Christmas at Kiawah
Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with family and friends at Kiawah Island Golf Resort.
From Thanksgiving weekend through Christmas Day, the resort comes alive with holiday cheer—The Sanctuary’s official tree lighting, festive craft workshops, and Santa’s Lowcountry Grand Arrival set the stage for the season.
Watch this page as more details unfold about holiday events and dining, including the beloved festa dei sette pesci (feast of the seven fishes), a cherished tradition celebrated every Christmas Eve at Tomasso at Turtle Point.
Thursday, December 24th
The Feast of the Seven Fishes (festa dei sette pesci), also known as The Vigil (La Vigilia), is a beloved Christmas Eve tradition believed to have originated in Southern Italy. Dating back to medieval times, when meat markets were closed on holy days, families gathered to celebrate with an abundant seafood feast. The team at Tomasso proudly carries on this time-honored tradition with their own special holiday menu.
Prepare to be amazed by The Sanctuary’s Holiday Chocolate Display. Crafted entirely from chocolate by Executive Pastry Chef Jordan Snider and his talented team, this life-like masterpiece brings the magic of the season to life in the most deliciously stunning way.
CHRISTMAS EVE DINING
T H U R S D A Y, December 24th
Jasmine Porch
Breakfast | 6:30 – 11am
Lunch | 11:30am – 2pm
Dinner | 5:30 – 9pm
Celebrate this special evening by savoring the seasonal cuisine of the Lowcountry and seasonal specials at Jasmine Porch.
Please call 855.458.4881 for reservations.
The Ryder Cup Bar
Join us for a relaxed lunch with family on the veranda, or savor dinner as you take in the spectacular views of The Ocean Course.
The Atlantic Room
This Christmas Eve, gather at Kiawah Island Golf Resort’s signature seafood restaurant for a holiday supper framed by Atlantic views.
Please call 843.266.4085 for reservations.
The Ocean Room
The Sanctuary’s signature Five Star restaurant is proud to present a Christmas Eve experience. The Ocean Room will feature their seasonal steakhouse menu enhanced by seasonal specials.
Please call 855.458.4881 for reservations.
The Lobby Bar at The Sanctuary
Join The Lobby Bar for spirits as you gather with friends and family this holiday season.
CHRISTMAS DAY DINING
F R I D A Y, December 25th
Jasmine Porch
Breakfast | 6:30 – 10:15am
Christmas Buffet | 12 – 3pm
Dinner | 5:30– 8pm
Kiawah’s Grand Christmas Day Buffet is held at Jasmine Porch. Celebrate this special day with The Sanctuary and allow our chefs to delight your palate with holiday specialties while enjoying live entertainment. At this time, reservations are limited to guests of The Sanctuary.
Please call 855.458.4881 for reservations.
The Players’ Pub
Gather the family for lunch at The Players’ Pub for comforting classics, kid-friendly favorites, and plenty of holiday cheer—all with your favorites on the screen.
Cherrywood BBQ & Ale House
Join us at Cherrywood BBQ & Ale House featuring slow-smoked favorites, Southern sides, and something for everyone to enjoy.
The Ocean Room
Celebrate this special evening by savoring the seasonal cuisine offered at The Ocean Room.
Please call 855.458.4881 for reservations.
The Lobby Bar at The Sanctuary
Join The Lobby Bar for spirits as you gather with friends and family this holiday season.
Friday, November 27th
12 – 4pm | Night Heron Park
Celebrate the magic of the season at our festive holiday festival. Enjoy live Christmas music, face painting, holiday farm snuggles, photo booth, Santa’s sleigh with elves, inflatables, crafty activities, letters to Santa, and MORE. Create lasting memories with family and friends in a day filled with merry-making and joy.
This event is complimentary and no reservations are required. Hot Cocoa and a build your own snowman snack,as well as assorted crafts are available for purchase starting at 1. Schedule subject to change.
Friday, November 27th
2:30-4pm | Night Heron Park
Crosswind Farm is back.. Celebrate the holiday spirit with a horse and a camel, or belt holiday classics with some goats for example. Admire the cuteness of bunnies in their pen, or tell stories to the llama and all their friends. We want to see you jolly on this special day, so stop by Night Heron Park to see our merry display.
