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The Sweetest Small Town to Visit During the Holidays

Nov 10, 2021

The historic downtown of Summerville looks like it belongs in a Hallmark movie with the locals just as sweet. You will want to skip the crowded cities and spend the Christmas season in one of the most charming small towns in the South.

Cozy, mild weather and our usual year-round appeal. Downtown shops, charming streets, and Southern hospitality with festive touches of Christmas. Town Square parade, the mayor flipping the switch for holiday lights. You’ll find Summerville is a great place to make the season bright.

Whether you're looking to get away for a quiet holiday with your family or simply seeking out a day trip with festive cheer, these magical settings are sure to fill you with the Christmas Spirit.

Kicking off, its the Old-Fashioned Christmas celebration on November 30th where the Mayor himself flipping the switch for the annual Christmas tree lighting. Santa Claus will be joining us at Hutchinson Square, which is in the heart of the historic downtown. Carolers will sing to passers-by and as a bonus, shop owners host a Live Window Display in their storefront windows.

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Summerville Junior Service hosts the Christmas on the Square Dec 3-18th where the display of decorated trees on Hutchinson Square in historic downtown are created by local civic groups, schools, businesses, and individuals.
Bring the family for a wonderful stroll through the square and vote on your favorite decorated tree. Be sure to bring plenty of quarters to vote for your favorite – all proceeds go to support the JSL school supply fund.

PJs with Santa: Grab your Christmas pajamas and join the Junior Service League of Summerville as they host Jolly Old Saint Nicholas for their 5th annual PJs With Santa! The fun takes place at Hutchinson Square, December 5th from 5:30pm to 8:00pm.

Children will have the opportunity to whisper their wishes to Santa while parents capture the moment with their cameras. Ticket includes a visit with Santa and a viewing of the Polar Express. Highly encouraged donation of $5 per person. All attendees must have a ticket.

Get your tickets quick because they will sell out fast. Please bundle up, bring a blanket or lawn chair. For complete details go to https://www.facebook.com/summervillejsl/

The Annual Christmas Parade around Town Square on December 12th will put you in the holiday spirit! Thousands line the streets (bring a chair) because Ole Saint Nick is the grand finale.

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Summerville Final Skates opens November 27th through January 9th at 208 S Cedar Street in Historic Downtown Summerville.

The Holiday Farmers Market on Saturday December 4th from 8am-1pm behind Town Hall is a great opportunity to shop local for unique holiday gifts.

It’s a Caribbean Christmas hosted by The Summerville High School Steel Drum at the bandstand in Hutchinson Square from 6-7:30 Friday December 10th

Third Thursday Dec 16th, 5:30-8:30 is an ongoing event hosted by Summerville Dream. Throughout the downtown, shops stay open late with special events and the local dining scene is vibrant. You will find music all over downtown from the bandstand to Short Central, and in the local bars. The Historic Downtown keeps Summerville’s Small-Town Charm no matter how big we’ve grown.

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The Spirit of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol returns to the Timrod Library. Resident storyteller Tim Lowry is offering the annual Dickens Ghost Walk with two tours, Thursday, December 16 @ 5:30 pm and 7:00 pm in the historic downtown. There will also be a candlelight performance Friday, December 17 @ 7:00 pm at The Timrod Library. Ticket must be purchased in advance by calling 843-871-4600. Details on the Visit Summerville Events Calendar.

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