Christmas at Kiawah

Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with family and friends at Kiawah Island Golf Resort.

From Thanksgiving weekend right up until Christmas Day, the resort decks the halls and rolls out a roster of fun and festive activities to get you in the seasonal spirit – from The Sanctuary’s official tree lighting to craft making workshops and Santa’s Lowcountry Grand Arrival.

Of course, your Christmas Eve and Christmas Day meals will be served in style in our fine restaurants, including the festa dei sette pesci (feast of the seven fishes), a time-honored tradition that proudly lives on every Christmas Eve in Tomasso at Turtle Point.

Delicious Dining
The holidays are a time for families at Kiawah Island Golf Resort, and our Christmas dining options reflect that sentiment.
Feast of the Seven Fishes
Feast of the Seven Fishes
Tomasso at Turtle Point - fully committed
4 – 9pm | 5 courses for $90, or $115 with wine pairings
The Feast of the Seven Fishes (festa dei sette pesci), also known as The Vigil (La Vigilia) and celebrated on Christmas Eve, is believed to have originated in Southern Italy. The long tradition of eating seafood on Christmas Eve dates from medieval Italian times, where meat markets were closed on specific holy days. Chef Andy Raeside and team at Tomasso are carrying on the tradition with their own feast! Call 843.266.4070 for reservations.

CHRISTMAS EVE DINING

Saturday, December 24

Jasmine Porch and The Ocean Room
Jasmine Porch | 5:30 – 9pm
The Ocean Room | 5:30 – 9pm

On Christmas Eve, both The Ocean Room and Jasmine Porch will serve menus enhanced by seasonal specials. Celebrate this special evening by savoring the seasonal cuisine offered at The Ocean Room or by sampling Lowcountry and regional favorites at Jasmine Porch. Call Dining Reservations at 877.683.1234.

The Atlantic Room
A la carte | 5:30 – 8pm
On Christmas Eve, join us for an enchanting holiday dinner in The Atlantic Room at The Ocean Course. Gather your family and friends for a memorable evening and enjoy Chef John Ondo’s winter inspired menu. Call 843.266.4085 for reservations.

Ryder Cup Bar will open from 11am – 8pm on Christmas Eve serving offerings from their regular menu.

The Nest Market | Café
Open 7am – 6pm

(Cherrywood BBQ & Ale House and The Players’ Pub are both closed on Christmas Eve.)


CHRISTMAS DAY DINING

Sunday, December 25

Jasmine Porch
Breakfast from 6:30 – 10:15am
Christmas Buffet from 12 – 8pm
Adults: $129 | Children 4-12: $75

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 and enjoy live entertainment. At this time, reservations are limited to guests of The Sanctuary. Call 877.683.1234 for reservations.

The Ocean Room
Dinner | 5:30 – 9pm
The Sanctuary’s signature restaurant is proud to present a true Christmas experience. The Ocean Room will be featuring their seasonal steakhouse menu in addition to holiday favorites. Children’s menu available. For a more relaxed option, our Lounge will be available without reservations required. At this time, reservations are limited to hotel guests only, call for reservations 877.683.1234

Cherrywood BBQ & Ale House
Dinner | 5 – 8pm | a la carte
Celebrate the holiday with the best Southern BBQ the island has to offer. Allow Chef Keith Richardson to prepare your Christmas feast while you relax with your family in the comfort of the Osprey Point Clubhouse. Call 843.266.4636 for reservations.

The Players’ Pub
Lunch | 12 – 4pm | a la carte
Merry Christmas from The Players’ Pub team! Join us for an a la carte Christmas dining experience with casual pub fare. No reservations required.

The Nest Market | Café
Open 8am – 3pm

(The Atlantic Room, Ryder Cup Bar and Tomasso at Turtle Point are all closed on Christmas Day.)

Festive Events
From magic shows to a magical tree lighting ceremony, there's no better way to celebrate the holidays than joining in the many family-friendly activities offered around the island!
Santa Claus is Coming to Town
Friday, November 25
9-10am | Night Heron Park to the Sanctuary Hotel

Santa Claus is coming to town! His big red sleigh may look a little different, but it is sure to have all of the bells and whistles! The St. Johns Fire Department will escort Santa through the island, while his reindeer are busy at the North Pole fueling up for the big night. Friends and family are welcome along the 1-mile route to catch a candy cane and a Merry Christmas wish! Sleigh bells will ring, make sure you are listening!
Blankets and/or beach chairs permitted along the parade route. Complimentary, no reservations required. Schedule subject to change.

Visit our full calendar of events to see what’s happening every day and to make advance reservations for activities. And don’t forget to make your bike reservations – one of the best ways to explore all that our island has to offer!

