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.
Our list of open restaurants on Thanksgiving Day is coming soon!
Fun Runs & Walks
Pre-Turkey Day Sea Pines Dolphin Dash 5K
Wednesday, November 26th, 2025 at 9:00am
Sea Pines Beach Club
87 N Sea Pines Dr,
Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
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. Keep in mind that there is a $9 gate fee to enter the Sea Pines property.
37th Annual Turkey Trot 5K
Thursday, November 27th, 2025 at 8:00am
Skull Creek Boathouse Parking Lot
405 Squire Pope Rd,
Hilton Head Island, SC 29926
Organized by the Island Recreation Association, join the Hilton Head community for the 37th Annual Turkey Trot. Starting and ending at Skull Creek Dockside, runners and walkers 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 27th, 2025 at 9:00am
The Dunes House
14 Dune House Ln,
Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
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!
Other Festive Events
Hilton Head Island Lantern Parade
Saturday, November 22nd, 2025 at 5:30pm
Alder Lane Beach Access
2 Woodward Ave,
Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
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. This free event lights up the night sky at Coligny Beach, but the festivities start at 3pm at Lowcountry Celebration Park–enjoy food trucks, beverages, and a concert by Groove Town Assault ahead of the parade’s arrival. 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? Check our calendar for various lantern making workshops in the weeks before the parade!
Thanksgiving Wagon Rides
November 24-29, 2025 starting at 3:00pm
Heritage Farms
Greenwood Dr,
Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
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
November 27, 2025 at 9:00am
Liberty Oak in Harbour Town
149 Lighthouse Rd,
Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
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.
Santa at Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina
November 28, 2025 from 12:00-2:30pm
Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina
1 Harbourside Ln,
Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
Santa makes his first appearance on Hilton Head at Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina! Old Saint Nick will arrive at noon aboard a fire truck, staying for about two and a half hours to listen to Christmas lists and of course, to take lots of photos! Before and after you meet Santa, there will be additional children activities like bounce houses and train rides at an additional cost. The first 300 kids will be given a gingerbread cookie kit provided by Hilton Head Social Bakery! And don’t forget to bring a new, unwrapped toy or canned items for the Deep Well Project.
Gregg Russell Thanksgiving Concert & Christmas Tree Lighting
November 28, 2025 from 7:30-9:00pm
Liberty Oak in Harbour Town
147 Lighthouse Rd,
Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
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
November 29, 2025 from 1:00-3:00pm
Heritage Farms
Greenwood Dr,
Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
Head to Sea Pines Heritage Farm, where your family will have a fun-filled afternoon full of games, 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.
Our list of open restaurants on Thanksgiving Day is coming soon!
