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 banquets, 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.

Delicious Dining
One of our most popular dining celebrations of the year, Thanksgiving at Kiawah is the ultimate family affair. From an elegant five-star meal to a relaxed clubhouse atmosphere, there's a dining experience for every palate.
Sanctuary Thanksgiving
The Sanctuary Thanksgiving Banquet

Grand Oaks Ballroom

Join us for a culinary creation on Thanksgiving Day. A lavish buffet presentation will be at your fingertips, and live entertainment will enhance your meal. Browse the numerous culinary stations throughout the 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.

The chef servers up delicious meal.
The Sanctuary Children’s Thanksgiving Banquet

Heron Room

Your children can enjoy a buffet of their own in the adjacent Heron Room while you enjoy the grand buffet in the ballroom. They will always remember this special event that will feature games, arts and crafts, as well as delicious fun and food.

Thanksgiving Meal
Thanksgiving To Go

Enjoy the comfort of a hot, home-cooked Thanksgiving meal without lifting a finger. Our Villa Banquet team will prepare a mouthwatering holiday feast, ready for carry-out so you can spend more time making memories with loved ones. Thanksgiving Dinner To-Go will be available for pickup on Thursday, November 26th, between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Orders must be placed by 5 p.m. on Friday, November 20th.

3 Thanksgiving Pies
Thanksgiving Pies

Select from our classic Apple Crumble, Pumpkin, or Pecan, each crafted with flaky, golden pastry to complement any holiday table. Every pie is beautifully packaged in a holiday box and ready for easy pickup, so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time celebrating.

Jasmine Porch
Breakfast: 6:30 – 10:15am
Thanksgiving Buffet: 12 – 8pm
Adults: $184 | Children 4-12: $98
Pricing inclusive of tax and service charge.

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 to loved ones. Jasmine Porch is sure to be an annual tradition for you and your family.

For reservations, please call 855.458.4881.
Priority seating reserved for guests of The Sanctuary.

The Atlantic Room – Fully Committed
Thanksgiving Buffet
Main Dining Room Seatings: 11am, 2pm & 5pm
PGA Room Seatings: 12pm & 3pm
Adults $95 | Children $45

Celebrate the holiday with a festive buffet featuring traditional favorites and seasonal offerings. Gather with family and friends for a memorable Thanksgiving meal in the Atlantic Room, overlooking The Ocean Course.

The Ocean Room
5 – 8:30pm
The Sanctuary’s signature Five Star 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 elevated takes on holiday favorites. Children’s menu available.

For reservations, please call 855.458.4881.

Beaches and Cream
2 – 9pm
Visit Beaches and Cream this Thanksgiving season and try out our Magic Milkshake of the month.

The Lobby Bar at The Sanctuary
12 – 11pm
Join The Lobby Bar for spirits as you gather with friends and family this holiday season.

mingo point oysters
Mingo Point Oyster Roast & BBQ

On Friday, November 27th, celebrate at our annual Thanksgiving Mingo Point Oyster Roast & BBQ and enjoy an authentic Lowcountry experience. Indulge in a riverside oyster roast and an all-you-can-eat buffet of Southern BBQ specialties highlighting holiday favorites.

Family Activities
Thanksgiving is better at the beach — enjoy endless family-friendly activities and holiday fun.

Turkey Trot
Turkey Trot

Thanksgiving Day

10:30 – 11:30 am | The Sanctuary Beach Access

Celebrate Thanksgiving with Kiawah Island Golf Resort’s annual Turkey Trot. Begin your holiday morning on the beach with a one-mile walk/run or a 5K, welcoming families, beginners, and competitive runners. Enjoy a festive start to the day. Music begins at 10am. The race begins at 10:30am. All participants can scan the QR code to enter in the raffle to win a Thanksgiving Pie drawing held at 11:15am.


D A I L Y

Open Studio
9:30am – 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. 

Camp Kiawah
8:30am – 12:30pm | 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!

For ages 3-7. Reservations required, please call 843.768.6001. Visit KampKiawah.com for pricing and more information.  There is no lunch option Thanksgiving week.

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 ages 8 – 13. Reservations required, please call 843.768.6001. Visit KampKiawah.com for pricing and more information. There is no lunch option Thanksgiving week.

What Are You Thankful For?
November 22 – 26 | The Treehouse Amphitheater
Join us in celebrating the true spirit of Thanksgiving! Head to the Amphitheater, grab a card, and get creative detailing what you’re most grateful for. When you’re done, grab a clip and hang your card on our display wire strung through the park to help us build a giant community wall of thanks! 

This is complimentary, and no reservations required.