This event is complimentary, no reservations required. 843.768.6001 for more information. Animals subject to change.
The Sanctuary
Embrace the season with our magical tree lighting at The Sanctuary. Enjoy complimentary cookies and cocoa while supplies last, sing along to live Christmas carols.
The Sanctuary
Experience Santa’s arrival—a festive celebration filled with holiday magic and family fun. Experience the joy as Santa makes his special entrance, creating unforgettable memories for guests of all ages.
Friday, December 11th
3pm Race Start | Night Heron Park
Celebrate the season with Kiawah’s Jingle Shells 5K—a festive 1-mile and 5K beach run filled with holiday cheer, music, playful elves, snow flurries, and Santa to cheer you on at the finish line.
All runners receive a bib, medal, and souvenir. The 5K is officially timed and results are live on RunSignUp; the 1-mile is untimed. Course closes at 4pm. Registration is required for all participants; children under 8 must run with a registered parent.
Before the race begins, enjoy a complimentary holiday celebration on the Sanctuary Grand Lawn with story time, carols, games, and photos with Santa.
Bib pickup details coming soon.
Friday, December 25th
Sanctuary Chapel
Join us for a holiday celebration at The Chapel — a morning of togetherness, music, and joy as we honor this special time of year.
For a full list of Kiawah Recreation Activities , view our calendar here.
D A I L Y
Half Day or Full Day
Discover Kiawah’s miles of scenic trails and ten miles of hard-packed beach on bikes for every rider. Choose from beach cruisers in all sizes (16″, 20″, 24″, and 26″), plus training wheels, tow carts, add-a-bikes, wagons, and adult tricycles.
Reserve two days or more for complimentary delivery or visit the Bike Pavilion at The Sanctuary Hotel. Online reservations are available to resort guests and Governor’s Club Members, or call 843.768.6001.
Please allow 48 hours for processing online reservations. All requests are subject to availability and only guaranteed via email confirmation.
Camp Kiawah
8:30am – 12:30pm | Night Heron Pavilion
Available on Thursday-Saturday, Camp Kiawah is our themed day camp dedicated to making every day memorable for your child. Each session is themed with games, crafts, and snacks-guaranteed to be tons of fun. Full and half day camp options available. Learn more on pricing, activities, and out daily themes here.
For ages 3-7. Reservations required, please call 843.768.6001. A 24-hour cancellation policy applies. Subject to availability.
Camp Xtreme
8:30am – 12:30pm | Night Heron Park Basketball Court
Camp Xtreme is designed for 8–13-year-olds in mind. Competitive sports, team building, and more guarantee a day of XTREME FUN. For information on pricing visit. Learn more for pricing and information.
For ages 8 – 13. Reservations required, please call 843.768.6001. Learn more on pricing, activities, and out daily themes here. There is no lunch option Thanksgiving week.
Kayaking Tours
Times Vary
Discover the wonders of Kiawah Island’s saltwater marshes with the Kiawah Island Nature Program. Join on naturalist on a 2-hour long journey and experience the island’s rich biodiversity’s from a new perspective
Tours offered daily; visit our paddling tours for details. Reservations required, please call 843.768.6001. A 24-hour cancellation policy applies.
Motorboat Eco Charters
Times Vary
Come aboard our custom-built bay boat as we explore the Kiawah River for the wildlife that calls it home. Whether it is the excitement of a Dolphin Encounter or the tranquility of a Sunset Cruise, family fun awaits on the water.
Offered daily; visit our boat charters for details. Reservations required, please call 843.768.6001. A 48-hour cancellation policy applies.
Fishing Charters
Times Vary
Join our tournament-winning Captains aboard a 24′ center console bay boat as we travel Kiawah’s creeks and marshes to experience the best fishing the Lowcountry has to offer. Choose between a 2-hour or 4-hour charter as we fish for various seasonal species. We proudly follow catch-and-release fishing practices to preserve our waters for generations to come.
