Hilton Head Island’s Thanksgiving Guide for 2024

If you happen to be celebrating Thanksgiving on our beautiful, Hilton Head Island, here is a list of festive events that happen before and after America’s favorite holiday. We’ll keep adding events to this list, and keep reading to see our list of local restaurants open on Thanksgiving day.

Fun Runs & Walks

Sea Pines Dolphin Dash 5K

Wednesday, November 27th, 2024 at 9:00am

Register Here

Benefitting the island’s Turtle Trackers, the Sea Pines Dolphin Dash 5K welcomes participants of all ages to join this walk/run on a course entirely on the hard, flat beach. Participants receive a custom race t-shirt that can be picked up that morning or later that day at the Fitness Center. Keep in mind that there is a $9 gate fee to enter the Sea Pines property.

Turkey Trot 5K & Fun Walk

Thursday, November 28th, 2024 at 8:00am

Register Here

Organized by the Island Recreation Association, join the Hilton Head community for the 36th Annual Turkey Trot. Starting and ending at Skull Creek Dockside, runners and those walking the Fun Walk will have a blast and are encouraged to bring nonperishable items to donate to the Deep Well food pantry.

Thanksgiving Turtle Trot 5K

Thursday, November 28th, 2024 at 9:00am

Register Here

Benefitting Palmetto Dunes Cares, a charitable giving initiative organized by the Palmetto Dunes Resort, this 5K run/walk will be held on the beach. Celebrate Thanksgiving with your crew and start the day with some fresh air and beautiful beach time. All paid participants receive a custom race t-shirt, but just make sure you pick that and your race packet up the day before!

Seasonal Markets

We’re keeping an eye out for more annual holiday markets being added to the island’s calendar of events, so stay tuned for additional listings! In the meantime, here are a few options alongside regularly scheduled markets to get your shopping fix in.

Holiday Market

Tuesday, November 26th, 2024 at 10:00am-1:00pm

Coastal Discovery Museum’s Calendar

Tuesdays are usually Farmer’s Market days, but to get in the holiday spirit, the Coastal Discovery Museum will be hosting a holiday market! Make a day out of it, and explore the grounds of Honey Horn or the Smithsonian Affiliate museum after finding great locally-made products and gifts.

Small Business Saturday Hilton Head Community Market

Saturday, November 30th, 2024 at 9:30am-12:30pm

Market Vendors

A great way to spend your morning and purchase unique crafts and goods from local farmers, makers, bakers, and more, the Hilton Head Community Market is organized by four local business owners and Island Rec. As a plus, the market gives back to the community as 50% of all vendor fees collected are donated monthly to the featured nonprofits, which you can read about here. The Nonprofit of the month of November will be Hopeful Horizons.

Other Festive Events

The Town’s Official Holiday Kick-Off Festival

Saturday, November 16th, 2024 from 12:00-3:00pm

More Information

Festivities on Hilton Head Island start two weekends before Thanksgiving Week this year, with a family-friendly festival featuring entertainment, arts and crafts, food trucks, and a local art market at the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina. Children will be able to spot Santa and Mrs. Claus as they arrive in style on an antique fire truck, and everyone will be able to have a sneak peek of the upcoming musical, 42nd Street. Admission is free!

Hilton Head Island Lantern Parade

Saturday, November 23rd, 2024 at 5:30pm

More Information

One of the most magical events held on Hilton Head, the annual Lantern Parade is an amazing chance for guests and residents to celebrate the island’s history and community. A part of the Crescendo Series and created by artist, Chantelle Rytter, this free event lights up the night sky at Coligny Beach. If you’re planning on participating in the parade, make sure to line up beginning at 4:45pm at Alder Lane beach access.

Need to make a lantern? Attend the Illuminated Parasols or Globe Lantern Making Workshops at the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina.

Thanksgiving Wagon Rides

November 25th-30th, 2024

More Information

Grab your family and friends to embark on this festive wagon ride that starts at Heritage Farms and allows you to see the fall colors of the beautiful, Sea Pines Forest Preserve. Make sure to reserve your spot before they run out! Tickets are $22 for adults and $18 for children. There is a fee to enter the Sea Pines property at either of the two gates.

Thanksgiving Scavenger Hunt

Thursday, November 28th, 2024 at 9:00am

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Is your family looking for something to do on Thanksgiving morning that isn’t, well…running? Grab your bikes or jump in the car to travel throughout the Sea Pines property to complete this family-friendly Thanksgiving Scavenger Hunt. Solve various clues and riddles to uncover various locations throughout the property! There is a fee to enter the Sea Pines property at either of the two gates.

Gregg Russell Thanksgiving Concert & Christmas Tree Lighting

Friday, November 29th, 2024 from 7:30-9:00pm

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You’ll typically find the island icon, Gregg Russell, performing under the Liberty Oak in Harbour Town during the warm summer nights, but don’t miss his special Thanksgiving concert that’s family-friendly and completely festive! Get into the holiday spirit by sticking around to see the official lighting of the Harbour Town Christmas Tree! Rumor has it that Santa Claus might stop by from 5:30-7pm. Passes are available to purchase at both Sea Pines gates to enter the property, but this event is completely free to attend.

Caramel Apple Festival

Saturday, November 30th, 2024 from 1:00-3:00pm

More Information

Head to Sea Pines Heritage Farm, where your family will have a fun-filled afternoon full of games, arts and crafts, delicious caramel apples, and a bounce house to take care of that sugar rush! Choose to purchase a $18 all-inclusive ticket, or it’ll be $6 per apple. And remember, there is a fee to enter the Sea Pines property at either of the two gates.

Thanksgiving Day Restaurant Specials

Open Restaurants with Regular Menus