Holiday cheer is here, Hilton Head Island! Let our guide lead you to all the festive fun. From Hilton Head Island regulars to holiday explorers, this guide highlights the season's best events and activities.
Popular Events: Experience the enchanting Harbour Town Lights, where twinkling displays illuminate the waterfront, creating a captivating holiday atmosphere. With opportunities for Holiday Photos With Santa, families can capture lasting memories in a festive setting. And the Town’s Official Holiday Kick-Off Festival is something you definitely don't want to miss, offering local vendors, live entertainment, and seasonal treats. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Hilton Head Island
- Harbour Town Lights
- Lights on Dove Street
- Gregg Russell Christmas Concert
- Town’s Official Holiday Kick-Off Festival
- Holiday Photos With Santa
- Irving Berlin’s Holiday Inn The Musical
- Light Up The Harbour
- Holidays at Shelter Cove
- Polar Pines Express Holiday Wagon Ride
- Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra Holiday Pops
See these and even more events listed below!
Hilton Head Island Holiday Light Displays
Harbour Town Lights
What to Expect:
Towering Christmas tree and festive harbour decorations.
Description:
Harbour Town Lights features illuminated seasonal figures, including a towering Christmas tree, with live entertainment and activities throughout the holiday season.
Where: Hilton Head Island | More Info: Harbour Town Lights
Lights on Dove Street
What to Expect:
Drive-through holiday light display supporting local charities.
Description:
The Dove Street Festival of Lights is a holiday tradition featuring a tastefully tacky display of lights along Dove Street, Hilton Head Island. This event celebrates its 30th anniversary and supports local charities through online donations.
Where: Hilton Head Island | More Info: Lights on Dove Street
Hilton Head Island Holiday Markets and Shopping
Hilton Head Community Market
What to Expect:
Local vendors selling handmade and fresh goods.
Description:
The Hilton Head Community Market is a weekly event where local farmers, makers, and bakers gather to sell their products. It features special events like Christmas in July, Small Business Saturday, and St. Patrick's Day Market.
Where: Hilton Head Island | More Info: Hilton Head Community Market
Hilton Head Island Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Town’s Official Holiday Kick-Off Festival
What to Expect:
Interactive holiday celebration with Santa and local artisans.
Description:
The Town’s Official Holiday Kick-Off Festival at the Arts Center features holiday entertainment, local groups, arts and crafts, food trucks, and an Art Market with local artisans. Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive in style on an antique fire truck to visit children, while cast members perform in a holiday-themed show.
Where: Hilton Head Island | More Info: Town’s Official Holiday Kick-Off Festival
Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra Holiday Pops
What to Expect:
World-class musical performances with a blend of classical and holiday favorites.
Description:
The Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra's Holiday Pops features a captivating program with Broadway star Meredith Inglesby, HHSO Chorus, and Jaia Alli performing Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker and Lalo's Cello Concerto. The event includes fan favorite "Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus" and John Morris Russell's poignant reading of Elgar's Nimrod Variation.
Where: Hilton Head Island | More Info: Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra Holiday Pops
Gregg Russell Christmas Concert
What to Expect:
Interactive holiday concert with a special Santa visit.
Description:
Join Gregg Russell under the Liberty Oak in Harbour Town for a festive evening of music and holiday cheer, featuring his guitar and singing. Following the concert, enjoy a special visit from Santa Claus.
Where: Hilton Head Island | More Info: Gregg Russell Christmas Concert
Holidays at Shelter Cove
What to Expect:
Pet-friendly outdoor concerts with local bands and food.
Description:
Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina offers a variety of seasonal events, including live music concerts, art festivals, and community celebrations. The area is known for its pet-friendly outdoor concerts featuring local bands and delicious food, all set around the Neptune Statue. These events are weather permitting and encourage attendees to bring their own chairs.
Where: Hilton Head Island | More Info: Holidays at Shelter Cove
Irving Berlin’s Holiday Inn The Musical
What to Expect:
Heartwarming holiday show with classic Irving Berlin songs.
