Hardwood Flooring in Bluffton, SC

Christmas is right around the corner.

If you still haven’t figured out dinner plans, here are some locations throughout Beaufort County to visit on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Community Christmas Day Dinner at Panini’s and Hemingway’s:

Panini’s and Hemingway’s Bistro is hosting their annual Orphans & Strays Christmas Dinner all afternoon on Christmas Day. The Community Christmas Dinner is available to everyone starting at 2 p.m. on Christmas Day and the full bar will be available until 1:30 a.m.

The annual Orphans & Strays free Christmas Dinner is a potluck where Panini’s and Hemingway’s Bistro donate their time and money to prepare main courses and sides, including ham, macaroni & cheese, mashed potatoes, salads and veggies. These dishes are added to the food that guests bring to share at the event. Hemingway’s Bistro is located at 920 Bay Street and Panini’s is located at 926 Bay Street, just next door.

For more information, visit their website.

Frankie Bones Restaurant and Lounge - 26 Discovery Drive, Bluffton

You can also place an order to pick up Christmas entrees at Frankie Bones Bluffton locations. These meals include your choice of turkey, prime rib or ham and include sides like potatoes, green beans, asparagus, cornbread and cranberry sauce. These meals also come with a soup or salad option and dessert. Orders must be placed by December 20 and picked up on December 24 between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.

For more information, visit their holiday dining page.

Crazy Crab Harbour Town - 149 Lighthouse Road, Hilton Head Island

Fishcamp on Broad Creek - 11 Simmons Road, Hilton Head Island

The Old Oyster Factory - 101 Marshland Road, Hilton Head Island

Poseidon - 38 Shelter Cove Lane Suite 121, Hilton Head Island

Skull Creek Dockside - 2 Hudson Road, Hilton Head Island

WiseGuys - 1513 Main Street, Hilton Head Island

Nick’s Steak & Seafood - 9 Park Lane, Hilton Head Island

Nectar - 207 Bluffton Road, Bluffton

Road House Ribs - 7 Topper Lane, Port Royal

The Hilton Head Diner - 6 Marina Side Drive, Hilton Head Island

OKKO Hilton Head - 95 Matthews Drive, Hilton Head Island

Sea Pines Resort Christmas Prix Fixe Dinner at Links - 11 Lighthouse Lane, Hilton Head Island

Beach House Hilton Head Island - 1 South Forest Beach Drive, Hilton Head Island

Chin Dynasty - 108 Buckwalter Parkway, Bluffton

Kobe Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi Bar - 30 Plantation Business Park Suite 208, Bluffton

Waffle House - various locations

Every holiday season, streets and homes across the country come alive with Christmas lights, each neighborhood offering its twist on the age-old tradition.

From grand displays that span entire lawns to simple wreaths glowing on front doors, the tradition of decorating with Christmas lights brings a new kind of holiday cheer.

Here is a guide to some of the best light displays across the Lowcountry this Christmas.

Holiday Nights & Lights

Take a mesmerizing drive through the fourth annual Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park Holiday Nights & Lights event, 40 Harriet Tubman Way. This drive-through lights show is guaranteed to put you in the holiday spirit. The display is open nightly from Saturday, Dec. 7 through Monday, Dec. 9 from 6-8:00 p.m. Admission is free, but donations are accepted.

Holiday Lights at Fire Station 3

Visit the annual Holiday Lights at Fire Station 3, 534 William Hilton Pkwy, for a fun and festive display. In the spirit of the season, Fire Rescue will be collecting non-perishable food items and new unwrapped toys for Deep Well. New unwrapped toys should be for ages 1-12 and can be dropped off until Dec. 15. Non-perishable food items can be dropped off through January.

Hilton Head Island Christmas Tree Lighting

The Lowcountry Celebration Park, 94 Pope Avenue, will be aglow this Saturday, Dec. 7, for the lighting of the 30-foot-tall Christmas Tree. Watch a magical laser light show, enjoy local music, food trucks and more. The event is from 5:30-7:30 p.m. and the Christmas tree lighting is set for 6:30 p.m.

