Things to Do This Weekend on Hilton Head
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.

Arts & Culture
Dec. Palmetto Bluff Artist in Residence
When: Times vary, Dec. 6-9
Where: FLOW Gallery + Workshop
Details: Cacky Rivers is the featured artist of the month. See her work or attend a workshop. palmettobluff.com
Outside Mullingar
When: Times vary, Dec. 7-17
Where: Lean Ensemble Theatre
Details: Lean Ensemble presents Outside Mullingar, by John Patrick Shanley, a compassionate, delightful work about how it’s never too late to take a chance on love. leanensemble.org
Gallery of Gifts
When: Times vary, now-Dec. 30
Where: Art League of Hilton Head
Details: See the work of multiple artists, and purchase gifts for the holidays at this month’s show during gallery hours and 90 minutes before every Arts Center performance. artleaguehhi.org
It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play
When: 7:30 p.m., Dec. 8 & 2 p.m., Dec. 9
Where: May River Theatre
Details: In addition to this American holiday classic, MRT has a holiday music performance featuring local artists and festive group songs. Season tickets, gift certificates and other holiday gifts will be available at the event. onthestage.tickets
Intricate Oceans: Coral in Contemporary Art
When: Times vary, now-March 24
Where: Coastal Discovery Museum – Main Gallery
Details: This exhibit features work from seven contemporary artists who are deeply concerned with the health of the coral reefs. Their work explores the environmental pressures facing our oceans. coastaldiscovery.org
Super-Natural
When: Times vary, now-Dec. 18
Where: USCB Center for the Arts
Details: Super-Natural is an exhibit by artists Susanna Glattly and Gary Geboy, whose ethereal charcoal drawings and alternative process photographs will change how you see the forest for the trees. uscbcenterforthearts.com

Charity & Community
Holiday Lights at Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina
When: Now-Dec. 31
Where: Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina
Details: Stroll through an island version of a winter wonderland as Shelter Cove Harbour and Marina transforms into a colorful affair. sheltercovehiltonhead.com
The Sea Pines Resort events & activities
Don’t miss this month’s events at The Sea Pines Resort. Check its website for details and a complete list. seapines.com
- Links Sommelier Series — Super Tuscan vs. Bordeaux: 5 p.m., Dec. 4, Links, An American Grill
- Audubon Christmas Bird Count: All day, Dec. 15, Sea Pines Forest Preserve
- Pahlmeyer Wine Dinner: 6:30 p.m., Dec. 15, Heritage Room at the Harbour Town Clubhouse
- Links Sommelier Series: NYE Champagne: 5 p.m., Dec. 18, Links, An American Grill
- Gregg Russell Christmas Concert: 7:30 p.m., Dec. 23, Liberty Oak Tree in Harbour Town
- Holiday Fun in Harbour Town: 5:30 p.m., Dec. 27 & 28, Harbour Town
- Polar Bear Swim: 10 a.m., Dec. 30, Harbour Town Pool
- New Year’s Eve Celebration: 6 p.m., Dec. 31-Jan. 1, Harbour Town
Winter Wonderland Festival
When: 4-7 p.m., Dec. 8
Where: Shelter Cove Community Park
Details: Celebrate the season with bounce houses, a parade, music, food, drink and other activities. events.islandreccenter.org
Hilton Head Humane Christmas Party
When: Noon-2 p.m., Dec. 10
Where: Hilton Head Humane Hilton Head campus
Details: Support the Hilton Head Humane at this holiday event featuring pet pictures with Santa, refreshments, goodies and other fun activities. hhhumane.org
Deck the Hulls
When: 6 p.m., Dec. 9
Where: Skull Creek Corridor
Details: Don’t miss this annual Christmas boat parade presented by America’s Boating Club Hilton Head, where boaters will “deck their hulls” and dazzle islanders with fantastic light displays. americasboatingclubhiltonhead.org
Sparkles & Spirits
When: 6-9 p.m., Dec. 8
Where: Quarterdeck
Details: Join the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce for a community gathering to enjoy great food and drinks and browse a bounty of local holiday gifts in a silent auction. hiltonheadchamber.org
PAL’s Holiday Open House
When: 1-5 p.m., Dec. 9
