Lighting of the Palms SGI 2026
Quick facts
- Date: Friday, December 4, 2026, 4:00–6:00 PM
- Where: Lighthouse Park, St. George Island
- Admission: Free
- Sponsor: St. George Island Business Association
- Last verified: October 19, 2026
What is the Lighting of the Palms?
Kick off the holiday season island-style: the Lighting of the Palms fills Lighthouse Park with Christmas crafts and games, hot chocolate, cookies, books and gifts, and visits with Santa. As dusk falls, the palms themselves light up — wrapped in Christmas lights against the night sky — followed by the lighted golf cart parade rolling through. See the official December calendar for details.
The golf cart parade
Only on St. George Island: after the palms light up at dusk, decorated golf carts strung with lights parade through in one of the coast’s most charming holiday traditions. Bring the whole crew — it’s the kind of small-town Christmas moment people plan trips around.
Where to stay for the Lighting of the Palms
This one’s easy — it’s on the island. A Collins Vacation Rental on SGI puts you minutes from Lighthouse Park: cocoa and crafts in the evening, quiet beach morning after. Book direct with the local island team.
FAQ
When is the Lighting of the Palms in 2026?
Friday, December 4, 2026, from 4 to 6 PM at Lighthouse Park on St. George Island.
Is the Lighting of the Palms free?
Yes — it’s a free community event.
What happens at the Lighting of the Palms?
Christmas crafts and games, hot chocolate, cookies, books and gifts, visits with Santa, the lighting of the palms at dusk, and a lighted golf cart parade to close the evening.