Town of Bluffton Tree Lighting Ceremony

Kick off the holiday season with The Town of Bluffton during the 53rd tree lighting ceremony, this Friday, Dec. 6, at 5:30 p.m. in Martin Family Park, 68 Boundary St. A miniature train will be available at the tree lighting from 6-8 p.m. to ride around Martin and DuBois Parks. Following the ceremony, you can enjoy the movie “Polar Express” and explore Santa’s Workshop at DuBois Park’s Pavilion.

To keep the festivities going, the Bluffton Christmas Parade is Saturday, Dec. 7 at 10 a.m. through Bluffton’s Historic District.

The Town is also hosting its second annual Menorah Lighting ceremony on Sunday, Dec. 29 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Martin Family Park. All of these events are free and open to the public.

Aquarium Aglow

Visit the South Carolina Aquarium in Charleston, 100 Aquarium Wharf, to enjoy an incredible light display with larger-than-life installations, festive photo ops and the most unique visit with Santa. The event is held on select evenings from Nov. 23 through Dec. 30 and tickets are $21.95-$29.95 and available to purchase on their website.

Celebrate the Season

Pack the whole family in the car and turn on your favorite Christmas songs to enjoy the dazzling path through Moncks Corner Holiday Lights Driving Tour, 1 Riverwood Dr. This festive light display is open Nov. 29 through Dec. 30, 6-9:00 p.m. It costs $10 per vehicle and all proceeds benefit local charities.

Holiday Festival of Lights

Don’t miss the 32nd annual Holiday Festival of Lights at James Island County Park, 871 Riverland Dr. Enjoy over 750 light displays on a three-mile driving tour that includes the newly rebuilt Cooper River Bridge display. This event also includes train rides, marshmallow roasting, gift shops and more. It is open until December 31 and tickets start at $15 per vehicle.

College of Charleston Light Show

From Dec. 14 through Jan. 1, transport yourself into a winter wonderland at College of Charleston’s historic Cistern Yard and Randolph Hall, 66 George St. The lights string across the campus’ famed live oaks and the event includes a hot chocolate stand on weekends. The light show is free and starts hourly from 6-9 p.m.

The Lights around Park Circle and Christmas Tree Lighting

Watch the 40-foot Christmas Tree light up with Mayor Burgess on Friday, Dec. 6, 6-7 p.m. at Park Circle Community Building grounds, 4800 Park Circle. This event will have live music and free hot cocoa. After the lighting, be sure to enjoy the beautiful lights and displays around the park. This event is free and the lights will be available to tour until New Year’s Day.

Mount Pleasant Towne Center

Visit the Mount Pleasant Shopping Center this Christmas season to check off your holiday shopping and enjoy the sparkling chandeliers, giant lighted reindeer, canopies of lights and a 40-foot tree. The decorations are ongoing through the holidays, 1218 Belk Drive.

Bee City Zoo

If you’re looking for an all-day Christmas adventure, visit the Bee City Zoo and enjoy the zoo at night with dazzling lights. The lights will be available until Dec. 30 and tickets are $14 per person. Children under two are free, 1066 Holly Ridge Ln. Cottageville, SC.

3241 Morningdale Drive, Ivy Hall, Mount Pleasant

Homeowner Kelli Frazier Miller is known for her amazing and elaborate holiday decorations in the Ivy Hall neighborhood. Her Christmas display runs 24/7 in December then switches over to a Winter Wonderland in January. Its a must-see in North Mount Pleasant.

Park Crossing Drive & Sailmaker Street, Daniel Island

For some fun home holiday cheer, visit these two streets for festive decorations. One home even has a mailbox for letters to Santa, so make sure your kids bring their wish lists with them.

Walking in a Woodlands Wonderland, Morrow Lane, North Charleston

Visit this charming Christmas light show every Sunday through Thursday until the New Year. The show begins nightly at 6:00 p.m. Visit their Facebook page for more details or tune in on 93.9 FM.

