James Island County Park’s beloved Holiday Festival of Lights returns for its 36th year on Saturday, Nov. 14. The event will run nightly from 5:30 to 10 p.m. through Dec. 31, 2025.
Since its debut in 1990, more than five million visitors have toured the festival, earning national recognition and becoming a cherished Lowcountry holiday tradition.
The festival features more than 750 light displays along a three-mile drive through the park. Guests can park and explore additional areas offering family activities, holiday shopping, seasonal treats, and more, including:
- A ride on the magical Festival Express train
- Marveling at the 50-ton sand sculpture
- Spinning on the old-fashioned carousel
- Scaling the climbing wall
- Santa Visits (more info below)
- Roasting marshmallows over an open fire
- Shopping for holiday gifts
- Enjoying pretzels, popcorn and sweet treats
- Special entertainment on select evenings, including a New Year’s Eve fireworks display on Dec. 31 at 8 p.m.
Santa Claus will be at the festival nightly from opening night through Dec. 23. Special daytime appearances, called Mingle with Kringle, will be held on Saturday, Dec. 6 and 13. People with disabilities and their families can schedule private inclusive visits with Santa on Dec. 7 and 14. Daytime visits can be booked at HolidayFestivalofLights.com.
To enhance visitor experience and manage wait times, each event night is categorized by color based on expected attendance: green, yellow or red. Admission varies by night:
- Green nights: $15 per vehicle in advance, $25 at the gate
- Yellow nights: $25 in advance, $35 at the gate
- Red nights: $30 in advance, $45 at the gate (online advance purchase can save up to $15)
- Gold Pass holders receive one free vehicle admission per annual membership (pass must be presented at the gate).
A calendar of color-coded nights is available at HolidayFestivalofLights.com