Christmas in Hilton Head: Your Complete Holiday Guide to Celebrating on the Island
Updated November 2026
By Jennifer Jeffcoat
Jennifer writes for Beachside Getaway, sharing travel tips, top things to do, and the best places to stay to help guests make the most of their Hilton Head Island vacation.
As the holiday season approaches, families who are looking for Christmas celebrations with a blend of warmth, relaxation, and festive spirit find that Hilton Head Island checks all those boxes and is sure to be a memorable Christmas vacation. With our miles of beaches, mild weather, and an abundance of holiday activities, this coastal paradise is an ideal destination for those looking to escape the winter chill.
Over the next few weeks, Hilton Head Island transforms with twinkling white lights adorning palm trees, holiday decorations gracing local shops, and seasonal events bringing the community together. The mild December temperatures, hovering around the mid-60s, make it possible to enjoy outdoor activities without the heavy winter gear.
There are a variety of holiday events that take place throughout November and December. Here are some activities to consider!
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In This Article
- Things to Do in Hilton Head in December
- Where to Find Santa in Hilton Head
- What to Pack for Christmas in Hilton Head
- What Restaurants are Open on Christmas Day in Hilton Head?
- Where to Stay for Christmas in Hilton Head
Things to Do in Hilton Head in December
With fewer people on the island and a break from the summer heat and humidity, December gives you more room to enjoy the places we love year-round. Take your bikes out in the middle of the day, look for shells along Folly Field Beach at low tide, or walk the trails at the Sea Pines Forest Preserve. On a mild afternoon, spend a few hours on the water with a local sightseeing or fishing charter. When the sun goes down, make an evening of dinner and live music at Shelter Cove or Harbour Town, or head to one of the holiday concerts we’ve included in this blog!
Hilton Head Holiday Markets
Looking for last-minute gifts or a commemorative souvenir of your Hilton Head Christmas trip? Find the perfect thing at a local holiday market!
Annual Artisan Holiday Craft Fair
If you’re visiting before Christmas, this is a can’t-miss market. Around 50 vendors set up indoors at Hilton Head Island Beach & Tennis Resort the weekend before Thanksgiving. Pick up a handmade ornament for your tree, find a piece of pottery or original art for someone on your list, and bring back locally made chocolates to share at your Beachside Getaway rental.
- Dates and Times — Saturday, November 21, 2026, 10:00 AM–4:00 PM and Sunday, November 22, 2026, 11:00 AM–3:00 PM
- Location — Hilton Head Island Beach & Tennis Resort, 40 Folly Field Road
Coastal Christmas Holiday Market
If you’re staying near Coligny, pair the tree lighting at Lowcountry Celebration Park with a stop at Beach House. The market runs Saturday evening and again on Sunday, with local vendors, live music, food and drinks, and a visit from Santa. Saturday is a good time to see the lights around Beach House, while Sunday gives you more time to browse during the day.
- Dates and Times — Saturday, December 5, 2026, 4:00 PM–9:00 PM and Sunday, December 6, 2026, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM, per Beach House
- Location — Beach House, Hilton Head Island, 1 South Forest Beach Drive
- Admission — Free
Washington Square Christmas Market
Just a short drive to nearby Bluffton, this charming market features more than 40 local vendors offering handmade goods, unique holiday gifts, artisan crafts, and festive items. The square fills with live music and holiday cheer throughout the market hours. Family activities and a special appearance by Santa make this a wonderful outing for visitors of all ages.
- Dates — Saturday, December 5, 2026
- Time — 3:00 PM–7:00 PM both days
- Location — Washington Square Park, Bluffton
- Admission — Free
Holiday Light Displays
The island is famous for its dazzling light displays. Drive or walk through the neighborhoods, where residents and businesses alike deck their properties with colorful lights and festive decorations.
Be sure to visit:
- Harbour Town Lights
- Holiday Lights at Shelter Cove
- South Beach Marina Christmas Village
- Dove Street, Hilton Head
- Shelter Cove Towne Center
- Hilton Head Fire & Rescue Station #3 – 534 William Hilton Parkway. Over 14,000 vehicles drive through to see!
Holiday Concerts and Performances
Christmas Strings Concert & Sing-A-Long
Join in on the festive singing at St. Francis by the Sea’s Christmas Strings Concert & Sing-A-Long on Wednesday, December 9, at 7:00 PM. Christmas classics, community, and a warm start to the season.
Hilton Head Choral Society’s “A Holiday Tapestry”
The Choral Society’s December concert brings Christmas favorites and Hanukkah selections to First Presbyterian Church at 540 William Hilton Parkway. The concert starts at 7:00 PM on Friday, December 11. Tickets range from $15 to $45 and are available through the Hilton Head Choral Society.