Wonderland of Temuco Lane, 104 Temuco Lane, Plum Creek Neighborhood, Summerville

Come enjoy the lights and sounds of Christmas in this beautiful home display. The family is partnering up with Lowcountry Orphan Relief, so don’t forget to bring items on their donation wish list to leave in the donation box at the end of the driveway. The show will run until Jan. 1, Sunday-Thursday, 5:30-8 p.m. and Friday-Saturday, 5:30-9:30 p.m. Visit their Facebook page for more details.

Santa on Santino, 105 Santino Court, Goose Creek

For twinkling lights, blow-ups and a lighted arch over the driveway visit this house on Santino Court. The arch features 334 feet of PVC pipe, 250 zip ties, 72 feet of rebar and 1,800 lights. This display is ongoing through the holiday season.

Cadd Family Christmas Lights, 66 Springfield Road

David and Amanda Cadd brighten the neighborhood cul-de-sac with their dazzling display of lights. Their display includes synchronized lights and music, a snow machine and a Santa sleigh. Their display is guaranteed to make your season merry and bright.

Other popular neighborhoods to visit for holiday lights include:

Hardeeville city officials recently approved first reading of ordinances to allow Buc-ee's to locate new store in Hardeeville, city officials said

Bluffton Today

Beaver nuggets, brisket and a host of other souvenirs and snacks are tentatively scheduled to be arriving in Hardeeville in about four years as Buc-ee's plans to locate a store in the city.

The Hardeeville City Council, during its Nov. 7 regular meeting, approved first reading of an ordinance to approve the planned development district, the initial master plan for the development, and a development agreement which will bring Buc-ee's to the city. Second reading of all three ordinances will be held Nov. 21, City of Hardeevlle Mayor Harry Williams said.

"Even though Buc-ee’s representatives are working closely with the city and its development processes, the project is only at the beginning stages of development and its progression will coincide with the South Carolina Department of Transportation’s I-95 Widening and Exit 8 Redevelopment Project," a city spokesperson said.

The current schedule for the SCDOT projects to be completed would be in 2028, the projected timeline which would also be the projected year for the ribbon cutting for Buc-ee's, Williams said during the Nov. 7 Hardeeville City Council meeting.

Buc-ee's will be located adjacent to Interstate 95 at the Exit 8 intersection with U.S. Highway 17, city officials said. The Hardeeville location is scheduled to include Buc-ee's signature offerings, including a large selection of regionally themed merchandise and gifts.

This exciting development, city officials said, is set to become a significant economic driver for the region, enhancing the city's reputation as a thriving hub for commerce and travel in South Carolina.

Stan Beard, Director of Real Estate and Development at Bucee's, LTD., met with the Hardeeville City Council during its Oct. 24 workshop about the proposed location, informed council the store would be 74,000 square feet, the largest store the company builds to date.

"This location, by far, requires a 74,000 square foot store," Beard said. "The traffic created is no different between a 74,000 and a 53,000 square foot store. The reason we went bigger were our out-of-state stores (out of the state of Texas), were thank goodness, so crazily successful, that they started getting a little too busy."

In a Nov. 8 news release Beard said the city's leadership and staff have been supportive and responsible stewards of their community and believes they will make great partners.

"Hardeeville is a perfect location for us to continue our growth along the southeast coast," he said. "We love South Carolina and look forward to bringing the Buc-ee’s brand of road trip fun to the Lowcountry.”

During the Oct, 24 workshop with council, Beard also said hotels and sit-down restaurants had been drawn to the areas where other Buc-ee's were located.

"The store will contribute to the city's financial health through increased sales and property tax revenues along with increased revenue through the City’s hospitality tax and business license fees, which will, in turn, support public services, infrastructure projects, and community initiatives," a city news release said.

The new location in Hardeeville is expected to generate 200 new jobs in the area, ranging from entry-level positions to managerial roles, providing a boost to the local job market and offering stable, competitive wages, city officials said.

"The City of Hardeeville is proud to welcome Buc-ee’s; an elite brand name that has become a destination stop along I-95," City of Hardeeville Mayor Harry Williams said. "We all have been very impressed with the professionalism and thoroughness of the Buc-ee’s team in planning for a quality facility that provides safe access for their customers and our residents."

