Coming to visit Kiawah Island or Charleston this fall or winter? There are plenty of fun seasonal events around the Lowcountry to enjoy. Whether you are looking for pumpkin patches or holiday celebrations, there's an event for you! Now, here's a look at some of our favorite fall and winter happenings in the area.
Fall Events near Kiawah Island
Fall is a truly special season on Kiawah Island. With fewer crowds and cooler temperatures than the summer season, autumn is an ideal time to visit Kiawah. From fall festivals to Halloween attractions, there's an event for everyone near Kiawah Island this fall!
Boone Hall Fright Nights
Various nights September 23 - October 29, 2023
Prepared to be scared! Celebrate Halloween with a creepy night of fright! Boone Hall Fright Nights, Charleston's favorite Halloween event, is back for its 17th year and scarier than ever with three spooky attractions: Carnage, Freaks Unleashed, and The Last Ride. Boone Hall is located in Mount Pleasant, about one hour from Kiawah Island.
Boone Hall Pumpkin Patch
September 29 - October 29, 2023
The Boone Hall Pumpkin Patch is one of the largest fall festivals in the state, celebrating more than 20 years of family fun! Come experience all that they have to offer: hayrides, corn maze, pumpkin patch and so much more.
Legare Farms Pumpkin Patch
September 30 - October 29, 2023
Come celebrate the 20th year of the Legare Farms annual pumpkin patch! Pick a pumpkin, visit the animal barnyard, play in the playground, eat at the concession stand, shoot the corn cannon, ride the hayride, and more!
Dogtoberfest
October 28, 2023
The annual Dogtoberfest returns to Freshfields Village! Bring your furry friends along to enjoy a fun-filled Pet Expo, complete with a pet costume contest and adoptable meet and greet. Guests will enjoy browsing pet vendors, listening to live music, and meeting local rescue groups.
Charleston Beer Week
October 28 - November 5, 2023
Back for its 10th year, much-loved Charleston Beer Week returned for a 9-day celebration of breweries and beer in the Holy City. With 50+ events, there's sure to be something for every kind of beer enthusiast.
Harvest Festival
November 4, 2023
Head on down to Johns Island County Park for live bluegrass music from local bands, hayrides, pumpkin decorating, archery, and much more. Feast on Southern delights like finger-lickin’ Carolina barbeque, kettle Korn, and all of your favorite festival foods! Be sure to check out the crafters market for some great holiday shopping!
Winter & Holiday Events near Kiawah Island
Spending the holiday season on Kiawah Island or in the greater Charleston area? Get out of the house and enjoy some of these wonderful winter events! As more winter and holiday events are scheduled, we will update this post. Be sure to check back soon!
Holiday Festival of Lights
November 10 - December 31, 2023
Each winter, thousands of friends and families create memories while driving through the Holiday Festival of Lights on James Island. Enjoy the 3-mile display of multicolored lights, then park your car to enjoy family activities like roasting marshmallows, drinking hot chocolate, shopping, and so much more! The festival runs nightly from 5:30 to 10:00 pm.
Aquarium Aglow
Select nights November 16 - December 30, 2023
The South Carolina Aquarium Aglow exhibit will get the whole family in the holiday spirit. This immersive holiday light experience will feature tens of thousands of lights as well as live entertainment. The SC Aquarium is located in downtown Charleston, about 40 minutes from Kiawah Island.
Santa Visits the Village
November 24 - November 26, 2023
Kick off the festive season with Freshfields Village on Friday, November 24th as they welcome Santa to the Village Green! Santa Claus will be available for complimentary photos in Santa’s Surf Shack from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm on Friday, November 25 & Saturday, November 25 and 11:00 am to 3:00 pm on Sunday, November 26.
Homegrown Holiday Bazaar
December 2, 2023
The annual Homegrown Holiday Bazaar returns to Johns Island for its tenth year! This highly anticipated holiday market will feature local vendors and artisans, food, crafts, games, and tons of festive activities for all ages.
Drayton Hall Oyster Roast
December 3, 2023
Drayton Hall throws the best annual oyster roast to celebrate the holiday season in Charleston! All-you-can-eat oysters, a chili bar, and local beverages will ensure that you have a great time all while supporting the Drayton Hall mission. Register early; this event sells out early every year!
Kiawah Island Marathon
December 9, 2023
Now entering its 45th year, the Kiawah Island Marathon and Half Marathon starts and finishes at The West Beach Conference Center. Along the way, you’ll enjoy spectacular views of maritime forests, marshes, and grand homes. Join team Akers Ellis for a fun-filled weekend!
Plan Your Fall or Winter Getaway
Escape the cold on Kiawah! Our Kiawah Island vacation rentals are perfect for guests who want to spend the cooler seasons near the beach. 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.
