Holiday events in the Golden Isles are plentiful and they are now in full swing! In EIL tradition, we’re sharing a Holiday Happenings guide, but this year, we’re doing it countdown style so you can pull out your calendar and plan accordingly. As always, we remind you to bookmark the digital calendar on our website at elegantislandliving.net and follow the EIL social media accounts for additional events and pop-ups as we get closer to Christmas. There’s SO much to do!
Ongoing through Christmas
On St. Simons Island, a true beacon signaling the arrival of the holiday season is the display of Christmas lights at Spencer’s Christmas House. Wally Spencer was a WWII veteran and much-loved member of our community. He and his wife Urania put their home at 144 Shore Rush Drive on the map with over-the-top light displays and a colossal Christmas village. Although Wally passed away in 2020, the tradition has been continued by his family to keep his memory and spirit alive. They flipped the switch a little early this year so you can now enjoy this fabulous display nightly through Christmas. And don't miss their 5th Annual Food Drive on Friday & Saturday, December 19-20. Please drop by and make a donation non-perishable food to continue the annual tradition of giving back in Wally’s honor. This community event includes a brass choir performance, a visit from the Kona Ice truck, appearances by Santa and the Grinch, and more. Please come out and celebrate in the spirit of the season and our beloved “Mr. Christmas.”
The Holiday Art Market at Glynn Visual Arts will be open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm through December 21. You’ll find charming pieces - from hand paintings gnomes to wheel thrown mugs, and jewelry to apparel, the Holiday Art Market will feature a wide variety of works of art from more than 35 of GVA's talented painters, sculptors, jewelers and photographers. There is something for everyone on your list - including you. Come see the collection of beautifully adorned Christmas trees, along with one-of-a-kind ornaments, handmade cards, and other Christmas cheer to celebrate the joy of the holidays.
The Jekyll Island Arts Association Merry Artists Market runs through December 31. Visit the Goodyear Cottage in the historic district on Jekyll Island to find one-of-a-kind gifts made by JIAA artists for everyone on your holiday shopping list. Artists will be on site demonstrating their crafts on weekends during the event. Gallery hours are noon - 4:00 p.m. Monday-Friday and 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Saturday & Sunday.
The Jekyll Island Historic District transforms into the magical Holly Jolly Jekyll wonderland November 29 through January 5. More than 1,500,000 light bulbs illuminate the night throughout over 350 light displays and a great tree that boasts 45,000+ lights. This is a must-see if you’re in the Golden Isles around the holidays! Even the mini golf course gets holiday treatment as it becomes Peppermint Land, decorated with life-sized gingerbread characters, peppermint sticks, and gumdrops. Trolley tours, exclusive Millionaire Motor Car Model T tours, and self-guided light tour options are offered. For more details about light tours and a full calendar of holiday events, visit jekyllisland.com.
RECURRING EVENTS:
Celebrate the season with Holiday High Tea in the Jekyll Island Club’s Grand Dining Room. Delight in a festive four-course menu with tea sandwiches, scones, and desserts, plus a special holiday favor to take home. Offered from 2:00-4:00 p.m. December 12, 17, 19, and 26. Reserve your seats at the table at jekyllclub.com/holiday-traditions.
2 WEEKS BEFORE CHRISTMAS (December 6 – December 12)
This is the busiest week of the Christmas season in the Golden Isles! From fundraisers to concerts and other performances, you may have to make some hard choices, because it’s impossible to do it all! But with only two weeks to go before the big day, you’ll have opportunities to see Santa and get those last-minute lists to him or to tell the Grinch he’d better be practicing his “Dahoo Doray!”
Wednesday, December 11
Fireside Stories with Santa takes place at 5:00-6:00 pm.m at The Cottage Custard + Coffee Shop at The King and Prince Resort. 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. These festive gatherings are free and open to all. In case of rain or chilly weather, the festivities will move indoors to the cozy resort lobby.
Thursday, December 12
Join Hospice of the Golden Isles on their Brunswick campus for the annual Lights of Love celebration of life, love and giving. A Service of Remembrance will be held at 5:00 p.m. and then the wooded Hospice campus will be transformed with the glow of thousands of holiday lights, shining in honor and memory of those who have touched our lives during the Lights of Love program. For more information about this special event or to purchase a memorial/honorary dove ornament to display or as a keepsake, call 912.265.4735 or visit hospice.me.
