Planning a holiday to the beaches this winter season? Look no further! Kiawah Island is truly a magical & wonderful place to spend the holidays. As winter descends upon the Lowcountry the holiday spirit starts to fill the streets of Charleston and overflows into the surrounding beach towns these areas become so festive! Beyond the mild weather, sun-kissed beaches, and allure of winter golf and racquet sports, our local winter events and Christmas cheer are why Kiawah is a holiday hot spot.
Kiawah plays host to several truly unique and memorable events that make the holidays even that much more special. Check out some of our favorite holiday events and activities on Kiawah this winter season.
Local’s Tip: Please feel free to use and reference this tentative events calendar to help plan your trip to Kiawah Island!
HOLIDAY FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
November 15 to December 31, 2024 | 5:30 PM to 10 PM
James Island County Park, SC
Kick off the holiday season at the Annual Holiday Festival of Lights, a mesmerizing three-mile driving tour adorned with more than 2 million interactive lights, themed zones, holiday shopping, and festive activities for the whole family! This season-long Charleston festival captures the true holiday charm of the Lowcountry in every essence!
After your driving tour, immerse yourself in the seasonal spirit with a self-guided stroll through a Winter Wonderland. Take a train trip through the light displays on the Festival Express, ride the holiday carousel, schedule a visit with Santa Claus, take selfies at the holiday sand sculptures, and holiday shop to your hearts delight! In addition, the festival features a special events calendar with music performances, storytelling with Mrs Claus, reindeer workshops, and sunset dragon boat tours through the light displays.
Nightly Activities | 6 PM – 10 PM
– Santa Photos
– The Festival Express
– Carousel Rides
– Mingle with Kringle
– Climbing Wall
– Dragon Boat Tour
Festival Admission & Tickets
Admission prices vary based on the night, book in advance for the best deal. Pricing starts at $15 off-peak for a standard vehicle, $50 for a vehicle with 16-30 guests, and $150 for a larger vehicle with 31+ guests.
CHRISTMAS ON KIAWAH ISLAND
December 24th and 25th, 2024
Kiawah Island Golf Resort
Get ready to eat, drink, and be merry in style at Kiawah Island Golf Resort this Christmas! Whether you’re planning to celebrate on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, you’ll find Lowcountry holiday favorites being served in style. Savor the rich traditions of the Feast of the Seven Fishes at Tomasso at Turtle Point, feast on fresh seafood in the Atlantic Room at The Ocean Course, or experience elegance overlooking the Atlantic Ocean in The Ocean Room at The Sanctuary. The options are endless, but reservations are required!
FEAST OF THE SEVEN FISHES
Tuesday, December 24th
The Feast of the Seven Fishes (festa dei sette pesci), also known as The Vigil (La Vigilia) and celebrated on Christmas Eve, is believed to have originated in Southern Italy. The long tradition of eating seafood on Christmas Eve dates from medieval Italian times, where meat markets were closed on specific holy days. The team at Tomasso are carrying on the tradition with their own feast!
CHRISTMAS EVE DINING
Tuesday, December 24th
Jasmine Porch and The Ocean Room
Jasmine Porch | Breakfast 6:30 AM – 11 AM | Lunch 11:30 AM – 2 PM | Dinner 5:30 PM – 9 PM
The Ocean Room | 5:30 PM – 9 PM
On Christmas Eve, both The Ocean Room and Jasmine Porch will serve menus enhanced by seasonal specials. Celebrate this special evening by savoring the seasonal cuisine offered at The Ocean Room or by sampling Lowcountry and regional favorites at Jasmine Porch. Call for reservations: (800) 654-2924
The Lobby Bar at The Sanctuary
Join The Lobby Bar for spirits as you gather with friends and family this holiday season. The Lobby Bar will be open from 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM.
CHRISTMAS DAY DINING
Wednesday, December 25th
Jasmine Porch
Breakfast from 6:30 AM – 10 AM
Christmas Buffet from 11:30 AM – 3 PM
Adults: $170 | Children 4-12: $98
Kiawah’s Grand Christmas Day Buffet is held at Jasmine Porch. Celebrate this special day with The Sanctuary and allow our chefs to delight your palate with holiday specialties and enjoy live entertainment. At this time, reservations are limited to guests of The Sanctuary. Call for reservations: (800) 654-2924
Dinner 5:30 PM – 9 PM
The Ocean Room | 5:30 PM – 9 PM
Celebrate this special evening by savoring the seasonal cuisine offered at The Ocean Room.
The Lobby Bar at The Sanctuary
Join The Lobby Bar for spirits as you gather with friends and family this holiday season. The Lobby Bar will be open from 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM on Christmas Day.
BONFIRE, MUSIC & SMORES
December 30th, 2024 | 5:00 PM to 7 PM
Kiawah Island Golf Resort
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+.
NEW YEAR’S CELEBRATIONS
New Year’s Eve Family Celebration at Night Heron Park | 5:00 PM – 8 PM
Come celebrate New Year’s on Kiawah Island! The festivities kick off with the New Year’s Eve Family Celebration at Night Heron Park. This fabulous family event features live entertainment, kids activities, a delectable spread of roasted oysters and BBQ chicken, and festive fireworks to ring in the New Year.
New Year’s Eve Dinners | 5:30 PM – 9 PM
For a more refined dining experience, reserve a table at one of Kiawah Island’s renowned restaurants to savor Lowcountry cuisine amidst an elegant ambiance. After dinner, head to The Sanctuary Lobby Bar, where the Andrew Thielen Big Band will have you dancing your way into 2025!
Local’s Tip: Reservations are required! Make sure to make plans ahead of time.
List Of Restaurants
Jasmine Porch, The Ocean Room, The Lobby Bar: (877) 683-1234
The Atlantic Room on The Ocean Course: (843) 266-4085
Tomasso at Turtle Point: (843) 266-4070
Cherrywood BBQ & Ale House: (843) 266-4636
The Players’ Pub at Cougar Point: (843) 768-2771
Open Play: Dinks and Drinks | 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM | $35
You’re invited to participate in our Adult Pickleball Open Play event, combined with an exclusive Happy Hour. While prior experience is recommended, enthusiasts of all levels are welcome. Your reservation includes two beverages for participants 21+. We highly recommend making your reservations in advance to secure your spot. For further information about our extensive Pickleball offerings and to make a reservation, please call 843.768.2838.
Kid’s Night Out: New Year’s Eve Bash | 6:00 PM to 10 PM
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.
Reservations are required, please call 843.768.6001.
Pricing:
Governor’s Club: $102
KIGR Guests and KICA Members: $120
Standard Price: $140
New Year’s Day 5k | January 1st, 2025 | 11 AM to 12 PM
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.
Polar Plunge | January 1st, 2025 | 11:45 AM to 12 PM
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.
STAY WITH KIAWAH EXCLUSIVES
Experience the Lowcountry during the holidays, and the charm of a coastal vacation rental to call home when you stay with Kiawah Exclusives. Browse our exclusive collection of Seabrook Island rentals online or call our team at (843) 768-0808 to customize your vacation experience.