Turkey Scavenger Hunt
November 22 – 26, 10am – 10pm | The Treehouse Activity Center
We’ve lost all of our turkey friends and need your help locating them. Grab your clue sheet from the Treehouse Activity Center to start your search. Follow the clues and bring back your completed sheet back to us for a special Thanksgiving prize.

This event is complimentary and no reservations are required. Don’t forget a pen or pencil.

Bowl a Turkey, Win a Pie
November 22 – 26, 10am – 10pm | The Treehouse Activity Center
Celebrate Thanksgiving with a fun challenge for the whole family! Head to the Treehouse Activity Center during Thanksgiving week and see if you can bowl a turkey- three strikes in a row. 

Every guest who bowls a turkey will earn an entry into our Thanksgiving pie raffle for a chance to take home a delicious holiday pie. Whether you’re a seasoned bowler or just giving it your best shot or just everyone has a chance to join in on the fun. Come make some memories, enjoy a little friendly competition and see if you have what it takes to bowl your way to a Thanksgiving treat! 

Reservations are required for this event, please call 843.768.6001.


M O N D A Y, November 23rd

Alligator Adventure
10 – 12pm | The Treehouse Nature Center
Embark on an unforgettable journey to discover the captivating world of alligators on Kiawah Island. With over 100 freshwater ponds scattered across our island oasis, these impressive predators can be found in nearly every one of them. Join our naturalists as we venture to their favorite gator hangouts, offering you a fantastic opportunity to observe and learn about these amazing, often misunderstood, animals in their natural habitat. This adventure not only provides an insightful glimpse into the lives of alligators but also offers stunning views of our 10-mile-long island.

$45 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.

Playdoh
Play-Doh Contest

1 – 1:45pm | The Treehouse Amphitheater
The perfect contest for all ages to spark some playful competition! This creative challenge will have participants sculpting unique designs to our suited themes. Showcase your creativity and skill in a fun, hands-on way.

This event is complimentary, no reservations are required. Please note that each participant will only receive one color of PlayDoh.

Family Craft: Clay Coasters
1 – 2pm | The Treehouse Art Studio
Discover the beauty of handmade design and functional art! In this family craft, participants will create coasters from air-dry clay and personalize them with natural and decorative elements such as sea shells, mosaic tiles or a mix of both. Whether it’s a relief or embedded design, these coasters are sure to be conversation starters. It’s the perfect blend of creativity and nature—ideal for all ages and skill levels.

$15 a bag – 2 coasters included. All Ages Welcomed. No Reservation Required. Schedule subject to change. For more information call 843-768-6001

Art Animals (Snakes)
1:30 – 2:30pm | The Treehouse Nature Center

Art Animals combines the excitement of a reptile show with a creative pottery session! You will first learn fascinating facts about animals and get a chance to get an up-close experience. Following this, you will paint a ceramic animal to recreate the lifelike reptile you have just learned about, using the live animal as your guide. This unique experience blends hands-on animal interaction with artistic expression.

$35 per person. Reservations are required, please call 843.768.6001. This program is appropriate for ages 6 years and up. 48-hour cancellation policy. Participants under age 14 must be accompanied by an adult. Pottery pieces will be fired in kiln and available for pickup 24-48 hours after class (Shipping available if needed).

Family Olympics
2 – 4pm | Night Heron Park Stage
This family oriented event is a fun, friendly competition where family members will compete in a series of games and sports. Think memory, agility, and team sports puzzles all designed to bring a little competition to everyone of all ages. 

$30/family. Reservations are required, please call 843.768.6001. A 24-hour cancellation policy applies. Teams of 6 people, for families with more, please purchase two slots.

Family Game Night
Family Game Night

4:30 – 5:30pm | Treehouse Amphitheater
This family oriented event is a fun, friendly competition where family members will compete in a series of games and sports. Think memory, agility, and team sports puzzles all designed to bring a little competition to everyone of all ages. 

Event is complimentary. Hot chocolate bar available for purchase for $5/cup.

Holiday Canvas Painting
5 – 6pm | The Treehouse Art Studio
Join us for a fun and relaxed painting class where everyone can get creative, no matter your age or experience level. Our instructor will choose a project that’s perfect for the group, guiding you step-by-step through the painting process so that everyone can follow along and create something beautiful. Whether you’re a first-time painter or a seasoned artist, this class is designed to be fun and accessible for all. Smocks are available, but we recommend wearing old clothes since paint may stain.

$45/person. Children under 7 will need to be accompanied by an adult for supervision. Reservations are required, please call 843.768.6001. There is a 4-person minimum for classes to run. A 24-hour cancellation policy applies. Let your creativity flow and enjoy a memorable, hands-on painting experience for the whole family.


T U E S D A Y, November 24th

Gator Walk
9:30 – 10:30am  | 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.

