Thinking of getting away this Thanksgiving? Whether you're looking to escape the cold or for a place to gather with family and friends, Hilton Head is an excellent choice. You'll experience fewer crowds, milder temperatures, and unique holiday events, which makes it the perfect time to visit, relax, and unwind. The island’s natural beauty shines in the fall, offering scenic beach walks, vibrant sunsets, and crisp air ideal for biking, golfing, and exploring nature trails. The beaches are pet-friendly all day in November, so bring your furry friend along! And when it comes to Thanksgiving dinner, Hilton Head delivers, offering a wide range of dine-in and takeout options that let you skip the kitchen stress and savor the holiday in style. This guide will help you plan your perfect Thanksgiving, with tips on where to eat, what to do, and how to make the most of your vacation.
The holidays are a great time to visit Hilton Head. Explore our inventory and start a whole new tradition this year!
Browse Hilton Head Vacation Rentals
In this blog:
- Thanksgiving Turtle Trot & Holiday Dining
- November Events & Festivities
- What to Pack
- Best Vacation Rentals for Your Stay
- Frequently Asked Questions
Thanksgiving in Hilton Head: 5K and Holiday Dining
The best part of Thanksgiving is gathering with loved ones and indulging in scrumptious food; spending it in Hilton Head makes it even more special. Not only can you enjoy a memorable holiday meal, but the island also offers a variety of family-friendly events and activities that everyone can enjoy. Whether you're running a festive 5K, savoring a chef-prepared Thanksgiving dinner, or joining in on seasonal celebrations throughout November, Hilton Head has something for every age and interest. It’s the perfect place to relax, reconnect, and make lasting holiday memories.
Thanksgiving Turtle Trot 5K
Before you indulge in the juicy turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and desserts, spend some family time at the Thanksgiving Turtle Trot. This is a 5K run/walk along the beach in Palmetto Dunes Resort. Whether you choose to walk or run, the 5K is a great way to get some exercise and spend time with the family.
- When: November 27, 2025
- Where: Palmetto Dunes Resort, 14 Dunes House Lane, HHI
- Time: 9 AM Arrive early, as parking is limited.
- Registration: $35 for adults, $20 for 12 and under (includes a t-shirt). Advance registration is required.
- Race packets: They will be available at the PDPOA admin office at 16 Queens Folly Road on November 24 and 25 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and November 26 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
All race proceeds go to the Palmetto Dunes Cares Fund.
How to Enjoy Thanksgiving Dinner on Hilton Head Island
Thanksgiving in Hilton Head Island is all about embracing coastal charm, enjoying peaceful beach walks, and spending quality time with loved ones. With so many activities to explore, from bike rides and nature trails to golfing, who wants to be stuck in the kitchen preparing a complete Thanksgiving feast? Whether you're vacationing with family, escaping the chill for a beachside retreat, or simply looking to skip the holiday cooking, Hilton Head offers diverse dining options to make your holiday delicious and stress-free.
Here are some Hilton Head Island restaurants open for Thanksgiving:
Alexander's Restaurant
Alexander's, your destination for upscale dining, will be open for Thanksgiving and ready to serve a memorable holiday experience.
- Date: November 27, 2025
- Time: 12:00 AM - 7:30 PM
- Make a Reservation: For parties of 7 or more, please call 1-866-921-6639 to make a reservation.
- Cost: $70 per person. $28 for children 12 and under.
- What's Included: Turkey dinner with dessert
Annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner
An annual community Thanksgiving dinner provided by St. Andrew By-The-Sea United Methodist Church and Hudson's Seafood House on the Docks.
- Date: November 27, 2025
- Time: 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
- Where: Hudson's Seafood House on the Docks, HHI, 1 Hudson Road, HHI
- Cost: FREE Sponsored by St. Andrew By-The-Sea United Methodist Church and Hudson's Seafood House on the Docks
- What's Included: A traditional Thanksgiving meal with all the trimmings
Big Jim's BBQ, Burgers, Pizza & Catering - Thanksgiving to go
Big Jim's, a family-friendly restaurant in Palmetto Dunes, offers a Thanksgiving family pack to go on Thanksgiving Day.
- What's Included: 3 lbs of sliced turkey, cranberry sauce, a choice of two sides, and dessert, and feeds 4-6 people. Add-ons are available.
- Cost: $140. Add-ons are additional. A 23% service fee is applied at checkout.
- Deadline: Orders must be received by 11/24/25
- Order online
- Pick-up: Thanksgiving Day only
Frankie Bones
- Dates:
- Order Deadline: November 20, 2025, by 12:00 PM.
