Discover our list of curated things to do in the Hilton Head, Bluffton and Beaufort areas. For a complete calendar of events, visit our event calendar here.

December Palmetto Bluff Artist in Residence

When: Times vary, Dec. 4-8

Where: FLOW Gallery + Workshop

Details: Karin Olah is this month’s featured artist. See her work or attend a workshop. palmettobluff.com

Forests/Facades

When: Times vary, now-Dec. 31

Where: Coastal Lighting Studio

Details: Check out a two-person exhibition of contemporary painting featuring the work of Keith Crowley and Thomas Flynn II. coastallightingstudio.com

Fall Into Art

When: Times vary, now-Jan. 10

Where: Sea Pines Community Center

Details: The Artists of Sea Pines are debuting a show featuring Denise DeMarzo Liotta as the spotlight artist. For more information, visit the Artists of Sea Pines HHI Facebook page.

42nd Street

When: Times vary, Dec. 4-29

Where: Arts Center of Coastal Carolina

Details: 42nd Street celebrates Broadway, Times Square and the magic of showbiz with wit, humor and pizzazz. artshhi.com

A Christmas Carol

When: Times vary, Dec. 12-22

Where: Lean Ensemble Theater

Details: While five actors take you through Ebenezer Scrooge’s Christmas, Lean Ensemble takes you on a holiday journey that will remind you to hold your loved one tightly. leanensemble.org

A 1940 Radio Christmas Carol

When: Times vary, Dec. 1 & Dec. 6-8

Where: Coligny Theatre

Details: Don’t miss this Main Stage Community Theatre Christmas production presented by Court Atkins Group. mainstagecommunitytheatre.org

Charity & Community

Hilton Head Humane Christmas Party

When: Noon-4 p.m., Dec. 8

Where: Hilton Head Humane Hilton Head Island Campus

Details: Head to the shelter and take pet pictures with Santa, enjoy goodies and special treats. hhhumane.org

Santa visits

Don’t miss your chance to tell Santa what you want for Christmas. Head to Shelter Cove Town Centre and see the big man. For more information, visit sheltercovetowncentre.com.

• Santa Visits: 5 p.m., Dec. 6 & 12 p.m., Dec. 21 & 24
• Pet Visits with Santa: Noon, Dec. 21

Sea Pines adventures

There are plenty of outdoor activities at The Sea Pines Resort this month to celebrate the holidays. For a complete list, visit seapines.com. 

• Polar Pines Express Holiday Wagon Ride: 1 p.m., Dec. 20, Heritage Farms
• Holiday Fun in Harbour Town: 5:30-7:30 p.m., Dec. 27-28, Harbour Town
• Sandy Sledding: 1-2:15 p.m., Dec. 29, Sea Pines Beach Club
• Paws and Claus Parade: 1-3 p.m., Dec. 29, Harbour Town
• Polar Bear Swim: 10 a.m., Dec. 30, Harbour Town Pool
• New Year’s Eve Celebration: 6 p.m.-12:30 a.m., Dec. 31-Jan. 1, Harbour Town

Holidays at Shelter Cove

When: Now-Dec. 31

Where: Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina

Details: Stroll the boardwalk, where the harbour and marina will be decorated with holiday lights and enjoy everything a Lowcountry winter has to offer. sheltercovehiltonhead.com

Sparkles & Spirits

When: 6-9 p.m., Dec. 6

Where: The Quarterdeck

Details: Join the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce for a delightful evening to savor delicious food and drinks while exploring local holiday gifts in a silent auction. hiltonheadchamber.org

Town of Bluffton holiday events

Celebrate the holidays with one of these Town of Bluffton events. For more information, visit shopoldtownbluffton.com/events. 

• Christmas Tree Lighting: 5:30-7:30 p.m., Dec. 6, Martin Family Park
• Christmas Parade: 10 a.m.-12 p.m., Dec. 7, Historic Old Town Bluffton
• Menorah Lighting Ceremony: 5:30-7:30 p.m., Dec. 29, Martin Family Park

Magical Beaufort Christmas events

Enjoy one of these Lowcountry Christmas festivities at the annual Magical Beaufort Christmas. For a complete list, visit beaufortsc.org. 