Williams said Buc-ee’s will bring great paying jobs for Hardeeville and Jasper County residents that will not require long commutes.

"Buc-ee’s and Hardeeville promise to be a long and successful marriage,” he said.

Newly appointed Hardeeville City Manager Josh Gruber said the arrival of Buc-ee's in Hardeeville 'is a testament to the city's potential as a key destination in the region.'

"This project not only highlights Hardeeville's strategic importance along the I-95 corridor, it also underscores our commitment to fostering an environment that attracts and supports business growth," Gruber said. "We are excited about the opportunities Buc-ee's will bring to our community, from job creation to increased tourism, and we look forward to the positive ripple effects this will have on local businesses and residents alike."

BLUFFTON — For most of its lifespan, this was a one-square-mile town tucked along the banks of the May River. And it remained that way for nearly a century and a half.

Then came 1998, the year the town started to expand by gobbling up surrounding property. Now, Bluffton spans 54 square miles — a far cry from the early days of this area incorporated in 1852.

In the past quarter century, its population has exploded from a quaint 750 residents to 35,000 strong, making it S.C.'s 15th largest city. Such rapid growth has caused discomfort for some residents. New development means less green space and more traffic, along with the slow disappearance of the Lowcountry town they grew to love.

Despite these worries, Bluffton is set to annex another 65 acres of unincorporated county land into town limits — filling in part of a donut left behind during its rampant growth. Opponents say the land grab will usher in commercial development and force Beaufort County to pursue a long-controversial road project. They also accuse Bluffton officials of not making the approval process more accessible.

Boom & Balance

Town staff say the move will allow Bluffton to benefit from taxes generated by the land, while also requiring builders to operate under municipal code. Local longtime developer John Reed says he can better execute his vision for the area through one local government, rather than two.

Town Council on Nov. 12 is set to approve a slate of ordinances that will annex land owned by Reed, whose office is a short walk from council chambers. Reed estimates that he has built 4,000 homes in Bluffton, including the developments of Hampton Lake, Belfair and Berkeley Hall.

Plans of what could come

Off the corner of Buckwalter and Bluffton parkways, Reed plans a medical campus and town center. S.C. Department of Health records show Novant Healthcare wants to open a hospital that would become the anchor tenant. Further along the road, Reed envisions mixed-use businesses where people can dine, work and shop.

The process of enveloping Reed's land moved along in public meetings where locals could comment, but Bluffton officials did not explicitly call for such input. Town officials did not anticipate the annexation to cause much uproar. Their approach was in stark contrast to Beaufort County, which spent months barnstorming the Lowcountry to educate voters about its unpopular transportation sales tax. Residents sank the ballot initiative during the recent election.

Reed has twice asked Bluffton to annex land in the area. He was rebuffed each time, most recently in February 2023 when he tried to add residential development rights to the deal. His current request will bring in 28 acres of commercially zoned land — keeping his development rights effectively unchanged from county control. The remaining 33 acres are wetlands. As part of the agreement, Reed will build roads from Bluffton Parkway onto the property.

Even though the zoning remains the same, the annexation would simplify Reed's pursuit of his commercial project. He would only need to navigate Bluffton’s development process and requirements, rather than bringing some plans to Beaufort County. Reed also would not need to keep a 50-foot buffer between properties in the town and county.

If council approves the annexation, Bluffton would still need to greenlight Reed’s development plan — a process that would include a traffic analysis.

From woodlands to what's next

The area in question is near a stretch of road identified for construction almost two decades, and a source of controversy around Bluffton for just as long. A petition fighting the road has more than 2,200 signers.

Bluffton Parkway Phase 5B, first introduced in 2006 as a new roadway, would run around 2-1/2 miles from Buck Island Road to Innovation Drive. The parkway now runs from Mackay Creek, near the bridges to Hilton Head Island, to Buckwalter Parkway, although along a crooked route exacerbated by two separate sections. Critics have long argued that 5B, which would create a more direct connection, would benefit developers while adversely affecting nearby neighborhoods.

