There might not be snow on the island, but there’s still magic in the air every winter on Hilton Head. It might not be the most obvious choice for a winter vacation destination, but Hilton Head Island truly embodies the holiday spirit each year!
Despite the lack of snow, you’ll still feel like you’re strolling through a winter wonderland in one of the island’s many magical light displays. There are visits from Santa, tree lightings, and tons of other festive events. Plus, there’s a favorite Hilton Head tradition: spending Christmas morning on the beach!
Here’s why we love visiting (or living on) Hilton Head Island in the winter:
Find holiday cheer at these events
If you’re looking to get into the holiday spirit, check out these festive events across the island:
The Nutcracker by Hilton Head Dance Theatre
Don’t miss Hilton Head Dance Theatre’s production of The Nutcracker! A Crescendo event, this show is sure to put you in the holiday spirit! Catch it each November on Hilton Head. Learn more here.
Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina
Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina has their annual “Light Up the Harbour” event from late November through New Year’s Eve. Kids will be able to take photos with Santa and share their Christmas wishes! There will be additional kids’ activities and holiday music as well. Then, after dark, the Harbour will light up with decorated boats and other Christmas decorations around Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina. Learn more here.
Shelter Cove Community Park – Winter Wonderland Festival
Head to the park in Shelter Cove Towne Centre for a special evening each December for the Winter Wonderland Festival. Sponsored by the Island Rec Center and Pink Magazine, this event is sure to be festive and family friendly. Keep an eye on this website for further details.
Sea Pines Resort Holiday Events
Sea Pines Resort definitely knows how to get people into the holiday spirit. Their most popular holiday event is Harbour Town Lights – where the iconic lighthouse and the rest of Harbour Town is lit up and transformed into a magical winter wonderland, complete with a giant Christmas tree. This event kicks off Thanksgiving weekend with a tree lighting ceremony and Greg Russell concert. There’s also Polar Express-themed holiday wagon rides, a Greg Russell Christmas concert, and Holiday Fun Evenings filled with more family-friendly holiday fun the week of Christmas (complete with movies, marshmallow roasts and train rides), and, of course, the Harbour Town New Year’s Eve Celebration.
Escape the winter blues on the beach
While the weather might be a bit too chilly to swim, winters on Hilton Head are still great for long walks on the beach! It’s the best time of the year to explore the expanse of white sandy beach on the island – layer up and walk for miles, or rent a beach bike! There’s still abundant wildlife on the island this time of year, and various migratory birds, so it’s a great time for wildlife viewing/bird watching as well. Check out the tide charts and explore the beach at low tide, looking for tide pools and see which types of creatures you can find!
Enjoy mild temperatures and less crowds
Another bonus of visiting in the winter? It’s less crowded than in the summer months! But because the temperatures are usually still pretty mild, you can usually partake in all the same outdoor activities – just without the crowds and humidity! Temperatures usually still reach the 60s, and it’s not unusual to have the occasional winter day in the 70s, either!
So what can you do on the mild winter days?
Go for a round of golf, or mini golf with the kids. Check out one of the island’s many playgrounds, including the new pirate-ship themed playground at Lowcountry Celebration Park near Coligny Beach. Explore Sea Pines Forest Preserve, or go on a horseback ride from Lawton Stables.
Check out our rainy day blog for some indoor activities as well!
