Signature Holiday Events

Golden sunshine, sandy beaches, and mild coastal temperatures make up the glorious backdrop of the Golden Isles in the wintertime. And our signature holiday events take center stage. Attend an annual event, find great live music weekly or discover your new favorite festival in the Golden Isles this season!

Here's a lineup of Christmas and holiday events on St. Simons Island, Sea Island, Jekyll Island and Brunswick.

ST. SIMONS ISLAND HOLIDAY EVENTS

Glynn Visual Arts Holiday Market: November 29 - December 21

Shop for the Holidays at Glynn Visual Arts! Your holiday spirit will soar when you step into our Holiday Art Market wonderland brimming  with a stunning array of handmade art. You’ll find charming pieces - from paintings to pottery,  jewelry to apparel and more!

Ornament Painting with Megan Torello: December 2

Have fun and get festive at The Nest this holiday season. The event is $50 per person and guests will leave with a wrapped ornament ready for gifting. There will be a cash bar and limited menu available.

Pier Village Annual Christmas Tree Lighting: December 3

Join us to celebrate the season and light the tree in the St. Simons Pier Village!

Fireside Stories with Santa at the Cottage: December 5, 11, & 18

Gather around and soak in the magic of the season as Old Saint Nick visits The Cottage to share his favorite Christmas stories! Enjoy the cozy ambiance while sipping on a delicious hot chocolate from our shop, and let the spirit of the holidays fill the air.

Santa Paws: December 5

Santa and Mrs. Claus will be in the atrium at the Casino Building to meet with all the good pups! Bring your pooch to see Santa and Mrs. Claus for a cute photo. Photos are free and will be emailed to you after the event.

Breakfast with the Grinch: December 7 

Join us at Golden Isles Olive Oil for a festive Breakfast with the Grinch on Saturday, December 7, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM! Enjoy a delicious buffet featuring Green Eggs & Ham, and don't forget to dress in your holiday best! 

Mistletoe Market: December 7-8

Find the perfect gift of locally made artwork, pottery, sculpture, photography, woodworking, and more as you browse more than 60 accomplished artist booths at Glynn Visual Arts' annual Mistletoe Market held at Postell Park.

Christmas Tour of Lights: December 13-24

Join Lighthouse Trolleys for their Annual Fendig Family Christmas Tour of Lights! The 90-minute tour will be offered daily from mid-end of December. Hop aboard the trolley to see some of the most magnificent light displays found on St. Simons Island. 

Georgia Elvis Festival: December 13-15

Join us December 13th-15th on St. Simons Island, Georgia, at The Strickland Auditorium at Epworth By The Sea for The Georgia Elvis Festival with some of the world's best Elvis Tribute Artists. Featuring 6 stage productions paying tribute to Elvis Presley's musical career!

Cassina Garden Club Bake Sale: December 14

The "Best Bake Sale in the South" is a popular St. Simons Christmas tradition. This Bake Sale at Gascoigne Bluff provides an offering of tasty and festive homemade cakes, pies, breads and cookies plus holiday treats and gifts such as toasted pecans, jellies and jams. This happy holiday event is open to the public.

Teddy Bear Tea: December 15

This festive, holiday-themed tea party at The King and Prince invites children to step into a wonderland of holiday cheer, where they’ll receive a special plush toy, a keepsake to remember the day. Santa Claus himself will be on hand to share a cozy story time, bringing classic holiday tales to life in a way that delights both young and old.

 

SEA ISLAND HOLIDAY EVENTS

Sea Island Thanksgiving: November 26-30

Live music, bingo, traditional Thanksgiving fare, beach walks and more await guests and members of Sea Island this Thanksgiving. Participate in the resort's annual Turkey Trot Family Fun Run or 5K, delight in a sumptuous Thanksgiving feast, and begin the holiday season with a spectacular tree lighting ceremony, all to be held during the week of Thanksgiving on Sea Island.

Sea Island Christmas: December 22-26

Guests and members of Sea Island will delight in the resort's incredible calendar of holiday-themed events held throughout the week leading up to Christmas. From a life-size Gingerbread Cottage to the annual Reindog Parade and special buffets, brunches, and dinners, this will certainly be a season to remember on Sea Island.