• Gullah Kinfolk Christmas Wish: 7 p.m., Dec. 5 & 6
• Night on the Town: 6-9 p.m., Dec. 6
• 9th Annual Touch a Truck: 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Dec. 7
• Gullah Taste of Christmas: 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Dec. 7
• Holiday Boat Parade: 5:30 p.m., Dec. 7
• Beaufort Christmas Parade: 3 p.m., Dec. 8
• New Year’s Eve Fireworks: 9 p.m., Dec. 31

Festival of Trees

When: Now-Dec. 7

Where: Hilton Beachfront Resort & Spa

Details: Don’t miss Hilton Head Preparatory School’s annual Festival of Trees presented by Coastal States Bank. Enter a tree or admire the show. hhprep.org

Hilton Head Island’s Official Tree Lighting

When: 5:30 p.m., Dec. 7

Where: Lowcountry Celebration Park

Details: This fun and festive event is filled with live music, delicious food and plenty of holiday cheer. hiltonheadislandsc.gov

Holiday Nights & Lights

When: 6-8 p.m., Dec. 7-9

Where: Historica Mitchelville Freedom Park

Details: For a magical evening at the park, grab some hot cocoa, tune into your favorite Christmas music channel and watch for holiday surprises. exploremitchelville.org

Wreaths Across America Beaufort

When: Noon, Dec. 14

Where: Beaufort National Cemetery

Details: Join Wreaths Across America Beaufort as they recognize each branch of service in a ceremony and place Remembrance Wreaths on headstones. beaufortsc.org

Winter Wonderland

When: 4-7 p.m., Dec. 6

Where: Shelter Cove Community Park

Details: This annual winter wonderland festival includes bounce houses, a DJ, food, drink and fun activities. islandreccenter.org

Culinary events at The Sea Pines Resort

Check out these delicious festive events during December at The Sea Pines Resort. For a complete list, visit seapines.com/events. 

• Oyster Roasts: 1-4 p.m., Saturdays, Coast, Oceanfront Dining
• An Evening with Rob Mondavi Jr.: 6:30 p.m., Dec. 13, Harbour Town Clubhouse
• Tap Takeover: 5-8 p.m., Dec. 17, Fraser’s Tavern

Tap Takeover at Big Jim’s

When: 2-5 p.m., the first Friday of every month

Where: Big Jim’s BBQ, Burgers & Pizza

Details: The first Friday of each month brings a tap takeover of three Southern Barrel Brewery draft beers to Big Jim’s. palmettodunes.com

Upcoming Alexander’s events

Don’t miss these upcoming events at Alexander’s Restaurant, one of the island’s best restaurants. Whether it’s a wine dinner or a brunch with Santa, there’s something for everyone. alexandersrestaurant.com 

• Alexander’s Chappellet Wine Dinner: 6-8:30 p.m., Dec. 12
• Alexander’s Brunch with Santa: 10:30 a.m. & 12:30 p.m., Dec. 15
• Alexander’s New Year’s Eve Dinner: 5-9 p.m., Dec. 31

First Friday Preview Party & Give Back Night

When: 4-7 p.m., Dec. 6

Where: Honey & Thistle

Details: Taste four delicious upcoming wines and enjoy a glass of your favorite. 10% of sales will be donated to a local or national charity. honeyandthistlehhi.com

Cassandra’s Kitchen Store demos

Join local chefs and artisans as they show you how to prepare food in one of these upcoming demos. cassandraskitchen.com

• Le Clarisse Olive Oil Event: Dec. 3 & 9
• Hardee Greens Demo: Dec. 10
• Knife Sharpening with Bill Jankoski: Dec. 11

Upcoming events at Salty Dog

Here are the December events at The Salty Dog Cafe. For a complete list, visit saltydog.com. 

