Visiting Hilton Head Island in December or just a local wanting to know what’s happening this Christmas Season? Here is a list of all the holiday events and activities on Hilton Head island!
🌟 Holiday Lights & Waterfront Displays
Harbour Town Lights 2025
When: Daily, November 28, 2025 – January 1, 2026, 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM Hilton Head Island+2Hilton Head Chamber+2
Where: Harbour Town, 149 Lighthouse Road, Hilton Head Island SC 29928 Hilton Head Chamber+1
Details: Stroll the harbour to enjoy illuminated seasonal figures and a towering Christmas tree. The official tree-lighting kicks off on November 28, 2025, just before the first concert of the season. Hilton Head Island+1
Holiday Lights Display at Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina
When: Daily, November 24, 2025 – December 31, 2025, 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM Hilton Head Island+2Hilton Head Chamber+2
Where: Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina, 13 Harbourside Lane, Hilton Head Island SC 29928 Hilton Head Chamber+1
Details: Meander along the marina promenade framed by over 125,000 lights, festive displays, and seasonal decorations — perfect for a peaceful evening outing or holiday photos. Hilton Head Island+1
🎄 Community & Family Events
4th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at Lowcountry Celebration Park
When: December 10, 2025, 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM Hilton Head Chamber+1
Where: Lowcountry Celebration Park, 102 Pope Ave, Hilton Head Island SC 29928 Hilton Head Chamber+1
Schedule Highlights:
- Santa arrives ~ 5:45 PM for photos with kids until about 7:00 PM Hilton Head Island+1
- Tree lighting at ~ 6:00 PM — enjoy live music, food trucks, hot cocoa, and a laser-light show to launch the holiday season. Hilton Head Island+1
Holiday Nights & Lights at Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park
When: December 6–8, 2025, nightly 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM Hilton Head Chamber
Where: Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park, 40 Harriet Tubman Way, Hilton Head Island SC 29926 Hilton Head Chamber
Details: A drive-through holiday light display — a cozy way to enjoy festive lights from your car, ideal for families or larger groups. Hilton Head Chamber
🎶 Holiday Concerts & Performances
Holiday Pops Concert
When: December 1, 2025, 7:30 PM Hilton Head Island+1
Where: First Presbyterian Church, 540 William Hilton Parkway, Hilton Head Island SC Beachside HHI+1
Details: A festive performance featuring the local orchestra and chorus, delivering seasonal classics and holiday spirit. Hilton Head Island+1
Hilton Head Choral Society: Celebrate the Holidays Concert
When: December 5, 2025, 7:00 PM Hilton Head Island+1
Where: First Presbyterian Church, same address as above Beachside HHI+1
Details: Seasonal favorites, choral classics, and holiday tunes — an enchanting evening for music lovers and families alike. Hilton Head Island+1
🎉 Post-Christmas & Late-December Activities
Holiday Fun in Harbour Town
When: December 27–28, 2025, 5:30 PM Hilton Head Island+1
Where: Harbour Town, Liberty Oak tree area, Lighthouse Road Hilton Head Island+1
Details: Relaxed holiday fun — holiday movies under the stars, marshmallow roasting, a little train ride, and a festive wrap-up of the season. Entry by canned-food donation for charity. Hilton Head Island+1
Paws and Claus Parade (Pet Parade)
When: December 29, 2025, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM Hilton Head Island+1
Where: Harbour Town, 149 Lighthouse Road, Hilton Head Island SC 29928 Hilton Head Island+1
Details: Bring your pets dressed in holiday gear for a fun parade, Santa visits, and dog-friendly games — a festive outing for pet lovers and families. Hilton Head Island+1
🛍️ Shopping & Holiday Market Highlights
SOBA 2025 Holiday Market (Society of Bluffton Artists)
When: Through December 28, 2025 (open Nov 3 – Dec 28) Hilton Head Chamber+2Hilton Head Chamber+2
Where: SOBA Art Gallery, Old Town Bluffton / Hilton Head region — check SOBA’s site for exact location and hours. Hilton Head Chamber+1
Details: Handcrafted art, jewelry, home-made gifts, holiday décor — ideal for unique, locally made gifts. Hilton Head Chamber+1
✅ Tips for Planning Your Holiday Stay
- Check event times & dates before visiting — many events (concerts, aurora shows, markets) run only once or on specific days.
- Evenings get busy at popular spots like Harbour Town and Shelter Cove; park early or consider arriving before 7 PM.
- Dress in layers — December nights on the island can be cool, especially near the water.
- Combine events with beach walks or nature time — the island offers a unique blend of holiday lights + coastal calm.
- Use local transport if possible — for example, the “Breeze” trolley runs during big events like the tree-lighting. Hilton Head Island+1