Holly Jolly Jekyll Guide 2023

November 24 – January 7 Every day of the holiday season is filled with joy and merriment, so whether you’re visiting Jekyll Island for the day or a getaway, we’ll have a holly jolly lineup for you.

Scan for details on all holiday events!

Events & Activities Mailbox on Main Beach Village NOV. 24 – DEC. 24 Need to send a letter to Santa? The special mailbox on the corner of Main Street and Ocean Way in the Beach Village offers express delivery straight to the North Pole. Have a last-minute request? The mailbox’s last pickup will run through Christmas Eve!

Santa’s Chairs Beach Village & Historic District NOV. 24 – JAN. 7 These handcrafted chairs are on display at Mosaic, Jekyll Island Museum, in the Historic District, and on the Turtle Stage in Beach Village. Stop by either location, get comfy in the big guy’s chair, and snap a photo for your holiday card!

Peppermint Land Jekyll Island Mini Golf NOV. 24 – JAN. 7 Celebrate the holiday season at Jekyll Island Mini Golf! A nod to the Island’s original amusement park, enjoy one or both 18-hole courses surrounded by life-size gumdrops, peppermint sticks, gingerbread men, and more. Play into the evening and enjoy a game under the lights!

12 Days of Christmas Light Displays Shell Road NOV. 24 – JAN. 7 Beginning at Jekyll Island Mini Golf (Peppermint Land!) on Shell Rd., down to Mosaic, Jekyll Island Museum, visitors can count down the most famous days of the season on a self-guided light tour! Be sure to spot the family of light structures that wandered their way into the song!

SIGNATURE EVENT PURCHASE REQUIRED RESERVATION REQUIRED *All listings are free, unless otherwise noted The information in this publication has been provided by each business. While all efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, the Jekyll Island Authority is not responsible for any discrepancies in the information listed.

Jingle Bell Beach Horseback Riding Three Oaks Farm • Historic District NOV. 24 – JAN. 7 Ride into this holiday season with a one-hour horse ride on the beach! The horses will be decked out for Christmas in Santa hats and jingle bells, and ready for their photo-op. Come enjoy some holiday tunes while sharing a candy cane treat with them!

Christmas Carriage Light Tours Three Oaks Farm • Historic District NOV. 24 – JAN. 7 Enjoy a classic carriage tour of the beautiful Jekyll Island Historic District while listening to relaxing Christmas music. A perfect holiday tradition for couples, families, friends, or groups!

Merry Artists: Christmas Calligraphy Jekyll Arts Association • Goodyear Cottage NOV. 23 Join Diana Prentice as she demonstrates the art and skills of calligraphy and makes unique cards for your special occasion.

Millionaire Motorcar VIP Light Tour Mosaic, Jekyll Island Museum NOV. 24 – DEC. 31 (Select nights) Go back in time to Christmases past in our vintage motor car—the Historic District’s most recent tour addition! A replica Model-T will transport you and up to 6 guests on a private tour of the Historic District’s light displays. This exclusive experience is 35-45 minutes long and includes a festive lighted necklace and light-enhancing glasses to maximize the experience.

Holly Jolly Light Tours Mosaic, Jekyll Island Museum NOV. 24 – DEC. 31 (Select nights) Take a ride on Jekyll’s jolliest trolley to see more than a million lights. Sit back, relax, and sing along to music of the season while viewing lights throughout the Historic District, including new displays not accessible by vehicle. Trolley riders can also enjoy access to hot beverages and treats at the Wake Up • Walk Up coffee shop inside Mosaic.

DIY Christmas Ornaments 4-H Tidelands Nature Center NOV. 24–JAN 2 Visitors can pick up an animal-themed DIY ornament kit to complete at home!

Events & Activities Tidings for Turtles

Merry Artists: Magical Illusion Art

Georgia Sea Turtle Center NOV. 24–JAN. 7 Write your well-wishes to Georgia Sea Turtle Center patients and drop them in their special stockings for the holiday season! Visitors will learn ways to make their holidays more sustainable and can purchase their own special edition ornament in the gift shop.

