- Joined
- Aug 14, 1998
December 1: Harbour Town Lights! Stroll along the harbour and enjoy the illuminated seasonal figures, with the centerpiece being a towering Christmas tree. Harbour Town is the perfect place for families to be this holiday season with live entertainment and activities.
December 1: The Farmer’s Market at Sea Pines Center, 71 Lighthouse Rd., presented by Lowcountry Produce. This community event brings LOCAL farm fresh food to residents and visitors on Hilton Head Island. lowcountryproduce.com.
December 1-3: Amateur Gingerbread House Competition at the Sonesta Resort The inaugural competition is open to individuals of all ages and asks local residents to create their own seasonally inspired gingerbread house. Entries will be accepted beginning December 5 and winners will be announced on Friday, December 20. Entrants will be able to pickup their house on December 23. Prizes include gift certificates to Arum Spa, brunch for two and accommodations at the resort. For more information, call the Sonesta Resort at (843) 842-2400.
December 1 – January 3, 2016: A Hilton Head Island holiday tradition for over 20 years, the Dove Street Festival of Lights returns to Shelter Cove Towne Centre for the 2015 holiday season! With the blessing of founders Paul and Kristi Beckler and Rob Lolik, visitors from across the region can experience the magic of the cascading and tastefully tacky Hilton Head Christmas lights display. The 2015 season will add the new Shelter Cove Community Park to the amazing display of over 70,000 lights! Enjoy nightly holiday entertainment and fun for all ages. Presented by Kroger and the merchants of Shelter Cove Towne Centre, the Dove Street Festival of Lights will run from Nov. 21, 2015 through Jan. 3, 2016 and will be open to the public nightly from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. The Deep Well Project and PEP (Programs for Exceptional People) will be accepting donations onsite.
December 1 - 5: Festival of Trees at the Sonesta Resort A long-standing tradition on Hilton Head Island is back, and for the first year at the Sonesta Resort. Hilton Head Preparatory School’s Festival of Trees will be spectacular display of beautiful and creatively themed Christmas trees in all sizes and colors. Trees are sponsored and decorated by local organizations, businesses and individuals. During the holiday event, decorated trees will be on display within the lobby of the resort. Visitors will have the opportunity to purchase the trees, with all proceeds benefiting the Hilton Head Prep scholarship program for local students. This is a wonderful event that is sure to get you into the holiday spirit! For more information, call the Sonesta Resort at (843) 842-2400.
Monday–Saturday: Led by Stan Smith (former number one player in the world & former USTA Director of Coaching), Billy Stearns (one of the world’s top coaches) and Academy Director B.J. Stearns (a former top nationally/internationally ranked player), the Smith Stearns Tennis Academy features a family atmosphere of intense training, camaraderie, and fun. Smith Stearns is committed to providing the highest level of individual junior player development and helping students fulfill their maximum potential – on and off the court. Private lessons are available. Programs for ages 6 through college level. Students can register for daily or weekly sessions. Offered year-round. Private lessons are available. Programs for ages 6 through college level. Students can register for daily or weekly sessions. Offered year-round. (843) 363-4789 or smithstearns.com.
December 2: Where Does the Power Come From?” complimentary golf clinic and exhibition led by PGA Pro, Doug Weaver. Robert Trent Jones Course in Palmetto Dunes, 4 p.m. Take advantage of free custom club fitting and swing evaluation every Mon., Wed. & Fri., 9 a.m.-noon. (843) 785-1138 or palmettodunes.com.
December 2: Enjoy Happy Hour Crazy Crab Style daily, in the bar at The Crazy Crab, 104 William Hilton Pkwy., and overlooking Jarvis Creek. Food and drink specials and one of the best sunset views on the island. (843) 681-5021 or thecrazycrab.com.
December 4: Guided tours of Historic Fort Mitchel. Visit a well-preserved example of a Civil War Era coastal artillery battery and learn what life was like for northern soldiers during the Union occupation in the 1860s. $12 for adults, $7 for children ages 6-12. No children under 6. Reservations required. (843) 689-6767 or coastaldiscovery.org.
