Holiday Fun at Forest Beach: Your Ultimate Guide to Festive Coastal Cheer on Hilton Head Island
What holiday events are happening near Forest Beach on Hilton Head Island?
Forest Beach hosts seasonal favorites including Dove Street Lights, the Ugly Christmas Sweater Bar Crawl, Hanukkah Celebration, Christmas Belles, Die Hard Movie Night, Coligny Plaza events, and the New Year’s Polar Plunge.
What is the history of the Dove Street Light Show in Hilton Head?
Dove Street Lights began decades ago in North Forest Beach as a neighborhood holiday display that grew into a beloved island-wide tradition. Today, it remains a magical, walkable light show near Coligny Plaza.
Where can I get holiday treats near Coligny Plaza?
Visitors can enjoy hot chocolate from The Ice Cream Cone, peppermint ice cream from The Frozen Moo, or festive cocktails at the Miracle Pop-Up Bar at Starbird Spirits.
By Allison Cobb | The Cobb Group | eXp Luxury Realty.
Whether you’re a local “playing tourist” for the season or visiting Hilton Head Island for a winter getaway, Forest Beach is buzzing with holiday excitement this year. From bar crawls and Hanukkah celebrations to holiday shows, Santa sightings, legendary light displays, and the annual Polar Plunge, this iconic beach district knows exactly how to celebrate.
And if you see us out there? We’ll be strolling the lights, supporting local shops, cheering on brave plungers, and sipping something warm and festive.
Participating in the Polar Plunge?
Absolutely not.
We’re here for the cheer — not the chill.
Here’s your festive insider guide to everything happening around Coligny and Forest Beach this holiday season.
18th Annual Ugly Christmas Sweater Bar Crawl — December 20th
One of Hilton Head Island’s liveliest holiday traditions returns! Benefiting Pockets Full of Sunshine, this beloved bar crawl hits favorite Forest Beach hotspots:
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The Frosty Frog — 4:30 PM
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Captain Woody’s — 6:00 PM
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Mellow Mushroom — 7:30 PM
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The Smokehouse — 9:00 PM
The uglier the sweater, the bigger the holiday spirit.
Hanukkah Celebration & Menorah Lighting — December 14th
Head to Lowcountry Celebration Park for a warm and meaningful Hanukkah event, featuring:
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Menorah lighting led by Rabbi Brad Bloom
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Traditional treats like sufganiyot and latkes
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Music, dreidels, and community connection
A beautiful evening in one of Hilton Head’s most popular gathering spaces.
“Christmas Belles” at Coligny Theatre — December 4–14
This Jones-Hope-Wooten comedy brings the festive chaos of small-town holiday life to the Coligny stage. Expect quirky characters, heartfelt moments, and lots of laughter.
Die Hard Movie Night — December 20th at 7:30 PM
Yes, it is a Christmas movie.
Join fellow fans for this wildly fun annual event, complete with a Worst-Dressed Santa Contest. It’s always a crowd favorite.
Saturdays at Coligny — All December
A perfect holiday outing for families and visitors:
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Jevon Daly’s Kid Show (11:30 AM–1 PM)
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Pictures with Santa (1–2 PM)
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Nightly holiday lights throughout Coligny Plaza
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Letters to Santa dropped straight to the North Pole
Forest Beach feels like a holiday movie set this time of year.
Dove Street’s Legendary Lights — A North Forest Beach Tradition Returns
Ask any longtime Hilton Head local about holiday traditions, and they’ll mention Dove Street Lights with a nostalgic smile. This iconic display began decades ago right in North Forest Beach, on a quiet street where neighbors began competing — lovingly — to out-decorate one another.
Each year, the lights grew brighter, the displays more intricate, and the energy more magical. Soon, Dove Street became the Hilton Head holiday destination, drawing families, visitors, and islanders who returned annually for the glowing spectacle.
Children twirled under the illuminated arches. Couples revisited their favorite glowing spots year after year. Families took their annual holiday photos with twinkle lights dancing behind them. It became part of Hilton Head’s soul — a tradition locals cherished.
And this year?
Dove Street Lights are back — and within walking distance of Coligny Plaza.
Make an evening of it:
- Grab a steamy hot chocolate from The Ice Cream Cone
- Enjoy a peppermint ice cream from The Frozen Moo
- Then wander through the lights and soak in the magic
It’s one of the most charming holiday traditions on Hilton Head Island — and Forest Beach is glowing.
Polar Plunge — January 1st, 2026 at 10:30 AM
Ring in the New Year with one of Hilton Head’s most iconic traditions. Costumes encouraged. Goosebumps expected.
We’ll be there cheering loudly.
But plunging?
Hard pass.
We believe in dry toes and warm beverages.
Holiday Nightcap: Miracle Pop-Up Bar at Starbird Spirits (Wexford)
Just a short drive from Forest Beach, the Miracle Pop-Up Bar at Starbird Spirits is turning Wexford into the most festive cocktail destination on Hilton Head.
Expect:
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Over-the-top Christmas décor
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Cheery cocktails in quirky holiday mugs
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Twinkling lights and holiday music
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A warm, joyful, everyone-is-in-a-good-mood vibe
It’s the perfect ending to a night of Forest Beach holiday fun.
Holiday Magic… and a Real Estate Spin
Hilton Head Island shines especially bright during the holidays. Forest Beach is alive with festive gatherings, local traditions, glowing lights, kid-friendly events, and cozy seasonal experiences that bring neighbors and visitors together.
This is the lifestyle so many dream of — and why people choose to buy, sell, invest, and plant roots here.
If 2025 brings thoughts of a move, a second home, or an investment property in Hilton Head Island or Bluffton, The Cobb Group is here with:
Strategic Moves. Lasting Relationships.
Let’s make your next chapter a coastal one.
Written by Allison Cobb
The author assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or emissions in the content of this blog. The information provided on is an “as is” basis with no guarantee of completeness, accuracy, usefulness, or timeliness.
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