Jekyll Arts Association • Goodyear Cottage NOV. 26 Join Robert Daldo as he demonstrates how to color a vase or bowl to make his beautiful basket illusion woodturning art.

Merry Artists: Holiday Cheer in Stained Glass Jekyll Arts Association • Goodyear Cottage NOV. 24 Come join Kim Ball as she demonstrates making her charming Jekyll Island-inspired stained glass for the holiday season.

Cold-Stunned Plunge, presented

by Beach Village Merchants Beach Village NOV. 25 Take a cold-stunned plunge into the chilly Atlantic in support of sea turtles on the Georgia coast! This second annual, fun, and frigid, beach plunge event raises funds for the Georgia Sea Turtle Center on behalf of the Jekyll Island Foundation.

Merry Artists: Holiday Paper Quilling Jekyll Arts Association • Goodyear Cottage NOV. 25 Join Carmel Latta as she demonstrates how to create beautiful keepsake ornaments for your Christmas tree.

Merry Artists: Wonders of Woodturning Jekyll Arts Association • Goodyear Cottage NOV. 25 Join Craig Farnsworth as he demonstrates the fascinating art of woodturning.

Holidays in History Tour Mosaic, Jekyll Island Museum NOV. 25 – DEC. 31 Enjoy the history of Jekyll Island enriched in seasonal splendor as you venture through the National Historic Landmark District to learn what the holidays were like for some of America’s wealthiest Gilded Age families.

Merry Artists: Holiday Needle Felting Jekyll Arts Association • Goodyear Cottage NOV. 26 Connie Dalbo demonstrates the unique art of needle felting as she creates one-of-a-kind works of art.

Winter Carnival & Big Truck Round Up, presented by Beach Village Merchants Beach Village DEC. 2 Join Santa for some extra holiday fun with a visit to the Winter Carnival & Big Truck Roundup! 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.

Merry Artists: Holiday Jewelry Making Jekyll Arts Association • Goodyear Cottage DEC. 2 Join Kenia Ciraulo and Linda Shannon as they each create unique holiday jewelry for one-of-aking gift giving.

Merry Artists: Handmade Gifts Jekyll Arts Association • Goodyear Cottage DEC. 2 Join Charlotte Woodard as she demonstrates her artistry and skill by creating her beautiful and popular crossbody bags.

Merry Artists: Merry Mosaics Jekyll Arts Association • Goodyear Cottage DEC. 2 Join Connie Neiman as she demonstrates how to make her unique and festive mosaics.

Merry Artists: Holiday Flute Performance Jekyll Arts Association • Goodyear Cottage DEC. 3 Holiday stress? Relax as Mike and Joy Cook perform beautiful and soothing Native American music for your enjoyment.

Events & Activities Merry Artists: Holiday Notecards Jekyll Arts Association • Goodyear Cottage DEC. 3 Nancy Kirkpatrick demonstrates how to make your own personal notecards just in time for the holidays.

Holiday High Tea Grand Dining Room • Jekyll Island Club Resort DEC. 7, 14, 21, 28 Indulge in the elegance of a bygone era with Holiday High Tea. njoy a four-course menu featuring tea sandwiches, scones, and tea desserts, along with a special holiday gift.

Holly Jolly Jekyll Light Parade, presented by Beach Village Merchants Beachside DEC. 9 Watch as Santa and his friends make their way around the island in a variety of vehicles lit up in their holiday best! View the parade or sign-up to join in the fun! Participant prizes will be awarded in various categories by Santa’s helpers!

Merry Artists: Wonder of Watercolor Jekyll Arts Association • Goodyear Cottage DEC. 8 Join Eileen Berta as she demonstrates her artistry in watercolor.

Merry Artists: Holiday Basketry & Ornaments Jekyll Arts Association • Goodyear Cottage DEC. 9 Join Barbara Poloncic and Michelle DeHaven as they demonstrate the coastal art of pine needle basket weaving and ornament making.

Merry Artists: Handmade Pottery Jekyll Arts Association • Goodyear Cottage DEC. 9 Join our talented Jekyll Island potters as they create beautiful pottery for unique and special gifts for the special people on your list.