Visit our fishing charters for details. Reservations required, please call 843.768.6001. A 72-hour cancellation policy applies.
F R I D A Y, November 27th
9:30 – 11am | Night Heron Park Stage
Snow will be falling softly, and children’s laughter will fill the air. This Christmas, all you need for holiday cheer is a song to share. Rick Hubbard returns to the Night Heron Park stage for a joyful holiday show.
Admission is complimentary, no reservations required. A limited amount of picnic table seating is available. Blankets and beach chairs recommended. Schedule subject to change.
Gator Walk
10 – 11am | The Sanctuary Retail Wing
The American Alligator is among Kiawah’s most captivating wildlife species. Discover what makes these ancient reptiles so distinctive on a Naturalist-led wildlife walk. This experience provides a look into the alligators’ unique adaptations and behaviors, as you explore their natural habitat. This tour is appropriate for all ages.
$25 per person. Reservations are required, please call 843.768.6001. This tour is appropriate for all ages. 48-hour cancellation policy. Participants under age 14 must be accompanied by an adult.
Open Studio
10am – 4pm | The Treehouse Art Studio
Get creative at the Treehouse Activity Center Art Studio. Choose from pottery painting, canvas art, wood crafts, shell art, and seasonal projects for all ages. No reservations are required. Kiln-fired pottery is usually ready for pickup the next day after 2 pm, and shipping is available upon request.
Wooden Ornament and Gift Tag Workshop
11am, 11:30am, 12pm, 12:30pm & 1pm | Night Heron Park Deck
Bring the whole family for festive fun making handmade holiday ornaments or gift tags! We have all the supplies—felt, stars, ribbon, paint pens, stencils, and plenty of sparkles and glitter. Let’s enjoy some holiday music, make special memories, and celebrate this growing Kiawah tradition together!
$30/bag. Each bag contains four wooden slices, with additional slices available for purchase. Suitable for ages 5 and up. Reservations are strongly encouraged by calling 843.768.6001, though walk-ins are welcome while supplies last. 24-hour cancellation policy applies.
1:30 – 2pm | Night Heron Pavilion
‘Twas just a month before Christmas, when all through the park, not a creature was chirping, not even a lark! For everyone had gathered around the center stage, to hear Santa himself read stories page by page. From sprinkles of holiday magic to a yuletide sing-a-long with care, Santa will answer questions about the North Pole and what it’s like to live there.
This event is complimentary and no reservations are required. Blankets and beach chairs recommended. A limited number of picnic table seating is available. Schedule subject to change.
Christmas Spectacular Festival
12 – 4pm | Night Heron Park
Celebrate the magic of the season at our festive holiday festival. Enjoy live Christmas music, face painting, holiday farm snuggles, photo booth, Santa’s sleigh with elves, inflatables, crafty activities, letters to Santa, and MORE. Create lasting memories with family and friends in a day filled with merry-making and joy.
This event is complimentary and no reservations are required. Hot Cocoa and a build your own snowman snack,as well as assorted crafts are available for purchase starting at 1. Schedule subject to change.
Wildlife in the Wetlands Bike Tour
2 – 4pm | The Sanctuary Bike Pavilion
A Naturalist favorite: this tour will take you on a leisurely bike ride to discover the fascinating wildlife that inhabits Kiawah’s diverse ecosystems. You’ll gain a better understanding of the beaches, dunes, maritime forest, ponds, and salt marshes that stretch across the island, while learning each ecosystem’s unique characteristics and covering about 6 miles.
$45 per person. Reservations are required, please call 843.768.6001. This tour is appropriate for ages 8 years and up. 48-hour cancellation policy. Participants under age 14 must be accompanied by an adult. Tow carts and training wheels not permitted.
2:30 – 4pm | Night Heron Park
Crosswind Farm is back.. Celebrate the holiday spirit with a horse and a camel, or belt holiday classics with some goats for example. Admire the cuteness of bunnies in their pen, or tell stories to the llama and all their friends. We want to see you jolly on this special day, so stop by Night Heron Park to see our merry display.
This event is complimentary, no reservations required. 843.768.6001 for more information. Animals subject to change.
