Family Friendly Kiawah Holiday Guide 2023

---

1. Aquarium Aglow

Charleston, SC
Date: November 17^th through December 30^th, 2023 – 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
November 10^th to December 31^st, 2021 – 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
Friday, December ^1st, 2023

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
December 2023

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
December 9^th 2023  | 2 PM & 6 PM 
December 10^th 2023 | 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, 1235 Long Point Rd, Mt Pleasant
Date: December 13^th, 2023
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
December 24^thand 25^th, 2023
Call for reservations: TBD

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. New Year’s Eve Family Celebration

Night Heron Park at Kiawah Island Golf Resort
December 31^st, 2023 – 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. 

---

9. New Year’s Day Polar Bear Plunge

The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort
January 1^st, 2023 – 11:45am to 12:45pm
Admission: Free

Start your year off the Wim Hof way with a chilly dip in the Atlantic Ocean at Kiawah Island Golf Resort’s Annual Polar Bear Plunge. January is the coldest month of the year on the barrier islands and while the temps are mild and you’re not surrounded by snow capped peaks and icicles, the Atlantic waters are quite rejuvena

---

---