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It's not all about the Snow! Hilton Head at Christmastime is truly different. There is no snow, but our streets are still full of lights, decor and plenty of fun. The weather is perfectly crisp, with typical daytime temperatures in the 60's - a light jacket is almost too much on some days. The evenings get a little chilly once the sun disappears, but with all the Christmas lights burning brightly all you'll notice is the cordiality of the holiday season.
Dove Street down in the Forest Beach area is an island destination for warm wishes and good cheer, truly a great place to enjoy the friendly people and the holiday festivities. Island visitors (and locals who live here year-round) love strolling along the beach to experience some of the most awe inspiring sunsets on earth. As the sun slowly disappears, the ocean and sand glow a soft pink and rosy clouds streak the deepening blue skies - it's amazing! Night after night it changes - it never ever grows old. You see even more picture postcards from Hilton Head Island this time of year than during the summer.
Native deer explore the brushy woods' margins, beautiful birds like the blue heron stand proudly at the water's edge and dolphins swim close to the shoreline for food, sharing the spectacular feel of freedom. Among the great pleasures this time of year are Hilton Head's wide flat beaches, a great place for flying kites, tossing Frisbees, walking, biking, running, or just simply sitting and relaxing under the winter sun.
Don't forget: if you haven't seen an alligator this is a great place to experience them from a safe distance, but don't get too close...Santa knows to keep away too, but enjoys admiring them from afar.
Local restaurants are plentiful with fresh seafood and produce and watering holes are available for you and your family to enjoy day or night. Hilton Head's upscale beach-area shops are the perfect place to buy someone that special gift to take home.
Do try to arrive on Hilton Head during the daylight hours. There are no bright lights and neon signs glaring; that's the beauty, as you will soon discover. Street signs are painted in muted colors and have beige-toned lettering. Streetlights are minimal and street signs are scarcely visible until you are almost upon them. That's why the daytime hours will make it a little easier to get your first bearings, but once you're here a day or so you'll be able to navigate like a local.
Also: Pick up a map for a dollar or two in any gas station along the way or even at the South Carolina welcome center. This way you can plot your course for where you're staying (if you use a vacation rental company they will guide you). One suggestion is to book your visit through Hilton Head Rentals, a true portal for many vacation management companies.
One of the greatest things about Hilton Head at Christmas or in fact any time is the town council's determination to keep this area natural and green but yet modern by design. The town's elected officials work every day to make it clear to commercial developers that this is our town and the natural beauty should endure for islanders and visitors alike. So pack your bags, leave your snow boots home and come visit the place that locals call paradise!
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