holidays on hilton head island
Discover all the holidays have to offer on Hilton Head Island.
The holidays are a magical time of year here on the Island. Homes, schools, churches and businesses are filled with mouthwatering aromas and their interiors are ablaze with the lights of the season. All across the Island, children and adults alike are preparing for the many choirs, plays, and other events that are soon to come to life.
It's a great time to visit with such a full calendar of activities for your family's holiday vacation—Turkey Trot race; Concours d’Elegance; Thanksgiving hayrides; Caramel Apple Making Festival at the Heritage Farm in Sea Pines; Community Tree Lighting and Santa Arrival at the Arts Center; Tour of Lights; Jingle Bell Run; and many, many more!
2009 Events
November 20-22
Turkey Tennis Tournament
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osted by the Island Rec. Center and Public Tennis Inc. at the Chaplin Park Tennis Courts and Hilton Head High School. All ages and abilities welcome with singles, doubles and a parent/child division. Player’s Party on Nov. 20. Pre-registration required. (843) 681-7273. www.islandreccenter.org
November 20-24
Holiday Shopping Spree
Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra’s “Holiday Shopping Spree,“ an online holiday auction featuring gift certificates, services and merchandise. Online Preview begins Nov. 16. (843) 842-2055. www.hhso.org
November 21
21st Annual Christmas Bazaar and 1st Arts Festival
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hosted by the Crafters Guild of The Church of the Cross on the Calhoun Street campus, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Handcrafted items indigenous to the Lowcountry, holiday items, student art, baked goods, “Holy Honey,“ White Elephant Sale, canned goods, a chili and hot dog bar and more. 110 Calhoun St. (843) 705-1090 or 304-1922. www.thechurchofthecross.net
November 23
Fall Into Winter: A Cornucopia of Holiday Music
The Hilton Head Choral Society’s Youth Choir presents “Fall Into Winter: A Cornucopia of Holiday Music” at Christ Lutheran Church, 7 p.m. A family-friendly program of classic carols, traditional folk songs and Santa-inspired tunes. 829 Wm. Hilton Pkwy. (843) 341-3818. www.hiltonheadchoralsociety.org
November 24-28
Thanksgiving Hayrides
Thanksgiving Hayrides through The Sea Pines Resort Forest Preserve. Cookies and refreshments provided. Reservations required. (843) 842-1979. www.seapines.com
November 25-28
Thanksgiving Stan Smith Tennis Academy
In The Sea Pines Resort. Learn from Stan Smith himself, a former U.S. Open and Wimbledon champion and U.S. Olympic Men’s Coach. Pre-registration required. (843) 363-4495. www.seapines.com
November 26
11th Annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner
Sponsored by St. Andrew By-The-Sea United Methodist Church at Hudson’s on the Docks, 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Dinner is free, donations for Deep Well appreciated. Reservations are not required. Volunteers are needed. (843) 785-4711. www.hhiumc.com
November 26
21st Annual Piggly Wiggly Turkey Trot
To benefit the Island Rec. Center at the Boathouse II Restaurant, 8 a.m. 5K, 10K or Fun Walk with After Party. Discount for pre-registration. (843) 681-7273. www.islandreccenter.org
November 27
Mom’s Morning Out - Shop ‘til You Drop
For ages 3-9 at The Sandbox, An Interactive Children’s Museum, 7-10 a.m. Supervised play, holiday arts and crafts, a morning snack and take-home ornament. Reservations required. 18-A Pope Ave. (843) 842-7645. www.thesandbox.org
