NOW THROUGH CHRISTMAS
The lights have been turned on at Spencer’s Christmas House and you'll want to drive by to see what's new at 144 Shore Rush Drive on St. Simons Island. The Christmas tradition of over-the-top light displays and animated inflatables started by beloved SSI resident and WWII veteran Wally Spencer has been continued by family to keep his memory and spirit alive. A must-see stop during the holiday season, the display is lit nightly through Christmas.
The Jekyll Island Arts Association Merry Artists Market at Goodyear Cottage in the Jekyll Island Historic District is open now through Monday, December 28. Discover one-of-a-kind gifts made by the artists of the Jekyll Island Arts Association. In addition to the selection of unique gifts and stocking stuffers, artists will be on-site demonstrating their crafts on weekends during this month-long holiday market event.
Jekyll Island Historic District has been transformed into a magical Holly Jolly Jekyll wonderland. Through January 4, more than 2,000,000 light bulbs from over 500 light displays illuminate the night, in addition to the Historic District’s great tree that boasts 45,000+ lights. The miniature golf course is now Peppermint Land, decorated with life-sized gingerbread characters, peppermint sticks, and gumdrops. Trolley tours and self-guided light tour options are offered through Christmas. For more details about light tours and a full calendar of holiday events, visit jekyllisland.com.
Santa will be in his cottage on Pier Road in the Jekyll Island Historic District for free visits and photos offered by The Claus Cause from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on December 24.
The Jekyll Island Club Resort hosts its own Holiday Market in the Hall of Mirrors during the holiday season. Browse local artisan booths featuring handcrafted gifts, seasonal décor, and sweet holiday treats — perfect for finding something special for everyone on your list. Open for shopping from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. December 26. The Resort also offers Holiday High Tea in the Grand Dining Room from 2:00-4:00 p.m. on select dates (December 26, 27, 29). This festive four-course experience of tea sandwiches, scones, and seasonal desserts, comes complete with a special holiday keepsake and is a favorite holiday tradition for many, so dates sell out quickly. Reserve your seats at jekyllclub.com/holiday-traditions
Wednesday, December 24 - Christmas Eve
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.
Engine 32 will leave Station 2 on St. Simons Island around 5pm and follow this route:
Turn right on Demere Rd and continue to Mallery St. Right on Mallery and continue to St Simons Pier. Santa will circle the pier and then turn right on Beachview Dr and park in front of the big oak tree that is lit up in front of the mini golf course. Santa will leave the fire truck to greet the children and give out stockings to all of the kids who are waiting.
From Postell Park, Santa will continue on Beachview Dr and proceed on Demere Rd. Turn right on Old Demere Rd and make that loop.Right again on Demere Rd, through the roundabout and left into the Shops of Demere to Pet Exchange, where Santa will again stop and greet children.
Leaving Pet Exchange, right on Demere Rd and left at roundabout to head north on Frederica Rd. Continue north to left on Palmetto St. Right on 4th Ave. Right on Atlantic Ave and stop at Glynn Haven Park between 2nd and 3rd Ave to greet children there.
Leaving Glynn Haven Park, turning left onto Frederica Rd heading north past Bennie's Red Barn, making a circle around the roundabout at the stables and returning south on Frederica Rd. Engine 32 makes no other stops and heads back to Station 2.
On Christmas Eve, follow our social media accounts and the EIL elves will let you know when Santa’s at a stop and where he’s heading next. There will be a live streamed broadcast that we'll share.
Thursday, December 25 - Christmas Day
MERRY CHRISTMAS, EVERYONE!
For those of you eager to plan your New Year's Eve Celebrations, click the related link: Ringing in 2026 below.