The intersection near the land under consideration is at the nexus of a major commerce center and multiple residential communities. The area is built out by its enormous Kroger grocery store, small restaurants, health, retail, and fast food businesses. On one of the parcels now stands a cell tower.

Satellite images show that none of that development, commercial or residential, was there 30 years ago. Old-growth, dense forests stood where the parkways now intersect and carry thousands of drivers daily.

The most recent public outcry came after town staff included documents referencing the road project in a report for the annexation. The report referenced a stipulation from 2008 that Reed would donate property for 5B should the county allow the road project to move forward. That requirement is irrelevant to the annexation, Town Manager Stephen Steese said.

"As soon as 5B showed up on anything, it raised concern for the people that are opposed to 5B," Steese said. "Again, 5B doesn't have anything to do with this property whatsoever."

Despite those reassurances, several community members voiced their concerns during a Sept. 10 council meeting. Worries over more traffic and uncontrolled development topped the list.

Beaufort County News

"We're actually not in opposition to the annexation request or corresponding documents," said Jordan Holloway, a board member of the Retreat at Grande Oaks Homeowners Association. "However, we are in opposition to the connection of South Innovation Drive to (Bluffton) Parkway."

Some residents are concerned that the commercial development would bring more traffic to the area, forcing the county to pursue the controversial road project.

"The bottom line is that there is clearly an underlying agenda here to force the building of 5B," Rose Hill resident Joy Coe posted to social media. "Will we really benefit from the building of segment 1 of 5B if we are inundated with more traffic in that area? Do we really need more commercial development in the Buckwalter area?"

Reed argues that the development would ease traffic by providing a commercial and healthcare space within Bluffton’s most-populated area. Rather than driving across town, residents will have a closer option for medical care, retail and restaurants, Reed said.

As part of the annexation agreement, Reed would build connector roads that he believes would lessen traffic on the town’s main arteries. The longtime developer said the annexation will not affect 5B, but he supports the road project.

Reed plans to bring the issue of 5B again to County Council in 2025. He said the county's indecision has stagnated other projects. Whether for or against, he would like to see a final decision made.

"Do I believe 5B is important? Yeah, I do," Reed said. "The growth is here, and it's continuing. In an emergency, in a hurricane, you're going to need it"

It's that time of year again: It's time to get excited about entering the 2025 HGTV Dream Home Giveaway.

This year's home is located in Bluffton, South Carolina. It's the fourth time the state has been chosen as the location for an HGTV Dream Home. The last time was in 2020, when the Dream Home was built on Hilton Head Island, which is a short distance away from this year's location.

HGTV described the home as "a harmonious blend of classic Southern luxury and modern sophistication."

Bluffton is about 160 miles north of the 2024 Dream Home in St. Anastasia, Florida.

Here are the details about this year's home, the prize package and how to enter.

What is the HGTV's Dream Home Giveaway?

The HGTV Dream Home Giveaway is an annual sweepstakes from the Home and Garden Television channel, which has been going since 1997.

Where is the 2025 HGTV Dream Home?

The HGTV Dream Home 2025 is in Bluffton, South Carolina. The newly built, fully furnished home was described as "an enchanting Lowcountry retreat."

“This year's HGTV Dream Home highlights the charm of Bluffton, South Carolina — a picturesque town that offers the perfect escape," said Betsy Ayala, interim head of content, HGTV. "We’re thrilled to invite viewers to explore this stunning home and enter for a chance to make it their own."

Where is Bluffton, South Carolina?

Bluffton is located less than 10 miles west of Hilton Head Island, about 60 miles southwest of Charleston, South Carolina or about 20 miles northeast of Savannah, Georgia.

Bluffton is a golfer’s paradise, boasting world-class courses that attract enthusiasts year-round, HGTV said.

"Enjoy the area’s laid-back lifestyle, local festivals, and access to outdoor activities such as boating, kayaking, and fishing.

What features does the 2025 HGTV Dream Home offer?