December 4: The Winter Wonder Festival will be held at Shelter Cove Community Park, 39 Shelter Cove Ln., from 4 p.m.-8 p.m. The festival provides a safe environment parents can take their children to start their holiday celebration. The target age for the event is 3-12, but everyone is welcome. There will be hayrides, carnival games, petting zoo, children’s parade and much more. Don’t forget that we will be joined by Mr. & Mrs. Claus! Admission is $10 for children (2-15). (843) 681-7273 or islandreccenter.org.
Saturdays: The Coastal Discovery Museum at Honey Horn offers Sweetgrass Basket Making classes. Learn about the history of the Sweetgrass basket, one of the Lowcountry’s best known art forms, from a local Gullah basket maker. Then, try your hand at starting a basket of your own using locally found natural materials. The cost if $65 adult and reservations are required by calling (843) 689-6767, ext 223. coastaldiscovery.org/event-registration/?ee=1228.
December 5: Come out and enjoy the Todd Cowart Happy Hour Music Cruise. This evening cruise aboard the new Salty Dog Happy Hour Cruise Boat, a double deck 63’ power catamaran, features live music, a Key West Experience menu along with a variety of beverages. Cruise is $19 per person with a la carte pricing for food and beverages. All passengers must be 21 years of age or older. 6-7:30 p.m. Cruise departs from The Salty Dog Café, South Beach Marina, 232 S. Sea Pines Dr. Boarding begins one hour before departure. Visit cruise.saltydog.com for online booking or more information.
December 5: Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town! Have your picture taken with Santa and watch a showing of the classic movie “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town” under the Liberty Oak in Harbour Town from 6-8 p.m. Benches and fire pits for roasting marshmallows will be provided. Admission is complimentary with the donation of a canned food item for Deep Well; dogs are allowed. 149 Lighthouse Rd. (843) 842-1979 or seapines.com.
December 6: Barnes and Noble Book Fair hosted by The Literacy Center at 20 Hatton Place from 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Authors Pat Branning, Kathryn Walls and CJ Lyons will be at the store signing books. Pat Branning with Shrimp, Collards & Grits and Magnolias, Porches & Sweet Tea from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., Kathryn Wall with Bay Tanner Series from 1–3 p.m., CJ Lyons with Farewell to Dreams and Snake Skin from 3–5 p.m. (843) 342-6690 or theliteracycenter.org.
December 6: Head over to the shelter on Sunday, December 6, 12-2 p.m. for Hilton Head Humane Association’s annual Christmas Party! Take pictures with Santa under a decorated tree, enjoy live music and early Christmas shopping from vendors and get a free raffle ticket for the chance to win a decorated tree for all who attend! For more information, go to hhhumane.org.
December 6 – 14: Happy Hanukkah
December 7: Help make a difference in the life of a child by attending the 7th Annual Holiday Open House at the Hilton Head Hero House from 2-4 p.m. Guests are asked to bring a grocery gift card from Publix or Harris Teeter to share with the 2016 Hero Families. Hilton Head Hero’s mission is to bring families with children suffering from life-threatening illnesses to the Island for a resort vacation. 1 Spanish Moss Ln., The Sea Pines Resort. (843) 422-6343 or hhheros.com.
December 7: Monday Night Tennis Exhibitions at 5:30 p.m. at The Sea Pines Racquet Club, 5 Lighthouse Ln. ;Join us for an exciting tennis demonstration with valuable tips, refreshments, prize drawings and our traditional fishbowl sale. (843) 363-4495 or seapines.com.
December 8: For the Love of Beads. Beaded sculptures, jewelry and embroidered art pieces fashioned with thread or wire are just a few of the techniques displayed in “For the Love of Beads” exhibit. The splendor and sparkle of beadwork has continually fascinated the six featured Art League artists who have combined their talents in this innovative and imaginative presentation of beads of all colors, shapes and sizes. The exhibit is from December 8 – January 2, 2016, Tuesday-Saturday from 10am-4pm and 90 minutes before Arts Center performances.Over 100 additional pieces of member artwork in a variety of media will also be on exhibit and for sale.Opening Reception: Thursday, December 10, 2015, from 5pm-7pm. Enjoy refreshments and meet the artist. This event is free and open to the public.
