South Carolina - Winter Festivals, Special Events and Holiday Celebrations

January and February

Winter is a great time to head to South Carolina to enjoy some of the popular seasonal festivals. Feast on oysters at the Annual Lowcountry Oyster Festival, celebrate nature at the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition or shake off those after-holiday blues at the Lowcountry Blues Bash. Explore South Carolina's culture, crafts and cuisine as you enjoy one or more of these unique and vibrant festivals.

• Winyah Bay Heritage Festival

January 17 - 18, 2009 in Georgetown, South Carolina.
This festival celebrates the waterfowl decoy carving heritage, hunting and fishing collectibles and conservation efforts that have been a part of the South Carolina Low Country way of life for more than 300 years.


• The Annual Lowcountry Oyster Festival at Boone Hall Plantation

January 25, 2009 in Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina (near Charleston)
Activities include an oyster shucking contest, an oyster eating contest, local live entertainment and more. With 65,000 pounds of oysters on hand, this event is not to be missed by oyster lovers.


• Hilton Head Island Gullah Celebration

February 1 - 28, 2009 in Hilton Head, South Carolina.
The 13th Annual Hilton Head Island Gullah Celebration showcases the arts, crafts, foods and living history of the native island Gullah people. Featured events include an Art Show and Sale, an Arts, Crafts and Food Expo, entertainment and more.


• Lowcountry Blues Bash

February 6 - 15, 2009 in Charleston, South Carolina.
Ten days of traditional and contemporary blues at various venues throughout Charleston.


• Southeastern Wildlife Exposition

February 13 - 15, 2009 in Charleston, South Carolina.
Now in its 27th year, the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition attracts more than 500 national and international artists and exhibitors for a three-day celebration of nature and is the largest wildlife art and nature event in the nation.


• South Carolina Book Festival

February 27 – March 1, 2009 in Columbia, South Carolina.
This premier South Carolina literary event features award-winning authors, book signings, over 100 exhibitors and more.