Image by Flickr user jspad
Updates are at the bottom:
The holiday season is coming! This year, bring the family together to celebrate a Lowcountry tradition at Charleston’s most beloved nighttime event - the Holiday Festival of Lights.
With over two million shimmering lights, this three-mile driving tour delivers over 700 shining displays. Beginning November 9th and continuing through December 31st, gather family and friends to capture the magic of the holiday season at James Island County Park. Remember, the Holiday Festival of Lights is much more than just a driving tour. Park the car and experience exciting attractions custom-designed for holiday cheer. There are many additional attractions to see and do, including:
- Marshmallow Roasts
- Festival Train Rides
- Lakeside Lights Interactive Activity
- The Amazing Dancing Light Display (new feature added in 2010!)
- Enchanted Forest Walking Trail
- Gingerbread Houses
- 50-Ton Sand Sculpture
- Giant Greeting Cards
- Carousel Rides
- Gift Shops
- Portable Climbing Wall
- Photos with Santa
- Santa’s Sweet Shoppe
For more information, including event hours and fees, call (843)-795-4386 or visit the official Charleston County Parks page. View the festival’s nightly special events calendar can be viewed here.
Update December 12: What’s your best bet to get the most out of the festival this year? Come Sunday through Thursday and bring a canned food item!
Over the years, the Holiday Festival of Lights has collected thousands of non-perishable canned food items at the festival gate for donation to the Lowcountry Food Bank. Last year, 2,809 pounds of food were donated, which equated to 2,161 meals. Not only is it a great cause for those in need in the Lowcountry during the holidays – bringing a can on select nights can also help visitors to the festival save on festival admission.
This year, on every Sunday through Thursday, festival-goers who bring a non-perishable canned food item for donation will save $2 off their vehicle admission fee (of up to 15 passengers). Not to mention, these days traditionally experience lower attendance levels, so you’ll save on time as well.
