Holly Jolly Jekyll is Here
EVENTS
November 17 – January 6, see calendar for hours
By Jessica Scott, JIA Marketing Communications Manager
It’s the most wonderful time of the year on Jekyll Island. We have “snow” and “ice” skating and plenty of holiday cheer. The Holly Jolly Jekyll season is full of fun for the whole family. Here are a few highlights of the season. Check out the full season of activities.
Opening November 17, Jekyll Island “ice” skating is back and in a new riverfront location for the 2018-19 season. Located in the picturesque Historic District, the Jekyll Island Skating Village features a synthetic ice rink and real ice skates. This unique surface takes the pain and cold out of ice skating and is easy for kids and adults of all ages. Skate on Jekyll Island among history, under ancient oaks, and with a spectacular view of the Jekyll River. No reservations required, but there is a cost of $5 per person.
Friday, November 23, 8-11 a.m.
Kick-off the holiday shopping season in your jammies! Shoppers donning their family-friendly pajamas will receive discounts from the Pier Road shops, and prizes for the best pajamas. Enjoy visits with Santa and holiday music as you stroll through the historic cottage shops filled with gifts perfect for holiday shopping. Prizes will be awarded for the best individual and family pajamas.
Friday, November 23, 5:30 p.m.
Join us for a special holiday edition of the Jekyll Island Movie on the Green series with “The Santa Clause.” Bring your lawn chairs and blankets and enjoy this new holiday classic on Jekyll Island. This event is free and open to the public. All are welcome.
Jekyll Island Tree Lighting Festival
Saturday, November 24, 2-8 p.m.
Ring in the holidays with the lighting of the great tree in Jekyll Island’s Historic District. Celebrate this holly jolly event with the whole family.
This one-day festival is full of holiday magic and is sure to put even the grinchiest Grinch in the holiday spirit. Festivities begin with a Candy Cane Hunt and continue with Story Time with Santa throughout the day. Be sure to write your letter and mail it directly through the North Pole Express.
Cross off your holiday shopping list with unique gifts at the Holiday Market. Dance and sing along to your favorite holiday tunes, with live music by the area’s favorite bands.
As the sun begins to set, grab a cup of cocoa and settle on the Main Lawn for the big show. The tree will be lit and skies will sparkle with fireworks as the holiday season officially begins on Jekyll Island.
December 1-31
Once a year, the cottages of the historic district get dressed in their finest holiday decorations just for you. Enjoy a 90-minute tram tour when Jekyll Island’s National Historic Landmark District is wrapped in seasonal splendor. This guided tour of the 240-acre historic district includes entry into two cottages, decorated for the holiday season, as well as Faith Chapel. Reservations recommended.
Saturdays, December 1-29, 4 p.m.
Explore a magical time of year in Jekyll Island’s historic district. This special evening tram tour highlights heart-warming holiday tales and the lights and decorations of the season on Jekyll Island. The 90-minute Christmas celebration includes a unique tour of Faith Chapel and concludes with light refreshments and sunset views from Indian Mound Cottage. Reservations required.
Saturdays, December 1-22, 1-4 p.m.
Christmas is coming, so get your visit with the big man in before the big day is here. Visit with Santa on the porch of historic Skeet House, located in Jekyll Island’s beautiful National Historic Landmark District every Saturday in December, from 1 to 4 p.m. Visits are free, but don’t forget your camera to capture this special moment. This event is free.
Saturdays, December 1-22, 2-4 p.m.
Get in the holiday spirit with a holiday-themed craft set among the stunning winter cottages that once belonged to Gilded Age millionaires. Join historical figures from Jekyll Island’s Christmas past to create a charming handmade holiday treasure, just like members of the Jekyll Island Club once made. These period-inspired handicrafts offer a fun and festive activity to delight kids and adults of all ages. No reservations required, but there is a cost of $5 per person.
Saturday, December 15, 5:30-7 p.m.
Santa has his sleigh and Jekyll Island has golf carts! Join in the fun of the festive Holly Jolly Jekyll Parade, where golf carts don their Christmas best and jingle all the way to Beach Village.
Island guests and residents are encouraged to watch the parade along the route, and afterwards meet in Beach Village to view all of the participants. While you’re there, enjoy holiday music, compete in holiday trivia and an ugly sweater contest, and work on your Christmas shopping lists at the Pier Road and Beach Village shops. Everyone is encouraged to bring new, unwrapped toys for the Georgia State Patrol’s Toys for Tots drive. Learn more about awards and entry here.
November 17 – January 6, sunset to midnight
Holiday magic abounds on Jekyll Island this holiday season. Enjoy twinkling light-wrapped oaks and traditional holiday décor in the Historic District. Beginning November 24, the Great Tree will light up the main lawn. Delight in whimsical holiday scenes depicted in colorful light displays in Beach Village and along Great Dunes Beach Park. Bring the family and see if you can count all the lights.
November – December 21
The North Pole Express mail box will be available at the corner of Main Street and Ocean Avenue in the Beach Village. All the good boys and girls are invited send their letters to Santa Claus.
