Leave the winter weather behind and create lifelong memories and new family traditions on the beautiful barrier islands on the shores of South Carolina’s Atlantic Coast. It’s the most wonderful time of the year and the spirit of the holiday season abounds on Kiawah Island where holiday charm and the best of the Lowcountry awaits, only a 30 minute drive from Charleston!
It’s time to deck the halls, soak up the sunny island weather on miles of beautiful beaches, tee off on oceanfront golf courses, explore miles of family-friendly trails, overindulge in holiday food and enjoy fun family-friendly festivities at the best holiday events on Kiawah Island.
1. Aquarium Aglow
Charleston, SC
Date: November 21st through December 30th, 2024
Time: 5:30pm to 9pm
Admission: Click HERE!
Aquarium Aglow is a unique holiday light experience at the South Carolina Aquarium in nearby Charleston. Whether you’re looking for a rainy indoor activity or spending the day exploring the streets of historic Charleston, Aquarium Aglow offers a one-of-a-kind sensory experience for the whole family with thousands of magical holiday lights.
2. Holiday Festival of Lights
James Island, SC
Date: November 15th to December 31st, 2024
Time: Nightly 5:30pm to 10pm
Admission: Click HERE!
The Holiday Festival of Lights is a top nighttime attraction and one of Charleston’s favorite events during the holiday season. James Island transforms to a magical winter wonderland with three miles of over 750 fantastical light displays (an estimated 2 million lights!) ranging from Rudolph and Santa Clause to an Amazing Dancing Light Display. Take a driving tour then stop for a visit at Santa’s Village with festive train rides, an old-fashioned carousel, an enchanted walking trail, marshmallow roasting pits and festive food stands. The festival ends with a spectacular display of fireworks on New Year’s Eve and is not to be missed.
3. First Friday Christmas Market
James Island, SC
Date: Friday, December 6th, 2024
The First Friday Christmas Market takes place at the Town Market on James Island early in the holiday season with fresh local produce, arts and crafts, food trucks, tasty, sweet treats and a free movie on the big screen at dusk. If you’re visiting Seabrook Island later in the season, the Charleston Farmers Market and Sea Island Farmers Market on Johns Island are open year-round on Saturdays with holiday crafts and delicious local fresh produce to restock your vacation supplies.
4. Freshfields Village
Kiawah Island, SC
Date: December 2024
Freshfields Village is a charming open-air shopping destination with a wide array of eateries, salons and spas for a Christmas spoil, festive holiday events and the best shopping near Seabrook Island. Grab coffee and breakfast and browse the cool cars at the monthly Cars & Coffee on the Village Green, drop your wish list in Santa’s Mailbox near the Christmas trees and catch up on last-minute Christmas shopping at the Sidewalk Saturday sales and events.
5. The Nutcracker
College of Charleston Sottile Theatre, Charleston, SC
Date & Time: December 14th 2024 | 2 PM & 6 PM
Date & Time: December 15th 2024 | 1 PM & 5 PM
Admission: Click HERE!
This beloved ballet holiday tradition brings the enchanting tale of The Nutcracker to life in the stunning setting of the historic Sottile Theatre in Charleston. From the magical Land of Sweets to the captivating dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy, this classic captivates audiences of all ages. Live Stream tickets are available to watch from the comfort of your home for the holidays!
6. Gullah Christmas Concert
Boone Hall Plantation
Date: December 11th, 2024
Admission: Click HERE!
Celebrate the season with a unique cultural experience at A Gullah Christmas Concert at Boone Hall Plantation. This holiday event showcases the vibrant culture, traditions, and heritage of the Lowcountry’s Gullah Geechee people through storytelling, heartfelt performances, and soulful songs by The Plantation Singers, one of the South’s most acclaimed Gullah acapella groups.
7. Christmas Eve & Christmas Day Dinner
Kiawah Island Golf Resort
Date: December 24thand 25th, 2024
Call for Reservations: (800) 654-2924
Eat, drink and be merry with a festive Christmas feast on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day at the luxury Kiawah Island Golf Resort. Indulge in The Feast of the Seven Fishes at Tomasso at Turtle Point, southern BBQ at the Cherrywood BBQ and Ale House, fresh seafood and Lowcountry holiday favorites in The Ocean Room or a grand Christmas buffet on the Jasmine Porch. Reservations essential.
8. Bonfire, Music & Smores
Kiawah Island Golf Resort
Date: December 30th, 2024
Time: 5:00pm to 7pm
Start the New Year’s Eve celebrations early! Spend time with family and friends around a fire while enjoying lawn games and indulging in a s’more or two. Live music will be provided by Flash Mob.
S’more packs available for purchase at $5 for a pack of 4. A limited amount of picnic table seating available, beach chairs or blankets recommended. Schedule subject to change.
Also, come and check out Archery Tag! This is a fast paced game that involves aim, accuracy, teamwork, strategy, and FUN! $5/game, $20/unlimited play. For ages 8+.
9. New Year’s Eve Family Celebration
Night Heron Park at Kiawah Island Golf Resort
Date: December 31st, 2024
Time: 5:30pm to 9pm
Admission: Free
Let the countdown begin with live entertainment, jumping castles, lawn games and tasty roasted oysters or BBQ chicken at the New Year’s Eve Family Celebration at Night Heron Park. This fun, family-friendly NYE celebration ends at 9pm with a grand finale of fireworks. Ring in the New Year with friends and family from your oceanfront island retreat or venture out and discover legendary hot spots on a night out on the town in Charleston.
10. New Year’s Day Polar Bear Plunge
The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort
Date: January 1st, 2025
Time: 11:45am to 12:45pm
Admission: Free
Plunge into the New Year at Kiawah Island Golf Resort’s Polar Bear Plunge. Come and celebrate new beginnings with us as we gather on Kiawah’s beach, just in front of the Sanctuary Hotel, to take a dip into The Atlantic. All participants must bring their own towel to this event.
This event is complimentary, no reservations are required.
11. New Year’s Day 5k
Sanctuary Beach
Date: January 1st, 2025
Time: 11:00am to 12:00pm
Admission: Free
There’s no better way to ring in the New Year than a beach fun run! This one mile or 5k run/walk will begin at the Sanctuary Beach Access and head towards The Ocean Course. Please bring your own water bottle.
This event is complimentary, no reservations are required. Schedule is subject to change.
12. Kid’s Night Out: New Year’s Eve Bash
The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort
Date: January 1st, 2025
Time: 6:00pm to 10:00pm
Admission: Reservations are required, please call 843.768.6001
Ring in the New Year with Camp Kiawah! Enjoy some mini golf at the festival, splash around at the Sanctuary indoor pool, make crafts and so much more! Drop off is at the Night Heron Pavilion and pick up is located at the Sanctuary’s indoor pool. For ages 5-12.
The Kid’s Night Out programs provide everything needed for an exciting and adventurous experience for young vacationers and local residents. Dinner is included.
Pricing:
Governor’s Club: $102
KIGR Guests and KICA Members: $120
Standard Price: $140
Kiawah Island Vacation Rentals
Experience the true spirit of Christmas and make Kiawah Island your home for the holidays this festive season! Kiawah Exclusives boasts over 40 years on the island with a premier portfolio of luxury Kiawah Island vacation rentals and local vacation specialists to personalize your island experience. Book direct or call our team on (800) 845-6966 today to begin your holiday season on South Carolina’s scenic barrier islands.
