It’s hard to believe the holidays are already here, but you won’t find us complaining—after all, ’tis the most wonderful time of the year. Folly Beach during the holidays is packed with festive spirit, coastal charm, delicious winter eats, and plenty of chances to relax and recharge by the ocean.
Sure, you could celebrate the holidays anywhere—but here are just a few reasons to call Folly “home for the holidays.”
The Holiday Spirit (Folly Style)
Folly folk are famously friendly already, so it should come as no surprise that everything feels just a little merrier this time of year. Whether you’re brunching, browsing, or strolling the pier, prepare to hear “Happy holidays!” more times than you can count—and maybe even catch a friendly hug or two.
Fa-La-La (Folly-La-La)
Music isn’t just a pastime here—it’s practically a local language. You can count on live music almost every night of the year, and the holidays bring some of the best shows of the season.
Come early and check out holiday concerts, local musicians, carols around town, and seasonal church performances. New Year’s Eve always turns into an island-wide celebration with live bands up and down Center Street.
Twinkling Lights & Christmas Trees by the Sea
There’s just something magical about lights reflecting over the Atlantic. Folly Park transforms with holiday trimmings, and the “beach tree” continues to be one of Folly’s most charming seasonal surprises.
Drive or rideshare a few minutes inland and you’ll find the Holiday Festival of Lights at James Island County Park: millions of lights, marshmallow roasting, holiday shops, visit with Santa, and a walkable winter wonderland.
James Island County Park’s Holiday Festival of Light
Right off Folly, this three-mile festival tour includes a driving path plus walking areas, climbing walls, holiday sand sculpture, and seasonal treats. It’s one of the most popular holiday light displays in the Southeast—and absolutely worth the trip.
(P.S. Go early on weekend nights—it fills up fast!)
Festive Food & Seasonal Sips
Folly food is always good, but comforting holiday dishes and seasonal menus make this time especially delicious. Look for holiday specials, oyster roasts, festive cocktails, brunch events, and seasonal beach-bar drinks.
If you’re looking for something special, New Year’s Eve dinners book up—so make reservations early.
Winter Sunrises & Sunsets You Won’t Believe
Winter brings some of the most vivid colors of the entire year—deep purples, fiery oranges, cotton-candy pinks, and painterly pastel skies.
Bring a jacket, grab a warm drink, and take in the views from the pier or Morris Island Lighthouse. You might just capture your best beach photo of the whole year.
The Flip-Flop Drop & NYE Beach Bash
Why watch the Times Square Ball Drop on TV when you can watch a gigantic flip-flop descend on Center Street?
New Year’s Eve on Folly includes:
- Local bands and DJs
- The iconic Flip-Flop Drop
- Fireworks at midnight
- Street celebrations
Stick around for January sunrise—the perfect way to start fresh by the water.
That Holiday Feeling: Peace, Quiet, and Salt-Air Serenity
Yes, there’s live music, great food, and big celebrations—but Folly also offers something you just can’t buy: peaceful, quiet moments by the water.
Walking the beach on a cool December morning or sipping coffee while the sun rises over the Atlantic might just be the reset button you’ve been needing all year.
Folly’s motto has always been “The Edge of America”—but during the holidays, it feels like the center of something magical.
Final Holiday Tip
Come for a long weekend if you can—Folly at Christmas feels different than any other time of year, and slowing down is part of the magic.
