Can't wait for the festive season in Hilton Head? Dive into our guide for all the holiday fun! From Hilton Head old-timers to newcomers, our guide is your key to unlocking seasonal delights.
Popular events this holiday season include the Harbour Town Lights, a stunning display that transforms the harbour into a winter wonderland with twinkling lights and decorations. Light Up the Harbour invites visitors to enjoy festive activities and entertainment for the whole family amidst the sparkling backdrop. And the holiday classic, Irving Berlin’s Holiday Inn The Musical, is something you definitely don't want to miss, bringing tunes and cheer to the stage. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Hilton Head
- Harbour Town Lights
- Light Up the Harbour
- Irving Berlin’s Holiday Inn The Musical
- Gregg Russell Christmas Concert
- Deck the Hulls – A Christmas Boat Parade
- Shelter Cove Harbour Christmas Lights
- Hilton Head Fire Rescue Station #3 Christmas Lights
- HHI Jingle Jingle Bridge Run
- Harbour Town New Year’s Eve Celebration
- Shelter Cove Towne Center Lights
See these and even more events listed below!
Hilton Head Holiday Light Displays
Harbour Town Lights
What to Expect:
Towering Christmas tree centerpiece with live entertainment.
Description:
Stroll along the harbour in Harbour Town and enjoy illuminated seasonal figures, including a towering Christmas tree. The event features live entertainment and activities, with the official tree lighting taking place before the Gregg Russell concert. While you're there, help the Deep Well Project by dropping off canned goods or new, unwrapped toys.
Where: Hilton Head | More Info: Harbour Town Lights
Hilton Head Fire Rescue Station #3 Christmas Lights
What to Expect:
Community-driven holiday light display with donation collection.
Description:
Hilton Head Fire Rescue Station #3 Christmas Lights feature a holiday light display at Fire Station 3, with non-perishable food items and new unwrapped toys collected for Deep Well.
Where: Hilton Head | More Info: Hilton Head Fire Rescue Station #3 Christmas Lights
Shelter Cove Harbour Christmas Lights
What to Expect:
Coastal Christmas lights display with local boutiques and waterfront dining.
Description:
Shelter Cove Harbour transforms into a colorful holiday display with lighted boats and beautifully decorated shops and restaurants. Stroll along the marina to enjoy the Lowcountry winter atmosphere and holiday shopping.
Where: Hilton Head | More Info: Shelter Cove Harbour Christmas Lights
Shelter Cove Towne Center Lights
What to Expect:
Colorful holiday lights and decorations.
Description:
Shelter Cove Towne Center Lights feature a beautifully decorated 28-foot Christmas tree and festive lighting throughout the center, perfect for holiday picture taking.
Where: Hilton Head | More Info: Shelter Cove Towne Center Lights
Hilton Head Holiday Markets and Shopping
Hilton Head Community Market
What to Expect:
Local vendors selling a variety of goods.
Description:
The Hilton Head Community Market is a weekly event where local farmers, makers, and bakers gather to sell their goods. Shop for fresh produce, meats, baked goods, and more at Shelter Cove Community Park every Saturday from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM. A portion of the proceeds supports local non-profits.
Where: Hilton Head | More Info: Hilton Head Community Market
Hilton Head Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Irving Berlin’s Holiday Inn The Musical
What to Expect:
Heartwarming musical with Irving Berlin classics.
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 transform the farmhouse into a fabulous inn with dazzling performances celebrating each holiday. This joyous musical features thrilling dance numbers, laugh-out-loud comedy, and a parade of hit Irving Berlin songs.
Where: Hilton Head | More Info: Irving Berlin’s Holiday Inn The Musical
Gregg Russell Christmas Concert
What to Expect:
Interactive holiday concert with a special Santa visit.
Description:
Join Gregg Russell for an evening of holiday music and fun in Harbour Town. Listen as he plays his guitar and sings seasonal songs for children and adults. Following the concert, enjoy a special visit from Santa Claus!
Where: Hilton Head | More Info: Gregg Russell Christmas Concert
Harbour Town New Year’s Eve Celebration
What to Expect:
Two ball drops at 7 PM and midnight.
Description:
Celebrate New Year's Eve at Harbour Town with a festive ball drop from the Harbour Town Lighthouse, live music, and delicious food throughout Harbour Town.