December 8, 15, 22, from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Guests can enjoy brunch with Santa each Sunday in December at Heyward’s Restaurant and Seacrest Terrace and Patio. A photographer will be on hand to capture digital photos. The cost of brunch with Santa is $35.95 for adults, $15.95 (ages 8 to 12), $8.95 (ages 4 to 7), and complimentary for children under the age of 4 with paying adult. Reservations are required and can be made by calling (843) 842-2400. For more information, call the Sonesta Resort at (843) 842-2400.
December 9-31: Disney & Cameron Mackintosh’s Mary Poppins at the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, 14 Shelter Cove Ln. Tuesdays-Saturdays at 8 p.m. and 2 & 7 p.m. on Sundays. Tickets for preview performances (Dec. 9-10) are $49 for adults and $35 for children 5-15; regular tickets (Dec. 11-31) are $59 for adults and $41 for children. For tickets or more information, call (843) 842-2787 or go to artshhi.com.
December 9: Poseidon Roof Top Bar. Cody Purvis is back by popular demand! There’s no denying this country boy can sing, but at 6’6” Cody owns the stage with a delivery that seems effortless. His powerful vocals showcase his deep country roots and have earned him opening slots for Josh Thompson, Steve Holy, Lee Greenwood, Lorrie Morgan, Rodney Atkins, Corey Smith, Colt Ford, Peter Frampton, Darius Rucker and Trace Adkins.
If you are coming to Cody’s show, then get ready to stay on your feet because he’ll give you a high energy, enthusiastic performance. Show starts at 9 p.m. For more information, call Poseidon at (843) 341-3838.
December 11: Sit back, relax and experience the animals and plant life of the Sea Pines Forest Preserve during the Forest Preserve Wagon Journey. 3:30-5 p.m., other times available by appointment. Reservations are required. Minimum of six guests. $15 for adults, $12 for children (ages 12 & under). (843) 842-1979 or seapines.com.
December 11 & 12: Families and well behaved pets are welcome every Friday and Saturday in the lobby of South Beach Inn for free pictures with Santa from 3-7 p.m. For more information, call South Beach Inn at (843) 671-649 or go to sbinn.com
December 12: Visit Santa amid all of the amazing shops and restaurants at Coligny Plaza this December, every Saturday afternoon before Christmas, from 3-5 p.m. For more information, go to colignyplaza.com or call (843) 842-6050
December 15: Head over to at Casey’s from 5-7 p.m. and bring a gift or $10 donation! You’ll get a raffle ticket to win a number of nice prizes. A Marine contingent will e on hand dressed in their dress blues, so come in, thank them for their service and help out the kids. There will be food and drink specials as well as music by Gary Pratt. For more information, call (843) 785-2255 or go to caseyshhi.com.
December 19: The 24th Annual Hilton Head Hospital Jingle Jingle 5K Run and Health Walk at 9 a.m. First 500 participants receive a long sleeve event t-shirt, jingle bells and a candy cane. An award ceremony, featuring a visit from Santa, refreshments, hot cider, music, and door prizes will be held following the race. $25-$35 to register. bearfootsports.com
December 19: Get into the holiday spirit by watching the classic movie “A Christmas Story” under the Liberty Oak. Bench seating will be provided and admission is complimentary with the donation of a canned good item for Deep Well. A fire pit and s’mores will also be available. 7 p.m. 149 Lighthouse Rd. (843) 842-1979 or seapines.com.
December 20: Enjoy Happy Hour Crazy Crab Style daily, in the bar at The Crazy Crab overlooking Jarvis Creek. Enjoy food and drink specials along with one of the best waterfront, sunset views to be found on the Island. (843) 681-5021 or thecrazycrab.com.
December 25: Merry Christmas
December 26: Coastal Discovery Museum’s holiday cruise from 10 a.m.-noon. This two-hour exploration of Bluffton’s May River aboard research vessel SPARTINA, led by Marine Biologist, Captain Amber Kuehn. Participants will observe nature up close with a display of live organisms. A scientific explanation will accompany a trip through this scenic river and salt marsh. The expedition will leave from the Calhoun Street Dock in Bluffton located at the end of Calhoun Street adjacent to the Church of the Cross. $40 for adults, $30 for children (ages 12 and under). Reservations are required. (843) 689-6767 ext. 223 or coastaldiscovery.org.