November 27
Gregg Russell’s Thanksgiving Concert
Under the Liberty Oak in Harbour Town, 5:30-7 p.m. Complimentary. (843) 842-1979. www.seapines.com
November 27-December 24
Santa Visits & Photos
At The Mall at Shelter Cove. Call for hours. 24 Shelter Cove Lane. (843) 686-3090. www.mallatsheltercove.com
November 27-December 31
South Beach Christmas Village
South Beach Christmas Village in The Sea Pines Resort. Hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights, holiday decorations, falling snow and a large Nativity scene. Free family photos with Santa, including well-behaved pets, on Fri. and Sat. through Dec. 19 at the South Beach Inn, 3-7 p.m. (843) 671-6498. www.saltydog.com
November 28
Holiday Pottery Program
The Sandbox, An Interactive Children’s Museum, 9:30 a.m. Create a personalized plate or frame as a souvenir or gift. Reservations recommended. 18-A Pope Ave. (843) 842-7645. www.thesandbox.org
November 28
Caramel Apple Festival
Heritage Farm in The Sea Pines Resort, 1-3 p.m. Hayrides, face painting, pony rides, music, crafts and food. (843) 842-1979. www.seapines.com
November 28
Official Christmas Tree Lighting
Town of Hilton Head Island’s Official Christmas Tree Lighting at the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, 3:30-5:30 p.m. Rick Hubbard's Kazoo Christmas Show, Christmas carols, holiday crafts, treats and photos with Santa Claus. 14 Shelter Cove Lane. (843) 842-2787. www.artshhi.com
December 1-24
Dove Street Festival of Lights: A Celebration by the Sea
On North Forest Beach Drive, 5 p.m.-1 a.m. Drive through the Island’s largest outdoor holiday lights display. Free, monetary donations, non-perishable food items and unwrapped gifts to benefit The Deep Well Project will be accepted at Rita’s Italian Ice in Coligny Plaza, Dec. 4-5 & 11-26, from 6-10 p.m. (843) 785-2849. www.deepwellproject.org
December 1-31
Annual Holiday Arts Boutique
Art League of Hilton Head Gallery in Pineland Station. A collection of holiday-themed art objects, in addition to the regular gallery offerings. Ste. 207. (843) 681-5060. www.hhal.org
December 2
Holy Night of Miracles
The New Voices choir presents “Holy Night of Miracles,” a cantata by Lloyd Larson, at First Presbyterian Church, 6:30 p.m. Fellowship Dinner available at 5:30 p.m. Concert is free and open to the public. Fee for dinner, reservations required. 540 Wm. Hilton Pkwy. (843) 681-3696. www.fpchhi.org
December 2-5
Celebrate the Season
“Celebrate the Season,” the Sun City Chorus and Concert Band’s holiday concert, in Sun City’s Magnolia Hall. Wed. at 2 p.m.; Thurs.-Sat. at 7:30 p.m. Traditional and contemporary selections featuring over 100 mixed voices singing eight part harmony. Advance tickets required. (843) 705-7771.
December 2-27
My Fair Lady at The Arts Center of Coastal Carolina
The Arts Center of Coastal Carolina presents the Tony Award-winning musical “My Fair Lady.” An unforgettable holiday treat featuring the Broadway classics, “I’ve Grown Accustomed to Her Face” and “I Could Have Danced All Night.“ 14 Shelter Cove Lane. (843) 842-2787. www.artshhi.com
December 3
Jingle Fest
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special holiday fundraiser and open house, at participating shops and restaurants in Main Street Village, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. At ArtWare, save 10% and another 10% will be donated to the Hilton Head Humane Association. (843) 682-3400.
