There's nothing like the end of one year and the start of another! Say goodbye to 2021 with all its challenges and plan for a happy and healthy new year.
And there's no better place to do that than the Carolina coast, where a great lineup of end-of-the-year and New Year's Day activities await.
On Kiawah Island, 'Mallows & Music takes place from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 30, at Night Heron Park Stage. Enjoy time with family and friends around a fire while listening to live music and indulging in a s'more (or two). Thomas Champagne provides the music, while those ooey-gooey s'mores, hot chocolate, and apple cider will be available for purchase. The event is free. No reservations are required.
Enjoy a family-friendly celebration from 5:30 to 9 p.m., at Night Heron Park on New Year's Eve. The evening features entertainment and fireworks, while a full la carte dinner service will be available until 9 p.m. Enjoy jump castles, lawn games, and party favors. Then stay for the firework finale at 9 p.m. The event is free. No reservations are required.
For those on Isle of Palms, Wild Dunes Resort also hosts a family-friendly New Year's Eve celebration, featuring a magician, kid-friendly DJ, ballroom artist, photo booth, games, and much more.
For adults, Kiawah Island's Sanctuary Lobby Bar hosts a New Year's Eve celebration from 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. with music by The Ron Nihoff Band and fireworks at midnight. Make dinner plans at one of Kiawah Island Resort's restaurants, then head to the Lobby Bar. Enjoy specialty cocktails and spectacular live music as you count down to the New Year. Dance the night away and raise a glass of champagne at midnight under the stars of the Grand Lawn. Celebrations end promptly at midnight with a stunning fireworks display.
Start the New Year on a healthy track with the New Year's Day 5K at Sanctuary Beach Access on Kiawah Island from 11 a.m. to noon. This event is complimentary, and no reservations are required.
If there is a better way to ring in the New Year other than a beach fun run, it's with a Polar Bear Plunge. Plunge into the New Year on Kiawah's beach with a dip in The Atlantic. The Kiawah Island event is set from 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., also at the Sanctuary Beach Access. Bring your towel to enjoy the free event.
There's still time to drive through the Holiday Festival of Lights, a winter wonderland at James Island County Park that continues through Dec. 31. Or enjoy the holidays with the Traditional Christmas at Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens through Jan. 3.
Make a reservation at one of the delicious local restaurants for a New Year's Eve celebration, such as The Boathouse at Breach Inlet on Isle of Palms. The South Carolina coast makes a beautiful place to start a brand-new year. Book a stay and join us for the celebration.