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.
Wednesday, December 24th
4 – 9pm
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.
Please call (843) 266-4070 for reservations.
Saturday, November 29th
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.
Experience the artistry behind our breathtaking chocolate sculpture with your very own Advent Calendar. Featuring 25 handcrafted chocolates, each piece reveals a unique flavor designed to delight and surprise throughout the season. Don’t miss your chance to order for yourself or as the perfect holiday gift.
Available for a limited time while supplies last.
CHRISTMAS EVE DINING
W E D N E 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
11am – 8pm
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
5 – 8pm
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
5:30 – 9pm
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
12 – 11pm
Join The Lobby Bar for spirits as you gather with friends and family this holiday season.
CHRISTMAS DAY DINING
T H U R S D A Y, December 25th
Jasmine Porch
Breakfast | 6:30 – 10:15am
Christmas Buffet | 12 – 3pm
Dinner | 5:30– 8pm
The Christmas Buffet is priced at $174 for adults and $98 for children ages 4 to 12. Pricing is inclusive of tax and service charge.
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
11am – 4pm
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
4 – 8pm
Join us at Cherrywood BBQ & Ale House featuring slow-smoked favorites, Southern sides, and something for everyone to enjoy.
The Ocean Room
5:30 – 9pm
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
12 – 11pm
Join The Lobby Bar for spirits as you gather with friends and family this holiday season.
Friday, November 28th
12 – 4pm | Night Heron Park
Celebrate the season at our holiday festival with live Christmas music, face painting, and a Santa meet and greet. Visit holiday farm animals, capture moments in the photo booth, and explore Santa’s sleigh with his elves. Enjoy crafts and activities as you create lasting holiday memories with family and friends.
Friday, November 28th
2:30 – 4pm | Night Heron Park
Crosswind Farm is back for the holidays. Celebrate the season with a horse and a camel or sing along to holiday classics with the goats. Visit bunnies in their pen, share a story with the llama, and meet all their farm friends. Stop by Night Heron Park to enjoy this merry display and spread a little holiday cheer.
This event is complimentary, no reservations required. 843.768.6001 for more information. Animals subject to change.
Friday, November 28th
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, and experience a special performance by Gracie and Lacy from 5 – 6pm.
Saturday, November 29th
2 – 4pm | The Sanctuary
Join us at The Sanctuary for 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 12th
3pm Race Start | Sanctuary Beach Access
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. More details to follow.
Bib Pickup:
- Thursday | 3 – 6pm | West Beach Conference Center
- Friday | 10:30am – 11:30am | West Beach Conference Center
- Friday | 12 – 2:30pm | Sanctuary Grand Lawn
Thursday, December 25th
12-3pm | 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.
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 – 4pm | Night Heron Pavilion
Available on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 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.
Fridays & Saturdays | 5 – 6pm
Beginning December 5th
Celebrate the season with the joyful sounds of live holiday carolers at The Sanctuary. Enjoy festive music and cozy holiday vibes in a warm, welcoming setting.
Perfect for families, friends, and anyone looking to add a little holiday cheer to their evening.
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 28th
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.
Holiday Ornament Making
11am – 12pm, 12:30 – 1:30pm, 2-3pm | Art Studio at Night Heron Park
Join us at the Art Studio in Night Heron Park and create your very own one-of-a-kind ornaments. Each bag includes 4 ornaments to personalize—perfect for gifting or adding a special touch to your tree.
$25 per bag. Additional ornaments available for purchase. For ages 5+. Reservations required, please call 843.768.6001. A 24-hour cancellation policy applies. Subject to availability.
Story time with Santa
1:30 – 2pm | Night Heron Pavilion
’Twas the month before Christmas, and all through the park, Santa prepared tales with a holiday spark. Gather at the center stage as he shares festive stories, sprinkles in a touch of Christmas magic, and leads a yuletide sing-along. Children will also have the chance to ask Santa questions about the North Pole and life in his workshop.
This event is complimentary, and no reservations are required. Schedule subject to change.
