Hilton Head Holiday Kick-Off Festival
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Artistic rendering โ€“ Event may differ

Hilton Head Holiday Kick-Off Festival

Join the Town of Hilton Head Island for their Official Holiday Kick-Off Festival, a FREE, fun-filled community event. Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive to greet children, while local groups provide festive entertainment. Discover unique gifts at the Art Market, enjoy delicious treats from food trucks, and catch a special performance by cast members from 'Frozen'. It's a perfect Lowcountry tradition for the whole family.

What to Expect

Town's Official Holiday Kick-Off Festival with Santa's arrival.

Know Before You Go

  • Tickets: FREE โ€“ Get tickets
  • Accessibility: Theater equipped with Assistive Listening System for the hearing impaired.
  • Pets: Pet-friendly

Other Christmas Events Near Hilton Head Island

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

๐ŸŽ„ ๐ŸŽ„ ๐ŸŽ„ ๐ŸŽ„ ๐ŸŽ„ (5/5)

Best For

Families and community members

Vibe

Festive and welcoming

Energy Level

Low

Budget

FREE

Photo Friendly

๐Ÿ“ท ๐Ÿ“ท ๐Ÿ“ท ๐Ÿ“ท ๐Ÿ“ท (4/5)

Weather Sensitivity

Medium

Special Events & Promotions

  • Official Community Tree Lighting
  • Letters to Santa mailbox
  • Holiday Salt Dough DIY Craft booklet available
  • Broadcast of Tree Lighting on The County Channel

Tags

community celebrationSanta visitsfamily friendlyholiday marketartisanal productsfestive foodlocal artisansfree eventholiday tradition

Featured Video

Location

Arts Center of Coastal Carolina
14 Shelter Cove Lane
Hilton Head Island, SC
29928

Event Details

Duration

3 hours

Ages

All ages

Timed Entry

No

Featured Performers

  • Hilton Head Dance Theatre
  • Hilton Head Preparatory
  • Heart & Harmony
  • Bluffton School of Dance
  • Cast members of 'Frozen'

Organizer

Town of Hilton Head Island

Food & Drink

Food trucks available

Quick Actions

Tips & Advice

  • Arrive early to ensure the best spot for Santa's arrival and to explore the Art Market before it gets too crowded.
  • Bring your little ones' letters to Santa to drop in the official North Pole mailbox located near the box office.
  • Check the schedule for specific performance times of local groups to catch your favorites.
  • Consider bringing cash for the food trucks and artisan vendors, as some may not accept cards.
  • Dress in layers as the event is outdoors, and enjoy the festive atmosphere of this Lowcountry holiday tradition.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time does Santa arrive?

Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive in style on an antique fire truck at 5:00 PM.

Is there a cost to attend the festival?

No, admission to the Holiday Kick-Off Festival is free for all ages.

What kind of entertainment can I expect?

The festival features live entertainment from local groups, including performances by cast members from the Arts Center's 'Frozen'.

Can I buy holiday gifts at the event?

Yes, there is an Art Market featuring creations by local artisans, perfect for finding unique holiday gifts.

Are pets allowed at the festival?

Yes, the festival is pet-friendly, welcoming pups of all ages.

Always check the official website for the most current information.

We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly.

Contributors & Updates

Last Updated: Nov 2, 2025
Original Submitter: Sep 17, 2025 The Christmas Events Near Me editorial team

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