For the 31st year, the Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission (CCPRC) invites you to a magical evening at the Holiday Festival of Lights at James Island County Park. This annual light show is one of Charleston's most cherished holiday events, featuring an estimated two million dazzling lights.
The Holiday Festival of Lights is held every evening, rain or shine, from November 13th to December 31st, 2020. The festival will open nightly at 5:30 pm and close at 10 pm.
“Charleston County Parks is thrilled to offer the Holiday Festival of Lights to the community this year,” said CCPRC Executive Director David Bennett. “While the event has been modified for these challenging times, the heart of the festival – its driving tour – remains unchanged to safely delight families and guests of all ages.”
The three-mile driving tour features 700 light displays, most of which were created in-house by park staff. Displays range from traditional holiday scenes to Lowcountry icons such as Rainbow Row and the Cooper River and Ravenel Bridges; to various themed sections like Sea Land, Dinosaur Land, Candy Land and Toy Land.
After touring the lights, guests can drive through a concessions area to pick up treats including the festival's popular hot chocolate. Restrooms will be available at one location within the park, but otherwise guests will remain in their cars at this year's Holiday Festival of Lights.
While on-site visits with Santa will not take place during the Holiday Festival of Lights, Charleston County Parks will still offer photos with the very popular Old St. Nick during select daytime visits. Families can sign up for a visit with Santa during the day at James Island County Park. Sessions come complete with a private visit and a photo package from the official Holiday Festival of Lights photographer Gary Coleman. For details or to register, visit HolidayFestivalofLights.com.
The Santa's Attic gift shop will be open during the day only (from 9 am to 5 pm) for holiday shopping, from November 1st through December 31st. Santa's Attic is located at James Island County Park's Park Center.
Also new this year, to encourage contactless transactions, will be the opportunity to purchase advance festival tickets online at HolidayFestivalofLights.com. Tickets will also be available for purchase at the gate for $20 per vehicle of up to 15 guests.
One of Charleston's favorite holiday events, the Holiday Festival of Lights has attracted millions of visitors during its 31 years.
For more information on the Holiday Festival of Lights, including event hours and fees, call 843-795-4386 or visit HolidayFestivalofLights.com.