December 26 – January 1: Happy Kawanzaa
Many thanks to friends Jane and Glenn Handley
December 1: The Farmer’s Market at Sea Pines Center, 71 Lighthouse Rd., presented by Lowcountry Produce. This community event brings LOCAL farm fresh food to residents and visitors on Hilton Head Island. lowcountryproduce.com.
December 1-3: Amateur Gingerbread House Competition at the Sonesta Resort The inaugural competition is open to individuals of all ages and asks local residents to create their own seasonally inspired gingerbread house. Entries will be accepted beginning December 5 and winners will be announced on Friday, December 20. Entrants will be able to pickup their house on December 23. Prizes include gift certificates to Arum Spa, brunch for two and accommodations at the resort. For more information, call the Sonesta Resort at (843) 842-2400.
December 1 – January 3, 2016: A Hilton Head Island holiday tradition for over 20 years, the Dove Street Festival of Lights returns to Shelter Cove Towne Centre for the 2015 holiday season! With the blessing of founders Paul and Kristi Beckler and Rob Lolik, visitors from across the region can experience the magic of the cascading and tastefully tacky Hilton Head Christmas lights display. The 2015 season will add the new Shelter Cove Community Park to the amazing display of over 70,000 lights! Enjoy nightly holiday entertainment and fun for all ages. Presented by Kroger and the merchants of Shelter Cove Towne Centre, the Dove Street Festival of Lights will run from Nov. 21, 2015 through Jan. 3, 2016 and will be open to the public nightly from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. The Deep Well Project and PEP (Programs for Exceptional People) will be accepting donations onsite.
December 1 - 5: Festival of Trees at the Sonesta Resort A long-standing tradition on Hilton Head Island is back, and for the first year at the Sonesta Resort. Hilton Head Preparatory School’s Festival of Trees will be spectacular display of beautiful and creatively themed Christmas trees in all sizes and colors. Trees are sponsored and decorated by local organizations, businesses and individuals. During the holiday event, decorated trees will be on display within the lobby of the resort. Visitors will have the opportunity to purchase the trees, with all proceeds benefiting the Hilton Head Prep scholarship program for local students. This is a wonderful event that is sure to get you into the holiday spirit! For more information, call the Sonesta Resort at (843) 842-2400.
Monday–Saturday: Led by Stan Smith (former number one player in the world & former USTA Director of Coaching), Billy Stearns (one of the world’s top coaches) and Academy Director B.J. Stearns (a former top nationally/internationally ranked player), the Smith Stearns Tennis Academy features a family atmosphere of intense training, camaraderie, and fun. Smith Stearns is committed to providing the highest level of individual junior player development and helping students fulfill their maximum potential – on and off the court. Private lessons are available. Programs for ages 6 through college level. Students can register for daily or weekly sessions. Offered year-round. Private lessons are available. Programs for ages 6 through college level. Students can register for daily or weekly sessions. Offered year-round. (843) 363-4789 or smithstearns.com.
December 2: Where Does the Power Come From?” complimentary golf clinic and exhibition led by PGA Pro, Doug Weaver. Robert Trent Jones Course in Palmetto Dunes, 4 p.m. Take advantage of free custom club fitting and swing evaluation every Mon., Wed. & Fri., 9 a.m.-noon. (843) 785-1138 or palmettodunes.com.
December 2: Enjoy Happy Hour Crazy Crab Style daily, in the bar at The Crazy Crab, 104 William Hilton Pkwy., and overlooking Jarvis Creek. Food and drink specials and one of the best sunset views on the island. (843) 681-5021 or thecrazycrab.com.
December 4: Guided tours of Historic Fort Mitchel. Visit a well-preserved example of a Civil War Era coastal artillery battery and learn what life was like for northern soldiers during the Union occupation in the 1860s. $12 for adults, $7 for children ages 6-12. No children under 6. Reservations required. (843) 689-6767 or coastaldiscovery.org.
December 4: The Winter Wonder Festival will be held at Shelter Cove Community Park, 39 Shelter Cove Ln., from 4 p.m.-8 p.m. The festival provides a safe environment parents can take their children to start their holiday celebration. The target age for the event is 3-12, but everyone is welcome. There will be hayrides, carnival games, petting zoo, children’s parade and much more. Don’t forget that we will be joined by Mr. & Mrs. Claus! Admission is $10 for children (2-15). (843) 681-7273 or islandreccenter.org.