- Dine-In Service: Available on Thanksgiving Day, November 27, 2025
- Hours: Order pickup is available from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM, and dine-in service is from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- Cost for Dinner to go: $25 for one, $295 for 10-12 people (includes choice of soup or salad, traditional turkey dinner, all the sides, and dessert), or $375 for a whole slow-roasted prime rib instead of turkey.
- Thanksgiving Menu
One Hot Mama's
Enjoy a Thanksgiving buffet or order dinner to go. Order early, as every year, the to-go orders are sold out.
- Date: November 27, 2025
- Times:
- Dinner to go: Cold food pick-up from 9:30 AM - 11 AM, hot food pick-up from 11 AM - 2 PM
- Dine-In Service: 12:00 PM - 4:30 PM
- Cost for Dinner to Go: Varies depending on items ordered.
- Cost for Thanksgiving buffet: $39 for adults, $17 for kids (age 4-12)
- Reservations: Recommended. Walk-ins are welcome
- Thanksgiving Menu
November Events & Festivities
Santa & Shopping: A Festive Day Out on Hilton Head Island
There’s something magical about seeing Santa while surrounded by palm trees and ocean breezes. Take the family to Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina for a Santa and shopping day. Santa arrives at noon aboard a fire truck and will stay until 2:30 PM at the Neptune Statue, where children can meet with Santa to share their Christmas wish lists and take photos. There will also be bounce houses and train rides from 11 AM to 2:30 PM. While the kids enjoy all the festive activities, adults can stroll through the harbour shops and restaurants.
- When: November 28, 2025
- Where: Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina, 1 Shelter Cove Ln, HHI
- Time: 12:00 PM - 2:30 PM
- Cost: Admission is free. Bounce houses & train rides are $5 per person
Thanksgiving Wagon Rides
Enjoy scenic Hilton Head during the fall with a festive Thanksgiving wagon ride.
- When: November 24th - 29th, 2025
- Where: Sea Pines Forest Preserve, Greenwood Drive, HHI
- Time: 3:00 PM
- Cost: $22 per adult, $18 per child
- Duration: 1 hour
- Book Now
Caramel Apple Festival
Who doesn't love caramel apples in the fall? Head to Heritage Farms for an afternoon of fall activities that include caramel apples (of course!), bounce houses, games, and much more!
- When: November 29, 2025
- Where: Heritage Farms, Greenwood Drive, HHI
- Time: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
- Cost: $6 per apple, $18 for an apple and activities
- Book Now
View Hilton Head Christmas Lights
Visit Shelter Cove Harbour and Marina for their Holiday Lights Display. Experience the excitement of the holidays through festive twinkling lights throughout the entire marina, including boat docks. While there, stop by the local shops, galleries, and restaurants.
- When: November 24, 2025 - December 31, 2025
- Where: Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina, 13 Harbourside Lane, HHI
- Time: 5:00 PM - 11:00 PM
What to Pack for Your Thanksgiving Getaway
November temperatures in Hilton Head can fluctuate and typically range from the mid-50s to the low 70s, so bringing layers is a must. Bring a mix of light sweaters, short and long-sleeve shirts, shorts and long pants, and a jacket for cooler evenings. Include a dressier outfit for Thanksgiving dinner or if you plan to dine out at any of the island's upscale restaurants. Comfortable walking shoes are a must for beach strolls and exploring local shops or nature trails.
Plan Your Coastal Getaway: Book Your Hilton Head Vacation Rental for November
Featured Property: 44 Canvasback - Sea Pines
Ready to trade chilly weather and kitchen stress for ocean breezes and holiday ease? Book your Hilton Head vacation rental today and enjoy a Thanksgiving filled with coastal charm, festive events, and unforgettable memories. November is the perfect time to relax, recharge, and celebrate in one of South Carolina’s most beloved beach destinations. We have many options: oceanfront views, oceanside escapes, rentals with private pools, and pet-friendly options. If you have a large family or a larger group of friends, we have vacation rentals that will sleep up to 27 guests. Book with Destination Vacation today and enjoy the best Hilton Head has to offer!
Book Your Hilton Head Vacation Today
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I find vacation rentals with kitchens to cook my own Thanksgiving meal?
Of course! All of our vacation rentals come with a full kitchen.
Is it Still Warm Enough to swim in November?
The ocean temperatures average 66-71°F, which is too cold for most people, especially in November, when the air temperatures are cooler, ranging from 40°F (in the evenings) to 60°F during the day. But you can still bring your swimsuit and relax in one of our rentals with a heated spa.
Are bike rentals available in November?
Yes. The island is still a popular destination during the off-season, so bike rental shops stay open to accommodate vacationers. Many of the local bike shops also offer delivery.