News Release

Festivities Planned to Kick Off the Holiday Season on Hilton Head Island

November 14, 2022

The holiday season on Hilton Head Island is gearing up to be merry and bright.  Islanders and visitors are invited to experience the magic of the season at the Town’s holiday tree lighting, which will be held for the first time at the Lowcountry Celebration Park, and other events.

“This year, we are coming together as a community to welcome the holiday season. We hope everyone will save the dates on their calendars and join us for these special festivities,” said Town Manager Marc Orlando. “As we transition from our busy tourist season, we’re ready to celebrate the joy of the holidays with our very own Town holiday tree lighting that will bring people of all ages and backgrounds together under the stars.”

Starting this month through the end of the year, the season’s activities are planned to bring good cheer, from bright lights twinkling on trees along the Island’s main thoroughfare to fire trucks bringing Santa with his hands waving in the air.

Holiday Season Official Kickoff
Saturday, November 19 from 3 to 5 pm
The Arts Center of Coastal Carolina
14 Shelter Cove Lane, Hilton Head Island

The Arts Center welcomes residents and visitors to the Town's official Holiday Season Kickoff Festival! Come out and see Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive in style on an antique fire truck to visit with children throughout this free festival. The afternoon will be filled with holiday entertainment from local groups, arts and crafts for all ages, delicious treats from food trucks, a festive art market featuring creations by local vendors and a performance from cast members of the Arts Center’s holiday show, A Christmas Story: The Musical!  Admission: Free

Hilton Head Island’s Holiday Tree Lighting
Friday, December 2 from 5:30 to 8 pm
Lowcountry Celebration Park
94 Pope Avenue, Hilton Head Island

Lowcountry Celebration Park will be aglow with twinkling lights and a wealth of good cheer for the Town of Hilton Head Island’s inaugural Holiday Tree Lighting. Festivities will include live entertainment by local performers, caroling, screening of a family-friendly movie, and a visit from Santa. Sip on hot chocolate and indulge in holiday treats while enjoying the magic of the season with your neighbors, friends and family. Local non-profits will be on hand to share opportunities to give back during the holidays. Admission: Free

Hilton Head Island Hanukkah Celebration
Sunday, December 18, from 5:30 to 7:30 pm
Lowcountry Celebration Park
94 Pope Avenue, Hilton Head Island

Come celebrate the Jewish holiday, Hanukkah. All are welcomed to participate in this event featuring the lighting of the Menorah, latkes and sufganiyot (traditional Hanukkah food), music, dreidel games and more. Attendees are invited contribute to a holiday collection to support individuals in need. Admission: Free

In addition to the holiday lighting festivities, the Town of Hilton Head Island’s Fire and Rescue Department will host its annual lineup of holiday events to celebrate the season.

Santa Mail
November 24 – December 26, 2022

Drop your letter to Santa in the Santa Mailbox at any Hilton Head Island fire station or Fire Rescue Headquarters and Santa will write you back. Make sure your return address is on the envelope, so his letter gets back to you quickly. This monthlong activity is a great way for children in our community to get in the holiday spirit. Visit the Town’s website to find the fire station nearest to your home.

Keep the Wreath Green
November 24, 2022 – January 2, 2023
Hilton Head Island Fire Station #3
534 William Hilton Parkway, Hilton Head Island

An eight-foot wreath illuminated with green bulbs will be on display at Hilton Head Island Fire Rescue Station #3. The goal is to prevent fires and keep all the bulbs green during the holiday season. If a preventable fire occurs between Thanksgiving and early January, a green bulb will be replaced with a red one. This includes fires such as cooking, smoking, space heaters and candles. The wreath serves as a reminder of the safety precautions that should be taken during this holiday season and throughout the year. 

Holiday Light Display & Toy and Food Drive
November 24, 2022 – December 31, 2023
Hilton Head Island Fire Station #3
534 William Hilton Parkway, Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head Island Fire Rescue’s spectacular display of lights will shine brightly beginning on the evening of Thanksgiving Day. Fire Rescue staff will be collecting new unwrapped toys for children ages 1 to 12 and non-perishable food. As you tour this beautiful light display, there will be a designated drop-off point for donations. All contributions will go to the Deep Well Project. Let’s make this a holiday season to remember for those in need.

Santa & Sirens
December 2-15, 2022

Every year, Fire Rescue plans this fun and popular tour of Island neighborhoods, featuring Santa aboard a fire engine. Keep an eye out on the Town of Hilton Head Island’s website and our social media pages for information on which neighborhoods Santa will be visiting each night.