Join Golden Isles Olive Oil for Gingerbread Cookie Time from 5:00-7:30 p.m. In celebration of the holidays, they are bringing back two opportunities to enjoy this popular cookie decorating event where each guest gets a dozen gingerbread men and ladies, icing, sprinkles, candies to make them uniquely yours. $45 per person. Reservations required - book online at goldenislesoliveoil.com.
Enjoy a festive evening of food, fun, and giving back at Wolf Island’s Sip & Sing Toy Drive—featuring Santa Tony Adams! Admission is free, so bring your holiday spirit and enjoy the festivities while supporting Toys for Tots. Festivities begin at 5:00 p.m. with Photos with Santa Tony until 6:15 p.m. There will be live music by Santa Tony from 6:30-7:30 p.m., followed by Christmas Karaoke from 7:45-9:00 p.m. A Raffle will be held with prizes that include wine bottles and gift cards. Bring an unwrapped toy for 1 raffle ticket or purchase extras for $5 each! Drawing at 7:30 p.m. A buffet dinner will be offered for $30/person. Cash bar.
ONE WEEK BEFORE CHRISTMAS (December 13 – December 19)
GULP! The big day is just a week away. Don’t be nervous. Get that last minute shopping done, relax and enjoy a show or catch one of the festive parades. If you’re feeling fancy, a holiday high tea with friends would be a treat!
Thursday, December 12
Join the Contemporary Art Alliance of Georgia for their first public exhibition at the ‘Tis the Season Art Exhibit & Toy Drive. Bring a new, unwrapped creative toy (like Play-Doh, paint set, craft kit, coloring books, etc.) for donation to Toys for Tots of Glynn County and be merry with the artists at Anderson Studio Gallery (170 Sylvan Drive, SSI) from 4:00-6:00 p.m. Exhibit will be open through December 15 only from 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Thursday, December 12 – Sunday, December 15
The Island Players bring one of the most beloved holiday characters of all time to the St. Simon’s Casino Theatre stage with Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Jr., based on the hit holiday classic song. Rudolph wants nothing more than to be just like the other reindeer, but his bright red nose seems to always get in the way! Feeling like a misfit, Rudolph sets off on a journey to find a place where he belongs. Along the way, he meets new friends who show him that he was always been right where he belonged at the North Pole and when Santa’s big night is at risk, Rudolph is finally able to show everyone how his differences are what truly make him special. Show Dates and Times: December 12-15, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday and Sunday at 3:00 p.m. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at theislandplayers.com.
Friday, December 13
The Georgia Elvis Festival, a production of ETAFestivals.com, presents Elvis: A Christmas Spectacular, featuring David Lee, Austin Irby, Finley Watkins, Jeff Lewis, Dana Myers, and Riley Jenkins at Epworth by the Sea on St. Simons Island. Show begins at 2:00 p.m. Tickets at georgiaelvisfest.com.
There will be Holiday BEDlam happening from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at Mullet Bay on St. Simons Island. This annual fundraiser supports Operation Bed Spread and its mission to make sure every child gets a good night's sleep in their own bed. Music by The Gowen Family Band, food, drinks, raffles & other fun. $50 at the door.
Experience the wonder of the season at First Baptist Church of Brunswick’s Golden Isles Christmas program. This memorable night of music, worship, and celebration brings the true meaning of Christmas to life and is offered on two nights: December 13th and 15th. Children are welcome to join in the program and there is also childcare provided for newborns through Pre-K. Admission is free. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. Program 7:00-8:30 p.m. both nights.
Friday-Sunday, December 13-15
The Grinch, presented by Jill Stanford Dance Center will be hitting the stage of the Brunswick High School Auditorium for its annual fun family-friendly production. Show times at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, and 2:00 p.m. Sunday. **ALL SHOWS SOLD OUT**
Golden Isles Arts & Humanities continues its holiday tradition by presenting Charles Dickens’ classic tale A Christmas Carol at The Ritz Theatre with Bryan Thompson reprising his role as miserly Ebenezer Scrooge. Join him on the magical nocturnal journey through his past, present and future as he discovers the true meaning of Christmas. Show times at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 3:00 p.m. Sunday. For more details and tickets, visit goldenislesarts.org.
