Forget singing carols, walking over freshly fallen snow, and drinking hot chocolate while taking an old-fashioned sleigh ride. Here on Edisto, Christmas is celebrated a little differently.
To begin with, theres never snow and (unless youre born and raised here) its rarely cold enough to bundle up and sip hot chocolate or cider. Its not uncommon to walk the beach barefoot on Christmas Day or have the windows open while unwrapping presents. But thats just what it means to be on Edisto during the holidays.
If you want to celebrate Christmas Edisto-style, try participating in the Christmas Parade of Boats. Anyone who wants to participate will get the chance to decorate their boat with just about anything Christmassy and cruise through Big Bay Creek.
The parade begins at 5 pm on December 10 at Live Oak Landing at the Edisto Beach State Park and down past the marina to Bay Point.
To view the parade, stop by one of the many establishments along the route like the Thirsty Fish, Edisto Watersports, Dockside, Bay Creek Park, or the marina.
Edisto Watersports will donate a kayak and equipment to anyone interested in kayaking the parade route. Kayakers do not need to begin at Live Oak Landing; they can join the parade at EWT.
EWT will also advise kayakers on how to run Christmas lights or other decorations off of batteries so that no kayak has to hit the water without being full decked out for the holidays. Contact Robin at 869-0663 for more information.
Be sure to decorate your boat enough to stand out from the crowd; judges will be sitting at the Edisto Yacht Club to view and determine the most festive vessel.
If you want to join the Christmas Parade of Boats contact the Edisto Chamber of Commerce at 869-3867.