Description:
Irving Berlin’s Holiday Inn The Musical tells the story of Jim, who leaves show business to settle down on his farmhouse in Connecticut. He meets Linda, a spirited schoolteacher, and together they turn the farmhouse into a fabulous inn with dazzling performances celebrating each holiday. The musical features thrilling dance numbers, laugh-out-loud comedy, and a parade of hit Irving Berlin songs, including "Blue Skies," "Easter Parade," and "White Christmas."
Where: Hilton Head Island | More Info: Irving Berlin’s Holiday Inn The Musical
Hilton Head Island Other Holiday Activities
Holiday Photos With Santa
What to Expect:
Interactive holiday event with Santa and kids' activities.
Description:
Meet Santa at Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina, where children can share their Christmas lists and take photos with Santa. Enjoy additional kids' activities like bounce houses and train rides, along with holiday music. The first 250 kids will receive a gingerbread cookie kit provided by Hilton Head Social Bakery.
Where: Hilton Head Island | More Info: Holiday Photos With Santa
Art League of Hilton Head Gallery of Gifts
What to Expect:
Unique local art exhibits by over 200 member artists.
Description:
The Art League of Hilton Head Gallery features local artwork in all media created by more than 200 member artists. Exhibits change every month, showcasing a diverse range of 2D, 3D, and jewelry pieces. The gallery is located inside the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina and is open daily.
Where: Hilton Head Island | More Info: Art League of Hilton Head Gallery of Gifts
Polar Pines Express Holiday Wagon Ride
What to Expect:
Holiday-themed wagon ride with storytelling and treats.
Description:
Join a festive wagon ride to the North Pole, featuring crafts, activities, hot chocolate, and treats while listening to the story of "The Polar Express."
Where: Hilton Head Island | More Info: Polar Pines Express Holiday Wagon Ride
Sandy Sledding Sea Pines Beach Club
What to Expect:
Unique holiday-themed sand sled competition.
Description:
Compete against other teams by designing and building your own sled using provided supplies. Each team will showcase their creation and be scored on speed, durability, and creativity.
Where: Hilton Head Island | More Info: Sandy Sledding Sea Pines Beach Club
Santa & Sirens with Fire Rescue
What to Expect:
Santa's neighborhood tour with Fire Rescue support.
Description:
Santa & Sirens with Fire Rescue features Santa touring neighborhoods with Hilton Head Island Fire Rescue, driving through main roads without stops, and utilizing a Santa Tracker to show his routes.
Where: Hilton Head Island | More Info: Santa & Sirens with Fire Rescue
Light Up The Harbour
What to Expect:
Spectacular fireworks displays and family-friendly activities.
Description:
Light Up The Harbour features 12 firework shows, live entertainment, and a variety of kids' activities, creating memorable experiences for families.
Where: Hilton Head Island | More Info: Light Up The Harbour
Winter Wonderland at Shelter Cove Park
What to Expect:
Family-friendly holiday celebration with free activities and food.
Description:
The Winter Wonderland at Shelter Cove Park offers free bounce houses, a parade, DJ, and family fun. Enjoy food and drinks, and participate in activities like the Golden Candy Cane Hunt. This event is a great way to celebrate the holiday season with your family.
Where: Hilton Head Island | More Info: Winter Wonderland at Shelter Cove Park
Deck The Hulls – A Christmas Boat Parade
What to Expect:
Festively decorated boats with costumed crews and holiday music.
Description:
Deck The Hulls – A Christmas Boat Parade features festively decorated boats, costumed crews, and holiday music along a 7-mile parade route on Skull Creek.
Where: Hilton Head Island | More Info: Deck The Hulls – A Christmas Boat Parade
Holiday Fun in Harbour Town
What to Expect:
Classic holiday movies and marshmallow roasting with a train ride.
Description:
Join us at Liberty Oak to watch classic holiday movies, roast marshmallows, and enjoy a train ride. Complimentary with a canned food item donation for the Deep Well Project.
Where: Hilton Head Island | More Info: Holiday Fun in Harbour Town
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Hilton Head (2 miles)
- Savannah (22 miles)
- Pooler (30 miles)