Reserve your seats for A Christmas Tail at the Brunswick Actors’ Theatre to be immersed in a heartwarming story about a mystical cat, a little girl, and some holiday magic that occurs in a small butcher shop one Christmas Eve. When struggling butcher Ralph Minetti has nothing left to believe in, a little girl comes into his shop on Park Ave. in New York City to visit the bow tie wearing store cat, Gus. But Gus is no ordinary feline, for as Ralph tells little Amanda, every Christmas Eve, Gus starts to talk. But will the magic be enough of an epiphany to change a bitter, disillusioned, middle-aged grocer who hasn't seen his own estranged teen-aged daughter for five years and who owes money to both his suppliers and the mob? This comedy by Joe Simonelli is directed by Lynda Dalton-Gallagher. Shows December 13-15, Friday and Saturday at 8:00 p.m. and Sunday at 3:00 p.m. Tickets at soglogallery.com.
Saturday, December 14
Don’t miss “The Best Bake Sale in the South!” Head over to the Historic Tabby Cabins at Gascoigne Bluff between 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. for the Cassina Garden Club Christmas Bake Sale. This popular island holiday tradition is free and open to the public and features tasty homemade cakes, pies, breads, candies and cookies plus holiday treats and gifts such as toasted pecans, jelly and jams. Be there early for the best selection! The Interpretive Cabin will be also open to the public for tours during the sale.
Have Breakfast with the Grinch from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the Morgan Center Ballroom. You don’t have to be Cindy Lou Who to have a seat at this Green Eggs & Ham themed buffet and create lasting memories with the former recluse from Mount Crumpit. Tickets at jekyllclub.com/holiday-traditions.
Come raise a glass with the colonials at the Holiday Open House at Fort Frederica National Monument from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. There will be live music from 12:00-1:30 p.m., a toast to General Oglethorpe, a Ranger Program at 2:00 p.m., free refreshments and holiday gift shop discounts.
Join Golden Isles Olive Oil for Gingerbread Cookie Time from 2:00-4:30 p.m. In celebration of the holidays, they are bringing back two opportunities to enjoy this popular cookie decorating event where each guest gets a dozen gingerbread men and ladies, icing, sprinkles, candies to make them uniquely yours. $45 per person. Reservations required - book online at goldenislesoliveoil.com.
It will be a magical evening filled with twinkling lights, festive floats from local businesses and community groups, and joyful music at the Brunswick Christmas Parade in the heart of Downtown Brunswick on Gloucester Street. Don't miss out on this spectacular celebration of the holiday season! The parade will start at MLK at 6:00 p.m., proceed along Gloucester Street, and end at Bay Street. Registration is open at discoverbrunswick.brushfire.com.
Saturday, December 14 – Sunday, December 15
Crafts in the Village More than 70 artists, crafters, and artisan makers will be under the oaks in Postell Park on St. Simons Island, selling jewelry, pottery, paintings, photography, woodworking, gourmet goodies, candles, soap, and so much more. Santa will be there for photos from 1:00-4:00 p.m. on Saturday! Vendors are on site 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday and 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Sunday. For sneak peeks of vendor, follow Crafts in the Village on Facebook. For more information, visit craftsinthevillage.com.
Sunday, December 15
Eighty Ocean Kitchen & Bar hosts High Tea by the Sea at 2:00 p.m. There will be a specially curated menu featuring finger sandwiches, quiche, scones, and macarons, paired with elegant tea and champagne service which you can enjoy from the cozy screened-in patio or in the lounge. Each guest will also receive a keepsake ornament as a special memento. Book now at jekyllclub.com/holiday-traditions.
The Golden Isles Youth Orchestra Philharmonia presents its Winter Concert at 4:00 p.m. in the Glynn Academy Auditorium. Under the direction of Maestro Jorge Pena, the student musicians will enchant you with their talent. Tickets are $5 per person at the door.
Join St. Athanasius Church (1321 Albany St, Bwk) for the 6th Annual Jazz Sounds of Christmas concert featuring Michael Hulett at 5:00 p.m. $20 donation.
