Escape the crowds and discover the hidden gem of Kiawah Island this winter! Winter on Kiawah Island welcomes you with sunny coastal weather, wild beautiful beaches and fairways with fewer crowds, endless outdoor adventures at Night Heron Park, fresh succulent seafood, and seasonal events to experience the true charm of the South Carolina Lowcountry. Unlock the hidden gems of Kiawah Island’s winter as we dive into a line-up of captivating Lowcountry events that will make your season truly unforgettable – and snowbird rentals that’ll have you soaking up the sun in no time!
1. KIAWAH SPIRIT TASTING
WHEN: Every Friday & Saturday
TIME: 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Kiawah Spirits, Freshfields Village
For the 21+, Kiawah Spirits in Freshfields Village offers complimentary spirit tastings every Friday & Saturday from 1 PM to 5 PM, while supplies last! Kiawah Spirits feature the top 200 spirit brands in the US including over 100 single malt scotches, over 110 small batch bourbons and ryes, and spirits from the top Charleston distilleries.
2. AQUARIUM AGLOW
WHEN: Select Nights from November 21st through December 30th, 2024
TIME: 5:30 PM to 9:00 PM
South Carolina Aquarium, Charleston
Aquarium Aglow, an enchanting holiday light extravaganza hosted at the South Carolina Aquarium is a must-visit during your winter vacation on Kiawah Island. The brilliance of tens of thousands of holiday lights transforms the aquarium into a true winter wonderland with Scuba Claus greeting guests from the Great Ocean Tank, live holiday entertainment, and a variety of food and refreshments (including alcoholic beverages) available for purchase. An elevated aquarium experience. only a short drive from Kiawah Island.
3. DINING FOR A CAUSE
WHEN: December 3rd & 10th, 2024
TIME: 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM
FortyEight Wine Bar & Kitchen, Freshfields Village
The FortyEight Wine Bar & Kitchen in Freshfields Village will be hosting Dining For A Cause, every Tuesday evening. Guests can make a reservation on Resy for dinner between 5 PM and 9 PM and 50% of all dinner revenue will be donated to a local charity in the greater Charleston area. Click HERE for a list of local charities.
4. THE KIAWAH ISLAND MARATHON
WHEN: December 14th, 2024
TIME: 8:00 AM
West Beach Conference Center
Imagine running along the pristine Atlantic coastline, through lush maritime forests, and past scenic marshlands while being surrounded by the soothing sounds of ocean waves. This dream becomes a reality for runners participating in the Kiawah Island Marathon and Half-Marathon, held annually on Kiawah Island in December. The new course for The Kiawah Island Golf Resort Marathon and Half Marathon will start and finish in the beautiful West Beach Village. Along the way, you’ll enjoy spectacular views of maritime forests, marshes, and grand homes as you run throughout the Island community. The only thing more wonderful than the scenery is the moment when you cross the finish line after completing your full or half-marathon!
5. FIRST FRIDAY CHRISTMAS MARKET
WHEN: December 6th, 2024
TIME: All Day!
James Island, SC
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, theCharleston Farmers Market andSea 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.
6. CARS & COFFEE
WHEN: December 21st, 2024
TIME: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Freshfields Village Green
Kiawah Island’s free Cars & Coffee event at Freshfields Village takes place on the 3rd Saturday of every month from 9 AM to 11 AM. Car enthusiasts of all ages arrive in style to show off their rides and mingle together admiring some of the coolest cars in the country including classics, supercars, antiques, and top-tier collectibles! King Bean coffee and breakfast are available for purchase at Java Java on the Village Green.
7. HOLIDAY FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
WHEN: November 15th to December 31st, 2024
TIME: 5:30 PM to 10:00 PM
James Island County Park, SC
Experience the enchantment of the holiday season at the Holiday Festival of Lights in nearby Charleston. Take a driving tour through James Island County Park adorned with millions of mesmerizing lights, visit Santa’s Village with festive train rides, an old-fashioned carousel, an enchanted walking trail, marshmallow roasting pits, and festive food stands, or plan your visit for the grand finale fireworks on New Year’s Eve.
8. FRESHFIELDS VILLAGE
WHEN:Â December, 2024
Kiawah Island, SC
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.
9. THE NUTCRACKER
WHEN: December 14th 2024 | 2 PM & 6 PM
WHEN: December 15th 2024 | 1 PM & 5 PM
Admission: Click HERE!