Merry Artists: Handbell Performance Jekyll Arts Association • Goodyear Cottage DEC. 9 Enjoy the sounds of the season with a live performance by the Jekyll Island Handbells.

Gingerbread House Decorating Jekyll Island Club Resort DEC. 9 Experience the sweet tradition of Holiday Gingerbread House Decorating. Participants receive an assortment of colored icings, sprinkles, and other fun decorations, along with refreshing punch and warm mulled cider to add to the festive spirit.

A Night of Lights: Premium Parade Experience Mosaic, Jekyll Island Museum DEC. 9 See the parade AND the holiday lights during this one-night-only event. Take a ride with other festively decorated vehicles in our annual Holly Jolly Light Parade followed by a private tour of the Historic District’s light displays. This premium experience includes hot cocoa or cider, cookies and special effects glasses to maximize your light-viewing adventure. Book soon as seating is limited to just 90 for this event.

Breakfast with the Grinch Morgan Center • Jekyll Island Club Resort DEC. 9 Calling all “Whos” for breakfast with the Grinch!

A Green Eggs & Ham breakfast buffet will be served to enjoy with friends and family.

Selfies with Scute Georgia Sea Turtle Center DEC. 9, 16, 23 Join Scute C. Turtle, mascot of the Georgia Sea Turtle Center for a meet-and-greet and phto-op for your Christmas Card. He’ll be stopping by the Center select days of the season..

Merry Artists: Holiday Portraiture Jekyll Arts Association • Goodyear Cottage DEC. 15 Join Michelle Levani as she demonstrates her unique and heartwarming pet and people portraiture.

Merry Artists: Festive Acrylic Art Jekyll Arts Association • Goodyear Cottage DEC. 15 Join Susan Anderson as she demonstrates and creates acrylic works of art.

Events & Activities Merry Artists: Holiday Basket Making Jekyll Arts Association • Goodyear Cottage DEC. 16 Join us as Cathy Miller demonstrates making beautiful baskets.

Breakfast with the Grinch The Westin DEC. 16 Enjoy a morning full of holiday fun and whimsy.

The Grinch himself will be greeting guests and taking photos while your family enjoys a sumptuous breakfast buffet. Overnight packages available.

Lunch with Santa Grand Dining Room • Jekyll Island Club Resort DEC. 16 Gather the little ones and enjoy a delightful lunch buffet where Santa himself will make a special appearance. Seize the festive spirit with a memorable family photo to cherish forever.

Breakfast with Santa Days Inn and Suites DEC. 16 & 23 Enjoy breakfast with Santa to celebrate the season before he makes his Christmas deliveries!

Be sure to bring him your letter!

Merry Artists: Jekyll Island Singers Jekyll Arts Association • Goodyear Cottage DEC. 17 Get into the holiday mood as you listen to the Jekyll Island Singers perform songs of the season.

Holly Jolly Jekyll Fireworks, presented by Beach Village Merchants Great Dunes Beach Park DEC. 21 & 28 Bring the family for a free firework show and watch as they light up the night in celebration of the season!

Merry Artists: Festive Mosaics Jekyll Arts Association • Goodyear Cottage DEC. 22 Join Suzanne West as she demonstrates how to make personal mosaics with pieces of nature.

Christmas Eve Dinner Grand Dining Room • Jekyll Island Club Resort DEC. 24 Experience the enchantment of the season with a Christmas Eve Dinner. Immerse yourself in the timeless ambiance as you savor a delectable and thoughtfully curated five-course plated meal.

Christmas Day Brunch Grand Dining Room • Jekyll Island Club Resort DEC. 25 Merry Christmas! As the holiday spirit fills the air, embrace the magic of Christmas Day with an exceptional dining experience set against the backdrop of historic granduer.

Merry Artists: Joyful Paintings Jekyll Arts Association • Goodyear Cottage DEC. 30 Join Susan Yoder as she demonstrates her beautiful painting techniques.

Ring in the New Year with Style The Westin DEC. 31 Enjoy culinary creations expertly prepared by our executive chef, and ring in the new year with live music, an open bar, and midnight champagne toast. Overnight packages available for purchase.

