HGTV Hails SC Coastal Town as Top Southern Christmas Getaway

When the weather is warm, residents of Upstate South Carolina often head to the Lowcountry, where they can enjoy the beach or take a dip in the ocean. Beaufort, a coastal town near Charleston known for its Spanish moss and southern charm, has become a popular destination during the summer months. Visitors are drawn to its smaller size, which allows them to avoid larger crowds while still enjoying a variety of outdoor activities. These include shopping on Bay Street or camping along the coast of Hunting Island.

But what about visiting Beaufort during the winter? According to HGTV, it's definitely worth considering. The publication has ranked Beaufort among its 50 favorite small towns to visit for Christmas in 2025. HGTV describes the town as offering a storybook Christmas filled with candy canes, hot chocolate, and Santa. Southern Living also praised Beaufort for its holiday cheer, calling it one of the most magical places to spend the holidays.

Here’s how Beaufort keeps the Christmas spirit alive:

HGTV: Beaufort creates a 'warm atmosphere to celebrate the season'

Beaufort offers a range of activities that bring the holiday season to life. Events such as the Gullah Taste of Christmas & Rice Cookoff, Christmas Wish...Freedom 2025 by the Gullah Traveling Theater Inc., and the Holiday Bash presented by the USBC Center for the Arts were highlighted by HGTV.

In addition to these events, visitors can enjoy holiday markets, horse-drawn carriage rides, and explore the town’s historic district. This area features quaint streets and antebellum homes, creating a warm atmosphere perfect for celebrating the season.

Southern Living: 'One of the most magical places to spend the holidays'

Southern Living also recognizes Beaufort for its heartfelt holiday celebrations. The publication describes the town as a "Lowcountry gem" nestled on Port Royal Island, noting that it glows even brighter during the Christmas season.

The town’s holiday traditions include the laying of thousands of evergreen wreaths on headstones at Beaufort National Cemetery, part of the Wreaths of America initiative. This tribute honors America’s veterans. Another heartwarming event is the Gullah musical "Christmas Wish...Freedom," created by Anita Singleton Prather. Set during the holiday season before the Civil War, the play explores the historical significance of Christmas for enslaved people.

"Her original production tells about how the holidays were a popular time for 'jumping the broom' (getting married), as it was the only time of the year when enslaved men and women might be able to get more than one day off. And because the plantation owners were distracted by their own celebrations, this was when enslaved people often tried to escape. 'Their Gullah Christmas wish,' she says, 'was always a wish for freedom,'" Southern Living noted.

HGTV's favorite small towns to visit for Christmas 2025 in the South

HGTV's list of top small towns for Christmas 2025 includes:

• Fairhope (Alabama)
• Hot Springs (Arkansas)
• St. Augustine (Florida)
• Dahlonega (Georgia)
• Bardstown (Kentucky)
• Natchitoches (Louisiana)
• Natchez (Mississippi)
• Blowing Rock (North Carolina)
• Beaufort
• Gatlinburg (Tennessee)
• Fredericksburg (Texas)
• Middleburg (Virginia)
• Shepherdstown (West Virginia)

These towns offer unique holiday experiences that capture the magic of the season. Beaufort, in particular, stands out for its blend of history, tradition, and charm.

Nina Tran covers trending topics for The Greenville News, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach her via email at ntran@usatodayco.com.