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Jekyll Island Holiday Events
Jekyll Island Christmas events are known throughout Georgia for being incredible. People come from near and far to experience Holly Jolly Jekyll, which runs from November 24, 2023 to January 7, 2024 this holiday season. If you’re in the Golden Isles, be sure to make a trip to Jekyll Island to partake in their holiday events - you won’t regret it!
Just remember that Jekyll Island requires a toll to enter. Also plan for traffic and allow for more time to get on the island during the peak holiday season.
To view our full Golden Isles holiday events calendar, please click here. For more information regarding Holly Jolly Jekyll and the events below, click here.
Jekyll Island Holiday Light Display
November 24th - January 7th
Jekyll Island hangs over a million Christmas lights around the island and is a tradition we look forward to experiencing with our kids every year. There are a few ways you can see them:
- Self-guided in your own car: Follow the signs and drive your own car through the lighted route which runs through the Beach Village, Great Dunes Park and ends in the Historic District. Once in the Historic District, you can park your car and meander around as you wish.
- Guided tours: Whether by trolley or carriage, there are a few companies that offer guided tours:
- Three Oaks Farm offers Jekyll Island carriage tours.
- The Mosaic Jekyll Island Museum offers trolley tours.
- Lighthouse Trolleys offer lighted tours.
Santa’s Mailbox on Main
Beach Village
Have the kids drop a letter to Santa at the North Pole Express mailbox located right in the Beach Village.
Peppermint Land Mini Golf
Jekyll Island’s Mini Golf
Jekyll Island's mini golf consists of two 18-hole courses that are decorated with life-size gumdrops, peppermint sticks, and gingerbread characters during the holiday season. It's located adjacent to the Jekyll Island playground and Red Bug Motors Pizza. Directly across the street are the beach and Tortuga Jack’s Mexican restaurant. We love spending a morning or afternoon playing mini golf, hitting up the playground, and ordering a pizza.
Cold-Stunned Polar Bear Plunge
Beach Village
November 25th
Registration - 8:30 am
Plunge - 9:15 am
Take a cold-stunned plunge into the ocean in support of sea turtles on the Georgia coast! All event proceeds support the Georgia Sea Turtle Center. Many sea turtles get caught in hypothermic water temperatures during the winter months, and your support will assist with cold-stun rehabilitation and recovery. The event is open to all ages (children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult). All participants will receive a branded long-sleeve shirt.
Holiday Light Parade
December 9th
7-8 pm
Join Santa and friends at the Holly Jolly Jekyll Light Parade! See many kinds of vehicles and golf carts lit up in their holiday best! View the parade from the many viewing spots or sign-up to join in the fun! Participant prizes will be awarded in various categories.
Winter Carnival & Big Truck Roundup - CANCELED
Village Green
December 16th
12-4 pm
Due to inclement weather, this event has been canceled.
Join Santa for some extra holiday fun with a visit to the Winter Carnival & Big Truck Roundup! This is another Holly Jolly Jekyll event we always try to attend. Kids can enjoy FREE carnival rides, games, and music on the Village Green. Plus, sit behind the wheel of emergency vehicles from Jekyll Island Fire/EMS and Georgia State Patrol at Great Dunes Beach Park.
Drive-In Holiday Movie
December 20th and 27th
5:30 pm
Head to the Convention Center parking lot for one of two free screenings of Mickey’s Christmas Carol. Remember your blankets, lawn chairs, popcorn and hot chocolate. Arrive early so you can wave to Santa as he drives by on a firetruck!
Jekyll Island Fireworks
December 21st and 28th
7 pm
Watch the night sky light up and celebrate the holiday season with fireworks. The island is BUSY the night of the fireworks, so plan accordingly and arrive early (and expect it to take some time to get back off the island - remember we’re on island time!). Park in the beach parking lots and don’t forget your blankets and chairs.
