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Family Friendly Kiawah Holiday Guide 2024

Leave the winter weather behind and create lifelong memories and new family traditions on the beautiful barrier islands on the shores of South Carolina’s Atlantic Coast. It’s the most wonderful time of the year and the spirit of the holiday season abounds on Kiawah Island where holiday charm and the best of the Lowcountry awaits, only a 30 minute drive from Charleston!

It’s time to deck the halls, soak up the sunny island weather on miles of beautiful beaches, tee off on oceanfront golf courses, explore miles of family-friendly trails, overindulge in holiday food and enjoy fun family-friendly festivities at the best holiday events on Kiawah Island. 


1. Aquarium Aglow

Charleston, SC
Date: November 21st through December 30th, 2024
Time: 5:30pm to 9pm
Admission: Click HERE!

Aquarium Aglow is a unique holiday light experience at the South Carolina Aquarium in nearby Charleston. Whether you’re looking for a rainy indoor activity or spending the day exploring the streets of historic Charleston, Aquarium Aglow offers a one-of-a-kind sensory experience for the whole family with thousands of magical holiday lights. 


2. Holiday Festival of Lights

James Island, SC
Date: November 15th to December 31st, 2024
Time: Nightly 5:30pm to 10pm
Admission: Click HERE!

The Holiday Festival of Lights is a top nighttime attraction and one of Charleston’s favorite events during the holiday season. James Island transforms to a magical winter wonderland with three miles of over 750 fantastical light displays (an estimated 2 million lights!) ranging from Rudolph and Santa Clause to an Amazing Dancing Light Display. Take a driving tour then stop for a visit at Santa’s Village with festive train rides, an old-fashioned carousel, an enchanted walking trail, marshmallow roasting pits and festive food stands. The festival ends with a spectacular display of fireworks on New Year’s Eve and is not to be missed.    


3. First Friday Christmas Market

James Island, SC
Date: Friday, December 6th, 2024

The First Friday Christmas Market takes place at the Town Market on James Island early in the holiday season with fresh local produce, arts and crafts, food trucks, tasty, sweet treats and a free movie on the big screen at dusk. If you’re visiting Seabrook Island later in the season, the Charleston Farmers Market and Sea Island Farmers Market on Johns Island are open year-round on Saturdays with holiday crafts and delicious local fresh produce to restock your vacation supplies. 


4. Freshfields Village

Kiawah Island, SC
Date: December 2024

Freshfields Village is a charming open-air shopping destination with a wide array of eateries, salons and spas for a Christmas spoil, festive holiday events and the best shopping near Seabrook Island. Grab coffee and breakfast and browse the cool cars at the monthly Cars & Coffee on the Village Green, drop your wish list in Santa’s Mailbox near the Christmas trees and catch up on last-minute Christmas shopping at the Sidewalk Saturday sales and events.   


5. The Nutcracker

College of Charleston Sottile Theatre, Charleston, SC
Date & Time: December 14th 2024  | 2 PM & 6 PM 
Date & Time: December 15th 2024 | 1 PM & 5 PM
Admission: Click HERE!

This beloved ballet holiday tradition brings the enchanting tale of The Nutcracker to life in the stunning setting of the historic Sottile Theatre in Charleston. From the magical Land of Sweets to the captivating dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy, this classic captivates audiences of all ages. Live Stream tickets are available to watch from the comfort of your home for the holidays!


6. Gullah Christmas Concert

Boone Hall Plantation
Date: December 11th, 2024
Admission: Click HERE!

Celebrate the season with a unique cultural experience at A Gullah Christmas Concert at Boone Hall Plantation. This holiday event showcases the vibrant culture, traditions, and heritage of the Lowcountry’s Gullah Geechee people through storytelling, heartfelt performances, and soulful songs by The Plantation Singers, one of the South’s most acclaimed Gullah acapella groups.


7. Christmas Eve & Christmas Day Dinner

Kiawah Island Golf Resort
Date: December 24thand 25th, 2024
Call for Reservations: (800) 654-2924

Eat, drink and be merry with a festive Christmas feast on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day at the luxury Kiawah Island Golf Resort. Indulge in The Feast of the Seven Fishes at Tomasso at Turtle Point, southern BBQ at the Cherrywood BBQ and Ale House, fresh seafood and Lowcountry holiday favorites in The Ocean Room or a grand Christmas buffet on the Jasmine Porch. Reservations essential. 


