Hilton Head Holiday Getaway: A Magical Lowcountry Christmas and New Year

While most people picture Hilton Head Island as a summer destination, those in the know understand that the holiday season reveals an entirely different kind of magic in the Lowcountry. With average highs around 60 degrees Fahrenheit, festive light displays, unique seasonal events, and the peace that comes with fewer crowds, a Hilton Head holiday getaway offers something truly special. Trade snow-covered stress for sandy shores and create new family traditions under the Spanish moss.

The Charm of Off-Season Hilton Head

Winter on Hilton Head Island is a dream for those seeking a different kind of holiday experience. The mild weather allows for outdoor activities that would be impossible in most of the country during December and January. While friends and family back home shovel snow, you can enjoy scenic walks on the beach, rounds of golf on championship courses, and leisurely bike rides through neighborhoods adorned with holiday decorations.

The off-season brings practical benefits too:

Fewer crowds: Popular attractions, restaurants, and beaches feel more spacious and relaxed
Lower rates: Accommodation prices often drop significantly compared to peak summer season
Available tee times: The island’s 23 championship golf courses welcome winter players with open schedules
Unhurried atmosphere: Experience the island at a slower pace that allows for genuine relaxation

Holiday Light Displays and Decorations

Harbour Town Lights

The iconic Harbour Town transforms into a winter wonderland each holiday season. Beginning the Friday after Thanksgiving, illuminated seasonal figures, a towering Christmas tree, and thousands of twinkling lights create a magical atmosphere. The official tree lighting ceremony at 7:30 PM kicks off weeks of festivities, with lights remaining illuminated through New Year’s Eve.

Stroll the marina, enjoy hot cocoa, and let the kids marvel at the decorations while the famous lighthouse stands watch over it all. Live entertainment and special activities throughout the season make Harbour Town the heart of Hilton Head’s holiday celebrations.

A Coastal Holiday at Shelter Cove

Shelter Cove Harbour and Marina hosts its own spectacular “A Coastal Holiday” event featuring themed light displays along the marina. The waterfront setting adds a unique coastal twist to traditional holiday decorations, and the surrounding shops and restaurants offer seasonal treats and extended hours for holiday shopping.

Lights on Dove Street

After a decade-long hiatus, the beloved Lights on Dove Street have returned to Hilton Head Island. This community-driven celebration marks its 30th anniversary, with neighbors coming together to create an extraordinary display that attracts locals and visitors alike. The lights shine nightly through December 31st, offering a heartwarming glimpse into the island’s community spirit.

Holiday Events and Celebrations

Winter Wonderland (December 6)

Shelter Cove Park transforms into a festive celebration with activities for children, food and drink vendors, live entertainment, and holiday-themed fun for the entire family. This annual event captures the joy of the season in a beautiful waterfront setting.

Sandy Sledding (December 27)

Only on Hilton Head could you experience the unique spectacle of Sandy Sledding at The Sea Pines Beach Club. Watch as teams race homemade, holiday-themed sleds down the island’s sandy slopes in a one-of-a-kind winter competition that proves you do not need snow to enjoy sledding.

Paws and Claus Parade (December 29)

Pet lovers will not want to miss the holiday pet parade at Harbour Town. Four-legged family members don their finest holiday attire for a festive procession that delights spectators of all ages.

New Year’s Eve Ball Drop

Ring in the new year Lowcountry style with a festive celebration at Harbour Town. The evening features food, entertainment, and live music throughout the area, culminating in a ball drop from the top of the famous lighthouse. Two countdowns accommodate all schedules: an early family-friendly drop at 7 PM and the traditional midnight celebration.

Polar Bear Plunge

Show your adventurous spirit by joining fellow “polar bears” for an invigorating dip in the Harbour Town Pool on New Year’s Day. The chilly plunge is followed by warming hot chocolate and refreshments, creating memories and perhaps a new annual tradition.

