Two Holiday Events at Penn Center This December on St. Helena Island

Penn Center is closing out the year with two meaningful gatherings that honor tradition, creativity, and the rich cultural heritage of the Sea Islands. Whether you are looking for a cozy night by the fire or a beloved holiday tradition that has been cherished for generations, these events invite the community to come together on historic grounds.

Fireside at Penn Center

Saturday, December 13
5:30 to 7:30 PM

Join Sea Islands Academy at Penn Center for an evening built around warmth, storytelling, and local culture. Fireside at Penn Center invites families and neighbors to gather for oysters, stew, music, and student creativity.

Guests will experience Gullah Geechee heritage through shared stories, traditional food, and the glow of a community bonfire. It is a beautiful way to support local scholars while celebrating the traditions that make the Sea Islands so unique.

Chefs, storytellers, and sponsors interested in participating are encouraged to reach out to event organizer Amy Painton at apainton@seaislandsacademy.org.

Penn Center Community Sing

The Nativity Scene
Sunday, December 21
5:30 PM
Frissell Community House, St. Helena Island

Penn Center will also host its annual Nativity Scene, a treasured part of the old Penn School Mystery Play first developed in 1916. Performed by community members inside the historic Frissell Community House, this tradition has been lovingly preserved for more than a century.

The Community Sing is one of the most cherished holiday events on St. Helena Island, bringing together families, alumni, and longtime supporters of Penn Center to celebrate the season through music and storytelling. The silhouette of the nativity, lit gently for the audience, captures a powerful sense of history and reflection.

Together, these events offer a meaningful way to honor local culture during the holiday season. Whether you gather around the fire on December 13 or join the community chorus on December 21, Penn Center provides a place to celebrate history, heritage, and the spirit of the Lowcountry.