8. Bonfire, Music & Smores

Kiawah Island Golf Resort
Date: December 30th, 2024
Time: 5:00pm to 7pm

Start the New Year’s Eve celebrations early! Spend time with family and friends around a fire while enjoying lawn games and indulging in a s’more or two. Live music will be provided by Flash Mob.

S’more packs available for purchase at $5 for a pack of 4. A limited amount of picnic table seating available, beach chairs or blankets recommended. Schedule subject to change.

Also, come and check out Archery Tag! This is a fast paced game that involves aim, accuracy, teamwork, strategy, and FUN! $5/game, $20/unlimited play. For ages 8+.


9. New Year’s Eve Family Celebration

Night Heron Park at Kiawah Island Golf Resort
Date: December 31st, 2024
Time: 5:30pm to 9pm
Admission: Free

Let the countdown begin with live entertainment, jumping castles, lawn games and tasty roasted oysters or BBQ chicken at the New Year’s Eve Family Celebration at Night Heron Park. This fun, family-friendly NYE celebration ends at 9pm with a grand finale of fireworks. Ring in the New Year with friends and family from your oceanfront island retreat or venture out and discover legendary hot spots on a night out on the town in Charleston. 


10. New Year’s Day Polar Bear Plunge

The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort
Date: January 1st, 2025
Time: 11:45am to 12:45pm
Admission: Free

Plunge into the New Year at Kiawah Island Golf Resort’s Polar Bear Plunge. Come and celebrate new beginnings with us as we gather on Kiawah’s beach, just in front of the Sanctuary Hotel, to take a dip into The Atlantic. All participants must bring their own towel to this event.

This event is complimentary, no reservations are required.


11. New Year’s Day 5k 

Sanctuary Beach
Date: January 1st, 2025
Time: 11:00am to 12:00pm
Admission: Free

There’s no better way to ring in the New Year than a beach fun run! This one mile or 5k run/walk will begin at the Sanctuary Beach Access and head towards The Ocean Course. Please bring your own water bottle.

This event is complimentary, no reservations are required. Schedule is subject to change.


12. Kid’s Night Out: New Year’s Eve Bash 

The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort
Date: January 1st, 2025
Time: 6:00pm to 10:00pm
Admission: Reservations are required, please call 843.768.6001

Ring in the New Year with Camp Kiawah! Enjoy some mini golf at the festival, splash around at the Sanctuary indoor pool, make crafts and so much more! Drop off is at the Night Heron Pavilion and pick up is located at the Sanctuary’s indoor pool. For ages 5-12.

The Kid’s Night Out programs provide everything needed for an exciting and adventurous experience for young vacationers and local residents. Dinner is included.

Pricing:
Governor’s Club: $102
KIGR Guests and KICA Members: $120
Standard Price: $140


Kiawah Island Vacation Rentals

Experience the true spirit of Christmas and make Kiawah Island your home for the holidays this festive season! Kiawah Exclusives boasts over 40 years on the island with a premier portfolio of luxury Kiawah Island vacation rentals and local vacation specialists to personalize your island experience. Book direct or call our team on (800) 845-6966 today to begin your holiday season on South Carolina’s scenic barrier islands.  


Best Fall Festivals & Events On Kiawah Island

Fall is America’s favorite season and the best time of year to visit the barrier islands of South Carolina on the idyllic Atlantic Coastline. The beauty of the changing fall leaves, no more summer crowds, coastal temperatures and miles of pristine and peaceful sandy beaches await on Kiawah Island, South Carolina.  

This beautiful barrier island is only a short, scenic drive from Charleston and offer visitors the perfect balance of laid-back island living close to the cityscapes and urban charm of historic Charleston. In addition to the beautiful beaches, world-class golf courses and outdoor activities in the extraordinary natural landscapes, Kiawah Island offers fabulous, family-friendly fall events with harvest festivals, haunted houses, foot stompin’ live music and scrumptious southern BBQ.

Here’s our top pick of Kiawah Island fall festivals and events to consider when planning your vacation to South Carolina’s scenic barrier islands.

Oktoberfest


WHEN: September 22nd, 2024

TIME: 11:30AM – 10:00PM

LOCATION:
Frothy Beard Brewing Company
1401 Sam Rittenberg Blvd, Charleston, SC

Get ready to raise your steins! Oktoberfest is coming to Frothy Beard Brewing to celebrate the autumn season! Enjoy some festive food specials, compete in our stein hoisting competition, and sip on our Oktoberfest Märzen, hefeweizen, or Kölsch in your very own Frothy beer stein. Plus, the Polka All Stars will be here from 2:30PM – 5:00PM Prost!