Experience the wonder of the season at First Baptist Church of Brunswick’s Golden Isles Christmas program. This memorable night of music, worship, and celebration brings the true meaning of Christmas to life and is offered on two nights: December 13th and 15th. Children are welcome to join in the program and there is also childcare provided for newborns through Pre-K. Admission is free. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. Program 7:00-8:30 p.m. both nights.
Monday, December 16
Brogen's North on SSI is hosting their 3rd Annual Christmas for Kids event that sponsors underprivileged children in Glynn County from 6:00-10:00 p.m. There will be a pig pick, 50/50 raffle, auction with items from local businesses, and live music by Red18. All proceeds and donations go directly to "Christmas for Kids.”
Tuesday, December 17
Celebrate the Season with the Glynn Academy Band at 6:00 p.m. in the GA Auditorium. This free holiday concert featuring the GA Percussion Ensemble, Concert Band, and Wind Symphony is directed by Christopher Duke and Julia Ryan.
Wednesday, December 18
Come visit Santa in the Yard at Southern Soul Barbeque on St. Simons Island. The big guy will be there from 3:00-6:00 p.m. There will be crafts of kids, hot cocoa, and it’s pet-friendly too, so grab your canine and your camera!
Fireside Stories with Santa takes place at 5:00-6:00 pm.m at The Cottage Custard + Coffee Shop at The King and Prince Resort. 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. These festive gatherings are free and open to all. In case of rain or chilly weather, the festivities will move indoors to the cozy resort lobby.
Thursday, December 19
The Brunswick Golden Isles Chamber of Commerce holiday tradition continues: December Business After Hours at Mellow Mushroom! There will be delicious food, drinks, and networking from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Don’t forget to wear your ugliest Christmas Sweater! Register HERE.
CHRISTMAS WEEK (December 20 – December 25)
This is it! Christmas week! Food drive, fireworks, Santa on the fire truck. It really is the most wonderful time of the year.
Friday-Saturday, December 20-21
Be sure to drop by Spencer’s Christmas House (144 Shore Rush Drive, SSI) with donations of non-perishable food for their 5th Annual Food Drive to continue the annual tradition of giving back in Wally’s honor. This community event celebrates the beautiful lights and Christmas wonderland on display and includes a brass choir performance, a visit from the Kona Ice truck, appearances by Santa and the Grinch, and more. Please come out and donate in the spirit of our beloved “Mr. Christmas.”
Saturday, December 21
A delicious buffet will be served in the Grand Dining Room at Jekyll Island Club Resort from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. for Lunch with Santa. Bring the kids for this special visit from Jolly Ol’ Saint Nick so you can get a memorable family photo. Reserve your seats at jekyllclub.com/holiday-traditions.
Enjoy fun for all ages at the Cookie Decorating Party at Historic Harrington School on St Simons Island from 1:00-3:00 p.m. Everyone is invited to attend this free community event with cookie decorating, hot cocoa, and prizes.
Friday-Sunday, December 20-22
Golden Isles Arts & Humanities continues its holiday tradition by presenting Charles Dickens’ classic tale A Christmas Carol at The Ritz Theatre with Bryan Thompson reprising his role as miserly Ebenezer Scrooge. Join him on the magical nocturnal journey through his past, present and future as he discovers the true meaning of Christmas. Show times at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 3:00 p.m. Sunday. For more details and tickets, visit goldenislesarts.org.
Sunday, December 22
Holiday Drive-In Movie Bundle the kids up in their PJs and find your parking spot at the Jekyll Island Convention Center for a special movie presentation of Frosty the Snowman at 5:30 p.m. For more info, visit jekyllisland.com.
Monday, December 23
Holiday Fireworks will light the skies at dusk on Jekyll Island. For more info, visit jekyllisland.com.
Ludacrismas 16 with Mason Waters & The Groove AllStars returns to Village Creek Landing on Christmas Eve Eve for the annual celebratory holiday shindig. Gates open at 6:00 p.m. Musical merriment from the band 7:00-10:00 p.m. Food trucks & cash bar. Cover charge at the gate.