December 4
Annual Town of Bluffton Tree Lighting Ceremony
Town Hall, 6 p.m. Naming of the Bluffton Christmas Parade’s Grand Marshal and entertainment by the M.C. Riley Elementary School Chorus. 20 Bridge St. (843) 706-4534. www.townofbluffton.com
December 4
Lowcountry Holiday Market
Coastal Discovery Museum at Honey Horn, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Food tastings, book signings with local authors, special discounts and locally-made gift items for sale. 70 Honey Horn Dr. (843) 689-6767. www.coastaldiscovery.org
December 5
Breakfast with Santa
The Cornerstone Grill in Tanger Outlet 2, 9 a.m. Kid’s holiday fashion show, pancake breakfast, music, crafts and pictures with Santa. Reservations required. Purchase a holiday outfit at Tanger and then register at the Information Center for a chance to sit at Santa’s table and model in the fashion show. Hwy. 278. (843) 837-5410. www.tangeroutlet.com
December 5
Photos with Santa
Free Photos with Santa at Coligny Plaza, 10 a.m.-noon. (843) 842-6050. www.colignyplaza.com
December 5
Santa Arrives in Harbour Town
4 p.m. Tree lighting, pictures with Santa and more in The Sea Pines Resort. (843) 842-1979. www.seapines.com
December 5
Annual World-Famous Bluffton Christmas Parade
Begins at the corner of Bridge and Pritchard Streets by Town Hall, 11 a.m. The parade ends at Oscar Frazier Park. (843) 706-4534. www.townofbluffton.com
December 6
25th Annual Christmas Tour Of Homes
The Hilton Head Choral Society’s 25th Annual Christmas Tour of Homes, 12-5 p.m. Visit six magnificent Berkeley Hall homes decorated in holiday finery with refreshments at the Berkeley Hall Clubhouse and a concert featuring the Hilton Head Choral Society Youth Choir. Discounted tickets may be purchased in advance. (843) 341-3818. www.hiltonheadchoralsociety.org
December 7
Home for the Holidays Concert
The Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra presents “Home for the Holidays” at First Presbyterian Church, 8 p.m. A light-hearted evening of traditional favorites featuring soprano Laura Sutton Floyd and pianist Micah McLauren, 2009 HHSYO Concerto Competition Winner. 540 Wm. Hilton Pkwy. (843) 842-2055. www.hhso.org
December 11
The Sounds Of Christmas: Holiday Classics
The Hilton Head Choral Society presents “The Sounds of Christmas: Holiday Classics” at First Presbyterian Church, 8 p.m. Traditional carols, Vivaldi’s “Gloria,“ and holiday favorites from British composer John Rutter. 540 Wm. Hilton Pkwy. (843) 341-3818. www.hiltonheadchoralsociety.org
December 11
A Gullah Kinfolk Christmas Wish
USCB Performing Arts Center, 801 Carteret Street. A Total Gullah Experience Fo’ Christmas Feasting, Da’ Market Place and Full-stage Musical.
A Taste of Gullah… Several excellent Gullah chefs will be struttin’ their holiday cusine for all to taste and enjoy. Feast on a variety of gullahlicious Sea Island specialty rice dishes along with finger lickin’ entrees and desserts. Da’ Market Place…Artists Holiday Showcase…Renown Gullah artists, Diane BrittonDunham, Hank Herring, Richard White, Priscilla Williams, Queen Rivers just to name a few, will be exhibiting their unique works of art. Looking for that special gift for giving to others or for you…this is the place to fill your shopping needs.“Gullah Kinfolk Christmas Wish” Broadway Back In Da’ Woods Production: The evening’s finale has become a holiday favorite with audience members traveling from both near and far to experience the spirit of the season. Aunt Pearlie Sue, nationally acclaimed storyteller, and her Gullah Kinfolk, a professional singing cast of 20 members, bring history alive on stage. Tickets: $30 adv., $35@ door, $10 ages 7-17; on Sale at Black Chamber of Commerce. 843-986-1102. www.bcbcc.org. *Special group rates available
December 12
Bluffton Historical Preservation Society’s Tour of Homes
12:30-5 p.m. Includes The Cole-Heyward House, The Card House, The Pritchard House and more. (843) 757-6293. www.heywardhouse.org
December 12
Breakfast with Santa
9:30 -11:00 am. The Recreation Association presents “Breakfast with Santa” being held at S.H.A.R.E Center Saturday, December 12, 2009 from 9:30am-11:00am. The event provides a safe environment parents can take their children to start their Holiday celebration. Bring the whole family to enjoy a delicious meal with Old St. Nick! Enjoy Christmas music, holiday crafts, and a picture with Santa for only $10/per child. Breakfast with Santa & Holiday Lights Tour- you can get both events for the $20 total if you register for both at the same time. For more information call the Island Rec. Assoc. at 681-7273, email info@islandreccenter.org or visit our website www.islandreccenter.org.