Where: Palmetto Animal League’s Adoption Center in Okatie
Details: Guests are invited to Palmetto Animal League to drop by for cookies, hot cocoa, coffee and good cheer. palmettoanimalleague.org
Hanukkah Celebration & Menorah Lighting
When: 5:30 p.m., Dec. 7
Where: Lowcountry Celebration Park
Details: Come together to celebrate the Festival of Lights and spread the joy of Hanukkah throughout our beautiful island. hiltonheadislandsc.gov
Live Nativity
When: 4 p.m. & 6 p.m., Dec. 17
Where: Bluffton United Methodist Church
Details: Join the Bluffton United Methodist Church for a live nativity scene with live actors, live nativity animals, heartwarming moments, cookies and cocoa. blufftonumc.org
A Magical Beaufort Christmas
When: Now-Dec. 25
Where: Downtown Beaufort
Details: This town transforms into a winter wonderland that will have you feeling the holiday spirit in every corner. Enjoy a month-long marathon of events, from visiting with Santa to listening to a series of Christmas concerts. For a complete list of events, visit bfthospitality.com
Christmas Dance Party
When: 7 p.m., Dec. 5
Where: Hilton Head Ballroom Dance Studio
Details: Celebrate Christmas with the Hilton Head Ballroom Dance Studio at its dance party, potluck, and BYOB. hiltonheadballroom.com
Christmas Eve Under the Stars
When: 6:30-7:30 p.m., Dec. 24
Where: Oyster Factory Park
Details: This annual outdoor worship service includes the traditional lighting of Christmas candles to the singing of Silent Night. thenewblufftonworship.com
National Wreaths Across America Day
When: Noon, Dec. 16
Where: Six Oaks Cemetery
Details: Attend a local ceremony to remember, honor and teach for Wreaths Across America. Help ahead of time by sponsoring a wreath, volunteering or inviting friends to help. wreathsacrossamerica.org

Food & Drink
Upcoming events at Alexander’s Restaurant
Enjoy a cooking demonstration, wine dinner and other special events at Alexander’s Restaurant this month. alexandersrestaurant.com
- Brunch with Santa: 10:15 a.m. & noon, Dec. 10
- Freemark Abbey Wine Dinner: 6-8:30 p.m., Dec. 14
Tasty Tuesday Wine Tastings
When: 5-7 p.m., Tuesdays
Where: Rollers Wine & Spirits
Details: Enjoy a wine tasting led by Rollers’ certified sommeliers, featuring 4-6 new wines and some familiar favorites, live music on the garden patio and cheese plates and other small bites available to order. Call 843-842-1200 to reserve your spot.
Upcoming events at The Salty Dog Cafe
Don’t miss this month’s events at the island’s well-known eating spot. For a complete list, visit saltydog.com.
- The Salty Dog’s Christmas Village: now-Jan. 1
- The Christmas Market at Land’s End Tavern: now-Jan. 1
- Santa and S’mores Saturdays in South Beach: Saturdays, now-Dec. 25
Hilton Head Distillery Cocktail Classes
Take your cocktail game up a notch with a mixology class (or two) that inspires you to shake up delicious and creative sips like never before. Classes are from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Hilton Head Distillery. hiltonheaddistillery.com
- Holiday Cocktails & Cookies Class: Dec. 6 & 13
- Island Time Cocktail Class: Dec. 7 & 21
- American Classics Cocktail Class: Dec. 14
- History of Rum Class: Dec. 28
Game Days at Fraser’s Tavern
When: 1-4 p.m., Sundays
Where: Fraser’s Tavern
Details: Every Sunday during football season, you can cheer your team to glory with beer specials, including $4 domestics like Shock Top, Michelob Ultra and Coors Lite, plus half-priced appetizers. seapines.com
Oyster Roast
When: 1-4 p.m., Saturdays
Where: Coast, Oceanfront Dining
Details: Weekly oyster roasts are back at the Sea Pines Resort. Head to Coast on Saturdays for buckets of oysters roasted on-site and pounds of peel-and-eat shrimp. coastoceanfrontdining.com
Knife Sharpening with Bill Jankoski
When: Noon-2 p.m., Dec. 13
Where: Cassandra’s Kitchen Store
Details: Head to Cassandra’s Kitchen, where Bill Jankoski of The Sharpening Shoppe will prepare your knives for the holiday season. cassandraskitchen.com
Michael Anthony’s Cooking classes
When: 11:30 a.m., Wednesdays-Fridays in Dec.