• Fire Pit Fridays: 4-7 p.m., Fridays in Dec.
• South Beach Christmas Village: 5 p.m., now-Jan. 1
• Chili December: Now-Dec. 31
• The Christmas Tavern: Now-Jan. 1

Bubble Quest Wine Class

When: 5 p.m., Dec. 7

Where: Honey & Thistle

Details: Join certified champagne specialist John Boyes at Honey & Thistle to explore five regions known for their sparkling wine. honeyandthistlehhi.com

TCL culinary classes

Head to the Culinary Institute of the South for a cooking class and expand your knowledge of cooking techniques and recipes worldwide. Classes are from 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. tcl.edu

• Dec. 7: You’re the Chutney to my Samosa: Indian Cooking at Home
• Dec. 13: West African Cuisine with a Lowcountry Twist
• Dec. 14: Lowcountry Classics: Shrimp & Grits and Other Favorites

Oyster Roast

When: 3 p.m., Dec. 14

Where: Nectar Farm Kitchen in Old Town Bluffton

Details: Enjoy a festive oyster roast with live music by Smokin Souls and delicious drink and dinner specials. nectarfarmkitchen.com

Lulu White Truffle Wine Dinner

When: 6 p.m., Dec. 14

Where: Lulu Kitchen

Details: Indulge in a multi-course white truffle-inspired meal with delectable wines and special guests. lulukitchen-hhi.com

Americana Farm-to-Table Wine Dinner

When: 5-8 p.m., Dec. 8

Where: Ribaut Social Club

Details: Experience locally sourced food paired with one of Napa Valley’s premier vineyards specializing in locally sourced ingredients, Long Meadow Ranch. ribautsocialclub.com

Culinary adventures at The Westin

Head to The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa for one of these events to learn a new delicious skill or taste new bites. For more information and to sign up, visit westinhiltonhead.idaypass.com. 

• Westin Mixology: Holiday Wine Tasting: 5-6:30 p.m., Dec. 6
• Christmas Brunch with Santa: 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Dec. 15

Annual Pajama Party

When: 6 a.m.-noon, Dec. 29

Where: Palmetto Bay Sunrise Cafe

Details: Don’t miss the last day of business for Palmetto Bay Sunrise Cafe before their annual break. Wear your pajamas and get your fix. palmettobaysunrisecafe.com

Tis the Season to Fa La La

When: Dec. 24

Where: Nunzio Restaurant + Bar

Details: Don’t miss your chance to make a reservation for Christmas Eve at Nunzio, featuring their regular a la carte menu and the famous Seven Fish Feast. nunziohhi.com

Top Dawg Santa Pictures

When: 5-7 p.m., Dec. 14

Where: Top Dawg Tavern

Details: Head to Top Dawg with your top dog and take pictures with Santa. Hilton Head Humane will also be there with some adoptable dogs to play with. topdawgtavern.com

Toast to Don Luchi Dinner

When: 5-7 p.m., Dec. 8

Where: Okàn 

Details: Join the chef for a culinary experience highlighting Don Luchi Prosecco. okanbluffton.com

Griswold’s Brewery Christmas

When: now-Dec. 31

Where: Lincoln & South Brewery

Details: This holiday event promises to bring the spirit and humor of National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation to life and captivate the community with its over-the-top decorations and spirited atmosphere. lincolnandsouthbrewery.com

The Arts Initiative at Palmetto Bluff’s Sip & Stroll

When: 3-6 p.m., Dec. 12

Where: Wilson Village, Palmetto Bluff

Details: FLOW Gallery + Workshop will feature festive music in their courtyard while guests are invited to visit each of Wilson Village’s unique retail stores serving signature holiday libations and treats. palmettobluff.com

JB Star Trunk Show 

When: 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Dec. 6

Where: Forsythe Jewelers

Details: Join the Forsythe Jewelers team for a special one-day event featuring premier luxury brand JB Star. forsythejewelers.biz

Wine Down Wednesday

When: 5 p.m., Dec. 13

Where: Village at Wexford

Details: Shop, drink wine and support Meals on Wheels at this progressive wine dating through the village. villageatwexford.com

Carolina Jasmine’s 1st Annual Holiday Market

When: 11 a.m.,-2 p.m., Dec. 19

Where: Carolina Jasmine

Details: Enjoy an afternoon of fun, shopping, and entertainment by The Bozwellz. A percentage of sales will be donated to the Art League of Hilton Head. carolina-jasmine.com

Branches Holiday Bloomin’ Bazaar

When: 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Dec. 14

Where: Branches Designs

Details: Shop small and discover local and unique artists, makers and collectors at this holiday shopping event. branchesdesigns.com

Farmers and Art Markets

Enjoy the local flavors of the Lowcountry with some of these regular farmers’ and art markets:

• Bluffton Farmers Market: 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Thursdays, 68 Boundary St.
• Hilton Head Island Farmers Market: 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Tuesdays, Coastal Discovery Museum
• Port Royal Farmers Market: 9 a.m.-noon, Saturdays, Naval Heritage Park
• Forsythe Farmers Market: 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Saturdays, Savannah
• Beaufort First Friday: 5-8 p.m., first Friday of each month, Downtown Beaufort
• Hilton Head Community Market: 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Saturdays, Shelter Cove Community Park
• Habersham Farmers Market: 3-6 p.m., third Friday of each month, Habersham Marketplace in Beaufort
• Bluffton Night Bazaar: 5-8 p.m., Dec. 5 at Burnt Church Distillery
• Hilton Head Night Bazaar: 5-8 p.m., Dec. 21, The Bank HHI
• Palmetto Bluff Farmers Market: 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Dec. 8, Wilson Village Green
• SOBA Annual Holiday Market: Gallery hours, now-Dec. 31, SOBA Art Gallery
• Gallery of Gifts: Gallery hours, now-Jan. 3, Art League Academy
• Holiday Market of Beaufort: 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Dec. 7, Beaufort Academy
• The Greenery’s Holiday Market: 1-4 p.m., Dec. 7, The Greenery Garden Center
• Winter Wonderland Craft & Vendor Market: 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Dec. 14-15, Tanger Outlets Hilton Head

Santa visits Village at Wexford

When: 2-4 p.m., Dec. 7, 14 & 21

Where: Island Child

Details: Don’t miss your chance to see Santa this month at Island Child. Story time is at 1:45 p.m. shopislandchild.com

Brims on the Bluff events

Dive in head first with a skilled hat stylist in one of these upcoming pop-ups and create a felt or straw hat that is sure to turn heads. brimsonthebluff.com

• Dec. 5: High Tide Beads  Dec. 14: Palmetto Bluff Somerset Chapel
• Dec. 15: Selina King Jewelry at Brims on the Bluff

Music & Entertainment

Gregg Russell Christmas Concert

When: 7:30-9 p.m., Dec. 23

Where: Liberty Oak Tree in Harbour Town

Details: Listen as Gregg Russell plays his guitar and sings songs of the season and enjoy a special visit from Santa Claus after the concert. seapines.com

A Holiday IDEA Concert 

When: 7 p.m., Dec. 9 & 4 p.m., Dec. 10

Where: Christ Lutheran Church

Details: Enjoy a holiday concert of diversity including Gullah Christmas classics, holiday standards and a touch of Latin big show. lowcountrydiversity.org

HHIPC BravoPiano! Recital Series

When: 7:30 p.m., Dec. 12

Where: SoundWaves

Details: Isaiah J. Thompson Quartet returns to HHIPC with his own quartet to celebrate the holidays, Peanuts-style, as heard on their recent album, A Guaraldi Holiday. hhso.org

A Night Divine Concert

When: 7 p.m., Dec. 13

Where: First Presbyterian Church

Details: Don’t miss this classic holiday concert with all your favorites presented by the Hilton Head Choral Society. hiltonheadchoralsociety.org

Pam Tillis: Belles & Bows

When: 7:30 p.m., Dec. 14

Where: USCB Center for the Arts

Details: Join country music legend Pam Tillis for a heartwarming evening filled with her greatest hits and timeless Christmas classics. uscbcenterforthearts.com

USCB Chamber Music Free Concert

When: 5-6 p.m., Dec. 10

Where: St. Marks Episcopal Church, Port Royal

Details: Enjoy an hour of music and conversation with Andrew Armstrong at this free season extra. uscbchambermusic.com

Merry Christmas! Happy Hanukkah!