Boone Hall Pumpkin Patch & Corn Maze


WHEN: September 27th – October 27th, 2024

LOCATION:
Boone Hall Plantation
1235 Long Point Road
Mt Pleasant, SC

SCHEDULE & TICKETS: Click HERE!

Travel along country roads through canopies of ancient oaks draped in Spanish Moss to Boone Hall Plantation for one of the largest fall festivals in South Carolina. Wind your way through a corn maze, play with the critters at the petting zoos, go on a haunted hayride and pick the perfect pumpkin for carving jack-o-lantern.  

DAYS AND HOURS OF OPERATION

Friday September 27 – 10AM-5PM
Saturday September 29 – 10AM-5PM

Sunday September 30 – 10am-5pm

Friday October 4 – 10AM-5PM
Saturday October 5 – 10AM-5PM
Sunday October 6 – 10am-5pm

Friday October 11 – 10AM-5PM
Saturday October 12 – 10AM-5PM

Sunday October 13 – 10am-5pm

Friday October 18 – 10AM-5PM
Saturday October 19 – 10AM-5PM

Sunday October 20 – 10am-5pm

Friday October 25 – 10AM-5PM
Saturday October 26 – 10AM-5PM

Sunday October 27 – 10am-5pm

Included with Admission:

  • Family Friendly Halloween Tractor Tour
  • GIANT 8-Acre Corn Maze
  • All American Petting Zoo
  • All American Pig Races
  • Two of SC’s Largest Jump Pillows
  • Inflatable Giant Slide and Obstacle Course
  • Swings, Spiders and Slides, Oh My!
    (Farm Play Structures & Equipment)
  • Live, Interactive HoneyBee Exhibit
  • Rubber Duck Races
  • Farm Football
  • Ask a Farmer Interactive Series
  • Homegrown Stage Live Performances

Additional Fee Required:

  • Pony rides
  • Face Painting & Body Art

Local’s Tip: There will be pumpkins for sale by the pound from our pumpkin patch area, take one home to your vacation rental, and have fun with the kiddos!


Boone Hall Plantation Fright Night


WHEN: September 21st – November 27th, 2024

LOCATION:
Boone Hall Plantation
1235 Long Point Road
Mt Pleasant, SC

EVENT SCHEDULE & TICKETS: Click HERE!

If you’re traveling with kids 6 and older, purchase a ScreamPass or VIP Fear Pass for hours of fun on Halloween Fright Night at the Boone Hall Plantation, South Carolina’s largest haunted event. Three terrifying attractions await: the haunted Fallen Oaks Motel, evil destruction at Tiny’s Toy Factory Anarchy and real-life horror on the Sinister Cinema Haunted Hayride. Kids ages 6 to 12 must be accompanied by an adult. 

2024 Alan Fleming Senior Open Clay Court Championship Tournament


WHEN: October 2nd – 6th, 2024

LOCATION:
Seabrook Island Racquet Club
3772 Seabrook Island RoadSeabrook Island, SC 29455

EVENT SCHEDULE & TICKETS: Click HERE!

Named South Carolina Adult Tournament of the Year, the Alan Fleming Senior Open Clay Court Championship is a National Level-3/ITF Tournament (Ages 30, 40, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80) and a USTA National Level-1/ITF Mixed Doubles Tournament (Ages 40, 50, 60, 70, 80) is in it’s 40th year. Held on Seabrook Island, this event attracts over 340 senior tennis players from more than 26 states & Washington DC to compete in this annual event. The gracious hospitality of Lowcountry residents and sponsoring businesses provide an atmosphere and experience that attracts participants time and time again to our tournament.


Legare Farms Pumpkin Patch


LOCATION:
2620 Hanscombe Point Road
Johns Island, SC

ACTIVITIES & ADMISSION: Click HERE!

Legare Farms is located closer to Kiawah & Seabrook on Johns Island. The farm offers free admission to the Farm Animals Barnyard and Kids Playground with fall-themed activities at an extra cost including late night pumpkin picking by torch light, fun hayrides and horse rides, entry to a gem mine and making your own scarecrow at the Scarecrow factory. 


