Kiawah at Christmas-Am I Nuts?
 

I'm looking at someplace for a Christmas Week vacation that is 1) warmer than the midwest (which means above 30), 2) by the ocean with good seafood available, 3) has good hiking amid natural stuff, 4) is not tropical, and 5) is relaxing (sit around and read a book in the afternoon by the ocean after hiking in the morning). I've considered visiting Kiawah in the past, never done it, am I nuts to go at Christmas time? How cold does it get at Chrismas time? Does anyone go there at Christmas time? Thanks.

I love Kiawah at Christmas time! We've gone the past few years; it sure beats the weather in Michigan in December. While it's not warm enough for swimming, it was nice enought to wear a sweater and turtleneck (no jacket) outside for the whole evening for the New Year's Eve celebration. The resort has lots of things going on, there are almost no bugs and the decorations around town and at the hotel are lovely. Last year it was around 60 during the day, cooler at night. You can check past weather for the zip code 29455 at weatherunderground.com.

The island is about as flat as it gets, so if walking fits the bill instead of 'hiking,' you should be fine. There are miles of paved walking/biking trails. You could also rent a bike if you weren't inclined to bring one along.

Kiawah is amazing any time of year - 10 miles of beachfront - bike trails as well - are gators enough nature for you :-) of course there are so many animals still on the island in there natural habitat -
they decorate for the hoidays and have special activites for families with children as well as adults
walking on the beach at Christmas sure beats shoveling snow in Ohio any day - go and enjoy your trip
another thing - short drive to Charleston a definite must see and great resturants

I think it would suit you well.

Weather can be 55 or 75 so bring clothes for both.

The good thing is that because the ocean temp never gets below 58 degrees, even 30 degrees feels much warmer.

Also, Charleston is fabulous for day trips.

Rent a home with a fireplace. Between the ocean breeze and the warm cozy fireplace, you'll be a drooling idiot in no time:-d

I'll start with the disclaimer that I am a Charleston native and we own a home on Kiawah. But one of the reasons we bought a house was so that we can spend Christmas on the Island.

We've had warm Christmases and very cold ones. Pretty much the luck of the draw. Last year we had a cocktail party on the beach the day before New Years' Eve. Three years ago, it was so cold that the mud puddles were frozen.

It's a good time to visit Charleston as well. Lots of afternoon concerts that allow you to get back to Kiawah before dark. Good food all around the area. And rentals are quite affordable.

This year we are renting 2 "extra" houses for our group of 20.

Best holiday tip: Go to the holiday display at the James Island County Park. Wonderful lights, carousel, train rides and all you need is a sweatshirt. dinner afterward at The Athens, very good and affordable Greek and Italian food.

dove,

Thanks for the tip on James Island County Park and the Christmas display...we've seen ads for it but have never gone. Also, we've driven by The Athens and wondered about it too. How lucky to be able to live in Charleston and have a place at Kiawah!