Saturdays: The Coastal Discovery Museum at Honey Horn offers Sweetgrass Basket Making classes. Learn about the history of the Sweetgrass basket, one of the Lowcountry’s best known art forms, from a local Gullah basket maker. Then, try your hand at starting a basket of your own using locally found natural materials. The cost if $65 adult and reservations are required by calling (843) 689-6767, ext 223. coastaldiscovery.org/event-registration/?ee=1228.
December 5: Come out and enjoy the Todd Cowart Happy Hour Music Cruise. This evening cruise aboard the new Salty Dog Happy Hour Cruise Boat, a double deck 63’ power catamaran, features live music, a Key West Experience menu along with a variety of beverages. Cruise is $19 per person with a la carte pricing for food and beverages. All passengers must be 21 years of age or older. 6-7:30 p.m. Cruise departs from The Salty Dog Café, South Beach Marina, 232 S. Sea Pines Dr. Boarding begins one hour before departure. Visit cruise.saltydog.com for online booking or more information.
December 5: Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town! Have your picture taken with Santa and watch a showing of the classic movie “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town” under the Liberty Oak in Harbour Town from 6-8 p.m. Benches and fire pits for roasting marshmallows will be provided. Admission is complimentary with the donation of a canned food item for Deep Well; dogs are allowed. 149 Lighthouse Rd. (843) 842-1979 or seapines.com.
December 6: Barnes and Noble Book Fair hosted by The Literacy Center at 20 Hatton Place from 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Authors Pat Branning, Kathryn Walls and CJ Lyons will be at the store signing books. Pat Branning with Shrimp, Collards & Grits and Magnolias, Porches & Sweet Tea from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., Kathryn Wall with Bay Tanner Series from 1–3 p.m., CJ Lyons with Farewell to Dreams and Snake Skin from 3–5 p.m. (843) 342-6690 or theliteracycenter.org.
December 6: Head over to the shelter on Sunday, December 6, 12-2 p.m. for Hilton Head Humane Association’s annual Christmas Party! Take pictures with Santa under a decorated tree, enjoy live music and early Christmas shopping from vendors and get a free raffle ticket for the chance to win a decorated tree for all who attend! For more information, go to hhhumane.org.
December 6 – 14: Happy Hanukkah
December 7: Help make a difference in the life of a child by attending the 7th Annual Holiday Open House at the Hilton Head Hero House from 2-4 p.m. Guests are asked to bring a grocery gift card from Publix or Harris Teeter to share with the 2016 Hero Families. Hilton Head Hero’s mission is to bring families with children suffering from life-threatening illnesses to the Island for a resort vacation. 1 Spanish Moss Ln., The Sea Pines Resort. (843) 422-6343 or hhheros.com.
December 7: Monday Night Tennis Exhibitions at 5:30 p.m. at The Sea Pines Racquet Club, 5 Lighthouse Ln. ;Join us for an exciting tennis demonstration with valuable tips, refreshments, prize drawings and our traditional fishbowl sale. (843) 363-4495 or seapines.com.
December 8: For the Love of Beads. Beaded sculptures, jewelry and embroidered art pieces fashioned with thread or wire are just a few of the techniques displayed in “For the Love of Beads” exhibit. The splendor and sparkle of beadwork has continually fascinated the six featured Art League artists who have combined their talents in this innovative and imaginative presentation of beads of all colors, shapes and sizes. The exhibit is from December 8 – January 2, 2016, Tuesday-Saturday from 10am-4pm and 90 minutes before Arts Center performances.Over 100 additional pieces of member artwork in a variety of media will also be on exhibit and for sale.Opening Reception: Thursday, December 10, 2015, from 5pm-7pm. Enjoy refreshments and meet the artist. This event is free and open to the public.
