The Georgia coast takes on a special kind of magic during the holiday season. From twinkling live oaks to seaside glamor, St. Simons Island, Jekyll Island, and Brunswick each bring their own flavor of Christmas cheer. Here’s a roundup of festive activities, local traditions, and ideas you won’t want to miss in the Golden Isles.
🎄 St. Simons Island: Coastal Charm Meets Holiday Spirit
When many think of Christmas, warm beaches and Spanish moss aren’t the first images that come to mind—but that’s part of St. Simons’ unique appeal during the holidays. The blend of historic sites, natural beauty, and community events makes the season feel both relaxed and festive.
Top Holiday Activities & Traditions
- Christmas Tour of Lights (Lighthouse Trolleys)
During mid-December (often December 13–24), the 90-minute “Christmas Tour of Lights” departs nightly from St. Simons Fishing Pier.
Guests ride through neighborhoods decked in holiday displays. Food and drinks are allowed aboard, and the event has become a local favorite. - Holiday Markets & Local Crafts
The Glynn Visual Arts Holiday Market runs from late November through December, offering handcrafted gifts, artwork, jewelry, and seasonal décor.
Local boutiques and galleries also typically feature seasonal collections and events. - Letters to Santa & Storytime with Santa
Many resorts and community hubs host “Letters to Santa” stations (for example, at The King & Prince resort) so children can mail their wishes.
Fireside story sessions with Santa are often held in cozy settings (e.g. “Fireside Stories with Santa at The Cottage”). - Tree Lightings & Parades
The Pier Village hosts an annual Christmas tree lighting event.
Island homes and public spaces glow with holiday decorations, and many people simply drive or stroll to see the lights. - Historic & Cultural Attractions in Winter
The cooler season is excellent for exploring St. Simons’ heritage. Visit Fort Frederica National Monument, explore Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation, or climb the St. Simons Lighthouse for a panoramic view. You can also hunt for “tree spirits” — carved faces in oak trees scattered across the island — a quirky local tradition. - Theater & Performances
Local performance groups like The Island Players sometimes stage seasonal shows. This Christmas season they will be featuring The Gift of the Magi and Scrooge.
Tips for Visitors
- Dress in layers — even though the coast is milder, evenings can get chilly.
- Reserve popular events (lights tours, dinners, theatre) early — they tend to fill up.
- Take advantage of off-peak times to enjoy beaches, walking trails, and bike paths in relative peace.
✨ Jekyll Island: Holly Jolly Jekyll
If you enjoy theatrics and immersive holiday atmospheres, Jekyll Island does Christmas in grand style. The Holly Jolly Jekyll celebration is a seasonal favorite, turning the island into a festive wonderland.
Highlights of Holly Jolly Jekyll
- Light Tours & Spectacular Displays
From late November through early January, Jekyll Island’s Historic District, live oaks, and public spaces are adorned with more than a million holiday lights. Guided tram (trolley) tours, complete with music and seasonal beverages, let visitors settle in and enjoy the show. For a more leisurely option, self-guided driving tours are also mapped out. - Parade of Lights
The Holly Jolly Jekyll Light Parade — held around December 20 — features decorated golf carts, floats, and festive pageantry as the procession moves from Beach Village toward the island’s Golf Club. - Fireworks & Night Sky Celebrations
Fireworks light up the sky on select nights (e.g. December 22 & 29 in recent years). - Mini-Golf & Peppermint Land
Jekyll’s two 18-hole mini-golf courses get spruced up with life-sized gumdrops, gingerbread characters, peppermint sticks, and holiday decor — known as Peppermint Land. - Special Events & Historic Tours
There’s usually a holiday market, poinsettia sale, scavenger hunts, and historic tours reimagined for the season (e.g. holiday traditions of the old Jekyll Island Club).
The tree-lighting festival kicks off the season in style, often with music, fireworks, and a festive market atmosphere. - Dining & Resort Holiday Programming
The Jekyll Island Club Resort often offers holiday dining, high tea, seasonal culinary events, and decorations echoing a bygone era.
Pro Tips & Best Times
- The full run of Holly Jolly Jekyll generally spans from late November through early January.
- The Light Parade is one of the most anticipated single events — plan travel and lodging accordingly around that date.
- If you want a more relaxed experience, weekdays usually have smaller crowds than weekends.
- Combined trips: Since St. Simons and Jekyll are close, scheduling a couple of nights on each island gives you plenty of time to soak in both atmospheres.
🎅 Brunswick, GA: Small-Town Festivity & Community Spirit
Brunswick provides the quieter, hometown side of Christmas on the Golden Isles. The city may not have as many glitzy displays as the islands, but it makes up with warmth, local charm, and community traditions.
Festive Happenings Around Brunswick
- Downtown Tree Lighting (Queen Square)
Right after Thanksgiving, the historic downtown hosts an annual tree lighting in Queen Square, across from Old City Hall on Newcastle Street. - Brunswick Christmas Parade
The city’s main Christmas parade is held on the second Saturday in December, starting at 5:30 p.m., departing from Howard Coffin Park and proceeding along Gloucester Street (with a stop near City Hall).
Community floats, bands, dance groups, and Santa himself make this a beloved evening event. - New Year’s Shrimp Drop
A unique coastal twist: Brunswick has hosted a “Shrimp Drop” event around New Year’s — think “ball drop,” but shrimpy. - Historic Downtown Walks & Holiday Décor
Strolling through Brunswick during December is delightful — shop windows, storefronts, and sidewalks sport holiday touches, and the downtown area often hosts seasonal gatherings.
Tips If You Spend Time in Brunswick
- Combine your island itinerary with some evenings in Brunswick — the pace, lighting, and community events contrast beautifully with the grandeur of the resorts.
- Check local event calendars (Brunswick city site) as small changes in timing or new pop-up events may occur.
🎁Final Thoughts & Tips
- Book early. Accommodations, restaurant reservations, and event tickets can fill quickly, especially near parade or parade nights.
- Check event calendars just before travel. While many traditions are annual, times and dates can shift.
- Layer clothing & plan for coastal weather. It may be mild during the day, but breezes near the water can chill the evenings.
- Be flexible. Some holiday events depend on weather (outdoor light displays, parades), so have backup indoor options (museums, theater, dining).
- Capture memories. The juxtaposition of holiday lights against moss-draped oaks, marshland sunsets, and coastal breezes makes for magical photo opportunities.
