This Year’s Kiawah Island Holiday Events to Attend

The Lowcountry is home to many wonderful cities and towns, each with their own holiday traditions — making winter one of the best times of year to visit the Island. 

While this year may feel a bit different, you can still celebrate the holidays in a fun and safe way with your loved ones. Here is our list of the top Kiawah Island holiday events to look forward to, plus some other locales that offer festive fun you won’t want to miss out on. 

Kiawah Island Holiday Events

1. Letters to Santa

November 23rd – December 18th

Bring your little ones to Freshfields Village to drop off their Christmas list to be sent to Santa at the North Pole. For each letter received, Freshfields Village will donate to the Dee Norton Child Advocacy Center located in Charleston. The North Pole-destined mailbox sits near the Christmas trees on the Village Green — be sure to include your return address for a special surprise! 

2. Holiday Starlight Cinema

December 5th, 12th, 19th

Watch your favorite Christmas movies under the stars at the Holiday Starlight Cinema in Freshfields Village. Bring your chairs and blankets, and pack a delicious picnic dinner to enjoy during the show. Purchase tickets to watch The Grinch on December 5th, Christmas Vacation on the 12th, or Elf on the 19th. 

3. New Year’s Family Celebration

December 31st

Night Heron Park will continue its tradition of hosting an evening of family-friendly fun to kick off New Year’s Eve. A fireworks display coupled with delicious food including Lowcountry BBQ, roasted oysters, and hoppin john’ will set off the night!

4. Kiawah Island 5K Run

January 1st

Start off the New Year by crushing your resolutions on the very first day! Join your neighbors for a 5K run starting at Sanctuary beach and ending at the hotel. The race will begin at 11 a.m. sharp.

5. Annual Polar Bear Plunge

January 1st

Looking for another way to get started on a healthy foot? Participate in the annual Polar Bear Plunge and celebrate the New Year with a fresh perspective. The event will be held at Kiawah’s Front Beach and starts at 11:45 a.m. Don’t forget to bring a towel and change of clothes for after your plunge!

Holiday Events in the Lowcountry

6. Holiday Parade at Magnolia Plantations & Gardens 

December 5th

See Magnolia Plantations & Gardens debut it’s very first Holiday Parade to kick off the holiday spirit! Per their recommendation, bring your own chairs and blankets, grab hot chocolates from the Peacock Cafe, and get ready for some Holiday magic your entire family will love. There will also be a socially-distant meet and greet with Santa Claus after the children’s garden parade.

7. Holiday Parade of Boats

December 12th

Bring your family to see the greatest holiday display in the Lowcountry. Thousands of participants will sail around Charleston Harbor with their boats decorated in festive cheer. The Holiday Parade of Boats starts at 5 p.m.

8. Annual Holiday Festival of Lights

November 15th – December 31st

James Island County Park will hold its annual Festival of Lights display each night of the week until the last day of December. Stroll around the park as you take in the sights of millions of holiday lights in all their glory.

9. The Sound of Charleston

November 28th – December 30th

Gospel, Gullah, Gershwin, Civil War tales, jazz, and light classics are what you can look forward to at The Sound of Charleston live music concert. Their Special Holiday Edition includes candlelit performances of traditional Holiday music, plus hot cider and sweet treats after every show. 

10. Candlelight Tours of Drayton Hall

December 3rd – 19th 

Travel through time this Holiday season and see what life was like firsthand in the mid-1700s. Drayton Hall will be offering private candlelight tours of this historic residence. Enjoy a cup of hot cider and explore the legacy of this colonial home. 

Learn More About Kiawah Island Holiday Events

The Holidays are a wonderful time of year to explore Kiawah Island. If you’re interested in visiting the Island and would like to know more about Kiawah real estate, contact us via the button below.

Happy Holidays!