Lego Building Contest
1 – 1:45pm | The Treehouse Amphitheater
Unleash your creativity and showcase your building skills in a thrilling Lego building competition. Prizes will be awarded by staff members based on themes.

No reservations are required.

Family Craft : Shark Tooth Necklaces
1 – 2pm | The Treehouse Art Studio
Come join us for a fun and creative family craft where you can make your own unique necklace! You’ll have the chance to choose a shark tooth or shell and add colorful beads to design a personalized piece of jewelry. Whether you’re crafting with friends or family, this hands-on activity is perfect for all ages. No reservations are required—just stop by and let your creativity shine!

$20/necklace. All Ages Welcomed. No Reservation Required. Schedule subject to change. For more information call 843-768-6001.

Art Animals (Turtles)
1:30 – 2:30pm | The Treehouse Nature Center
Art Animals combines the excitement of a reptile show with a creative pottery session! You will first learn fascinating facts about the animals and get a chance to get an up-close experience. Following this, you will paint a ceramic animal to recreate the lifelike reptile you have just learned about, using the live animal as your guide. This unique experience blends hands-on animal interaction with artistic expression.

$35 per person. Reservations are required, please call 843.768.6001. This program is appropriate for ages 6 years and up. 48-hour cancellation policy. Participants under age 14 must be accompanied by an adult. Pottery pieces will be fired in kiln and available for pickup 24-48 hours after class (Shipping available if needed).

Minute Madness
1:30 – 2:30pm | Treehouse Amphitheater
Do you crack under pressure? Gather a team and complete fun 60-second challenges to find out which of your friends has what it takes. Get ready for an event full of laughs and interesting tasks. Test your skills on mini games like Jingle Bell Countdown and Sticky Marbles in Kiawah’s spin on Minute to Win It.

A maximum of 6 people per team, for teams of more, please purchase two slots. $10/team. Reservations are required, please call 843.768.6001.

Duck Derby
Duck Derby

2 – 3pm | Night Heron Pool
Slide on down to the Night Heron Family Pool for our Thanksgiving-themed Duck Derby. Come up with the most creative name for your duck, then enter the bracket-style tournament to watch them go head-to-head down the water slide.

Entry is complimentary, and no reservations are required. Please note that Kiawah Island Golf Resort Pool usage is exclusive to resort guests and Governor’s Club Members. 

Bingo Bonanza
4 – 5pm | The Treehouse Amphitheater
Join us for bingo Bonanza, where the fun is doubled! Play a few rounds of normal bingo before testing your music knowledge with various rounds of music bingo. 

This event is complimentary, no reservations are required. 

Screen Printing
5 – 6:30pm | The Treehouse Art Studio
In this class, you will be creating your own design to screen print on either a tote bag or a t-shirt. This includes learning all the steps along the way such as stencil making, mixing inks, and proper printing technique. This is a perfect chance to make a unique art piece to remember your stay and pick up a new skill! Smocks are available, but we recommend wearing old clothes since ink may stain. 

$65/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. Subject to availability.

Trivia at The Treehouse
Trivia at The Treehouse

5:30 – 7:30pm | The Treehouse Activity Center

Test your brainpower in our Treehouse Trivia! Climb into a world of fun facts, silly surprises, and friendly competition. Perfect for curious minds and big laughs, no experience required, just bring your thinking cap! Play for your chance to win a Kiawah Gift card!

This event is complimentary, no reservations are required.

Kid’s Night Out: Sanctuary Splash Bash
5 – 8pm | The 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 6-12. Dinner is included. Kids, meet us at the Sanctuary Indoor pool for a night full of pizza, pool, and party.

 


W E D N E S D A Y, November 25th

Turkey Shootout
10 – 11:30am (age 8-12)
12 – 1:30pm (age 13+)
2 – 3:30pm (age 8-12)

Join us at the Night Heron Park Archery field for this friendly archery showdown. Compete against others in your age group (8-12, 13+) to see who can gobble up the most points by hitting targets with varying point values. Test your skills by aiming at turkeys, corn stalks, and pumpkins. The competitor with the highest overall score in each age group will take home a turkey-rific reward.

$20/ person. For ages 8+. An adult must accompany participants under the age of 12. Reservations required, please call 843.768.6001. A 24-hour cancellation policy applies. Subject to availability. 

Post Card Making
10:30am – 3:30pm | The Treehouse Amphitheater
Join us for a fun and creative postcard-making event. Design and craft your own personalized postcards using a variety of supplies and we will stamp it and send it out!

This event is complimentary, no reservations are required. 

Giant paper airplane competition at Night Heron Park
Giant Paper Airplane Contest

1 – 1:45pm | Night Heron Park Stage
Put your folding skills to the test and see how far your creation can fly! Guests of all ages are welcome to design, build, and launch their very own giant paper airplane. All materials will be provided. 