December 12
Holiday Lights Tour
6:15pm & 7:45pm. Join us Saturday, December 12th to enjoy a trolley tour of the Islands BEST Holiday Lights! $15 per person (children under 3 years old ride free), Hordourves and Treats served before the tours. Call S.H.A.R.E. for reservations 785-6444. Breakfast with Santa & Holiday Lights Tour- you can get both events for the $20 total if you register for both at the same time. For more information call the Island Rec. Assoc. at 681-7273, email info@islandreccenter.org or visit our website www.islandreccenter.org.
December 13
Joy to the World
First Presbyterian Sanctuary Choir presents “Joy to the World” by John Leavitt at the 8:30 and 11 a.m. worship services. Program features the Carillon Handbell Choir, soloists and narrator accompanied by the chamber orchestra and organ. 540 Wm. Hilton Pkwy. (843) 681-3696. www.fbchhi.org
December 13
Christmas Adoration
First Baptist Sanctuary Choir presents “Christmas Adoration” in the Church Sanctuary at 9 and 11:15 a.m. Free and open to the public. 100 S. Forest Beach Dr. (843) 785-4478. www.fbchhi.org
December 14-15
Santa’s Calling
Hosted by the Island Rec. Center, 5-8 p.m. Santa will call all good girls and boys from the North Pole. Pre-registration required, $5 North Pole Connection Fee. (843) 681-7273. www.islandreccenter.org
December 18
Christmas Party – Group Show at Picture This Gallery
Join gallery artists and friends for the annual Christmas Party – Group Show at Picture This Gallery on Friday, December 18th from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. A fun evening of art and conversation with a fine collection of art from well-chosen artists. Picture This Gallery is located at 124 Arrow Road, Hilton Head Island. Call (843) 842-5299. picturethis@hargray.com
December 19
Breakfast With Santa
Hosted by the Island Rec. Center at the S.H.A.R.E. Center, 9:30-11 a.m. A delicious meal with Old St. Nick, Christmas music, holiday crafts and picture with Santa. Fee is $8 per child, free for parents. 6 Office Way. (843) 681-7273. www.islandreccenter.org
December 21-24
The Sea Pines Resort Holiday Workshop
Turnberry Room at the Plantation Club. Various craft activities, including sand dollar ornaments, honeycomb candles and more. Prices vary according to craft. Reservations required. (843) 842-1979. www.seapines.com
December 21-24
Holiday Drop & Shop
Holiday Drop & Shop for ages 3 and older at Island Playground in Bluffton‘s Bridge Center, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Free play, holiday crafts, fitness activities, games, snack and a hot lunch. Children must be potty-trained. Reservations recommended. 1538 Fording Island Rd. (843) 837-8383. www.island-playground.com
December 23
Gregg Russell’s Holiday Concert
Under the Liberty Oak in Harbour Town, 5:30-7 p.m. Complimentary. (843) 842-1979. www.seapines.com
December 31
9th Annual Polar Bear Jump
9th Annual Polar Bear Jump at the Harbour Town Pool in The Sea Pines Resort, 10 a.m. Warm up with hot chocolate and refreshments. Complimentary. (843) 842-1979. www.seapines.com
December 31
New Year’s Eve Celebration at The Wreck of the Salty Dog
South Beach Marina Village. Live entertainment, a champagne toast, specials and more. (843) 671-7327. www.saltydog.com
January 8-10
Island Winter Classic XV
Hilton Head Island Carolina Shag Club’s Island Winter Classic XV at the Crowne Plaza Resort in Shipyard Plantation. Music with popular Carolina DJs, shag and line dance workshops, parties, meals and more. Pre-registration required. (843) 505-0152. www.hhishag.com
January 23
Snow Day
Hargray Snow Day hosted by the Island Rec. Center at Shelter Cove Community Park, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Snow field, food, drinks, live entertainment and children’s activities. (843) 681-7273. www.islandreccenter.org
