Looking for a uniquely Gullah heritage experience this holiday season? The Sea Island Gullah Christmas Celebration takes place December 5-8 in Beaufort, SC.
Sponsored by Gullah Traveling Theater, The City of Beaufort, The Beaufort County Black Chamber of Commerce, USCB and The Gullah Geechee Chamber of Commerce , the Celebration honors the richness of Gullah-Geechee culture from the music to the storytelling to the food to a love for the environment and the history presented with the spirit of the people and the Christmas season.
Black Heritage Through Travel: Sea Island Gullah Christmas Celebration and Gullah Traveling Theater
Event Itinerary:
From theater to advocacy, this week is full of something for everyone and a perfect tradition to start with your family.
The Sea Island Gullah Christmas Celebration centers on a unique Christmas story: a re-enactment of the last Christmas before the Civil War, following South Carolina’s secession from the Union (December 20). Enslaved Africans in the lowcountry anxiously considered their futures as free people, while planters discussed the impending war.
Sierra Leone Connection Symposium
On December 4, 9am – 1 pm, participants can attend “Sierra Leone Connection Symposium” as sponsored by the Gullah Geechee Chamber of commerce. This free and open to the public event requires registration. It will take place at the USCB Center for the Arts a
Learn more here: https://www.gullahkinfolktravelingtheater.org/copy-of-christmas-wish-2
Christmas Wish…Freedom
Program Summary: On the Sea Islands of Beaufort, SC, 1860, it’s the last Christmas before the Civil War. On December 20, 1860, South Carolina becomes the first state to secede from the Union. Masters in the Big House talkin’ ‘bout war coming. Servants in the Quarters Talkin’ ‘bout freedom coming. Aunt Pearlie Sue and Gullah Kinfolk bring this history alive through interactive storytelling, dancing, hand-clapping and foot stomping music that mesmerizes audiences as they journey back in time to celebrate this special Yuletide season. This fully staged musical production has become a holiday favorite with audience members traveling from both near and far to experience the spirit of the season. Com’ joy Yo’self!
The Gullah Kinfolk Traveling Theater
Company will present an interactive full-stage musical on Thursday & Friday, December 4 & 5 at 7pm at the USCB Center for the Arts.. Tickets are $15–$50 with VIP Tickets $125.
The Christmas Marketplace will be open on December 6, 5-9pm, at USCB.
Gullah Taste of Christmas & Rice Cookoff
On Saturday, December 6, 11am-4pm at the Henry C, Chamber Waterfront Parkin Downtown Beaufort, SC, participants can attend the Gullah Taste of Christmas & Rice Cookoff. Participants will be treated to a day of family fun that includes live entertainment, food vendors, line dancing, arts & craft vendors, and a Kiddie Village. Looking for holiday gifts? The Christmas Marketplace will take place at the same venue at the same times.
Learn more here: https://www.gullahkinfolktravelingtheater.org/copy-of-christmas-wish
A Gullah Christmas Sunday: Worship & Explore
Sunday, December 7 is “A Gullah Christmas Sunday: Worship & Explore” a time for locals and tourists to visit one of many historic Gullah congregationsin the lowcountry for “worship, fellowship and discovery.”
Gullah and Black Owned Cuisine:
We also recommend that you support one of the Gullah and Black-owned food establishments in the area. Please use our guide as a resource. Here are a few of our favorites:
Shopping:
Gullah Art is a great option for holiday gifting and a great way to support the local community. You should add the following to your shopping experience:
- LyBenson’s: A premiere Black art gala full of original paintings sculptures and fine art photography, centered in Gullah and African American culture.
- Penn Center Gift Shop : From art to books and memorabilia, there is something for every price point at the gift shop and the perfect place to take in Lowcountry scenery.
Heritage Fashion and Style: Looking for unique fashion while you are in town, here are some of our suggestions:
- Ngome Lifestyle: Book a styling session with Ngome Lifestyle and get a curated African-inspired clothing experience.
