Kiawah Island Christmas: Holiday Events & Dining Options

The holiday season is right around the corner and there’s nothing like spending Christmas on Kiawah Island, South Carolina — from special events at the resort and extravagant feasts to tree lightings and many other cherished traditions. Plus, the mild temperatures during this time of year make this an ideal time to soak up the sun from the shore during the afternoon and take advantage of a vacation home with a heated private pool.

If you’re looking for the best things to do this holiday season on the island, then you’ve found the right place! We’ll be covering some of our favorite events and dining options available for Christmas in 2022 below:

Will you be here for Thanksgiving? If so, you can get into the holiday spirit with the Santa Claus is Coming to Town parade on Friday, November 25th! Santa will be escorted by the St. Johns Fire Department down the Sea Forest loop from 9am to 10am as he takes a break on the island to prepare for the big day. Sleigh bells will ring and candy canes will be offered at this unique holiday experience!

Afterward, you’ll find multiple events to check out like multiple Holiday Ornament Workshops, Santa’s Cookie Platter Practice, Holiday Music Bingo, and Story Time with Santa at Night Heron Park! One of our favorites is the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at The Sanctuary, which is taking place from 4:45pm to 6pm.

The festivites continue on November 26th with Santa’s Workshop from 10:30am to 2:00pm, Santa’s Lowcountry Grand Arrival from 2:00pm to 4:00pm, and Rick Hubbard’s Christmas Kazoobie Kazoo Show at Night Heron Park from 3:00pm to 4:00pm! The Chocolate Sculpture Unveiling will also happen in The Sanctuary’s Lobby.

Kiawah Island Golf Resort’s exciting recreational activities also continue to be in full swing throughout December with Inshore Fishing Charters, Wildlife in the Wetlands Bike Tours, Bird Walks at the Ocean Course, Marsh Kayaking, and more!

If you’ll be visiting for New Years, you’re kiddos won’t want to miss the “Kid’s Night Out: New Year’s Eve Bash”! There’s also the New Year’s Day 5K and the annual Polar Plunge to bring in the start of 2023 with a splash.

If you’re planning to be here for Christmas, here’s a quick look into what will be open and available:

OFFERINGS AT THE SANCTUARY HOTEL

The Ocean Room and Jasmine Porch will both be serving holiday menus featuring season cuisine from 5:30pm to 9:00pm. You can call Kiawah Island Golf Resort’s reservations team to reserve a time: 843-768-6253.

THE ATLANTIC ROOM

Savor the flavors of the season from Chef John Ondo while taking in the dramatic views of the Atlantic Ocean from The Ocean Course Club House! The a la carte menu will be served from 5:30pm to 8:00pm on Christmas Eve. Please call to make a reservation: 843-266-4085.

You’ll also find that the Ryder Cup Bar serving offerings from their regular menu from 11:00am to 8:00pm.

TOMASSO AT TURTLE POINT

Indulge in the Southern Italian tradition of the Feast of the Seven Fishes (Festa dei Sette Pesci), also known at The Vigil (La Vigilia), at Tomasso! Chef Andy Raeside and his team will be serving 5 courses for $90 or $115 with wine pairings from 4:00pm to 9:00pm.

THE NEST MARKET

If you’re looking for a quick bite in a casual atmosphere on Christmas Eve, you’ll also find that the new market in East Beach is open from 7:00am to 6:00pm.

PLEASE NOTE THESE CLOSINGS

Please note that Cherrywood BBQ & Ale House and The Players’ Pub will be closed on Christmas Eve.

While our vacation rentals are fully equipped with everything needed for you to cook your holiday dinner, these restaurants on Kiawah Island will all be open on Christmas Day:

JASMINE PORCH

Kiawah’s Grand Christmas Day Buffet is held at Jasmine Porch and the menu will be filled with holiday favorites! Breakfast is served from 6:30am to 10:15am and the lavish Christmas Buffet is from 12:00pm to 8:00pm. Pricing starts at $129 per adult and $75 per child (ages 4 to 12). Please call The Kiawah Island Resort for reservations at 877-683-1234.

THE OCEAN ROOM

Celebrate Christmas at The Sanctuary’s signature restaurant between 5:30pm and 9:00pm! They are offering an experience made for the true food connoisseur with their seasonal steakhouse offerings alongside of holiday favorites. A children’s holiday menu will be available as well. Please call KIGR’s Leisure Services for more information about availability at 877-683-1234.

CHERRYWOOD BBQ & ALE HOUSE

Looking for the best Southern BBQ? You will find that here and they are open on Christmas this year for dinner from 5:00pm to 8:00pm! Relax and enjoy the golf course views from the Osprey Point Clubhouse. Please call KIGR at 843-266-4636 to make a reservation.

THE PLAYERS PUB

Staying in West Beach or haven’t been to The Players’ Pub at the Cougar Point Clubhouse? This is the perfect stop for lunch on Christmas Day! You’ll find an a la carte experience for you to enjoy between 12:00pm and 4:00pm. No reservations are required.

OTHER NOTABLE PLACES OPEN ON CHRISTMAS DAY

You’ll also find the following places open on Christmas Day for dining or drinks:

The Nest Market from 8:00am to 3:00pm

Our vacation rentals book quickly for the holidays. However, we still have some availability over the winter months! Browse through our large selection of Kiawah Island homesto see what’s currently available.