It’s hard to believe the holidays are even close, but you won’t find us complaining — after all, ’tis the most wonderful time of the year. It’s a season filled to the gills with friends, family, festivities and, naturally, good tidings of great joy.
And while you could certainly have a very merry time no matter where you spend this special time of the year, we’ve got a few compelling reasons to call Folly home for the holidays.
- The holiday spirit
Folly folk are already famously friendly, so it should come as no surprise that they are filled with cheer during the holiday season. Whether you’re headed to The Wich Doctor to partake of their new and fantastically tasty Vietnamese brunch or walking the pier, prepare to be greeted with everything from “Happy holidays!” to a hug.
- The Folly-la-la-ing
Music isn’t just a pastime on Folly; it’s a way of life. On any given night of the year, you’ll find some of the Lowcountry’s most talented musicians playing at the local bars and restaurants, and the holidays are no exception. If you come into town a little early, check out the heavenly sounds of the Christmas Cantata at Folly Beach Baptist Church on Dec. 18. Or, on Christmas Eve, make your way to the Surf Bar for the Sunday Sessions Holiday Jam. And New Year’s Eve? Well, let’s just say everyone will be rockin’ around the Christmas tree when local bands take Folly by storm to ring in the New Year.
- The twinkling lights and holiday trees
There’s something inherently comforting about a Christmas tree, and Folly’s are a sight to see. A stroll through Folly Park is a must this time of year, but you’d be remiss not to find the “beach tree,” too. As for the twinkling lights, you merely need to look around to see their magical glow. If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, we recommend taking a short drive to James Island County Park’s Festival of Lights to see millions of multicolored lights on display, roast gigantic marshmallows over the fire, and visit with Santa Claus, of course.
- The Folly Beach Farmers’ Market Holiday Festival
Need more incentive to come into town early? The Folly Beach Farmers’ Market Holiday Festival should do the trick. Held just down the road at Brick House Kitchen beneath the big oaks, the festival will be fun for the whole family with activities for kids, food trucks, more than 30 local artists and makers, and live music, too.
- The festive food
We’re talking about Folly — you know you’re gonna get good eats when you visit. But the holidays are especially tasty around here, with yummy comfort foods and holidays specials on seemingly every menu. BLU is one such example, as the restaurant is offering a special holiday a la carte menu on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
- The sunrises and sunsets
Mother Nature does her best to show off during the holiday season, putting on some of the most spectacular sunrises and sunsets you will see all year long (or, you know, ever). From deep purple and pinks to mango-hued shades of orange, they’ll make you wonder how anything so pretty could possibly be real.
- The Flip-Flop Drop and other NYE shenanigans
Who needs Times Square when you can gather with the friendly faces on Folly’s Center Street to watch a giant flip-flop drop to greet 2017? Depending on your druthers, there’s something for everyone in the way of New Year’s Eve celebrations on Folly — whether it be live music at Rita’s, Planet Follywod, or Loggerhead’s; or the annual New Year’s Eve Beach Bash at the Tides, complete with fireworks and champagne at midnight.
- The sense of serenity
The truth is you could come to Folly this time of year, do absolutely nothing, and it would still be one of the best holidays you’ve ever had. Heading into a new year, you want to hit reset and get ready for another new beginning. What better place to do that than at the Edge of America? You’ll find peace aplenty here.