Nature and Wildlife in Winter

Audubon Christmas Bird Count (December 15)

Birding enthusiasts can participate in this annual tradition in partnership with The Sea Pines Resort and their incredible Forest Preserve. Join the Hilton Head Island Audubon Society in conducting citizen science while enjoying the island’s winter avian visitors.

New Year’s Birds and Nature Walk (January 3)

Start the new year immersed in nature with a guided walk led by Ken Adams, professor of Ecology. Beginning at the Coastal Discovery Museum, participants explore the island’s winter ecosystem and learn about the birds and wildlife that call Hilton Head home year-round.

Dolphin Watching

The Atlantic bottlenose dolphins that inhabit Hilton Head’s waters do not migrate south for winter. Dolphin cruises continue operating, often with smaller groups that allow for more intimate experiences. The calmer winter seas can actually improve viewing conditions.

Cooler Weather Activities

Golf Paradise

Winter represents prime golf season on Hilton Head Island. The breezy, comfortable weather and wide-open tee times make it perfect for working on your game. The island’s 23 championship courses, including the legendary Harbour Town Golf Links, welcome players looking to escape frozen fairways elsewhere.

The Toptracer Range at the Robert Trent Jones Course in Palmetto Dunes offers technology-enhanced practice sessions for those looking to improve their swing during the off-season.

Biking and Walking

Temperatures in the 50s and 60s create ideal conditions for exploring the island’s 50+ miles of pathways and trails. The cooler air makes longer rides and walks more comfortable than during summer months. Pack a light jacket and enjoy the scenery without breaking a sweat.

Indoor Entertainment

When you want a break from outdoor activities:

Shopping: Harbour Town, Shelter Cove, and Coligny Plaza offer excellent shopping for holiday gifts and post-holiday sales
Spa days: Treat yourself to relaxation at one of the island’s premier spas
Museums: The Coastal Discovery Museum provides fascinating insights into Lowcountry history and nature

Festive Dining

Holiday menus appear at restaurants across the island, featuring seasonal specialties alongside fresh Lowcountry seafood. Many establishments host special Christmas Eve dinners, Christmas Day brunches, and New Year’s Eve celebrations with prix-fixe menus and live entertainment.

For a more casual approach, pick up fresh local seafood from markets and prepare holiday meals in your vacation rental kitchen. There is something special about a Lowcountry seafood feast shared with family during the holidays.

Weekly Markets

Hilton Head Farmers Market

Every Tuesday from 9 AM to 1 PM at the Coastal Discovery Museum, local vendors offer produce, baked goods, seafood, and artisanal products. The winter market features seasonal items perfect for holiday cooking.

Hilton Head Community Market

Saturday mornings from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM at Shelter Cove Community Park, browse offerings from local farmers, food producers, and craftspeople. It is an excellent opportunity to find unique holiday gifts and sample local flavors.

Planning Your Holiday Getaway

What to Pack

Layers: Mornings and evenings can be cool while midday warms up
Light jacket or sweater: Essential for outdoor activities
Comfortable walking shoes: For exploring trails and shopping areas
Festive attire: For holiday events and nice dinners out

Weather Expectations

December and January average highs around 60 degrees Fahrenheit with lows in the 40s. Rain is possible but typically brief. The mild climate allows for most outdoor activities year-round, though you will want to dress warmer than in summer months.

Create New Holiday Traditions

A Hilton Head holiday getaway offers the rare opportunity to slow down, reconnect with family, and experience the season in a completely different way. Instead of rushing between obligations, spend mornings on quiet beach walks, afternoons exploring by bike, and evenings gathered around good food with loved ones.

Stone’s Throw vacation rental provides the perfect setting for your Lowcountry holiday celebration. With comfortable accommodations steps from the beach, a fully equipped kitchen for holiday meals, and space for the whole family to gather, our property becomes your home away from home during this special season. Whether you are seeking a peaceful escape from holiday chaos or looking to create new traditions in a beautiful setting, Stone’s Throw offers the ideal base for your Hilton Head holiday getaway.