A Visit with Santa
12:45 – 1:15pm and 2 – 3pm | Night Heron Pavilion
Bring your little ones for a magical moment with Santa! Children can share their Christmas wishes while you capture the perfect holiday photo. Join us for this special tradition and let the holiday magic begin!
Bring your own camera to capture the moment! This event is complimentary, and no reservations are required. Schedule subject to change.
3 – 4pm | 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.
$25 per animal, all ages welcomed, no reservation required.
Kid’s Night Out: Mix and Paint
5 – 8pm | Night Heron Pavilion
Show off your skills during a creative evening at the art studio, featuring canvas painting and personalized tumblers to take home — perfect for sipping lemonade all summer long.
For children 6-12. Dinner is included. Check in is at 5pm at the Pavilion. Reservations are required, please call 843.768.6001. 24-hour cancellation policy applies.
Christmas Glow Golf
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.
S A T U R D A Y, November 29th
9 – 9:30am | Night Heron Pavilion
’Twas the month before Christmas, and all through the park, Santa prepared tales with a holiday spark. Gather at the center stage as he shares festive stories, sprinkles in a touch of Christmas magic, and leads a yuletide sing-along. Children will also have the chance to ask Santa questions about the North Pole and life in his workshop.
This event is complimentary, and no reservations are required. Schedule subject to change.
Santa’s Workshop
9am – 1pm | Art Studio at Night Heron Park
Nothing says holiday cheer like homemade gifts. Skip the big box stores and give friends and family something made from the heart. Choose from creative projects such as necklaces, ornaments, home décor, pottery, and more.
Kiln projects, such as pottery painting, are available for pick up 2-3 days after completion. We will gladly ship your projects to your home, no reservations required. Subject to availability.
A Visit with Santa
9:45 – 10:45am | Night Heron Pavilion
Bring your little ones for a magical moment with Santa! Children can share their Christmas wishes while you capture the perfect holiday photo. Join us for this special tradition and let the holiday magic begin!
Bring your own camera to capture the moment! This event is complimentary, and no reservations are required. Schedule subject to change.
Gingerbread House Making Contest
10 – 11am | 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 team. Limited supplies available. A 24-hour cancellation policy applies. Subject to availability.
10:30am – 1pm | Night Heron Park Field
Experience the magic of the North Pole on Kiawah Island with a special photo opportunity in Santa’s sleigh. Bring your camera or phone and capture cherished moments in Santa’s iconic ride — lasting keepsakes for family and friends.
Story Time with Santa
11:30am – 12pm | Night Heron Pavilion
’Twas the month before Christmas, and all through the park, Santa prepared tales with a holiday spark. Gather at the center stage as he shares festive stories, sprinkles in a touch of Christmas magic, and leads a yuletide sing-along. Children will also have the chance to ask Santa questions about the North Pole and life in his workshop.
This event is complimentary, and no reservations are required. Schedule subject to change.
Santa’s Speedway
12 – 1pm | Night Heron Pavilion
Race down to the Night Heron Park Stage for our Pinewood Derby. Decorate your racer, come up with your most creative name, and enter the bracket style tournament to watch them go head-to-head down our custom ramp.
$10 per entry. Reservations are required, please call 843.768.6001, 24-hour cancellation policy applies.
Holiday Music Bingo
1:30 – 3:30pm | Night Heron Park Stage
Immerse yourself in the holiday spirit with festive rounds of bingo. Test your knowledge in songs and participate in exciting mini games. Our first round kicks off at 1:30pm—don’t miss out on the fun.
This event is complimentary, and no reservations are required. A limited amount of picnic table seating is available. Blankets or beach chairs recommended. Schedule subject to change.
Beach Sled Build and Race
2:30 – 4pm | Sanctuary Beach Access
Think sledding is just for the snow? Think again. Get ready for a sand sled sprint, a beachy twist on a winter tradition. Teams will build their “sled” out of cardboard, rope, and creativity. Then one teammate will hop on the sled while the other teammate pulls through the sand to the finish line. Prizes will be awarded to the most creative sled, the fastest racer, and the funniest ride.
$30 per team (one puller, one racer). Reservations are recommended, as walkups are limited. An adult must accompany children under age 15.