New Year’s Eve Dinner & Party Morgan Center • Jekyll Island Club Resort DEC. 31 Ring in the New Year with one or both of these festive events: Enjoy a spledid five-course culinary journey and stay into the evening to dance the night away and enjoy a complimentary champagne toast at midnight! Overnight packages available.

Good Luck Brunch Grand Dining Room • Jekyll Island Club Resort JAN. 1 Welcome the New Year with a “Good Luck” brunch buffet. Indulge in a delightful array of delectable offerings that symbolize good fortune for the year ahead. Let’s raise a glass to a year filled with happiness and prosperity.

Happy New Year!

Gifts & Goodies Galore Holly Jolly Poinsettia Sale Jekyll Island Greenhouse NOV. 20 – 22, NOV. 27 – DEC. 15 (excluding weekends) The Jekyll Island Authority Greenhouse will be having a poinsettia plant sale featuring multiple sizes of poinsettias. In addition, small trees, shrubs, and winter annuals will also be available for purchase at our Greenhouse.

Holiday Hot Chocolate Bar Hampton Inn and Suites NOV. 22–JAN. 5 Stop by and enjoy complimentary makeyour-own hot chocolate—including a variety of toppings. For adults, stop by our Turtle Nest lounge to purchase a yummy hot toddy served in a souvenir holiday mug to take home. Enjoy with family sitting by our outdoor or indoor fireplace.

Hot Holiday Deals Just By Hand NOV. 23–DEC. 31 From Thanksgiving to the year’s end, enjoy a free gift with purchase and special holiday sales and discounts.

Naughty or Nice Hot Chocolate Bar Harry’s Lounge • The Westin NOV. 24 Guests of all ages can enjoy a steaming cup of hot chocolate with a variety of toppings at Harry’s Lounge, while adults can indulge in a variety of recipes from the bar. S’mores kits are also available for the outdoor fire pit!

Merry Artists: Tiffany Blue Christmas Jekyll Arts Association • Goodyear Cottage NOV. 24 Donna Summers will be signing her new book about Louis Comfort Tiffany. Give the gift of Tiffany this year!

North Pole Bake Shop The Westin Café • The Westin NOV. 24–JAN 2 Westin Café will transform into The North Pole Bake Shop, featuring Starbucks Coffee, graband-go bites, as well as holiday-themed baked goods. Receive a complimentary holiday cookie with any Starbucks coffee or hot chocolate purchase on Sundays.

Wake Up • Walk Up Coffee Shop Mosaic, Jekyll Island Museum NOV. 24–JAN. 7 (select tour nights & Saturdays) Warm up with a holiday drink before taking a trolley tour at this holiday pop-up coffee shop! Located inside the museum, this local, family-owned coffee shop is known for their homemade hot chocolate and coffee syrups.

You’ll find festive treats and beverages for the whole family!

Merry Artists: Wonder of Nature Jekyll Arts Association • Goodyear Cottage NOV. 25 Come have Carol Ann Wages sign one or all of her wonderful books featuring many beautiful photographs of Jekyll Island.

Hot Cocoa and Cookies Days Inn and Suites Every Friday & Saturday in December Warm up this holiday season with complimentary hot chocolate and cookies!

Merry Artists: Book Signing Jekyll Arts Association • Goodyear Cottage DEC. 9 Join Sarah and Thomas Schuyler for a book signing.

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Looking to take in the lights from the comfort of your own vehicle? Follow our selfguided light tour map to see some of the island’s best light displays! For the safety of your family, remember to follow traffic patterns and signs, and remain in your vehicles while grabbing photographs of your favorite twinkling lights!

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PICK UP YOUR ‘HOLLY JOLLY JEKYLL’ HOLIDAY GIFTS AT

TRADING POST SKEET HOUSE • HISTORIC DISTRICT NOV. 24–JAN. 7 (SELECT DATES) Featuring a festive selection of novelties and collectibles, pick up your ‘Holly Jolly Jekyll’ holiday gifts of the season at the official Trading Post. And enjoy Christmas candies and warm holiday beverages before or after your stroll through the Historic District!

Letter to Santa

Deliver to: Mailbox on Main - Beach Village Final pickup with route to North Pole: December 24 at 9 P.M.