"Unlock the charm of Lowcountry living with this timeless custom-built home, embodying coastal elegance and thoughtful design," HGTV, a member of the Warner Bros. Discovery family of brands, announced in a news release.

The three-bedroom, three and-a-half-bathroom home is more than 3,000 square feet, and "is a harmonious blend of classic Southern luxury and modern sophistication.

"Immerse yourself in the seamless fusion of indoor and outdoor living, where earthy tones and costal textures create a serene environment." The rooms include:

The home was built by Shoreline Construction and was designed by Court Atkins Group. The home's interior design is by Brian Patrick Flynn, the same person who designed the 2024 Dream Home in St. Anastasia in Florida.

How much is the 2025 HGTV Dream Home grand prize package worth?

The winner of the sweepstakes, valued at more than $2.2 million, will receive:

How to enter HGTV's 2025 Dream Home sweepstakes

The official entry period of the HGTV Dream Home 2025 runs from 9 a.m. ET on Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024, through 5 p.m. ET on Friday, Feb. 14, 2025. Eligible fans can enter daily at HGTV.com and FoodNetwork.com.

Get reminders to your email to enter the HGTV giveaway

Sign up to receive daily reminders to enter the HGTV Dream Home Giveaway 2025, which begins Dec. 17, 2024, at 9 a.m. Eastern Time.

HGTV Dream Home 2025 special to air on TV Jan. 1, 2025

See a one-hour special on the HGTV Dream Home 2025 on Monday, Jan. 1, 2025, at 8 p.m. ET on HGTV, HGTV GO and Hogar de HGTV. It will also air on Max and Discovery+ the same day.

2024 HGTV Dream Home was in St. Anastasia, Florida

The 2024 HGTV Dream Home was located on St. Anastasia in Northeast Florida, east of St. Augustine, south of Jacksonville.

It was designed by architect Michael Stauffer and built by local builder Glenn Layton Homes. The home's interior design was by Brian Patrick Flynn.

The three-bedroom, four-bathroom home was about 3,300 square feet with views of the Matanzas River and the St. Augustine Lighthouse. Value of the total Anastasia Island HGTV Dream Home package was estimated at just over $2.2 million.

Value of the total 2024 Anastasia Island HGTV Dream Home package was estimated at just over $2.2 million. In total, the winner of the sweepstakes received:

Who won the 2024 HGTV Dream Home in Florida?

Marie Fratta, a school teacher from Hawthorne, New York, won the St. Anastasia home in Florida, HGTV announced on May 22, 2024.

Two months later, the house was listed for sale. Property records show the HGTV Dream Home sold Sept. 4, 2024, for $2 million.

How many people entered the 2024 HGTV Dream Home sweepstakes?

There were 130 million entries for the 2024 HGTV Dream Home sweepstakes.

Florida popular location for HGTV Dream Homes

There have been five HGTV Dream Homes in Florida. Besides the 2024 home in St. Anastasia, there were:

2016, Merritt Island: For the home and garden network's 20th anniversary, HGTV chose a waterfront home off Tropical Trail on Merritt Island to be the 2016 HGTV Dream Home. The home was sold not long after David Rennie of Connecticut was selected as the sweepstakes winner.

2008, Islamorada: HGTV Dream Home is 2008 was described as a "three-story oasis with its bright blue and yellow exterior blends seamlessly with its surroundings and boasts breathtaking views of the crystal clear waters, white sand and blue skies with expertly placed patios and windows." Video tour of the home.

2003, Mexico Beach: The 2,800 square foot home was on a 10,000 acre preserve of coastal forest situated on the East Bay of the Florida Gulf of Mexico. "The sprawling compound displays imaginative architecture that provides a relaxed, comfortable camp feel with contemporary qualities." Video tour of the home.

1999, Rosemary Beach: Architect Richard Gibbs said of the home, "The architecture here in Rosemary Beach is patterned after the time-tested traditions of St. Augustine, New Orleans and the Dutch and French Caribbean. Video tour of the home.

Where are all the prior HGTV Dream Homes located?

This story was updated to add new information.