Where: Hilton Head | More Info: Harbour Town New Year’s Eve Celebration
Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra Holiday Pops
What to Expect:
World-class holiday concert with Broadway star and symphony orchestra.
Description:
The Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra's Holiday Pops features breathtaking musical performances, including Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker and Lalo's Cello Concerto, with Broadway star Meredith Inglesby making her debut. The event is a poignant and deeply moving celebration of the holiday season.
Where: Hilton Head | More Info: Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra Holiday Pops
Hilton Head Other Holiday Activities
Light Up the Harbour
What to Expect:
Multi-week event with 12 firework shows and live entertainment.
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 | More Info: Light Up the Harbour
Deck the Hulls – A Christmas Boat Parade
What to Expect:
Unique waterfront holiday event with decorated boats and costumed crews.
Description:
Deck the Hulls – A Christmas Boat Parade features festively decorated boats, costumed crews, and holiday music along a 7-mile route through Skull Creek, showcasing popular waterfront restaurants.
Where: Hilton Head | More Info: Deck the Hulls – A Christmas Boat Parade
HHI Jingle Jingle Bridge Run
What to Expect:
Holiday-themed running event with festive costumes and awards.
Description:
The Hilton Head Island Jingle Jingle Bridge Run is a holiday running event featuring 5K and 10K races that start and finish at Crossings Park, taking participants over scenic Broad Creek on the Cross Island Expressway. The event includes standard race divisions for the 10K and limited divisions for the 5K. Participants receive colorful Long Sleeve T-shirts and are encouraged to wear holiday costumes. An award ceremony with refreshments, music, and door prizes follows the race.
Where: Hilton Head | More Info: HHI Jingle Jingle Bridge Run
Polar Plunge at Coligny Beach
What to Expect:
Community-driven polar plunge event supporting a local charity.
Description:
Join the Polar Plunge at Coligny Beach to support Charlis Critters and kick off the new year with a refreshing dip in the Atlantic Ocean.
Where: Hilton Head | More Info: Polar Plunge at Coligny Beach
Holiday Fun in Harbour Town
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration with classic movies, marshmallow roasting, and train rides.
Description:
Join us at Liberty Oak in Harbour Town for classic holiday movies, marshmallow roasting, and train rides. Enjoy these activities while supporting the Deep Well Project with a canned food donation.
Where: Hilton Head | More Info: Holiday Fun in Harbour Town
Winter Wonderland at Shelter Cove Park
What to Expect:
Free family fun with bounce houses and a parade.
Description:
Join us at Shelter Cove Park for a free and fun-filled evening with bounce houses, a parade, DJ, and family activities. Enjoy food and drinks while participating in carnival games, face painting, and more.
Where: Hilton Head | More Info: Winter Wonderland at Shelter Cove Park
Art League of Hilton Head Gallery of Gifts
What to Expect:
Unique collection of local artwork by over 200 member artists.
Description:
The Art League of Hilton Head Gallery features local artwork in all media created by over 200 member artists. Exhibits change every month, and all artwork is for sale. Located inside the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, the gallery is open daily from 10 AM to 4 PM, with extended hours before performances.
Where: Hilton Head | More Info: Art League of Hilton Head Gallery of Gifts
Heritage Library Historic Holidays
What to Expect:
Unique blend of literary and artistic traditions with a holiday twist.
Description:
Celebrate the holiday season with local authors, artists, and a festive afternoon tea, featuring sweet and savory tastings and a cash bar.
Where: Hilton Head | More Info: Heritage Library Historic Holidays
Polar Pines Express Holiday Wagon Ride
What to Expect:
Narrated journey to the North Pole with holiday crafts and activities.
Description:
Join us for a holiday wagon ride through Sea Pines Forest Preserve, where children will hear the classic story of "The Polar Express," create a paper conductor's hat, and enjoy hot chocolate and treats.
Where: Hilton Head | More Info: Polar Pines Express Holiday Wagon Ride
Sandy Sledding Sea Pines Beach Club
What to Expect:
Unique sand sled designs and creative 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 | More Info: Sandy Sledding Sea Pines Beach Club
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Hilton Head Island (2 miles)
- Savannah (22 miles)
- Pooler (30 miles)