Editor's Note 2020: Due to COVID-19, some events and festivals might be canceled and some businesses may be closed or have different hours. Please check with individual business and event websites before making your plans.
Although many people flock to Hilton Head in the summer to enjoy the beautiful beaches, snowbirds know that our island's mild winter climate makes for an incredible Christmas getaway, too. With temperatures rarely dipping below 50 degrees, you can enjoy your favorite outdoor activities all year round, like golf, tennis, surf fishing, and more. Should you happen to be visiting this winter for a holiday vacation, you also won't want to miss the Harbour Town Lights! Read on to learn more about this Hilton Head holiday tradition. And, if you'd like to find more ways to celebrate in the S.C. Lowcountry, you'll find plenty of holiday inspiration in our complimentary HHI Vacation Guide. Open your copy for recommendations on restaurants, shopping, events, and more!
Everything You Need to Know About the Harbour Town Lights
Welcome to Harbour Town!
Harbour Town is an adorable area of Hilton Head Island. Here, you'll find a beautiful boardwalk, local shops, restaurants, and more. We always recommend our Sea Pines Resort vacation rentals for our guests who want to stay close to this area. Harbour Town is easily recognizable, as it is home to the island's famed candy-striped lighthouse! If you're planning a vacation in this island community, remember to take advantage of walks along the waterfront boardwalk, pop into one of the many boutique stores and art galleries for holiday gifts, and, most of all, head to the Harbour Town Lights for some Christmas cheer!
Enjoy the Festivities
Harbour Town Lights typically begins with a beautiful tree lighting ceremony. As people arrive one-by-one in anticipation, live music and concerts help get everyone in the good, holiday spirit! During the holidays, the dazzling Christmas tree from the ceremony is the centerpiece of the town, and it stays glowing the entire holiday season. Throughout the month of December, you can also look forward to walks around the Harbour Town area, where you'll find countless decorative light displays.
More Holiday Activities for Everyone
When you visit Hilton Head Island this Christmas, you can look forward to plenty of fun activities for the entire family. Catch a showing of The Nutcracker at the Seahawk Cultural Center or participate in the annual Jingle Jingle Run. Whether you’re traveling as a couple or with the entire family, you’ll find dozens of great holiday activities during your visit. Another special aspect of our island is shopping. You'll find so many adorable shops for gifts and Christmas decorations. And, one of our favorite ways to remember Christmas trips is adding a new ornament to our collection! You can also find unique presents to bring home, like sweetgrass baskets and other Lowcountry-made gifts.
The Best Hilton Head Christmas Getaway
When you're visiting a place as beautiful as Hilton Head, there's no need to cramp up in a small hotel room! If you're searching for an authentic Lowcountry experience, our oceanfront villas and homes are just the places to find it. Each of our luxury homes offers a private pool, and pool heat is available in select properties. To brighten your holiday, even more, a complimentary Advantage Discount Card is included with your stay; this special card offers you exclusive savings and perks at our favorite shops and restaurants in the area.
Whenever you're ready to plan your trip to the Harbour Town Lights, always remember to check our current specials! Happy holidays from our team to you, and we hope to see you soon on Hilton Head Island.