Holiday Happenings 2022
Santa Claus will be back in town before you know it, so to make sure no one has a blue Christmas, we’ve compiled our annual list of holiday happenings. Make plans for seasonal shopping, festive events, and visits with the big guy himself all the way through the big day!
ONGOING
The Glynn Visual Arts Holiday Art Market features a collection of beautifully adorned Christmas trees, ornament making, holiday card decorating, and other Christmas traditions, as well as handmade art -- from paintings to pottery to jewelry and apparel. The Holiday Art Market will be open through December 30, Tuesdays through Saturdays 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Jekyll Island Arts Association kicks off the Merry Artists Show & Sale in Goodyear Cottage on Friday, November 25. There will be a fabulous array of crafts & works of art for sale at gift-giving prices from $5-$500. In addition, special events, book signings, and demonstrations will be taking place on various dates through the duration of the show, which continues until December 31. Hours: Weekdays noon-4pm and Weekends 10am-4pm.
The holiday season in Historic Downtown Brunswick kicks off the Friday after Thanksgiving with the annual Christmas Tree Lighting. Beginning on First Friday, December 2, there will be “Twinkle in the Squares” free Christmas lights walking tours at 7:00 and 9:00 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.
It truly is the most wonderful time of the year on Jekyll Island, as the Historical District transforms into the magical holiday wonderland Holly Jolly Jekyll from November 25 through January 8. The area is lit with more than 350 light displays and over 1,000,000 lights. There are trolley tours to see them and self-guided tour options too. Even the mini golf course gets holiday treatment with life-sized gingerbread characters, peppermint sticks, and gumdrops as Peppermint Land. Jekyll Island Arts Association’s Merry Artists Holiday Show & Sale at Goodyear Cottage opens November 25 and runs through the season, featuring artful gifts at prices from $5-$500, as well as demonstrations, book signings & more. Numerous holiday events will take place at various locations throughout the month, including the Winter Carnival & Big Truck Roundup 12/3, and the wonderful procession of festively decorated and lit carts and vehicles during the Holly Jolly Jekyll Light Parade 12/10. Fireworks, drive-in movies, and special visits with Santa are also scheduled, and there are ample holiday shopping opportunities. For a full calendar of events and detailed information, visit jekyllisland.com.
Spencer's Christmas lights up the holiday season with an amazing display of holiday lights and decor at 144 Shore Rush Drive on St. Simons Island, beginning November 25, in memory of "Mr. Christmas" Wally Spencer. You are welcome to tour the light display and take photos, but this is a private home, so please be respectful, stay on the walkway and drive and do not touch.
CHRISTMAS EVE 12/24 🎅🏻
We’re also excited to share some inside info from the big guy himself. This Christmas Eve when Santa makes his rounds on St. Simons Island atop Engine 32, he will once again be making stops to hand out stockings and do some last minute “naughty” or “nice” evaluations. This wonderful tradition of Santa riding around St. Simons Island on the festively lit, bright red antique fire truck, accompanied by an escort of island elves (members of the St. Simons Civinettes and the Glynn County Volunteer Fire Department), has continued for more than 80 years. This event is sponsored by the St. Simons Civinette Club in conjunction with the Glynn County Fire Department. Also working with them with donations of time or funding are many area businesses and churches, individuals and especially Santa Claus. Children through the 3rd grade are invited to visit with Santa this Christmas Eve. Santa will leave the fire station on Demere Road at 5:00pm and will travel south on Demere Road and Mallery Street. Santa will stop in front of the Christmas Tree in Postell Park on Beachview Drive. After the village, Santa will travel to Shops at Demere, with a loop through Old Demere Road and stop at Pet Exchange. After leaving Shops at Demere, Santa will travel north on Frederica Road and make his final stop at the parking lot at Oglethorpe Point Elementary School. The EIL elves will once again do our best to keep your advised of his status & movements that night.
CHRISTMAS DAY 12/25
🎄Merry Christmas, everyone!🎄
SEA ISLAND
If you’re a member or guest on Sea Island, the resort’s halls are decked in festive finery and the magnificent tree in the Cloister Colonial Lounge is always an enchanting sight to behold. From the life-sized gingerbread house in the Solarium to storytime with Santa’s elves and a Reindeer Dash fun run and Reindog Parade, there are so many fun and family-friendly events scheduled to help celebrate the season. See their full holiday calendar at seaisland.com.
GIVING BACK
Southeast Georgia’s Toys for Tots 2022 is gearing up for another big year of bringing holiday cheer to local children with Al Heick as our local coordinator. Last year, 10,098 toys were distributed, and 1,825 children were supported in the Brunswick area. To donate online or donate a new unwrapped toy, visit toysfortots.org to complete the submission form. Also check around the Golden Isles for Toys for Tots drop-off boxes. There is usually one located in the lobby of The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort. Final date for toy distribution is December 20. For more details or to request a donation box, call Al at 912.230.7557 or visit brunswick-ga.toysfortots.org.
Operation Appreciation: Glynn County will be collecting toys and donations for Glynn County children as well. This drive led by Blake Hughes is now in its eighth year helping families in Brunswick and St. Simons Island to have a better Christmas. Toys can be dropped off at Two Brothers Bike Shop in the Village Monday-Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. or cash donations can be made directly to Blake.
This year, instead of a toy drive, Sanders Claus (Adam & Jamie Sanders a/k/a At Your Service Jekyll Errand Girl) is collecting non-perishable treats and drinks to provide to kids in need for their “snack time” at school. Watch their Facebook pages for pickup times, donate via Venmo @jekyllerrandgirl, or call 912.577.0751.
Local non-profit Eat’n Together will also be holding holiday food drives to assist families in Glynn County. Follow them on Facebook for details and ways you can donate or assist.
Stay tuned!
As you can see, it’s shaping up to be a spectacular holiday season. We hope you have a Happy Thanksgiving and remember to Shop Small and shop local on Black Friday. We know that there will likely be many more events that pop up over the next few weeks as we get closer to Christmas, so we’ll keep this listing on our website and add to it frequently. We encourage you to follow our Facebook and Instagram accounts for posts about holiday sales, special events, and Santa sightings. Christmas concerts and musical events will be found in our “I’m With the Band” blog as well. Don’t miss our December issue with an updated calendar recap and our annual St. Nick’s Picks gift guide. It’s the most wonderful time of the year!
