January 2026 Events in the Lowcountry: A Local Guide to Coastal Living

events January 1, 2026

January is the perfect time to experience everything that makes life in the Lowcountry so special. From coastal celebrations and community gatherings to cultural events across Savannah, Pooler, Richmond Hill, Effingham County, the Golden Isles, Bluffton, and Hilton Head, the new year begins with no shortage of ways to explore the area. Whether you’re a longtime local or considering a move to the coast, this January 2026 Lowcountry events guide highlights what’s happening throughout the region, and why so many people choose to call it home. At the Trisha Cook Team, we don’t just help clients buy and sell real estate; we help them connect to the lifestyle and communities that define Greater Savannah and the Lowcountry.

Savannah Events

New Year’s Day 2026 Good Luck Meal
When: Jan 1 at 10:00 AM
Where: Broken Keel - 115 E. River Street
Start off the year with Southern tradition and a little good luck with a classic Lowcountry meal on Riverstreet!
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48th Annual MLK Jr. Observance Day Association Celebration
When: Jan 19 at 10:00 AM
Where: Broken Keel - 115 E. River Street
Held to honor Dr. King's life and legacy through community engagement, service, and reflection.
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SCAD's Holiday Spectacular
When: Jan 19 at 10:00 AM
Where: Broken Keel - 115 E. River Street
Start off the year with Southern tradition and a little good luck with a classic Lowcountry meal on Riverstreet!
Click here for more information

Lighted Christmas Street Parade
When: Jan 19 at 10:00 AM
Where: Broken Keel - 115 E. River Street
Start off the year with Southern tradition and a little good luck with a classic Lowcountry meal on Riverstreet!
Click here for more information

Richmond Hill Events

Richmond Hill Friends of the Library Used Book Sale
When: Jan 3 and 15 at 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Where: Richmond Hill Library

Massive used Book Sale offering huge selections of books, puzzles, games, and movies at bargain prices.

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Richmond Hill Exchange Club’s Annual Casino Night Fundraiser
When: Jan 10 at 6:00 pm
Where: Richmond Hill City Center

This highly anticipated event will feature heavy hors-d'oeuvres, cocktails, and complimentary casino games.

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Tybee Island Events

Tybee Island Polar Plunge 2026
When: Jan 1 at 12:00 pm
Where: Tybee Pier & Pavilion
A fun costume contest and parade for "Gangs of Goofs," followed by the actual plunge into the chilly Atlantic Ocean at the Tybee Pier.
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Holidays With Mermaid Cottages
When: Jan 1
Where: Mermaid Cottages
A charming, cozy, and personalized vacation experience with uniquely decorated, homey beach houses.
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Effingham & West Chatham Area Events

Samuel Zemurray Classic Cattle Show
When: Jan 3 at 8:00 – 10:00 am
Where: Honey Ridge Agricenter

A livestock event where young exhibitors can showcase their animals and develop showmanship skills in the agricultural community.

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Smoke and Silk: A New Year's Celebration
When: Jan 8 at 6:00 pm
Where: Beulah House - 407 Church Street

An intimate four-course dinner featuring a smoky theme, with a menu curated by a guest chef from Magnolia Grill Catering.

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A Healthy City 360 Event at Empire Gym in Rincon
When: Jan 10 at 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
Where: Empire Gym - 614 Towne Park Loop

The event is designed to educate, empower, and engage the community in its wellness journey.

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New Year 5K, 10K, & 13.1M
When: Jan 17 at 8:30 am
Where: Tom Triplett Park, Pooler

A family-friendly and motivating event aimed at celebrating health and fitness at the start of a new year.

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Hilton Head Island / Bluffton Events

"Snow Day" on Hilton Head
When: Jan 31 at 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Where: Shelter Cove Community Park, 39 Shelter Cove Ln

Snow machines create a snowy play area where kids can build snowmen and have snowball fights; other kids' activities are available.

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Hibachi Dinner Cruise
When: Fridays at 4:00 pm – 6:30 pm
Where: Broad Creek Marina

An interactive dining experience on the water, blending delicious Japanese hibachi-style cooking with fun entertainment from chefs who perform tricks right at your table.

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Oyster Roasts
When: Saturdays at 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Where: Coast, Oceanfront Dining

Hosted at the oceanfront Sea Pines Resort, expect live music, casual attire, and a lively, relaxed vibe.

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Golden Isles Events

New Year’s Day Beach Sweep and Polar Plunge 2026
When: Jan 1 at 8:30 am
Where: Coast Guard/East Beach
A community event combining beach clean-up with a refreshing (cold!) dip into the ocean.
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"From the Coast to the Mountains" Opening Reception
When: Jan 8 at 5:30 – 7:00 pm
Where: Glynn Visual Arts - 106 Island Drive, St. Simons Island

This event celebrated art showcasing the natural beauty of different regions, connecting the local seaside to mountainous vistas.
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Island Treasures: Jekyll Island Treasure Hunt 2026
When: Month long
Where: Beach Village, Historic District, Beach Parks, Common Areas, Along Established Paths

Hunt for clear plastic globes all around the island during the months of January and February.
Click here for more information

Brunswick Rockin' Stewbilee
When: Jan 31 starts at 10:00 am – 2:30 pm
Where: Mary Ross Waterfront Park

Celebrate Brunswick Stew with a major cooking competition, blind judging, and a People's Choice award.
Click here for more information

January in the Lowcountry brings cooler temperatures, fewer crowds, and endless opportunities to enjoy the region’s coastal lifestyle. Whether you’re exploring Savannah’s historic charm or soaking in island life along the coast, here are some of the best ways to experience the Lowcountry this January.

Enjoy Coastal Walks & Beach Days - Winter is one of the best times to explore the coast. Take a peaceful beach walk on Tybee Island, Hilton Head Island, or Jekyll Island, where mild January weather makes outdoor time comfortable and scenic.
Explore Historic Savannah - The month of January is ideal for walking Savannah’s Historic District, touring iconic landmarks, and enjoying guided history or ghost tours without peak-season crowds. Visit museums, historic homes, and River Street shops at a relaxed pace.
Experience Arts, Culture & Live Performances - Across Savannah, Bluffton, Hilton Head, and the Golden Isles, January brings:

Theater performances
Art exhibitions and gallery events
Live music and cultural programming

Discover the Lowcountry Food Scene - It's the perfect season to explore local restaurants, waterfront dining, and seasonal menus. From Savannah’s renowned Southern cuisine to Bluffton and Hilton Head’s coastal flavors, January is a great time to enjoy:

Oyster dishes
Seafood specialties
Cozy cafés and local favorites

Shop Local & Visit Markets - Support local makers and small businesses by visiting:

Downtown Savannah boutiques
Bluffton’s Old Town shops
Seasonal farmers and artisan markets throughout the region

Get Outdoors & Stay Active - Take advantage of cooler weather with outdoor activities like:

Biking trails in Hilton Head and Jekyll Island
Kayaking and paddleboarding on calm winter waterways
Nature walks and wildlife viewing in coastal preserves

Attend Community Events & Seasonal Celebrations - From New Year festivities and MLK Day observances to winter socials and local fundraisers, January events bring communities together across the Lowcountry. These gatherings offer a great way to meet locals and experience the welcoming culture of the area.

The Lowcountry’s vibrant events, coastal charm, and close-knit communities are what make this region such an incredible place to live year-round. If you’re thinking about buying, selling, or simply exploring your options in Greater Savannah or the surrounding Lowcountry, the Trisha Cook Team is here to guide you every step of the way. Reach out to our team to learn more about the neighborhoods you love, and discover how easy it can be to make the Lowcountry your home.