Family Craft: Stuffed Animal Factory Holiday Edition
4 – 5pm | The Treehouse Art Studio
Join us for a fun and memorable crafting experience where you’ll select and stuff your very own furry friend! Choose from a variety of adorable animals and add a special touch by placing a heart inside your stuffed animal, making it uniquely yours. You can also create a birth certificate to name your new friend and remember your time spent on Kiawah Island. This is a great activity for all ages and makes for a perfect travel companion for long car rides or flights home! No reservation required—just stop by and start creating! All materials provided.
Kid’s Night Out: Putt, Party and Glow
5 – 8pm | Night Heron Pavilion
Swing into an evening of glow-filled fun! Kids will enjoy mini golf,dance to their favorite tune at a silent disco while making glowing memories.
For ages 6 – 12. Dinner is included. Reservations required, please call 843.768.6001. Visit KampKiawah.com for pricing and more information.
5:30 – 8:30pm | Night Heron Park
Join us for an evening of family fun at our Mini Golf Extravaganza. Putt your way through 9 dynamic holes enhanced with festive Christmas decorations and exciting challenges. Everyone is welcome to participate and enjoy a friendly competition with family and friends amidst the holiday cheer.
Event is complimentary, no reservations are required.
Christmas Silent Disco at The Treehouse Activity Center
6 – 10pm | The Treehouse Activity Center
Celebrate the holiday season with a glowing twist at Christmas Glow Night in the Treehouse Activity Center at Night Heron Park! Step into a festive wonderland where our bowling lanes will be glowing with holiday lights and enjoy a Christmas themed silent disco featuring your favorite holiday hits and party favorites. Whether you’re bowling, dancing or simply soaking in the festive atmosphere, Christmas Glow Night is the perfect way to kick off the holiday season!
$125/hour. A maximum of 6 bowlers per lane.Reservations are required please call 843.768.6001, A 24-hour cancellation policy applies. Subject to availability.
S A T U R D A Y, November 28th
Story Time with Santa
9 – 9:30 AM | Night Heron Pavilion
‘Twas just a month before Christmas, when all through the park, not a creature was chirping, not even a lark! For everyone had gathered around the center stage, to hear Santa himself read stories page by page. From sprinkles of holiday magic to a yuletide sing-a-long with care, Santa will answer questions about the North Pole and what it’s like to live there.
This event is complimentary and no reservations are required. Blankets and beach chairs recommended. A limited number of picnic table seating is available. Schedule subject to change.
Open Studio
10am – 4pm | The Treehouse Art Studio
Get creative at the Treehouse Activity Center Art Studio. Choose from pottery painting, canvas art, wood crafts, shell art, and seasonal projects for all ages. No reservations are required. Kiln-fired pottery is usually ready for pickup the next day after 2 pm, and shipping is available upon request.
10:30am – 1pm | Night Heron Park Field
Experience the magic of the North Pole right here on Kiawah Island with our exclusive photo opportunity in Santa’s sleigh! Whether you’re a local or a visitor, you’ll relish the chance to sit in Santa’s iconic ride and create lasting keepsakes with friends and family. Our skilled photographers are dedicated to making every moment picture-perfect, ensuring you leave with a cherished reminder of your Kiawah Island holiday. Don’t miss this exclusive opportunity—book your photo session in Santa’s sleigh today!
Gingerbread House Making Contest
10:30 – 11:30am | Night Heron Park Stage
Elevate your Christmas spirit with our Gingerbread House Contest. Use gumdrops, candy canes, and icing to deck out your shimmering gingerbread house. Bring your own candy or use materials provided to craft your magical design. Prizes will be awarded to the top three houses showcasing the most enchanting creations.
Reservations are required please call 843.768.6001, $15 per house. Limited supplies available. A 24-hour cancellation policy applies. Subject to availability.
Gator Walk
11 – 12pm |The Sanctuary Retail Wing
The American Alligator is among Kiawah’s most captivating wildlife species. Discover what makes these ancient reptiles so distinctive on a Naturalist-led wildlife walk. This experience provides a look into the alligators’ unique adaptations and behaviors, as you explore their natural habitat. This tour is appropriate for all ages.
