: Friday, Dec. 9
Info: hiltonheadchoralsociety.org, 843.341.3818
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THE SOCIETY OF BLUFFTON ARTISTS (SOBA)
CHRISTMAS BAZAAR
Handmade holiday decor and gift items available.
Where: 6 Church St., Bluffton
When: through Dec 31
Info: sobagallery.com
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ART LEAGUE OF HILTON HEAD
GALLERY OF GIFTS
A festive tradition continues this holiday season as the Art League Gallery is transformed into a “Gallery of Gifts,” featuring one-of-a-kind décor and gift items handmade by local artists.
Where: 14 Shelter Cove Lane, HHI
When: through Dec. 31, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Info: artshhi.org or 843.681.5060
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LEAN ENSEMBLE
EDUCATING RITA
Frank is a tutor of English in his 50s whose disillusioned outlook on life drives him to drink and bury himself in his books. Enter Rita, a forthright 26 year-old hairdresser who is eager to learn. Their relationship as teacher and student blossoms, providing new leases on life for both the student and the teacher.
Where: HHPS Main Street Theatre, 3000 Main St., HHI
When: Dec. 8-18… plan to stay for the always impactful “talk back”
Info: leanensemble.org, 843.715.6676
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LA PETITE GALLERIE CELEBRATES THE HOLIDAYS
La Petite Gallerie invites everyone to join all of the gallery artists during the Holiday Art Week. You will be treated to an up close look at the artwork and further will be offered its signature Prosecco/cider cocktails and an array of holiday treats! Meet artist Rose Cofield, Lauren Terrett, Wally Palmer, Bill Wing and Kristin Griffis.
Where: 56 Calhoun St., adjacent to The Store in Bluffton
When: Friday, Nov. 18, 5-7 p.m.
Info: lapetitegallerie.com
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RED PIANO GALLERY
FULLY FACING THE ARRIVAL OF THE HOLIDAYS
On the evening of the Bluffton Artwalk, Nov. 18, from 5-7 p.m., Ben and Lyn Whiteside of the storied Red Piano Gallery in Bluffton will host a reception honoring their featured artist, Sonya Griffin Evans … and for the first time in 3 years the Whiteheads will offer a reception serving wines from a selection of their fine collection. Evans will be in place at the gallery that evening to discuss the details of her highly regarded artwork. The entire event will be particularly festive, and there will be astonishing piano playing.
Where: 40 Calhoun St., Ste. 201, Bluffton
When: through Nov 30
Info: 843-842-4433
Contact Nancy K. Wellard at coastalartnews@gmail.com
