Every holiday season, the Jekyll Island Club Resort on Georgia’s Golden Isles transforms into a storybook version of the Gilded Age. I spent a few festive days there soaking up all the vintage charm—holiday teas, carriage rides, bagpipes on the veranda, and twinkling trees. Here’s what it’s really like to celebrate the holidays on Jekyll Island, one of the most atmospheric Christmas getaways in Georgia.
Festive Traditions and Events
The moment I arrived, the holiday spirit was impossible to miss. The historic clubhouse and surrounding cottages were dressed in garlands and bright red bows, and the live oaks shimmered with more than a million lights.
From late November through early January, the resort is packed with celebrations and activities. Here are a few of my favorites.
Holiday Carriage Ride
Late one afternoon, as the sun began to set, we bundled up for a holiday carriage ride through the historic district. The horse-drawn rides are run by a third-party company but start and end right at the resort.
The clip-clop of hooves on the pavement set the rhythm as we passed cottages glowing with decorations and lights strung through the oaks. It was a peaceful way to see the island and imagine what the holidays might’ve felt like here a century ago.
Our 45-minute route wound through the Millionaires’ Village, with our driver sharing stories about the cottages and the families who once spent their winters here. I loved every minute of it, but the chill set in by the end. I didn’t have a blanket and definitely felt it, so learn from my mistake and bring one if you go.
Holiday High Tea
The Holiday High Tea made me feel like I’d wandered into a holiday movie, and I’ll never forget it. I’ve done plenty of afternoon teas, but this was my first high tea, and I loved every minute.
We each chose one of five teas but were welcome to sample others. I started with Spiced Chai and ended with Lady Blue Earl Grey, both perfect for a chilly afternoon.
The food was incredible. Everything was bite-sized, so we could try a little of everything: pastries with clotted cream, lemon curd, holiday-spiced marmalade, and honey; plus tiered trays of fresh fruit, finger sandwiches, tarts, and tiny desserts.
It felt indulgent in the best way, with carols playing softly in the background and servers moving gracefully between tables. I’d go again in a heartbeat.
Landmark Trolley Tour
The guided trolley tour is a fun, easy way to soak up the island’s Gilded Age history and with the resort dressed for the holidays, it’s super festive. It’s a narrated 60-minute ride through the historic district, with a stop inside one of the restored cottages. The ticket also includes entry to Mosaic, the island museum, and Faith Chapel, which you can visit on your own afterward.
The trolley winds past the stately Jekyll Island Clubhouse, once the social hub for three-hour dinners and elaborate Christmas parties, and past cottages that look more like mansions. It’s a relaxing ride beneath moss-draped oaks and the perfect combo of history, lore, and ghost stories.
Pro Tip: If you prefer a private or small group tour, you can sign up for the Millionaire Motorcar Tour where you’ll tour the island in a 1930’s Model T replica.
Jekyll the Elf Scavenger Hunt
I’m not sure if they do this every year (I hope so!) but we had the best time on a scavenger hunt for twelve cleverly hidden “Jekyll the Elf” characters. There were some at the historic property and some at the Ocean Club, and the prize was an appetizer!
Champagne, Sabers, and Bagpipes on the Veranda
The champagne saber experience at Jekyll Island Club Resort is equal parts history lesson and party trick. We gathered on the veranda, where we learned the sabering tradition began after the French Revolution, when Napoleon’s officers celebrated victories by slicing open bottles of champagne with their sabers while on horseback.
Then came the demo. The saber slid cleanly along the chilled bottle, the cork popped, and a spray of bubbles followed. Everyone cheered, glasses were filled, and we toasted to the night. A bagpiper below played Christmas tunes on the lawn, his notes drifting up through the oaks while we sipped our champagne and watched the lights flicker through the trees.
Polar Express Event at the Ocean Club
If you’re visiting with kids (or you just like a bit of whimsy), the Polar Express event at the Ocean Club is pure holiday magic—hot cocoa, music, and ocean breezes in place of snow. It’s one of the most popular family Christmas events on Jekyll Island, and it’s easy to see why. On our way to dinner at Eighty Ocean, we stopped for a moment to watch, and it was so sweet seeing the kids completely absorbed, snuggled against their parents, and lost in the movie.
While You’re Here:
When you need a break from cocoa and carols, check out a few island favorites that shine year-round. Take the Hotel History Tour for a peek into Jekyll’s Gilded Age past, rent a bike from Jekyll Wheels to cruise the oak-shaded trails, visit the Georgia Sea Turtle Center to meet rescued turtles and learn about local conservation, or wander Driftwood Beach, where fallen trees create a one-of-a-kind coastal scene.
My Guest Room at the Jekyll Island Club Resort
I stayed in the Clubhouse Annex, the four-story 1901 addition to the original Clubhouse. My room was on the third floor with a balcony view of the cottages and the big lawn. The updates are beautiful. Everything feels modern without losing the building’s historic character, even in the bathrooms.
Book Your Stay! Check rates and dates at the Jekyll Island Club Resort. Stay at the Clubhouse (like I did), at the Ocean Club, or even a cottage.
Final Thoughts
I came for the Jekyll Island Christmas lights and ended up falling in love with the whole resort (and island). There’s something about the mix of Gilded Age history, ocean air, and small-island calm that gets under your skin. The holidays make it sparkle a little brighter, but honestly, I’d come back any time of year.
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