December 8, 15, 22, from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Guests can enjoy brunch with Santa each Sunday in December at Heyward’s Restaurant and Seacrest Terrace and Patio. A photographer will be on hand to capture digital photos. The cost of brunch with Santa is $35.95 for adults, $15.95 (ages 8 to 12), $8.95 (ages 4 to 7), and complimentary for children under the age of 4 with paying adult. Reservations are required and can be made by calling (843) 842-2400. For more information, call the Sonesta Resort at (843) 842-2400.
December 9-31: Disney & Cameron Mackintosh’s Mary Poppins at the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, 14 Shelter Cove Ln. Tuesdays-Saturdays at 8 p.m. and 2 & 7 p.m. on Sundays. Tickets for preview performances (Dec. 9-10) are $49 for adults and $35 for children 5-15; regular tickets (Dec. 11-31) are $59 for adults and $41 for children. For tickets or more information, call (843) 842-2787 or go to artshhi.com.
December 9: Poseidon Roof Top Bar. Cody Purvis is back by popular demand! There’s no denying this country boy can sing, but at 6’6” Cody owns the stage with a delivery that seems effortless. His powerful vocals showcase his deep country roots and have earned him opening slots for Josh Thompson, Steve Holy, Lee Greenwood, Lorrie Morgan, Rodney Atkins, Corey Smith, Colt Ford, Peter Frampton, Darius Rucker and Trace Adkins.
If you are coming to Cody’s show, then get ready to stay on your feet because he’ll give you a high energy, enthusiastic performance. Show starts at 9 p.m. For more information, call Poseidon at (843) 341-3838.
December 11: Sit back, relax and experience the animals and plant life of the Sea Pines Forest Preserve during the Forest Preserve Wagon Journey. 3:30-5 p.m., other times available by appointment. Reservations are required. Minimum of six guests. $15 for adults, $12 for children (ages 12 & under). (843) 842-1979 or seapines.com.
December 11 & 12: Families and well behaved pets are welcome every Friday and Saturday in the lobby of South Beach Inn for free pictures with Santa from 3-7 p.m. For more information, call South Beach Inn at (843) 671-649 or go to sbinn.com
December 12: Visit Santa amid all of the amazing shops and restaurants at Coligny Plaza this December, every Saturday afternoon before Christmas, from 3-5 p.m. For more information, go to colignyplaza.com or call (843) 842-6050
December 15: Head over to at Casey’s from 5-7 p.m. and bring a gift or $10 donation! You’ll get a raffle ticket to win a number of nice prizes. A Marine contingent will e on hand dressed in their dress blues, so come in, thank them for their service and help out the kids. There will be food and drink specials as well as music by Gary Pratt. For more information, call (843) 785-2255 or go to caseyshhi.com.
December 19: The 24th Annual Hilton Head Hospital Jingle Jingle 5K Run and Health Walk at 9 a.m. First 500 participants receive a long sleeve event t-shirt, jingle bells and a candy cane. An award ceremony, featuring a visit from Santa, refreshments, hot cider, music, and door prizes will be held following the race. $25-$35 to register. bearfootsports.com
December 19: Get into the holiday spirit by watching the classic movie “A Christmas Story” under the Liberty Oak. Bench seating will be provided and admission is complimentary with the donation of a canned good item for Deep Well. A fire pit and s’mores will also be available. 7 p.m. 149 Lighthouse Rd. (843) 842-1979 or seapines.com.
December 20: Enjoy Happy Hour Crazy Crab Style daily, in the bar at The Crazy Crab overlooking Jarvis Creek. Enjoy food and drink specials along with one of the best waterfront, sunset views to be found on the Island. (843) 681-5021 or thecrazycrab.com.
December 25: Merry Christmas
December 26: Coastal Discovery Museum’s holiday cruise from 10 a.m.-noon. This two-hour exploration of Bluffton’s May River aboard research vessel SPARTINA, led by Marine Biologist, Captain Amber Kuehn. Participants will observe nature up close with a display of live organisms. A scientific explanation will accompany a trip through this scenic river and salt marsh. The expedition will leave from the Calhoun Street Dock in Bluffton located at the end of Calhoun Street adjacent to the Church of the Cross. $40 for adults, $30 for children (ages 12 and under). Reservations are required. (843) 689-6767 ext. 223 or coastaldiscovery.org.
December 26 – January 1: Happy Kawanzaa
Many thanks to friends Jane and Glenn Handley