$25 per person. Reservations are required, please call 843.768.6001. This tour is appropriate for all ages. 48-hour cancellation policy. Participants under age 14 must be accompanied by an adult.
11am, 11:30am. 12pm and 12:30pm, 1pm | Night Heron Park Deck
Come join the fun as we create beautiful handmade Christmas ornament balls together! We’ll provide everything you need—ribbons, bows, paint pens, stencils, sparkles, glitter, and lots of inspiration. Let’s enjoy festive tunes, make wonderful memories, and celebrate this special Kiawah tradition as a community!
$30/bag. Each bag contains four clear balls, with additional balls available for purchase. Suitable for ages 5 and up. Reservations are strongly encouraged by calling 843.768.6001, though walk-ins are welcome while supplies last. 24-hour cancellation policy applies.
Story Time with Santa
11:30 – 12pm | Night Heron Pavilion
‘Twas just a month before Christmas, when all through the park, not a creature was chirping, not even a lark! For everyone had gathered around the center stage, to hear Santa himself read stories page by page. From sprinkles of holiday magic to a yuletide sing-a-long with care, Santa will answer questions about the North Pole and what it’s like to live there.
This event is complimentary and no reservations are required. Blankets and beach chairs recommended. A limited number of picnic table seating is available. Schedule subject to change.
Santa’s Speedway: Lego Edition
12 – 1pm | Night Heron Park Amphitheater
Dash over to the Night Heron Park Stage for Santa’s Speedway, our festive, holiday version of the Pinewood Lego Derby! Get into the spirit by decorating your racer, giving it a jolly name, and entering it into our bracket style tournament. Watch cars go head-to-head down our custom ramp in a race full of cheer and friendly competition.
$10 per entry, Reservations are required, please call 843.768.6001. A 24-hour cancellation policy applies. Subject to availability.
1:30 – 2:30pm | Night Heron Park Stage
Join us at the stage for Reindeer Games, our merry spin on Minute to Win It! Teams will go head-to-head tackling quick, festive mini-games designed to test your agility, speed, and holiday spirit.
Maximum of 6 people per team, maximum of 10 teams. $10/team. Reservations are required, please call 843.768.6001.
Reptile Round Up
3 – 4pm |The Treehouse Nature Center
Do you know how to tell the difference between a male and female turtle, or how many teeth alligators have? From snakes to gators to turtles, we’ve got them all! Learn the facts about these age-old creatures with hands-on experience, perfect for those older children ready to take their knowledge to the next step.
$20 per person. Reservations are required, please call 843.768.6001. This tour is appropriate for ages 6 years and up. 48-hour cancellation policy. Participants under age 14 must be accompanied by an adult.
Santa’s Snack Bar
3 – 4pm | Night Heron Park Stage
Swing by Santa’s Snack Bar to grab your popcorn, customize it with fun candy toppings, and build your own hot chocolate to keep you warm while you watch Elf on the big screen.
Snacks and drinks available for purchase. No reservations required.
Movie in the Park (Elf)
3:30pm start time | Night Heron Park Stage
Spread some holiday cheer and gear up for a hilarious movie night under the stars with Elf! Follow Buddy, a human raised by Santa’s elves, as he travels to New York City to find his biological father and discover the true meaning of Christmas. Don’t forget your blankets and beach chairs, as limited picnic table seating is available.
This event is complimentary, no reservations are required.
Glass Fusing 101
5 – 6pm | The Treehouse Art Studio
Start brainstorming! Join us for Glass Fusing 101, where you’ll learn how to layer and design colorful glass pieces to make your own unique masterpiece. Choose from a wide variety of color options to piece together your own personal puzzle! Each participant will receive a 4×4 tile to work on, with upgrade options available for larger pieces. Precut glass pieces are available for children, making this a fun and accessible craft for the whole family.
$45/person. Children under 7 will need to be accompanied by an adult for supervision. Reservations required, please call 843.768.6001. A 24-hour cancellation policy applies. Groups 8+ 22% Service Charge applies. Availability subject to change.