Sea Island New Year's: December 27-January 1

Ring in 2022 at Sea Island with awe-inspiring fireworks displays, sparkling evenings filled with beautiful decorations and impeccable service, all while creating lasting memories along the way. 

 

JEKYLL ISLAND HOLIDAY EVENTS

Peppermint Land: November 29-January 5

Immerse yourself in Peppermint Land at the Jekyll Island Miniature Golf Course! Featuring decorations such as gingerbread men, gumdrops, peppermint sticks, and other sweet holiday favorites. This experience will make you feel like you are in a life-size Candyland! 

Holly Jolly Light Tours: November 29-January 4

The Jekyll Island Mosaic Museum will be offering the jolliest of holiday trolley rides. Tour the Historic District and gaze at over half a million-holiday lights! The centuries-old live oak trees will be decorated spectacularly for the season. So grab a holiday beverage and enjoy this coastal take on a winter wonderland.

Mailbox on Main: November 24-December 24

It's time to get that Christmas list to the North Pole! Drop off your letter to Santa in the mailbox located on Main Street in the Jekyll Island Beach Village. Make sure you get it in on time! 

Christmas Tour of Lights: November 29-January 5

Join Lighthouse Trolleys for their Family Christmas Tour of Lights! The 90-minute tour will also be offered this year on Jekyll Island! Hop aboard the trolley to see some of the most magnificent light displays found on the island.

Seaside Polar Express Family Adventure: December 4

Join us for a Family Fun Night at Jekyll Ocean Club! Wear your coziest pajamas and enjoy a special screening of The Polar Express, complete with a hot cocoa station, complimentary s’mores, and more. Each child will receive a festive bell on a ribbon and a golden ticket. 

SCAD Holiday Concert: December 7

Join us at the Morgan Center for the SCAD Bee Sharps’ delightful holiday concert! As the university’s premier vocal ensemble, the Bee Sharps will fill the season with joy and festive cheer through their enchanting performances. Don’t miss this magical celebration!

Big Truck Roundup: December 7

Kids can explore, touch and learn more about exciting emergency vehicles from Jekyll Island Fire/EMS and Georgia State Patrol. With the opportunity to sit in the driver's seat and chat with emergency personnel, this holiday-themed event, complete with a visit from Santa, will be fun for all. 

Holiday High Tea: December 3-26

A holiday tradition at the Jekyll Island Club Resort, this is the perfect opportunity to gather your closest friends and family for a festive afternoon filled with delicious treats and beautiful decorations. Enjoy the sounds of the season while you sip on the expansive selection of teas and dine on tea sandwiches, soup, warm scones, and exquisite sweets. Reservations required. 

Breakfast With the Grinch: December 14

Join us at the Morgan Center Ballroom for a memorable Breakfast with The Grinch! Savor a “Green Eggs & Ham” themed buffet and create lasting memories with The Grinch. Tickets are required for all attendees.

Christmas Bagpiper: December 19-24

Join us on the Riverfront Veranda for the musical ambiance of Tim Atkins our strolling Christmas Bagpiper. Grab a holiday cocktail or coffee from The Lobby Bar or The Pantry and join us outside for this timeless tradition. This will occur December 19th – 24th from 4:30pm - 5:20pm.

Drive-In Movie: December 20 & 27

Park your car at the Jekyll Island Convention Center to enjoy a screening of How the Grinch Stole Christmas featuring a visit from Santa. Enjoy dinner at one of the Beach Village restaurants, do a little Christmas shopping, and treat your family or friends to a fun evening together. 

Lunch With Santa: December 21

Bring the kids for a festive lunch with Santa in the Grand Dining Room at Jekyll Island Club Resort. Enjoy a delightful buffet and a special visit from Santa, plus a memorable family photo.

Holiday Fireworks Displays: December 23 & 30

End your night with a bang with two incredible, free fireworks displays on Jekyll Island! After touring the island to take in the spectacular Christmas decorations, head to Great Dunes Beach Park, Corsair Beach Park or Oceanview Beach Park for three of the best places to view the fireworks show. 

Great Gatsby New Year's Eve Party: December 31

Celebrate New Year’s Eve in the lively Morgan Ballroom at Jekyll Island Club Resort! Enjoy a night of dancing to live music, fantastic company, and raise a toast to 2024.