December 24
On Christmas Eve, Santa continues the beloved 70+ year tradition of riding around St. Simons Island on Engine 32, a festively lit, bright red antique fire truck, escorted by the Glynn County Volunteer Fire Department and making stops to meet and hand out stockings to children with the assistance of the St. Simons Civinettes. He will have stockings filled with goodies for toddlers through 3rd graders at the following stops: Stop #1 is in the village on Beachview Drive in Postell Park. Stop #2 is at Pet Exchange in the Shops at Demere. Stop #3 is at Glynn Haven Park in the Glynn Haven neighborhood. The last stop will be at Oglethorpe Point Elementary parking lot. Santa and his parade of elves will leave the fire station on Demere Road at 5:00 to start the festivities. They'll be updating his progress on social media throughout the evening. Listen for the sirens. A huge thank you to the Glynn County Fire Department, the Glynn County Police Department, the St Simons Civinette Club, and the many local businesses who support the annual stocking fund. The EIL elves will be posting on our social media pages to keep you updated on Santa's progress/next stops on Christmas Eve too.
December 25
MERRY CHRISTMAS, EVERYONE!
AND ON TO NEW YEAR’S DAY! (December 26 – Jan 1)
Time to wrap up the last of the holiday festivities and ring in a brand new year! Here's hoping that 2025 brings peace, joy, good health, and prosperity to us all!
Sunday, December 29
Holiday Drive-In Movie Bundle the kids up in their PJs and find your parking spot at the Jekyll Island Convention Center for a special repeat movie presentation of Frosty the Snowman. For more info, visit jekyllisland.com.
Monday, December 30
Holiday Fireworks will once again light the skies at dusk on Jekyll Island. For more info, visit jekyllisland.com.
New Year’s Eve
Tuesday, December 31
In Historic Downtown Brunswick, it’s the annual New Year’s Eve Shrimp Drop at Mary Ross Waterfront Park! No need to wait for midnight for the countdown, they say goodbye to 2024 and welcome 2025 with Bob the Shrimp as the clock rings 8:00 p.m. Festivities begin at 6:00 p.m. with live music, food, axe throwing with Hauling Axes, and fun inflatables for the kids. Join the fun!
The Jekyll Island Club Resort hosts a Great Gatsby New Year’s Eve Party in the Morgan Center ballroom, beginning at 8:30 p.m. Enjoy an unforgettable night of dancing to live music, fantastic company, and raise a complimentary glass of champagne to toast the arrival of 2025 at midnight. Adults only. Tickets $74+ per person and are available at jekyllclub.com.
The Westin Jekyll Island Beach Resort will be hosting its 2nd Annual New Year’s Party from 7:00 p.m.-12:30 a.m. The event will be held in their large outdoor space called "The Overlook" with views of the ocean and will featuring an open bar, live music, food, midnight toast, and late-night bites. Tickets are $139 per person and can be purchased at jekyllislandevents.com. The party is expected to sell out, so get your tickets early! Stay and party room packages are also available at the Westin.
Ziggy’s on St. Simons Island will be ringing in 2025 with a New Year’s Eve Party beginning at 8:00 p.m. It’s a little early for details yet, but you know a Ziggy’s party means a good time! Stay tuned for more or visit ziggys.online.
A MERRY MID-CENTURY CHRISTMAS
Some of our fondest Christmas nostalgia comes out of the 50s and 60s. The 50s were a big time for Christmas parades and new toys! Children’s toy sales took advantage of the market created by the baby boom era. Popular novelty items included Silly Putty, introduced in 1950, Play-Doh in 1956, and Mr. Potato Head who came on the scene in 1952, when kids used a real potato with the plastic features. Die-cast metal Matchbox cars were sold by the millions after Lesney Products created them in 1953 based on employee Jack Odell’s news that his daughter’s school would only allow toys that were small enough to fit inside a matchbox. For outdoor fun in 1958, the Frisbee and Hula Hoop were popular choices. Barbie’s arrival in 1959 changed the world of dolls forever, and left an impact that we see even today…right, Ken? The 60s brought us favorites like Operation, Rock’Em Sock’Em Robots, Twister, the Easy-Bake Oven, and Lite Brite. The 60s are when some of our favorite Christmas movies appeared: A Charlie Brown Christmas, How The Grinch Stole Christmas, and Rankin/Bass classics Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, The Little Drummer Boy, and Frosty the Snowman. And where would we be without Christmas albums from the 60s from artists like Nat King Cole, Burl Ives, Andy Williams, Vince Guaraldi, The Beach Boys, Elvis, and The Chipmunks? Simply unthinkable! Here’s to those good ol’ holly jolly days.