Where: Michael Anthony’s Cucina Italiana
Details: Michael Anthony’s has demonstrations and hands-on cooking classes Wednesdays-Fridays with holiday themes this month. Call Michael Anthony’s at 843-785-6272 for details and to reserve your spot.
Buon Natale!
When: 4 p.m.-close, Dec. 24
Where: Nunzio Restaurant + Bar
Details: Nunzio is taking reservations for Christmas Eve featuring Nunzio’s à la carte menu and the Feast of the Seven Fish prix fixe menu. Seating is limited, so reserve your spot now. nunziohhi.com
Entertaining for the Holidays
When: 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Dec. 8
Where: TCL Culinary Institute of the South
Details: Orchid Paulmeier, winner of The Next Food Network Star and executive chef and managing partner of One Hot Mama’s American Grille, will teach you how to make savory and sweet original recipes suitable for entertaining family and friends for the holidays. tcl.edu
Cooking the Gullah Way
When: 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Dec. 16
Where: TCL Culinary Institute of the South
Details: Best-selling cookbook author Sallie Ann Robinson will prepare some of her favorite Lowcountry recipes she learned from her mother and grandmother while growing up on Daufuskie Island. tcl.edu
Redefining Taste
When: 6:30 p.m., Dec. 6
Where: Nunzio Restaurant + Bar
Details: The Prisoner Wine Dinner at Nunzio Restaurant + Bar combines a winter dinner menu and bold wines from The Prisoner Wine Co., featuring special guest Michael Potter from Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits. nunziohhi.com
Pajama Party
When: 6 a.m.-noon, Dec. 31
Where: Palmetto Bay Sunrise Cafe
Details: Get your final Palmetto Bay Sunrise Cafe fix in your pajamas before they are closed from Jan. 1-16. But don’t fret, they’ll be back on the 17th. palmettobaysunrisecafe.com

Lecture & Classes
Art League Hilton Head Island classes
Learn a new skill and unleash your creativity with one of these art classes at the Art League Academy on Cordillo Parkway. For a complete list of classes, visit artleaguehhi.org.
- Christmas Cookies: 6 p.m., Dec. 6
- Collage to Canvas: 12:30 p.m., Dec. 13
- Socks on the Magic Loop: 10:30 a.m., Dec. 19
Restorative Medicine Presentation
When: Noon-1 p.m., Dec. 5, 9 & 12
Where: Fraum Center for Restorative Health
Details: Register and bring a friend to these free educational events on restorative medicine. fraum.com
SOBA Gallery classes
Learn a new skill and unleash your creativity with one of these adult art classes at the Society of Bluffton Artists Gallery. For a complete list of classes, visit sobagallery.com.
