Whoever said “There’s no place like home for the holidays” has never experienced the magic of Kiawah Island during Christmastime. With so many jolly events in the Charleston area and the beauty of the Lowcountry in the winter, you don’t want to miss spending Christmas on Kiawah.
Holiday Events near Kiawah Island
There’s nothing like the Holy City during the holiday season! The Charleston area hosts a variety of festive Christmas events the whole family will enjoy. With no shortage of things to do in November and December, we have an event calendar full of holiday happenings.
Holiday Festival of Lights
November 14 - December 24, 2024
The Holiday Festival of Lights returns to make merry magical memories at James Island County Park! This vibrant light show is one of Charleston’s most cherished holiday events, featuring an estimated two million dazzling lights.
More than just a driving tour, Charleston County Parks & Recreation invites you to park your car and explore all that the holiday season has to offer. Visit Santa's Village to see Santa Claus and his elves, ride the festive carousel, create a special craft at the Reindeer Workshop, and so much more!
Aquarium Aglow
Select Nights November 21, 2024 - December 30, 2024
This immersive holiday light experience allows attendees to see the South Carolina Aquarium in a different light (pun intended)! Featuring thousands of dazzling lights and live entertainment, you won't want to miss this holiday extravaganza.
Light Up Bohicket
November 24, 2023 - January 1, 2024
Head to Salty Dog Cafe in Bohicket Marina to enjoy displays of holiday lights each night beginning at dusk. We recommend arriving in time to watch the sun go down as Bohicket Marina is known for its incredible sunsets over the water. Each Friday during the Light Up Bohicket event, Salty Dog will also be serving up S'mores by the fire and offer a hot cocoa bar.
Homegrown Holiday Bazaar
December 2024 - Dates to be Announced
This highly anticipated holiday market will feature local vendors and artisans, food, crafts, games, and tons of festive activities for all ages.
Holiday Starlight Cinema at Freshfields Village
December 2024 - Dates to be Announced
Join Freshfields Village in December for a special holiday edition of the Starlight Cinema! Guests are encouraged to bring chairs, blankets, and picnics to enjoy the family-friendly movie under the stars.
Holiday Parade of Boats
December 2024 - Date to be Announced
This merry boat parade features boats adorned with festive decorations and twinkling holiday lights. Marvel from the shore as the boats proceed through the Charleston Harbor or decorate your own boat and join in on the holiday fun.
Why We Love Kiawah at Christmas
There's so much love about the holiday season on Kiawah Island, but here are just a few of our favorite things about Christmas on Kiawah Island.
Kiawah Island Weather
Beat the chill of winter and enjoy the temperate weather of the Lowcountry. Forget battling snow and sleet, the Charleston area has milder temperatures compared to northern destinations.
Holiday Decorations
From downtown Charleston's Marion Square all the way to Kiawah Island's Ocean Course, the Lowcountry is always beautifully decked out for the holidays. Come see our famous Palmetto trees wrapped with dazzling lights, historic homes draped in garlands galore, and so much more.
Things to Do
As you can see, there's so much to do on Kiawah Island and in the Charleston area during the holiday season! Just a 40-minute drive from Kiawah Island, downtown Charleston is the perfect day trip destination.
Plan Your Christmas Vacation
Experience the holiday magic on Kiawah Island! Our Kiawah Island vacation rentals are perfect for guests who want to celebrate the Christmas holiday in a unique and special way. We offer an extensive variety of private home, cottage, and villa vacation rentals on Kiawah Island, and aim to provide our guests with vacation experiences to last a lifetime.