Fall Tours of Charleston Piazzas & Gardens


WHEN: October 9th – November 2nd, 2024

LOCATION: Downtown Charleston, SC

EVENT SCHEDULE & TICKETS: Click HERE!

Charleston is spectacularly beautiful in the fall season and cooler temps make it perfect for a unique walking tour through the historic streets of Charleston. Learn the fascinating stories of Charleston’s historical events while touring the antebellum homes, enchanting gardens, intimate piazzas and historic churches on a fall tour of Charleston. 


  1. HOUSE AND GARDENS TOURS

Each Saturday from 2 – 5 PM, guests have the opportunity to experience some of Charleston’s exceptional homes and gardens. Enjoy going from site to site at your leisure, where volunteer docents are stationed to interpret the history, architecture, and gardens. Each tour includes a unique set of 6-8 properties and features a variety of interiors and exteriors.

PRICE: $75 PSC Members | $100 Non-Members


2. INSIDER’S HISTORY & ARCHITECTURE TOURS

Insider’s History & Architecture Tours take guests inside some of Charleston’s finest buildings, seldom open to the public. These tours are led by noted professionals such as architects, historians, and preservation experts with in-depth interpretation focused on Charleston’s unique architectural styles, preservation ethic, and interior design. Each tour includes a unique set of 3 – 4 properties with refreshments and lasts approximately 2.5 hours.

PRICE: $150 for PSC Members | $200 Non-Members* (includes 1-yr PSC Membership)


3. INSIDER’S GARDEN TOURS

Insider’s Garden tours are designed for garden enthusiasts and are led by notable professionals such as landscape architects, garden designers, and horticulturalists. In addition to visiting some of the city’s most beautiful private gardens, guests will also learn about subjects ranging from the latest gardening trends to Charleston’s vast horticultural history, and its diverse flora and fauna. Each tour includes a unique set of 4-5 gardens and lasts approximately 2 – 2.5 hours.

PRICE: $150 for PSC Members | $200 Non-Members* (includes 1-yr PSC Membership)


4. SPECIALTY WALKING TOURS

Explore the streets of Charleston while learning more about the historical events, people, and cultures that have shaped our city. PSC walking tours are designed and led by professional, certified tour guides and scholars. Offerings change from day to day. Walking tours last approximately 2 – 2.5 hours.

PRICE: $40 per person unless otherwise noted


VIEW ALL TOURS

Now in its 47th year, this year’s Fall Tours offerings are designed to maximize the educational experience for guests while minimizing impacts in the historic district. Join us as we venture into the city’s storied streets, landscapes, and buildings.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW ALL


Johns Island Harvest Festival


WHEN: November 2nd, 2024

TIME: 11:00AM – 5:00PM

LOCATION:
Johns Island County Park
2662 Mullet Hall Road
Johns Island, SC 29455

PRICE: Buy Tickets HERE!


Come on out to Johns Island County Park for foot-stompin’ live music, pumpkin decorating, kids crafts, hayrides, and more! Feast on Southern delights like finger-lickin’ Carolina barbeque, kettle korn, and all of your favorite festival foods! Once you’ve eaten your fill, head on over to the crafters market for some great for holiday shopping! 


Riverfront Revival


WHEN: October 11th – 12th, 2024

TIME: Music Begins at 12:00PM Each Day

LOCATION:
North Charleston Riverfront Park
1061 Everglades Ave
North Charleston, SC 29405

PRICE: Buy Tickets HERE!


Curated by Darius Rucker, of Hootie and The Blowfish, and produced by a seasoned team, Riverfront Revival will be a love letter to country music and to South Carolina’s Lowcountry. The two-day festival will be loaded with unforgettable live music, engaging culture and delicious tastes inspired by the region’s unique foodways. Guests will leave feeling revived – deep in their souls – about the music, the location, and the community.

LINE-UP:
Hootie & The Blowfish
Tedeschi Trucks Band
The Revivalists
Jamey Johnson
Collective Soul
Arrested Development
Paul Cauthen
Hailey Whitters
Sister Hazel
Southall
Shane Profitt
Grace Bowers & The Hodge Podge
Gritty Flyright
Brady Smith
July Moon
Elizabeth Covington


Kiawah Island Vacation Rentals

Our Kiawah Exclusives vacation rentals are perfect for your family to enjoy the top rentals on Kiawah Island, true southern hospitality and the best fall festivals near Charleston!