This event is complimentary, no reservations are required. 

Gator Walk
1:15 – 2:15pm | 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.

Turkey Bowl
2 – 4pm | Night Heron Soccer Field
Ready to earn your Thanksgiving feast? Grab your family and friends for a friendly, fast-paced flag football tournament on the soccer field! Teams will battle it out through a classic single-elimination bracket to earn the title of Turkey Bowl Champions. Whether you bring a full squad or swing by as a free agent looking to join a crew, bring your game face and show us what you’ve got! 

This event is complimentary, and no reservations are required. Recommended for ages 6 and up. Teams will be assembled on-site prior to kickoff. 

Tote Bag Creation
2:30 – 3:30pm | The Treehouse Amphitheater
Create, decorate, and tote it home! Join us at the Night Heron Amphitheater for a fun and relaxed Tote Bag Creation event where imagination takes the lead. This is fit for all-ages. Pick from an assortment of iron on patches, and make your vision come to life!

$15-25 per tote bag. No reservations required, payment required upon walkup. 

Bird Walk at the Sanctuary
3 – 4pm | The Sanctuary Retail Wing
Join a naturalist for a leisurely one-hour bird walk near the grounds of The Sanctuary. With binoculars provided, explore Kiawah’s diverse birdlife—from birds of prey to songbirds, finches, warblers, and waterfowl—all in their natural habitat. This guided walk is perfect for both beginner and experienced birders looking to enjoy the island’s rich avian diversity in a relaxed setting.

$25 per person. Reservations are required, please call 843.768.6001. This tour is appropriate for ages 12 years and up. 48-hour cancellation policy. Participants under age 14 must be accompanied by an adult. Binoculars provided.

Family Craft: Tie Dye
4 – 5pm | The Treehouse Art Studio
Get ready for some colorful fun with our Tie Dye T-Shirt Family Craft! You’ll create your very own tie-dye shirt featuring the traditional Kiawah logo. Choose from a vibrant rainbow spectrum of colors to make your shirt uniquely yours. No experience is needed, just bring your creativity and let the colors flow. Whether you’re making a shirt for yourself or as a gift, you’ll love the hands-on experience of designing your own wearable shirt.

$25/shirt. Child and adult sizes are available while supplies last. No reservations are required, for more information please call 843.768.6001.

Music and S’mores
4:30 – 7pm | Night Heron Park Stage
Gather around the fire with your family and friends to enjoy live music by Brynn Marie, and indulge in a s’more or two. Brynn Marie has performed on big stages all around the country and is now here at our very own Night Heron Park. Surely a night you won’t want to miss!

This event is complimentary, and no reservations are required. Smores available for purchase, 4 smores for $5 bundle. Schedule subject to change.

Candle making
Holiday Candle Making

5 – 6pm | The Treehouse Art Studio
Get ready to make your very own candles! Our artist will help you step by step in the candle-making process. Choose from our wide range of scents, either picking out one scent or getting creative and combining scents. Further customize your candles with our label maker, acrylic paint markers, and selection of wax dye making them uniquely yours.

$40/person. For ages 5+. Children 7 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Reservations required, please call 843.768.6001. A 24-hour cancellation policy applies. Groups 8+ 22% Service Charge applies. Subject to availability.


T H U R S D A Y, November 26th

Island Explorer
9 – 11am | Mingo Point
Explore the 10 miles of Kiawah Island in comfort, with minimal walking, as you take in stunning views and learn about the island’s history, wildlife, and conservation efforts from a Naturalist. There will be a stop along the way for an opportunity to purchase a beverage to enjoy during the tour. This is the perfect way to experience the island’s natural beauty and diverse ecosystems.

$45 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.

Thanksgiving Festival

1 – 4pm | Night Heron Park
Stop by the park for some fall fun while taking part in mini golf and enjoying live music. Get ready to “gobble” up the excitement with inflatables, glitter tattoos, face painting, lawn games, and crafty activities while listening to music by steel drums. 

This event is complimentary and no reservations are required. Trail mix and soda bar as well as assorted crafts are available for purchase starting at 2. Schedule subject to change.

Turkey Trot
Turkey Trot

10:30 – 11:30am | The Sanctuary Beach Access

Start your turkey day with Kiawah’s traditional Turkey Trot, a one-mile walk/run or a 5K mile run/walk on the beach for families, beginners, or competitive runners. Music begins at 10am. The race begins at 10:30am. All participants can scan the QR code to enter in the raffle to win a Thanksgiving Pie drawing held at 11:15am. 

This event is complimentary and no reservations are required

Explore Christmas
The day after Thanksgiving, the resort transforms to a festive wonderland with family fun all season long.

Discover the Joy