F R I D A Y, November 25

Holiday Ornament Making
10:30–11:30am, 12–1pm, 1:30-2:30pm | Night Heron Park Deck

Join us for a cup of hot cocoa, and learn to make a holiday ornament that is uniquely yours!

$25/bag, each bag includes four ornaments. Additional ornaments are available for purchase. Reservations required, please call 843.768.6001. A 24-hour cancellation policy applies. Subject to availability.

Santa’s Cookie Platter Practice – fully committed
3-4:30pm | Night Heron Park Deck

Our elves have been hard at work baking spirits bright, but we need your help making these cookies just right! We will supply the cookies and everything you need to decorate your delicious confections. As an extra sweet treat, the world’s jolliest cookie sampler himself will be stopping by the park for photos- Santa!

$20 per box, each box contains 4 cookies. Reservations required  843.768.6001.  A 24-hour cancellation policy applies. Subject to availability.

Holiday Music Bingo
6-8pm | Night Heron Park Stage

Get in the holiday spirit playing a few rounds of music bingo! Try your luck in various rounds of bingo and mini games. Fun for the whole family!

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.

Kids Night Out: The Grinch – fully committed
6-9pm | Night Heron Pavilion

Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn’t before, what if all the kids gathered at Kiawah Resort! They’ll come dressed festive in their holiday attire, and have a night to themselves with no parents required! They’ll craft, and play games, not be bored in the least. They’ll watch a movie with popcorn, then have their own feast! And what happens next? Well at Kiawah we say, our hearts grow three sizes by the end of the day!

For kids ages 3-10. Dinner is included. Reservations required, please call 843.768.6001. A 24-hour cancellation policy applies.

Storytime with Santa
8:30-9pm | Night Heron Park Stage

‘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.

Tree Lighting Ceremony at The Sanctuary
Friday, November 25 | 4:45-6pm
Join us as we “Deck the Halls” of The Sanctuary for the holiday season. Our holiday staff will be busy assembling our Grand Lobby Christmas tree, as well as decorating our mantels and grand staircases. Be there as The Sanctuary is transformed into a magical holiday mansion. Our tree lighting festivities will begin at 4:45pm. Come ready to sing some favorite Christmas carols! We look forward to celebrating this special time of the year with you and your loved ones.
Chocolate Sculpture Unveiling
Saturday, November 26 | The Sanctuary Lobby
Don't miss as The Sanctuary pastry team unveils this season's confectionary masterpiece–a sculpture made entirely of chocolate! Watch as Executive Pastry Chef, Jordan Snider and his team put the finishing touches on this year's display and stay for a Q&A with the artists.

S A T U R D A Y, November 26

Santa’s Workshop
10:30am-2pm | Night Heron Park Pavilion

Nothing screams holiday cheer better than HO-HO-HOMEMADE gifts! Give your friends and family a big box of love, without stepping foot in a big box store! Handmade project options include scented candles, necklaces, ornaments, home décor, pottery and more!

No reservations required. For more information, please call 843.768.6001. Kiln projects, such as pottery painting, are available for pick up 2-3 days after completion. Shipping is available.

Archery Lesson
1-2pm | Night Heron Park

Whether you want to be like Robin Hood, Katniss, or Legolas, you will learn your skills here. Join our staff as you try your luck with various stationary targets as well as moving targets! Our target launcher will be sure to challenge all of Kiawah’s new archers.

$45/person. For ages 8+. Participants must be able to confidently pull 15lb draw weight of bow. Reservations required-please call 843.768.6001. A 24-hour cancellation policy applies. Subject to availability.

Santa’s Lowcountry Grand Arrival
2-4pm | Grand Lawn of The Sanctuary
Come witness as Santa and Mrs. Claus make their grand arrival at The Sanctuary. Kids of all ages are welcome to join Mrs. Claus for Christmas stories and then visit with Santa as parents get the opportunity for a picturesque holiday card.

Rick Hubbard’s Christmas Kazoobie Kazoo Show
3-4pm | Night Heron Park Stage

The snow will be falling so softly everywhere, and the sound of children’s laughter will surely fill the air! We can make your wish come true, because all you need for Christmas…is KAZOO! Our fan favorite, Rick Hubbard, is back for a special Christmas show on the Night Heron Park Stage!

Admission is complimentary, no reservations required. A limited amount of picnic table seating is available. Blankets and beach chairs recommended. Schedule subject to change.

Ring in the New Year
Observing the passing from one calendar year to the next evokes special meaning when the celebration includes a spectacular firework display over the Atlantic Ocean. From live music, to glow-in-the-dark parties for the kids, and a champagne toast at midnight, the New Year never looked so bright as it does from Kiawah Island.