 

BRUNSWICK HOLIDAY EVENTS

Moxie Craft Fest Handmade Holiday Market: November 23

Kick off the holiday season with our annual Handmade Holiday Market in beautiful, historic downtown Brunswick! Featuring over 40, modern makers from all over the surrounding areas, carefully curated for quality and selection. We’ll have food trucks, local coffee, and so many beautiful items to take home. Join us Saturday, November 23rd from 10am-4pm, and make sure to bring the whole family!

Annual Christmas Tree Lighting: November 29

Join Historic Downtown Brunswick for their annual Christmas tree lighting the Friday after Thanksgiving! The tree lighting will take place at Queen Square with a reading of "Twas the Night Before Christmas," live music, and the opportunity to visit with Santa! 

Twinkle in the Squares: December 

In Historic Downtown Brunswick, walk or drive along Newcastle Street any evening after dark to experience the annual Festival of Lights, which is a fantastic static light display. The whole street will be lit up from G Street to Hanover Park. The fifteen-minute shows will run for an hour twice a night on Friday and Saturday evenings throughout December. 

4th Annual Festival of Trees: December 6

The 4th Annual Festival of Trees event benefits the Hope 1312 Collective, bringing tangible hope to children in the welfare system in our community. It is an evening of fun, food and an auction of extraordinary Christmas trees, wreaths, and centerpieces decorated by members of the community.

Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation's Annual Christmas: December 6-7

Step back in time at Brunswick's historic rice plantation and enjoy the special holiday-themed decorations for the Christmas season. Visitors will walk along the illuminated path under centuries-old oaks, take in the beautifully decorated historic home, witness pre-Civil War re-enactments and cannon firings, enjoy hot wassail and cookies, and even visit with Santa Claus himself! 

Magnolia Garden Club Tour of Homes: December 7

Enjoy a day filled with holiday cheer while touring historic homes and buildings in Brunswick's Historic District! Homes Featured: First Presbyterian Church, The O'Connor House, The Lissner Mansion, Prim House, Fendig/Shelander Mansion, Prim-Knight House, The Strachan Mansion, L. Effingham House and a special treat The Rain House.

Brunswick Christmas Parade: December 7 

This annual community parade takes place on the first Saturday in December. Starting at 5:30 p.m. at Howard Coffin Park, more than 100 floats, vehicles, walking groups, and marching bands will make their way down Newcastle Street as they light up the night and fill the air with holiday cheer. 

How the Grinch Stole St. Simons Island: December 8

Enjoy a special appearance by The Grinch at The King and Prince, December 8 at 11 a.m. A merry and mischievous event awaits featuring Grinchy-themed treats and Whoville-approved activities. In case of rain or chilly weather, the festivities will move indoors to the cozy resort lobby. This festive gathering is free and open to all.

Fireside Stories with Santa: December 11

Join us for a magical evening as Santa Claus makes a special stop at The Cottage Custard + Coffee Shop at The King and Prince! Gather around the warm, crackling fire and sip a delicious hot chocolate while Old Saint Nick brings holiday tales to life with his charming storytelling. 

Gingerbread Cookie Decorating: December 12

Tis the season for that warm smell and flavor of gingerbread at Golden Isles Olive Oil.  Who doesn't love decorating gingerbread cookies and this class is for all ages.  Fun holiday activity for parents and grandparents to share with the kids. Take home 12 gingerbread cookies per ticket that you have decorated

A Christmas Carol: December 13-22

Watch a live performance at the Historic Ritz Theatre of Charles Dickens' immortal tale of the mean old miser Scrooge and his magical night discovering the true meaning of Christmas. Live on stage and starring Bryan Thompson as Ebenezer Scrooge. 

The New Year's Eve Shrimp Drop: December 31

Join in on the countdown at Mary Ross Waterfront Park! Say goodbye to 2024 and welcome 2025 with Bob the Shrimp. In addition to the Shrimp Drop, this annual event features live music, food, axe throwing, and fun inflatables. 

Explore more art festivals, live music, First Friday events, and more on our full events calendar to see what fits into your vacation! And if you're in search of places to eat during the holidays, make plans to dine at one of these beloved local restaurants featuring special menus this season.