Winter Wonderland Hilton Head
Island Rec's free holiday evening at Shelter Cove Community Park: bounce houses, a DJ and the Golden Candy Cane Hunt. Friday, Dec. 4, 2026, 4 to 7 p.m.
- Next dates: Friday, Dec. 4, 2026
- Friday evening, 4 to 7 p.m.: festival at Shelter Cove Community Park
- Friday, 5:30 p.m.: Golden Candy Cane Hunt
- Tickets: Free to get in. Food, drinks and some activities are paid for on the night.
- Hosted by: Island Rec Center
- Cost: Free admission; food, drinks and some activities extra
- Highlight: Golden Candy Cane Hunt at 5:30 p.m.
- Parking: Free, in the Shelter Cove lots beside the park
Winter Wonderland is the Island Rec Center's holiday festival, a free evening for families at Shelter Cove Community Park. The 2026 festival is Friday, Dec. 4, from 4 to 7 p.m., with free bounce houses, a DJ and the Golden Candy Cane Hunt at 5:30 p.m.
It is one of the first big holiday nights of the season on the island, a week after the Harbour Town tree lighting. Everything else on for the holidays is on our Christmas on Hilton Head page.
What happens at Winter Wonderland
The lawn fills with holiday inflatables and a lit tree, a DJ plays, and the bounce houses are free. Admission is free too. Food and drinks are sold on the night, and a few activities cost extra, so bring a little cash or a card.
Gates open
Shelter Cove Community Park
Free bounce houses and music from the start.
Golden Candy Cane Hunt
The big moment for kids. Be on the lawn a few minutes early.
Food and drinks
Sold on site. Shelter Cove Towne Centre's restaurants are a short walk away.
Lights out
Three hours, so it fits before a little one's bedtime.
Where it is: Shelter Cove Community Park
The park is at 39 Shelter Cove Lane, behind Shelter Cove Towne Centre off William Hilton Parkway, looking over Broad Creek. Parking is free in the Towne Centre lots, and the park is a short walk from Shelter Cove Harbour if you want dinner by the water after.
The lawn behind Shelter Cove Towne Centre, on Broad Creek. Parking is free.
More holiday events on Hilton Head
The Harbour Town Lights are lit from Thanksgiving to New Year's Day. The Hilton Head Symphony plays Holiday Pops the weekend after Thanksgiving, and the Christmas lights page lists the best drives and wagon rides.
More holiday events
Frequently Asked Questions
Updated
When is Winter Wonderland on Hilton Head?
Friday, Dec. 4, 2026, from 4 to 7 p.m., at Shelter Cove Community Park. It is held on an evening in early December each year.
Is Winter Wonderland free?
Yes, admission and the bounce houses are free. Food, drinks and some activities are paid for on the night.
What time is the Golden Candy Cane Hunt?
5:30 p.m.
Where do I park?
In the free lots at Shelter Cove Towne Centre, beside the park at 39 Shelter Cove Lane.
Who runs Winter Wonderland?
The Island Rec Center (Island Recreation Association), which also runs the Thanksgiving Turkey Trot. Call (843) 681-7273 with questions.
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