Thanksgiving at Kiawah
Year-after-year, families have made Kiawah Island Golf Resort the host of their favorite holiday traditions. Thanksgiving is the perfect time to gather on the island with friends and loved ones as the resort rings in the festive season with lavish buffets, epicurean experiences in our restaurants, and home-cooked meals to enjoy in your vacation rental, without any of the effort–a true foodie paradise.
Additionally, our temperate climate invites guests to enjoy myriad activities for all ages around the resort. From biking on our beach to improv comedy, arts and crafts, and a Thanksgiving morning Turkey Trot fun run, there is much to be thankful for on Kiawah Island during the holiday season. Explore all of our Thanksgiving programming below.
The Sanctuary Thanksgiving Buffet – fully committed
Seatings start at 11:00am
Adults: $160 | Children 4-12: $80 | Children under 4: Complimentary
Join us for a culinary creation at The Sanctuary on Thanksgiving Day where a lavish buffet presentation will be at your fingertips. Browse the numerous culinary stations throughout the Grand Oaks ballroom, featuring seafood displays, live chef stations, holiday meats, and other traditional favorites. Sample the wine menu and finish your experience with decadent chocolates and pastries.
Children’s Thanksgiving Buffet
Your children can enjoy a buffet of their own in the adjacent Heron Room while you enjoy the grand buffet in the ballroom. Your children will always remember this special event that will feature games, arts and crafts, as well as delicious and fun food.
Thanksgiving Pies
$24 per pie
Let our Villa Resort pastry team take care of your pie needs this Thanksgiving! Our chefs have crafted these beautiful, flaky pastry creations to complement any holiday table. Pies are specially boxed and ready to pick up. Traditional flavors include: Pumpkin, Pecan, and Apple-Crumble.
Orders must be placed by Friday, November 18th. Order pick-up will take place at the West Beach Conference Center on Wednesday, November 23rd from 9am-12pm and Thursday, November 24th from 11am-12pm.
Thanksgiving Buffet at The Atlantic Room – fully committed
11:00am-5:00pm | $85++/adult, $40++/child (4-12 years)
Chef John Ondo has created dishes that capture the spirit of the season with his Thanksgiving buffet menu. Savor the flavors of the holidays while taking in the dramatic views of the Atlantic Ocean. Call 843.266.4085 to be placed on a reservation waiting list.
Jasmine Porch – fully committed
Breakfast: 6:30-10:15am
Thanksgiving Buffet: 12-8pm
Adults: $129 | Children 4-10: $75
Celebrate the holiday with a magnificent buffet featuring traditional favorites, live entertainment, and house-made desserts. This will be a meal to remember in a warm, yet elegant atmosphere as you toast loved ones. Jasmine Porch is sure to be an annual tradition for you and your family. Call 877.683.1234 to be placed on a reservation waiting list.
The Ocean Room – fully committed
5:30-9:30pm
The Sanctuary’s signature restaurant is proud to present a Thanksgiving experience made for the true epicurean. The Ocean Room will feature their seasonal steakhouse menu in addition to holiday favorites. Children’s menu available. Call 877.683.1234 to be placed on a reservation waiting list.
The Players’ Pub at Cougar Point
11:00am-5:00pm
Give thanks and celebrate at The Players’ Pub at Cougar Point. This outlet will be offering holiday specials along with a seasonal a la carte menu. Walk-ins are welcome, but reservations encouraged. 843.768.2771
The Nest Market | Café
7:00am-3:00pm | Night Heron Park
Stop by for those last minute grocery items, plus beer and wine. Also serving breakfast and lunch.
The following dining outlets will be closed on Thanksgiving day: Ryder Cup Bar, Cherrywood BBQ & Ale House, Tomasso at Turtle Point
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!
W E E K L Y
Kamp Kiawah
November 21-25 | 8:30am-1:15pm
Night Heron Park Pavilion
Kamp Kiawah is our 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!
For ages 3-7. Reservations required-please call 843.768.6001. A 24-hour cancellation policy applies. Subject to availability.
Themes:
Monday – Kiawah Creatures: Looking for adventure? You have come to the right place! Join us for a WILD time. We may even have a special visitor from our Nature Center!
Tuesday – Sea Adventure: To the beach we go! Help us find the treasure, play ships and sailors, mermaid races, and so many other fun games!
Wednesday – Turkey Day: Gobble, Gobble, Gobble! We’re going on a hunt to find our Thanksgiving Turkey! Create and decorate a turkey and participate in a turkey trot!
Friday – Holiday Hoopla: Sing and dance and make good cheers, let’s make it last through the year! Join us as we celebrate the holiday season!
Camp Xtreme
November 21-25 | 8:30am-1:15pm
Night Heron Park Basketball Court
Camp Xtreme is designed with 8-13-year-olds in mind! Competitive sports, team building, and more guarantee a day of XTREME FUN!
For ages 8-13. Reservations required-please call 843.768.6001. A 24-hour cancellation policy applies. Subject to availability.
Open Studio
November 21 – 23 | 10:30am-2pm
Turtles’ Nest Art Studio | Night Heron Park
Offering unique craft options during open studio, there is something for the whole family to enjoy. Projects include pottery, wood crafts, canvas painting, and various others. Prices vary based on project(s) selected.
Kiln projects, such as pottery painting, are available for pick up 2-3 days after completion. Shipping is available. No reservations required. For more information, please call Kiawah 843.768.6001. Open daily.
M O N D A Y, November 21
Glass Fusing 101
9-10am | Turtles’ Nest Art Studio | Night Heron Park
Learn to cut, layer, and design glass pieces to create your artwork. Choose from a wide variety of color options to make a design that is uniquely yours. Class includes a 3×3 tile with upgrade choices available. Precut pieces are available for children.
