10 Best Family Christmas Activities in Bluffton (2026)
Christmas with your family doesn’t have to mean filling every evening or planning something elaborate. Sometimes, the moments your kids remember most are the cookies you decorated together, the lights you spotted from the back seat, or the person you helped feel loved.
If you’re looking for Christmas family activities in Bluffton, this list gives you 10 ways to make memories, explore our community, and keep Jesus at the center of the season. Choose a few favorites, let your kids help make the plans, and make room for time together.
1. See the Bluffton Christmas Tree Lighting
Start the season with a little hometown Christmas magic at Martin Family Park. Watch the tree light up, take a family photo, and enjoy an evening in Bluffton together.
When: Friday, December 4 at 5:30pm
Where: Martin Family Park
After the tree lighting, families can then visit Santa's Workshop at the DuBois Park pavilion before enjoying an outdoor showing of "The Muppet Christmas Carol" at 6:30pm.
2. Go Ice Skating at New Riverside Barn Park
Trade your everyday shoes for ice skates and try something festive together. Whether your kids glide confidently or spend most of their time holding your hand, the fun is in sharing the experience.
When: Select dates, December 11–20
Where: New Riverside Barn Park
3. Drive Around to See Christmas Lights
Put on Christmas music and take a drive to see lights around Bluffton and the surrounding area. Let everyone pick a favorite display, or turn the ride into a scavenger hunt for stars, snowmen, and nativity scenes.
4. Attend the Bluffton Christmas Parade
Make plans for a morning in Historic Old Town Bluffton at the Christmas parade. Find a spot together, enjoy the festive sights, and let your kids wave as the parade passes by.
When: Saturday, December 5 at 10:00am
Where: Historic Old Town Bluffton
5. Shop Local at a Christmas Market
Get to know local Bluffton businesses and let your kids help choose a thoughtful gift. Talk about the person you’re shopping for and what would make them smile. It’s a simple way to support your community while teaching your children to give with care.
Christmas Market at Washington Square:
Saturday, November 28 | 3:00–7:00pm
Saturday, December 5 | 3:00–7:00pm
Washington Square | 25 Minetta Ln, Bluffton
Bluffton Christmas Market at Lowcountry Community Church:
Saturday, December 12 | 9:00am–1:00pm
Lowcountry Community Church | 801 Buckwalter Pkwy, Bluffton
6. Explore the May River and Spot Wildlife
Spend some time enjoying the May River from a public waterfront spot. Look for birds and other wildlife, and let your kids point out what they notice. Take a moment to thank God for the beauty He’s placed around your family.
7. Visit the Lowcountry Christmas Experience
Make the Lowcountry Christmas Experience part of your family’s Christmas tradition. Invite another family to come along and enjoy an evening together as you celebrate the season.
Featuring the Bluffton’s largest walking trail of lights, photos with Santa, a petting zoo, live Nativity, live Christmas band, and more!
When: Sunday, December 20, 6:00pm–8:00pm
8. Give Food or Supplies to a Local Food Drive or Charity
Check a local food drive or charity’s current needs, then shop together for a few requested items. Let your kids help pick out and deliver the donations. Talk about how sharing what we have is one way to show the love of Jesus.
The Lowcountry Food Pantry is receiving donations through December 6. Shop for needed items HERE →
9. Wave to Santa in Your Neighborhood
Every year, Santa and Mrs. Claus take their annual tour of Bluffton-area neighborhoods aboard a decorated fire engine, entering the first neighborhood each evening between 5:30–6:00pm (start date TBA)
The Santa Truck, a longtime community favorite, will continue its 12-night route Mondays through Thursdays leading up to Christmas.
Nightly updates about Santa’s route and approximate times will be posted each morning by 11:00am on the Fire District’s social media outlets.
10. Take a Family Walk Under the Live Oaks and Thank God for Our Home
Head outside for a walk beneath Bluffton’s live oaks and enjoy a slower moment together. Ask everyone to name something they love about living here. Turn those answers into a simple prayer of thanks for your home and community.
Make Room for What Matters
You don’t have to complete all 10 activities to have a meaningful Christmas. Pick the ones that fit your family, leave room for simple moments, and look for opportunities to love the people around you.
As you make memories in Bluffton this season, you can help your kids discover that the joy of Christmas begins with Jesus.