- Paint & Sip! Presence Is Greater Than Presents: 6-8 p.m., Dec. 16
- Abstract Painting Your Way: Times vary, Dec. 16, 23 & 30
Tuesday Talk: Nature-Based Solutions – The Value Our Ecosystems Provide
When: 3-4 p.m., Dec. 12
Where: Port Royal Sound Foundation
Details: Explore how nature-based solutions harness the power of nature to boost natural ecosystems to address major societal issues, including climate change. portroyalsoundfoundation.org

Markets & Shopping
Santa Visits and Gingerbread Trail
When: 1:45-4 p.m., Dec. 2, 9 & 16
Where: Village at Wexford
Details: Celebrate the arrival of Santa and enjoy the gingerbread trail while doing some holiday shopping. villageatwexford.com
Wine Down Wednesday
When: 5-7:30 p.m., Dec. 6
Where: Village at Wexford
Details: This Wine Down Wednesday, “Progressive Wine Tasting Through the Village,” benefits Second Helpings. villageatwexford.com
SOBA Holiday Market
When: Gallery hours, Now-Dec. 23
Where: SOBA Gallery
Details: Artists of the Society of Bluffton Artists (SOBA) are creating original, one-of-a-kind handmade gifts for the holiday market, including wreaths, small paintings, holiday decor and more. sobagallery.com
December Solstice event
When: 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Dec. 13
Where: One Care Spa
Details: Join the One Care Spa in celebrating the holiday season with special event pricing on select treatments, door prizes and giveaways, a cooking class with Dr. Binamira and more. onecarespa.com
Farmers and Art Markets
Enjoy the local flavors of the Lowcountry with some of these regular farmers’ and art markets:
- Bluffton Farmers Market: Noon-5 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
- The Root and Bloom Market: 3-7 p.m., Wednesdays, Martin Family Park in Bluffton
- 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
- Farmers & Makers Market: 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Tuesdays, The Shops at Sea Pines Center
- Bluffton Night Bazaar: 5-8 p.m., first Thursday of each month, Burnt Church Distillery
- Palmetto Bluff Holiday Farmers Market: 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Dec. 17, Village Green in Wilson Village

Music & Entertainment
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
- Quarterdeck
- Ruby Lee’s
- Scott’s Fish Market
- Skull Creek Boathouse
- The Boardroom
- The Jazz Corner
- The Salty Dog Cafe
- The Sandbar Beach Eats
OTHER MUSIC VENUES
- A Lowcountry Backyard Restaurant (weekdays)
- Big Bamboo Cafe (Mondays-Saturdays)
- Black Marlin Bayside Grill & Hurricane Bar (Wednesdays-Saturdays)
- Burnt Church Distillery (Thursdays-Saturdays)
- Captain Woody’s Bluffton (Tuesdays, Thursdays & Fridays)
- Captain Woody’s Hilton Head (Mondays, Thursdays & Fridays)
- Carolina Crab Company (Sundays)
- Celeste (Fridays & Saturdays)
- Cheap Seats Tavern 2 (Thursdays-Saturdays)
- Chophouse 119 (Tuesdays & Fridays)
- Deano’s Wood-Fired Grille (Fridays-Saturdays)
- Hilton Head Tavern (Mondays & Tuesdays)
- Jarvis Creek General Store (Wednesdays, Fridays & Saturdays)
- Local Pie (Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays)
- Lucky Beach Bar + Kitchen (Fridays)
- Lucky Rooster Kitchen + Bar (Fridays & Sundays)
- Nectar Farm Kitchen in Old Town Bluffton (Fridays-Sundays)
- Old Town Dispensary (Wednesdays-Sundays)
- Red Fish (Tuesdays-Saturdays)
- Reilley’s Grill & Bar (Wednesdays-Fridays)
- San Miguel’s Mexican Cafe (Thursdays-Saturdays)
- The Rooftop Bar at Poseidon (Wednesdays & Thursdays)
- Tio’s Latin American Kitchen Bluffton (Fridays & Sundays)
- UnCorked Wine, Bar, Food, and Music (Tuesdays-Saturdays)
Holiday Jazz
When: 7:30 p.m., Dec. 8
Where: SoundWaves at Coligny
Details: The Hilton Head International Piano Competition presents internationally renowned classical and jazz pianist Simon Mulligan in an evening of holiday-themed music for solo piano. hhipc.org
Light & Lighter Holiday Concert
When: 7 p.m., Dec. 15
Where: First Presbyterian Church
Details: The Hilton Head Choral Society presents a holiday concert featuring an inspiring illumination followed by some lighter, fun, and familiar Holiday songs to bring warm nostalgia to the season. hiltonheadchoralsociety.org
These Are a Few of My Favorite Things
When: 6 p.m., Dec. 14
Where: SoundWaves at Coligny
Details: Celebrating a new partnership with the renowned American Traditions Vocal Collection, this new high-energy, three-concert cabaret series pays homage to legendary vocal hits of Broadway and American musical styles. hhso.org
Days of Celebration: Kwanzaa and Watch Night
When: 6:30 p.m., Dec. 5
Where: SoundWaves at Coligny
Details: The Gullah concert event series, Gullah Cultural Series, continues its second year with a timely observation of two seasonal cultural traditions, a dinner and a concert. hhso.org
Open mic nights
When: 6-9 p.m., Wednesdays
Where: Jarvis Creek General Store
Details: Discover local talent and get the chance to perform at Jarvis Creek General Store every Wednesday at its open mic nights. Enjoy craft beer, wine and food trucks. Check their Facebook page for more details.