$45/person. For ages 7+. Reservations required-please call 843.768.6001. A 24-hour cancellation policy applies. Subject to availability.
Archery Lesson – fully committed
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.
Family Craft: Shark Tooth & Shell Necklaces
2:30-3:30pm | Night Heron Park Pavilion
Come join us for a festive holiday week of fun family crafts that are different each day! Pick out a shark tooth or a shell and add beads to create your own unique necklaces!
$15/necklace. No reservation required. Schedule subject to change.
3v3 Basketball Tournament
4:30pm – Youth, 5:30pm – Adult (13+)
Night Heron Park Basketball Court
Join us at the Night Heron Park Basketball Court for a 3v3 Basketball Tournament! Come alone or with a team to play the island’s best basketball. We’ll get the crowd; you call the fouls! Youth games begin at 4:30pm. Adult games begin at 5:30pm. Prizes awarded to the winning team in each category.
Youth tournament is open to ages 12 and under. Those 13 and over will be required to play in the adult tournament. Admission is complimentary, no reservations required. Please arrive ten minutes early to register your team as tournament play begins promptly. Schedule subject to change.
T U E S D A Y, November 22
Polymer Clay Play – fully committed
9-10am | Turtles’ Nest Art Studio | Night Heron Park
Choose from a rainbow of colored clay-or mix your own color! Projects will be oven baked and ready to bring home the next day. Create items such as jewelry dishes, magnets, hair clips, pins, small sculptures—the options are endless!
$35/person. For ages 5+. Reservations required-please call 843.768.6001. A 24-hour cancellation policy applies. Subject to availability.
Archery Lesson – fully committed
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.
Family Craft: Stuffed Animal Factory
2:30-3:30pm | Night Heron Park Pavilion
Come join us for a festive holiday week of fun family crafts that are different each day! Select, stuff, and dress-up your own furry friend to remind you of your time spent on Kiawah. A great companion for long car rides or flights home!
$20/animal. No reservation required. Schedule subject to change.
Improv Comedy
5-6pm | Night Heron Park Stage
Warning: this show may cause extreme laughter! Theatre 99 is bringing the comedy to Kiawah Island with a show we promise you have never seen before! Come enjoy this improvised play based entirely on suggestions made by YOU, the audience. 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 available. Schedule subject to change.
Kids’ Night Out: Sanctuary Splash Bash – fully committed
6pm – 9pm | Sanctuary Indoor Pool
Our Kid’s Night Out programs provide everything needed for an exciting and adventurous experience for our young vacationers and local residents.
For kids ages 5-12. Dinner is included. Kids, meet us at the Sanctuary Indoor pool for a night full of pizza, pool, and party!
Movie in the Park: The Lorax
7pm | Night Heron Park Stage
Bring your lawn chairs and blankets for an outdoor movie experience! Join us for a showing of The Lorax at the Night Heron Park Stage. Movie begins at 7pm
Blankets and/or beach chairs are recommended. Admission is complimentary, no reservations required. Concessions available for purchase. Schedule subject to change.
W E D N E S D A Y, November 23
Turkey Shootout
2-3:30pm | Night Heron Park Soccer Field
Join us for a friendly archery showdown! The competitor with the highest overall score for each age category will take home a prize! Categories for age groups are 8-12, 13-15, and 16+. An adult must accompany participants under the age of 16.
$15/person. For ages 8+. Reservations, please call 843.768.6001. A 24-hour cancellation policy applies. Subject to availability.
Holiday Mug Painting
3-4pm | Night Heron Park Pavilion
Looking for a MUGnificent holiday gift?! Search no further than one of our four tea-riffic styles of mugs! Chai your best at a custom design, or use one of our artist’s examples for inspiration. Mugs are glazed and fired upon completion. We can’t wait to see how you espresso yourself!
$35/person. Reservations required, please call 843.768.6001. A 24-hour cancellation policy applies. Subject to availability.
Pick up your mug during the Ornament Workshop (Friday, November 25th) and receive complimentary hot chocolate during the workshop! Better yet, choose from one of our holiday gift boxes, include your own handwritten note, and we will ship your Christmas gift to love ones near or far ($20 for shipping and gift box).
Bonfire and S’mores
5:30-7pm | Night Heron Park
Enjoy time with each other around the fire while listening to live music and indulging in a s’more or two. Music is provided by Thomas Champagne.
This event is complimentary, and no reservations are required. S’more supplies, hot chocolate, and apple cider available for purchase. Schedule subject to change.
Thanksgiving Day | T H U R S D A Y, November 24
Yoga on the Beach
10:45am-11:45am | Sanctuary Beach Access
Join our instructor for a yoga session on the beach following the Turkey Trot. This session is a slow to medium paced vinyasa class focused on gratitude to start your Thanksgiving Day off in a mindful way. No previous yoga experience required.
$20/person. Reservations required, please call 843.768.6001. A 24-hour cancellation policy applies. Subject to availability.
Tie-Dye T-Shirts
1-2:30pm | Night Heron Park Pavilion
Get creative and dye a Kiawah t-shirt that is uniquely yours! $20/person. No reservations needed.
Sand Sculpting Contest
2:30-3:30pm | Sanctuary Beach Access
Grab your buckets and shovels, and meet us for a family-friendly competition on the beach! Each family will have forty-five minutes to build the most festive Thanksgiving themed sand sculpture. The top three teams will receive prizes.
This event is complimentary and no reservations are required. A limited number of sand tools will be available for use. Per Kiawah Town Ordinance, metal shovels are not permitted. Schedule subject to change.
Thanksgiving Festival
5-7:30pm | Night Heron Park
After dinner, stop by the park for some fall fun! Enjoy live music, inflatables, and southern lawn games. Assorted crafts and concessions available for purchase.
This event is complimentary and no reservations are required.