Festive Flutes at the Garden
Listen for the high notes of the piccolo and the warm sounds of the bass and contrabass when the Savannah Area Flute Association brings its choir to The Greenery, Inc. Garden Center. This free concert runs from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM on Saturday, December 12, at 960 William Hilton Parkway. While there's no cost to attend, donations are appreciated and go to support scholarship opportunities.
Cheyenne Jackson’s “Suspiciously Merry”
Broadway performer Cheyenne Jackson brings his holiday show to the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina on Tuesday, December 15, with performances at 4:00 PM and 7:30 PM. The show will pair songs such as “Merry Christmas Darling” and “Hard Candy Christmas” with stories from his own life. Tickets are on sale now and start around $60.
Where to Find Santa in Hilton Head
Looking for pictures with the main man of the season? We've got you covered at these
- Black Friday at Coligny Plaza – 12:45 PM Santa flies over the plaza in a helicopter, followed by photos from 1 PM-2:30 PM.
- Shelter Cove Towne Centre – Nov. 27th and 28th from 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM | Dec. 19th Children and pets can get their picture taken with Santa from 1 PM-3 PM | Christmas Eve 1 PM-3 PM photos with Santa at the Christmas Tree in the park.
- Harbour Town at the Liberty Oak: Dec. 23 from 5:30 PM-7 PM before the Gregg Russell Christmas show
What to Pack for Christmas in Hilton Head
December highs are generally in the 60s, with lows in the mid-40s. Pack light layers you can peel off on a midday bike ride and pull back on once the sun goes down. A long-sleeved shirt and a wind-resistant jacket will come in handy on the water or while you’re walking around the marina after dinner. Bring sunglasses and sunscreen, too. The cooler weather makes it easy to spend more of the day outside.
If you’re spending Christmas Day with us, leave room in the car for a few things that make the holiday feel like home. Bring the stockings, some select decorations you put out every year, or the baking supplies for your family’s Christmas morning recipe. And don’t forget the presents!
What Restaurants are Open on Christmas Day in Hilton Head?
If you’re looking for restaurants in Hilton Head open on Christmas, here are our favorites.
Links, an American Grill
Spend Christmas Day in Harbour Town with a three-course prix fixe meal at Links, an American Grill. The restaurant serves its holiday menu in the Harbour Town Clubhouse dining room from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM on December 25. Reservations are required.
HH Prime
The steakhouse at Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort in Palmetto Dunes serves a three-course Christmas dinner prepared by its executive chef. Contact the resort for menu specifics and reservations.
Lasso Gaucho Brazilian Steakhouse
At the Village at Wexford, Lasso Gaucho serves an all-you-can-eat rodizio with flame-grilled meats carved tableside, a salad bar, and Brazilian cheese bread. The dessert menu includes options such as flan and crème brûlée.
Hilton Head Diner
If you’re looking for a casual Christmas meal, the Hilton Head Diner is a community staple. Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, you’ll enjoy comfort meals like pork chops, mac-n-cheese, and meatloaf, as well as steaks, burgers, seafood, pasta dishes, and more. It’s a great option when you don’t want to cook and need to please a lot of palates.
Where to Stay for Christmas in Hilton Head
Featured Property: 23 Egret | 7 Bedrooms and 7.5 Bathrooms - perfect for large family getaways this holiday season!
If you’d like to give the gift of an experience this year, consider making a vacation rental from Beachside Getaway your home for the holidays. With large homes, pet-friendly rentals, and cozy spaces, we’ve got the perfect spot for whatever your family needs. Plus, this time of year, you can take advantage of off-season rates and enjoy the area free from summer crowds.
When you book directly with Beachside Getaway, you’ll skip the third-party fees online travel agencies tack onto your reservation. Plus, our team lives and works here, so if you need anything during your holiday visit, there’s no call-center runaround. You’ll speak directly with our team.
Shop local this holiday season. Browse our full inventory and find your Christmas Hilton Head vacation rental today!
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are stores open on Christmas Day in Hilton Head?
Some stores will be open on Christmas Day, but you should plan for there to be shortened hours. It's best to do all your shopping a few days in advance.
Is Hilton Head crowded at Christmas?
No, Christmas falls during the off-season on Hilton Head Island, which means you'll encounter far fewer crowds than during the busy summer months. Beaches, restaurants, and attractions are much more relaxed, giving you more space to enjoy the island at your own pace.
Can you swim in the ocean in Hilton Head in December?
The ocean temperature in December cools considerably; most visitors find it too chilly for comfortable swimming. However, the mild air temperatures are perfect for beach walks, shell collecting, and enjoying the shoreline. If swimming is on the wish list this Christmas, check out vacation rentals with heated pools.
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