College of Charleston Sottile Theatre, Charleston, SC
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!
10. GULLAH CHRISTMAS CONCERT
WHEN:Â December 11th, 2024
Admission: Click HERE!
Boone Hall Plantation
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.
11. CHRISTMAS ON KIAWAH ISLAND
WHEN: 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!
Local’s Tip: Learn more about the full Holiday Event Calendar ’24/25!
12. BONFIRE, MUSIC & S’MORES
WHEN:Â December 30th, 2024
TIME:Â 5:00pm to 7pm
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+.
13. NEW YEAR’S EVE FAMILY CELEBRATION
WHEN:Â December 31st, 2024
TIME:Â 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Admission:Â Free
Night Heron Park at Kiawah Island Golf Resort
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.
14. NEW YEAR’S DAY POLAR BEAR PLUNGE
WHEN:Â January 1st, 2025
TIME:Â 11:45 AM – 12:45 PM
Admission:Â Free
The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort
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.
15. NEW YEAR’S DAY 5K
WHEN:Â January 1st, 2025
TIME:Â 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Admission:Â Free
Sanctuary Beach
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.
16. KID’S NIGHT OUT: NEW YEAR’S EVE BASH
WHEN:Â January 1st, 2025
TIME:Â 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Admission:Â Reservations are required, please call 843.768.6001
The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort
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
17. NEW YEAR’S DINNER
WHEN: December 31st, 2024 & January 1st, 2025
TIME: 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Reservations Required!
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!
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
18. NEW YEAR’S DAY BREAKFAST & BRUNCH
WHEN: January 1st, 2025
TIME: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Chilly ocean dips not your thing? The Jasmine Porch at The Sanctuary is open for breakfast (6:30 AM – 11 AM) and brunch (12 PM – 3 PM) on New Year’s Day. Indulge in an extensive array of Lowcountry breakfast traditions including savory classics, sweet indulgences, and signature cocktails served with true Southern hospitality. Reservations required.
19. LOWCOUNTRY OYSTER FESTIVAL
WHEN: February 2nd, 2025
TIME: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Boone Hall Plantation
Winter brings the oyster harvesting season to the Lowcountry, along with the world’s largest oyster festival, the Lowcountry Oyster Festival at Boone Hall. This must-do Charleston winter festival features fun family-friendly activities, oyster shucking and oyster eating contests, live local music, and a true taste of quintessential Lowcountry traditions. Tickets go on sale this fall.
EVENT SCHEDULE & TICKETS: Click HERE!
20. OYSTERS ON THE POINT
WHEN: January – March, 2025
Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina
Coastal charm meets culinary delights at Oysters on the Point, an annual event at the Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina. This popular once-a-month winter series takes place on the beach with views of the Charleston waterfront, buckets of steamed oysters, beers and cocktails, and beach bonfires and s’mores to end the evening. 2025 Event Schedule coming soon!
EVENT SCHEDULE & TICKETS: Click HERE!
21. CHARLESTON RESTAURANT WEEK
WHEN: January 9th – 19th, 2025
Charleston, SC
The next Charleston Restaurant Week is from January 11-21, 2024. As one of the highly anticipated culinary events in Charleston, this eleven-day celebration highlights Charleston’s best restaurants and the world-renowned cuisine of the Lowcountry. With local transportation options available, you can seamlessly transition from savoring the city’s flavors to basking in the natural beauty of Kiawah Island.
22. 17th ANNUAL GOURMET & GRAPES
WHEN: January 30th – February 2nd, 2025
The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort
There’s no need to travel to Charleston for Lowcountry culinary events! Gourmet & Grapes is a four-day culinary experience at The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort that couples local and international culinary talent with award-winning wineries to raise money for cancer research at Hollings Cancer Center. Highlights include a BBQ and bourbon mashup at Mingo Point, signature dining experiences at The Sanctuary, an exclusive Wine Odyssey Gala in the ballroom, beach bike rides, bubbles, and brunches with sweeping views of the Atlantic. 2025 schedule & dates to be announced soon!
STAY WITH KIAWAH EXCLUSIVES
Escape the ordinary and create special memories on Kiawah Island, where the perfect blend of nature, luxury, and relaxation awaits! Your winter vacation on Kiawah Island begins here! Kiawah Exclusives offers a collection of 100+ of the finest vacation rentals on Kiawah Island, monthly rentals for a longer stay, and a local team to help plan your winter beach getaway!