Shore Notes hosting free Coastal Christmas concerts
Get in the holiday spirit with three free Christmas concerts by the Shore Notes A Capella Chorus. Find more details at ShoreNotes.com.
- Dec. 3: Island Lutheran Church, Hilton Head Island, 3:30 p.m.
- Dec. 9: Lord of Life Lutheran, Bluffton, 3:30 p.m.
- Dec. 10: First Presbyterian Church, Beaufort, 4 p.m.

Sports & Outdoors
Palmetto Bluff Conservancy events
With a vast outdoor classroom right here, the Palmetto Bluff Conservancy team members are ambassadors to each resident and guest, introducing them to this landscape in ways large and small, structured and informal. Tours, classes and workshops, programs, research and field trips are all available to facilitate this environmental learning process. Check its website for a complete list of events. palmettobluff.com/conservation
- FeederWatch: 10-11 a.m., Dec. 6
- Explore PBC: Wilson Cemetery Walk: 3-4:30 p.m., Dec. 7
- Explore PBC: Road to Anson: 9-11:30 a.m., Dec. 8
Spirit Yoga
When: 11 a.m.-noon, Dec. 9
Where: Burnt Church Distillery
Details: Participate in an exceptional yoga experience as Karrie from Move Fitness leads a class in a full-body morning awakening at the distillery. burntchurchdistillery.com
December races
Sign up for one of these races and get in the holiday spirit.
- Nutcracker 5K: 8 a.m., Dec. 9, Java Burrito, Hilton Head
- Jingle All the Way 5K: 9 a.m., Dec. 9, Technical College of the Lowcountry
- Buffalo Run: Times vary, Dec. 10, Old Moreland Road, Palmetto Bluff
- Bluffton Santa Run 5K: 9 a.m., Dec. 16, Martin Family Park
- Hilton Head Jingle Jingle Bridge Run: 8 a.m., Dec. 23, Bristol Sports Arena
Savannah Events
- Dec. 9: The Fab Four performs The Beatles’ Rubber Soul” at Johnny Mercer Theatre
- Dec. 9: Courtyard Holidays Music Series at Savannah City Market
- Dec. 9: Lighted Christmas Parade on River Street
- Dec. 10: Santa Paws at The Westin Savannah Harbor
- Dec. 15: Meet Paula Dean at The Lady and Sons
- Dec. 16: Christmas Festival at Trustees’ Garden
- Dec. 16: Bobcat Goldthwait Live at The Wormhole
- Dec. 29-31: Crafts on the River on River Street
- Dec. 31: Savannah’s Waterfront New Year’s Fireworks Show on River Street
Get tickets now
- Jan. 25: Glenn Miller Orchestra at Johnny Mercer Theatre
- Feb. 24: Riley Green at Enmarket Arena
- March 8: ZZ Top & Lynyrd Skynyrd at Enmarket Arena
- April 23: John Mellencamp at Johnny Mercer Theatre