When: 5 p.m., Dec. 15

Where: USCB Center for the Arts

Details: Enjoy a concert by the Beaufort Symphony Orchestra featuring violinist Frederick Devyatkin with a Bach Violin Concerto, Mannheim Steamroller and other holiday favorites. beaufortorchestra.org

White Sand Christmas

When: 6 p.m., Dec. 8 & 9

Where: SoundWaves

Details: HHSO’s 2022 Holiday Pops sensation, vocalist Jennifer Cherest, makes her SoundWaves debut with this angelic Christmas program paired with dinner provided by Okan. hhso.org

Celtic Thunder’s Emmet Cahill

When: 4 & 7 p.m., Dec. 10

Where: Arts Center of Coastal Carolina

Details: Emmet Cahill’s Christmas In Ireland takes his audiences on a journey to Ireland through song, recalling Christmas stories from the Emerald Isle. artshhi.com

A Lowcountry Christmas

When: 6 p.m., Dec. 15 & 16

Where: Christ Lutheran Church

Details: The Gullah & Latino Advisory Council teamed up with the Hilton Head MLK Committee-for-Justice and the Hispanic Business Association of the Lowcountry for a one-of-a-kind Christmas concert. lowcountrydiversity.org

The Shore Notes A Cappella Chorus

The Shore Notes A Cappella Chorus invites patrons to four free holiday concerts this month.  ShoreNotes.com

• Sunday, Dec. 1: 2 p.m., Island Lutheran Church, Hilton Head
• Sunday, Dec. 8 : 4 p.m, First Presbyterian Church, Beaufort
• Saturday, Dec. 14: 2 p.m., Lord of Life Church, Bluffton
• Sunday, Dec.15: 5 p.m., Church of the Palms, Okatie

Regular live music venues

Life is better with music, so why not enjoy live music every day of the week? These are some of our favorite local spots with regular live music this month. Check their websites and Facebook pages for details. 

DAILY LIVE MUSIC VENUES 

• Brother Shucker’s 
• Coast, Oceanfront Dining
• FISH Casual Coastal Seafood
• Frosty Frog
• Harbourside
• Kind of Blue 
• Luther’s Rare & Well Done
• Quarterdeck
• Ruby Lee’s
• Scott’s Fish Market
• Skull Creek Boathouse
• The Boardroom
• The Crazy Crab Jarvis Creek
• The Jazz Corner
• The Salty Dog Cafe
• The Sandbar Beach Eats
• The Studio
• Tiki Hut

OTHER MUSIC VENUES

• A Lowcountry Backyard Restaurant (Mondays-Fridays)
• Big Bamboo Cafe (Mondays-Saturdays)
• Black Marlin Bayside Grill & Hurricane Bar (Wednesdays-Saturdays)
• Bluffton Oyster Co. Family Seafood House (Fridays & Saturdays)
• Burnt Church Distillery (Thursdays-Saturdays)
• Calhoun Street Tavern (Thursdays-Sundays)
• Captain Woody’s Bluffton (Tuesdays, Thursdays & Fridays)
• Carolina Crab Company (Sundays)
• Celeste (Fridays & Saturdays)
• Cheap Seats Tavern 2 (Fridays)
• Chophouse 119 (Fridays)
• Fishcamp on Broad Creek (Tuesdays-Sundays)
• Hilton Head Brewing Co. (Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays)
• Hilton Head Tavern (Mondays & Tuesdays)
• Island Winery (Fridays)
• Jarvis Creek General Store (Wednesdays, Fridays & Saturdays)
• Lincoln & South Brewing Company (Wednesdays-Sundays)
• Local Pie (Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays)
• Lucky Beach Bar + Kitchen (Fridays)
• Nectar Farm Kitchen in Old Town Bluffton (Fridays-Sundays)
• Pomodori Too! (Mondays & Wednesdays)
• Red Fish (Tuesdays-Saturdays) 
• Reilley’s Grill & Bar (Wednesdays-Fridays)
• Rollers Wine & Spirits (Tuesdays & Thursdays)
• San Miguel’s (Thursdays-Saturdays)
• Santa Fe Cafe: (Tuesdays-Saturdays)
• Sundown Saloon (Saturdays) 
• The Rooftop Bar at Poseidon (Wednesdays, Thursdays & Saturdays)
• The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa (Every third Friday)
• Tio’s Latin American Kitchen Bluffton (Fridays & Sundays)
• UnCorked Wine, Bar, Food, and Music (Tuesdays-Saturdays)
• Zunzibar (Mondays-Thursdays)

Save the Date

• January 1: Salty Dog’s Annual Loaded Bloody Mary Bar at The Salty Dog Cafe 
• January 1: The Pelican Plunge 2025 at Hunting Island
• January 3: Wine Preview Party at Honey & Thistle
• January 4: Oyster Roast at Coast Oceanfront Dining