Holiday Magic at the Beach: Family Friendly Holiday Activities on Isle of Palms & Sullivan’s Island
The holiday season in the Charleston Lowcountry is extra magical, and if you’re visiting or living on Isle of Palms or Sullivan’s Island, there’s no shortage of festive fun for the whole family. From dazzling light displays to parades and New Year’s celebrations, here are some of the best ways to soak in the season. Our team at Just Beachy Cart Rentals wants to help to make it smoother and more fun with this detailed list of special holiday events that will be sure to please the entire family.
December Highlights & Holiday Events
Holiday Street Festival — Isle of Palms
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On Saturday, December 6, 2025, IOP’s Holiday Street Festival runs from 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Front Beach. Expect arts & crafts booths, food vendors, children’s activities, live entertainment. Plus a visit from Santa and a community tree lighting at 5:30 pm. Read more details HERE
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It’s a perfect way to kick off the holiday season right on the island: family-friendly, festive, and local.
Holiday Lights at the Beach — Isle of Palms & Nearby Lowcountry Displays
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After the Festival, many of the beachfront areas stay illuminated, giving you an opportunity for a cozy evening stroll under the lights while grabbing dinner at local spots. According to a 2025 guide, IOP Front Beach is featured among the “best Christmas lights around Charleston and Isle of Palms.” If you’re looking for the best places to see holiday lights off of the island you can read more here.
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For a bigger night out, consider venturing a short drive to local favorite light displays like the Holiday Festival of Lights at James Island County Park. This festival of lights includes a three-mile driving tour of dazzling lights, holiday décor, Santa visits, hot chocolate and more. It runs nightly through December 31st.
Holiday Parades, Boat Lights & City-Wide Festivities (Charleston & Nearby)
Because IOP and Sullivan’s Island are so close to Charleston, you can easily hop over to city-wide events. A huge bonus if you have a vehicle or, better yet, a golf cart from Just Beachy Cart Rentals:
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The Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting in downtown Charleston is scheduled for Sunday, December 7, 2025 (parade at 3:00 PM, tree lighting in the evening).
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Another festive tradition: the Holiday Parade of Boats on the water — boats decked out in holiday lights sail across the harbor, great for families and boat-lover folks alike. In 2025 it’s set for Saturday, December 13, dusk–8:00 PM.
Holiday Shows, Walking Tours & Seasonal Downtown Fun
There are also a number of seasonal events around Charleston that are easily accessible for IOP/Sullivan’s Island visitors: historic holiday-home tours, walking tours through festively decorated neighborhoods, holiday performances, and more.
Why Sullivan’s Island & Isle of Palms Stay Great Even in Winter
Even outside of scheduled holiday activities on Isle of Palms these other islands remain special in December:
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On Sullivan’s Island, you can enjoy the natural beauty — beaches, maritime forest trails, historic landmarks and local charm — without the summer crowds. As one recent profile puts it: “Despite being only 2.5 miles long, this Lowcountry island boasts alluring beaches, historic sites, and a surprisingly robust culinary scene.”
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Families might enjoy walking the quieter beach, exploring the island’s history or nature trail, and then enjoying cozy dinners or outings without the typical hustle.
Why Renting a Golf Cart from Just Beachy Cart Rentals Makes Holiday Season Even Better
Whether you live nearby or are visiting for the holidays, renting a golf cart from Just Beachy Cart Rentals can transform your holiday plan into something magical and much easier to manage:
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Easy Transport on the Islands: Instead of worrying about parking, shuttling kids, lugging strollers, or coordinating multiple cars, a golf cart lets you zip between beach, shops, restaurants, and holiday events in a fun, laid-back way.
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Flexible & Spontaneous: Maybe you decide last minute to catch the lights at IOP Front Beach, or you want to easily get downtown Charleston for a parade or boat parade — a golf cart gives you that freedom without traffic hassles.
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Family-Friendly Vibe: For kids especially, riding around in a cart can feel like a festive mini-adventure on its own. Between holiday events, lights, and beach breezes — it becomes part of the fun.
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Local Feel Even If You’re Visiting: If you’re a visitor, driving around in a golf cart helps you experience the island like a local; which often means calmer roads, easier access to waterfront spots, and a genuine Lowcountry vibe.
Sample Itinerary: Holiday Activities on Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island
| Date | Activity |
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| Dec 6 | Attend IOP Holiday Street Festival which includes crafts, kids’ activities, Santa & tree lighting. |
| Evening, Dec 6 | Take a stroll along Front Beach under the holiday lights. |
| Weekend After | Drive to James Island County Park for Holiday Festival of Lights (with the whole family and maybe s’mores/hot chocolate!). |
| Dec 13 (dusk–8 PM) | Watch the Holiday Parade of Boats along Charleston Harbor — great for kids and adults alike. |
| Dec 7 or the weekend around | Go to Charleston’s Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting downtown (transport via golf cart or car). |
| Any evening | Explore Sullivan’s Island — quiet beaches, local restaurants, easy beach walks. |
| Late December / New Year’s Eve | Enjoy a cozy night at the beach or nearby waterfront, maybe check out local NYE events in Charleston or nearby island resorts. |
Enjoy This List of Holiday Activities on Isle of Palms
If you’re spending the holidays in the Lowcountry; whether you live here or are just visiting. The combination of coastal charm, festive events, and easy going island life makes Charleston, SC (including Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island) a wonderful place to celebrate the season. Renting a golf cart from Just Beachy Cart Rentals just adds another layer of convenience and fun, especially for families looking to get the most out of the holiday activities on Isle of Palms and the surrounding areas of Charleston.
It doesn’t matter if you’re chasing lights, watching a boat parade, strolling along a beachfront under twinkling decorations, or sipping hot cocoa after dark, with a golf cart, you get all that with less stress and more joy.
Happy holidays, and happy exploring!
