News Release

Hilton Head Island Festivities Planned to Celebrate the Holiday Season

November 9, 2023

The holiday season on Hilton Head Island is gearing up, promising to be cheerful and festive. Islanders and visitors are warmly invited to experience the magic of the season at the Town's holiday tree lighting and other events scheduled for the next several weeks.

"We eagerly look forward to another incredible holiday season on our beloved island. We invite the community to join us for our 2nd annual tree lighting event, where we can collectively usher in this magical season," said Hilton Head Island Mayor Alan Perry. "There are many wonderful opportunities for residents to celebrate the season, support each other, share gifts, and show compassion towards their neighbors. I hope we will spend time with our friends and family and spread love, kindness, and hope."

From this month through the end of the year, these holiday festivities will surely keep your spirit merry and bright.

Holiday Season Official Kickoff
Saturday, November 18, from 12 to 3 pm
The Arts Center of Coastal Carolina
14 Shelter Cove Lane, Hilton Head Island

The Arts Center welcomes residents and visitors to its 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. There will be entertainment from local groups, arts and crafts, an art market, and a performance from cast members of the Arts Center's latest production, Irving Berlin's Holiday Inn! Admission: Free

Hilton Head Island Christmas Tree Lighting
Friday, December 1, from 5:30 to 7:30 pm
Lowcountry Celebration Park
94 Pope Avenue, Hilton Head Island

Get ready to spread some cheer at the second annual Christmas Tree Lighting at Lowcountry Celebration Park. Watch as the park comes to life with hundreds of twinkling lights. Enjoy talented local performers, carols, and even hot cocoa. Hilton Head Island Fire Rescue will escort Santa to this event. Spread some holiday generosity by interacting with representatives of local non-profits as they share ways to give back to the community during this special time of year. Admission: Free

Holiday Nights and Lights
December 2-4, from 6 to 8 pm
Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park
40 Harriet Tubman Way, Hilton Head Island

This annual drive-thru event brightens up the park with lights and music, all centered around a holiday theme.  

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

Join us in celebrating the Jewish holiday, Hanukkah! This event includes the lighting of the Menorah, latkes, and sufganiyot (traditional Hanukkah food), playing dreidel games, live music, and more. Make a difference in the community by contributing to a holiday collection to support needy individuals. Admission: Free

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

Santa Mail
November 25 – December 20, 2023

Drop your letter to Santa in the Santa Mailbox at any Hilton Head Island fire station or Fire Rescue Headquarters and Santa will write back in no time! Make sure your return address is on the envelope, so his letter gets back to you quickly. This monthlong activity is a fantastic way for children in our community to get in the holiday spirit. Visit the Town's website to find the fire station nearest to you!

Keep the Wreath Green
November 25, 2023 – January 1, 2024
Hilton Head Island Fire Station #3
534 William Hilton Parkway, Hilton Head Island

Check out the eight-foot wreath at Hilton Head Island Fire Rescue Station #3, decorated with glowing green bulbs. This wreath is more than something pretty to look at. The aim is to keep all the bulbs green by preventing fires during the holiday season. If a preventable fire sparks from cooking, smoking, space heaters, or candles between Thanksgiving and early January, a green bulb will get swapped out for a red one. Let's take a cue from this wreath and remember to stay safe and sound, not just during the holidays but all year round!

Holiday Lighting at Fire Station #3
Saturday, November 25, 2023, from 5 to 7 pm
534 William Hilton Parkway, Hilton Head Island

This family fun event includes arts & crafts, Christmas carols, cookies & hot cocoa, and pictures with Santa! Stop by and witness the station's official lighting at 6 pm. Fire Rescue staff will also be collecting new unwrapped toys for children ages 1 to 12 and non-perishable food. As you explore this incredible light display, there will be a designated donation drop-off point. All contributions will go to the Deep Well Project. Join the festive fun and make this year unforgettable for those in need. Admission: Free

Holiday Light Display & Toy and Food Drive
November 25, 2023 – December 31, 2024
Hilton Head Island Fire Station #3
534 William Hilton Parkway, Hilton Head Island

Enjoy a sparking light display all month long at Fire Station #3. Spread some holiday cheer this season by dropping off new & unwrapped toys in the marked Deep Well container. Items collected will be used to aid those in need this holiday season.

Santa & Sirens
December 2-15, 2023

Santa's coming to Town, and he's hitching a ride on a fire engine! This yearly tradition includes Fire Rescue visiting different neighborhoods with Santa around the Island. Keep an eye out on the Hilton Head Island Fire Rescue Facebook page for information on neighborhoods Santa will visit each night.

Family Night at the Fire House 
In Partnership with Island Rec Center
Saturday, December 16, 2023
Fire Station #4, 400 Squire Pope Road, Hilton Head Island 

Come on out and watch the movie, The Grinch, while enjoying holiday treats. Stay around until after the showing to see Santa drive by on his one-of-a-kind fire rescue sleigh.

Keep up with all our holiday happenings on the Town's website at hiltonheadislandsc.gov, Facebook, and Instagram.