- Earth People Farms: From vintage style shirts to customer florals, Gullah Owned, Earth People Farms has you covered as a unique gifting option for those inspired by farm to Table living.
Social Impact Gifting:
The Gullah Kinfolk Traveling Theater is devoted to keeping the traditions and history of the Sea Island Gullah people through the arts. Please consider donating to help them deliver authentic Gullah and Black History 365 days a year. Your support enables the Gullah Kinfolk Traveling Theater to preserve and share this rich cultural heritage, ensuring it remains a vital part of American history. Consider a donation. Here are two ways to donate:
- VIP Packages: Purchase VIP packages for other guests to attend
- Recurring Donation: Give a monthly or quarterly donation in honor of your family or friends. Click here to donate: https://www.pledge.to/organizations/46-1806147/gullah-traveling-theater#donate
If you are looking to curate a new holiday tradition, we can’t think of a better way to celebrate than with the Gullah Kinfolk Travelling Theater and the Sea Island Gullah Christmas Celebration. From award winning theater performances to curated foodie experiences and holiday shopping markets, this event is a must attend and a great way to celebrate the holidays through travel, shopping and celebrating Gullah culture!
Sponsored by Gullah Traveling Theater, Inc.
Supported by Visit Beaufort, Port Royal and Sea Islands
Full Schedule:
Sierra Leone Connection Symposium
Doors Open
Cost: FREE – Registration required
USCB Center for the Performing Arts
801 Carteret Street, Beaufort Symposium begins Artisanal Workshops, Shopping & Lunch OYO
Basket weaving, wood working, fabric art, rice farming Explore Beaufort Show Curtain
USCB Center for the Performing Arts
801 Carteret Street, Beaufort
Tickets: $15 (ages 7-17) and $50 -$150 adults Christmas Wish… Freedom! (School Show #1)
USCB Center for the Performing Arts
805 Carteret Street, Beaufort
Gullah Heritage Tours
Cost: FREE – Registration required
1-Hour Walking Historical Tour
Meeting at Tabernacle Baptist Church
907 Craven St, Beaufort School Show #2 School Show #3 Vendor Setup – Christmas Marketplace
USCB Center for the Performing Arts
805 Carteret Street, Beaufort Doors Open
Cost: FREE
USCB Center for the Performing Arts
805 Carteret Street, Beaufort Show Curtain
USCB Center for the Performing Arts
805 Carteret Street, Beaufort
Tickets: $15 (ages 7-17) and $50 -$150 adults Rice Cookoff Contestant Prep & Cook (Pre-registration required)
Audience Admission Cost: FREE
Beaufort County Black Chamber of Commerce
711 Bladen Street, 2nd Floor, Beaufort
Will be livestreamed on Facebook Live Rice Cookoff & Christmas Marketplace
Vendor Setup
Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park
700 Bay St, Beaufort
Sponsored by the Gullah Traveling Theater, Inc. Christmas Celebration & A Taste of Gullah Rice Cookoff begins
Admission Cost: FREE
Live Entertainment
Line Dancing
Food Vendors
Craft Vendors Rice Cookoff Tasting begins
Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park
700 Bay St, Beaufort Judging closes Community Presentations Rice Cookoff Award Announcements Christmas Marketplace Clean Up
Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park Lunch & Shopping OYO
Downtown Beaufort and beyond… City of Beaufort Christmas Celebration begins
Join us for the traditional Christmas Parade with a special guest appearance!
Parade starts at
Beaufort National Cemetary
Boundary & Carteret St.
Gullah Christmas Itinerary
Thursday, December 4, 2025
8:30am
9:00am
12:00-2:00pm
2:00pm
7:00pm
Friday, December 5, 2025
9:00am
10:00am
10:30am
12:00pm
5:00pm
5:30pm
7:00pm
Saturday, December 6, 2025
8:00am- 12:00pm
9:00am
11:00am
1:00pm
2:00pm
2:30pm
3:00pm
4:00pm
5:30pm
Sunday, December 7, 2025
9:00am – 12:00pm
12:00pm – 3:00pm
3:00pm
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