The colder months are the slower times on Hilton Head Island, but for a few magical weeks around Christmas and New Year’s, the pace picks up again—and it’s not hard to understand why. With lots of people taking time off work, it’s a chance to visit family or simply get away for a bit. And a Christmas surrounded by sandy beaches and palm trees instead of ice and snow is a welcome change of pace for many.
If you’ll be spending Christmas on Hilton Head Island in 2026, how do you make the most of it? It should come as no surprise that we at Bowdie’s Chophouse believe a memorable meal out is one of the best ways to connect with family over the holidays—it’s exactly the kind of experience our chophouse was designed for.
Let us explain why Bowdie’s Chophouse belongs on your Hilton Head Christmas list, along with a few island festivities we recommend pairing with your dinner.
Have Your Perfect Holiday Dinner at Bowdie’s Chophouse
With all the restaurants Hilton Head has to offer, it can feel difficult to find the right fit for you and your family. At Bowdie’s Chophouse, we carefully craft every detail of the experience, from the food on your table to the atmosphere surrounding it, to make gatherings feel special—and the holidays are no exception. Here’s what makes our Hilton Head steakhouse the perfect setting for your holiday dinner.
A Menu with Plenty of Holiday Spirit
With plenty of hearty main courses and shareable sides, your stockings won’t be the only things getting stuffed. Here’s a little taste of the Bowdie’s Chophouse Hilton Head menu:
- The Tomahawk: The most delicious holiday centerpiece around—a 36-ounce bone-in ribeye made for two.
- Filet Mignon: For those who like their holiday treats more savory than sweet, our tender, 10-ounce filet is for you.
- Au Gratin Potatoes: A rich, cheesy twist on a holiday staple, perfect for passing around the table.
- Lobster Mac: Comfort food dressed up for Christmas with a luxurious touch of lobster.
Cocktails for Every Merry Moment
No holiday meal is complete without a toast. Whether you’re raising a glass to Christmas, the new year, or simply a long-overdue evening together, there’s something on our cocktail menu for you. Here are just a few fan favorites:
- The Manhattan: Vanilla-infused bourbon and flamed orange bring a little warmth to your holiday toast.
- Reed’s Corner: Cranberry and cava come together for a bright, bubbly glass that practically raises itself—and your holiday spirits.
- Bowdie’s Old Fashioned: With bourbon or rye, rum-infused cherries, and brûléed orange, who needs eggnog?
A Setting to Savor the Season
The holiday season brings a certain magic to the island air. When you walk through our doors, we don’t want you to leave that magic behind. In fact, we want you to feel it even more.
We meticulously crafted every detail of our chophouse to rise to any occasion that brings people together. Christmas and New Year’s set a high bar, but with our warm wood tones, rich leather, black linens, and attentive, friendly staff, we’ve created an atmosphere that balances rustic elegance with polished comfort—perfect for settling in, sharing stories, and savoring the season with your loved ones.
We’ll open at 4 p.m. on Christmas Eve, with our last seating at 8 p.m. We’ll be closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.
Hilton Head Holiday Festivities
Of course, if you’re going to have a night out on the island, why stop at dinner? You may think there aren’t many things to do on Hilton Head Island in December, but that couldn’t be further from the truth! Here are a few Hilton Head Christmas events you can enjoy before or after your visit to Bowdie’s.
Harbour Town Lights (November 27, 2026–January 1, 2027)
Stroll along the harbour to admire illuminated holiday figures and a towering Christmas tree after dark.
Gregg Russell Christmas Concert (December 23, 2026, 7:30–9 p.m.)
This legendary family entertainer has been a staple of Hilton Head Island since the ’70s, and his annual Christmas concert beneath Harbour Town’s Liberty Oak is back for 2026!
Holiday Fun in Harbour Town (December 27–28, 2026, 5–7:30 p.m.)
Gather around the Liberty Oak for holiday movies, marshmallow roasting, and train rides, with a canned-food donation for admission and a separate $6 train ticket.
Holiday Lights Wagon Ride (December 29, 2026, 5–6 p.m.)
Climb aboard an illuminated wagon for a ride through the Sea Pines Forest Preserve with holiday sing-alongs, hot chocolate, and treats.
New Year’s Eve Celebration (December 31, 2026, 6 p.m.–January 1, 2027, 12:30 a.m.)
Welcome the new year with live music, entertainment, and a ball drop from the top of the Harbour Town Lighthouse. There are two ball drops—one at 7 p.m. and one at midnight.
Give the Gift of a Bowdie’s Experience
If you know someone who’d love the Bowdie’s experience, wrap it up and give it to them this Christmas in the form of a gift card!
Reserve Your Perfect Hilton Head Christmas
With many people taking time off work and gathering with family, spots at one of our tables tend to fill up fast around the holidays. So, if you want your Hilton Head Christmas to include the meal it deserves, reserve your table now so you don’t miss out!
Plan Your Visit to Bowdie’s Chophouse
Address
11 Palmetto Bay Rd #104
Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
Regular Hours
Sun–Thu: 5–10 p.m.
Fri–Sat: 5–11 p.m.
Holiday Hours
Christmas Eve: Opening at 4 p.m., with the last seating at 8 p.m.
Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day: Closed