How To Spend the Holidays on St. George Island

Get ready to roll with some fun for the whole crew — St. George Island is where it’s all at. There is no time of the year you can’t visit as they have something going on all year long.

This lovely island has got just about everything you could think of, especially during the “most wonderful time of the year.” 

This area has some of its best events occurring during the October-December timeframe. So if you have a true holiday spirit and wish to not have to spend the season in the same place you spend it every year, then that’s just one more reason for you to head on down to our St. George Island rentals and check out these amazing events!  

SGI Lighthouse Sip N Shop 

Make this one the first of your many St. George Island events. This event typically happens only one day annually, so don’t miss it! It is held around the last Sunday of November and is often a two-hour event. 

It happens inside the St. George Island Lighthouse itself, which is probably the coolest part of all! Inside, you’ll get to, quite literally speaking, “sip and shop,” hence the name of the event. They offer hot cocoa, cider, eggnog, spiced rum, and many other assortments of holiday drinks you can sip on as you walk around and see what Christmas items are on sale (anything from jewelry, to candies, to socks… you name it). 

Apalachicola Historic Downtown Christmas

If you’d like an event that runs just a bit longer than two hours, then you may prefer to check out this one instead. It all happens right at the Apalachicola Historic Downtown on the day after Thanksgiving and lasts for a full four hours. That gives you a little more time to settle in and explore with your family. It all lights up and is ready for visiting from about 4-8 p.m. that evening. 

Carolers will be out on the streets singing all the classic songs you grew up with this time of year, and not only that, but you’ll also get to see Santa. They can sit on his lap and tell him their wishes, take pictures with him, and so much more. Just about every building and square will be elegantly lit and full of life! 

couple looking in store front
Photo From Shutterstock

Small Business Saturday 

Perhaps you’ve heard of Small Business Saturday already; it’s held in many cities in the U.S. each year, and thankfully, St. George Island has not been left out. It happens on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. The goal of this annual event is to spread awareness and impact about the need for small businesses, addressing their value and efforts in making our cities richer in every single way. Support your local artisans on that Saturday and buy from arts and crafts shops, galleries, small eateries, and other sorts of private businesses; show them your love! 

Lantern Fest 

This event is one of the best open-air festivals you will ever find when you visit. It’s the area’s top attraction around this time of year! It runs around November 28th from 6-10 p.m. You’ll walk the whole area and witness all kinds of great local lore and stories in addition to feasting your eyes on some of the nicest glowing lanterns around. They come in all shapes, sizes, colors, textures, looks and so much else. It is truly a wonder for the senses, and if you have little ones coming along, they will especially be attracted to everything. Every lantern, as they pass it by, will catch their eye. 

SGI Lighting of the Palms

This one’s also an annual event happening in the first week in December, usually (around the 3rd or 4th, from 5:30-8:30 p.m.). It’s all about lighting up palm trees with elegant, bright Christmas lights, hence the name. Even though you’re spending your holiday season in a tropical paradise doesn’t mean you have to miss out on classic tree lighting! All kids who visit get a free book to read as well as a special gift for each family or group. Santa will be there as well, and so will his elves! 

Holiday Fresh Market 

This fun holiday happening usually takes place on the first Saturday of December and runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. They hold it right at the very front of the Dixie Theatre, a place that also draws in crowds by the dozens. This event and venue fill up fast, so make sure to head out early and find parking, get comfortable, walk to the location, and have plenty of room to move about. Also, of course, make sure you’re the first in line to see all the great booths and buy some cool merch!

Plan Your Visit to St. George Island

You can find something to do for every age and interest, which is why St. George Island is the ultimate spot for your upcoming holiday getaway. Contact us today to learn more and to start booking your trip!

Christmas Parade

The Eastpoint Christmas Parade and Celebration runs around the 10th of December from 4:30-5 p.m. It’s one of the quickest, shortest events around on this list, just about 30 minutes or so in running time, but that is no reason to miss it either. Make sure you stop by during this brief window of time to see all your favorite Christmas characters walk by in costume, get some gifts and refreshments (which they throw to the crowd), and take some selfies. 

Holiday on the Harbor

This event occurs right around the 10th-15th of December and offers hours to enjoy yourself, as it goes from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. That gives you and your crew plenty of time to drop in and out (and even to return, later, should you wish to catch the rest of it). You’ll have live musicians and bands playing, non-stop, all kinds of winter wonderland favorites as well as comedians telling stories and jokes. You’ll also get to get on a boat and talk to several booth vendors (for special arts and crafts and other unique products).

Where to Stay in St. George Island

If you’d like a tip on where to spend the night, stay in one of our St. George Island rentals. We at Fickling welcome families of all sizes to come and enjoy the holidays with us! We’d be thrilled to have you in any one of our luxury homes and can think of no better way for you to see everything in town up close and personal. Our St. George Island rentals are close to all the best water excursions and activities, not to mention a walkable distance from the nearest burger eateries, nightclub joints, shopping malls, retail suppliers and so much else.