Holidays at the Bluff
A visit to Montage Palmetto Bluff this holiday season is the gift that keeps on giving
Words by Paige Townley
Any opportunity for a getaway to Montage Palmetto Bluff is a reason to celebrate. A 20,000-acre community nestled between Hilton Head Island and Savannah, Palmetto Bluff is a picturesque destination that combines the classic beauty of the Lowcountry with upscale southern living and the ultimate in outdoor adventure. From an extensive nature preserve and two charming villages to a riverfront marina and a Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course, Montage Palmetto Bluff offers so much to explore year-round, but it’s the holiday season that’s truly the most wonderful time of the year at this coastal Carolina destination.
Montage Palmetto Bluff has a rich tradition of festive events to make the most of the magical time of the year. It begins each year with dressing the resort in its finest holiday trimmings, from garlands and ribbons to twinkling lights, nutcrackers, and decked out trees, and then kicking off the seasonal agenda with the annual Lighting of the Inn. Before all of the festivities involved in the final holiday celebration of ringing in the New Year, there are so many holiday events to be discovered and enjoyed—events that experienced with friends and family will create memories to last a lifetime.
While practically every day in December includes at least one special holiday event—from oyster socials and cookie decorating to Christmas crafts and story time with Mrs. Claus—there are some extra special events hosted by Montage Palmetto Bluff that speak the loudest to the community’s longstanding seasonal traditions.
Breakfast with Santa
Each year, Montage Palmetto Bluff brings in the big guy for a truly special holiday brunch. Guests in attendance enjoy a brunch featuring all of the favorite classic holiday dishes, and all of the boys and girls get their opportunity to meet Santa and share their wishes for Christmas morning.
Wild Fruits & Berries of the Bluff
One of the most uniquely Montage Palmetto Bluff events each December is the Wild Fruits & Berries of the Bluff. Guests spend an afternoon walking the scenic trails of the Bluff, seeking out the season’s bounty and learning all about the area’s native fruits and berries that help sustain the community’s wildlife each winter.
Christmas in the Air
As if the setting at Montage Palmetto Bluff isn’t already magical enough, the property turns the festive feeling up on Christmas Eve with Christmas in the Air, a time when the Inn is filled with the favorite songs of the holiday season to keep the feeling merry and bright.
Festive Frolic Frenzy
The whole family will be put in a celebratory mood after an afternoon at the Festive Frolic Frenzy. Hosted on the sunrise lawn, the event is a Christmas Eve tradition that brings in holiday bounce houses, games for the whole family, and activities of all types, as well as a DJ and music to ensure everyone has a merry little Christmas.
Moreland Holiday Gathering
It’s not a celebration in the Lowcountry if an oyster social isn’t included in the mix, and Montage Palmetto Bluff hosts one of its most popular each Christmas Eve at the Moreland Holiday Gathering. Held at Moreland Landing, a five-story treehouse, the gathering brings the best of the Lowcountry to a fabulous Christmas dinner. Guests will enjoy an oyster roast and Lowcountry boil, complete with all of the classic fixings, while enjoying the picturesque views of the May River.
Owl Prowl
One of the last traditions held each year before New Year’s Eve festivities begin is the Owl Prowl. Another nod to the unique landscape of the community, guests are given an opportunity to venture out in the early morning hours with a resident Montage Palmetto Bluff Naturalist to learn all about the owls that can be found in the area.
Whatever you’re looking to celebrate this holiday season, there’s no better destination to make the most of the magical month of December than Montage Palmetto Bluff.