[CHARLESTON, SC] –The beloved Holiday Festival of Lights is returning for its 26th year with even more to experience! Featuring an estimated two million shimmering lights, Charleston's most popular holiday event is open nightly at James Island County Park Nov. 13 through Jan. 3, 2016.
More than four million people have toured the Holiday Festival of Lights, which is hosted by the Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission at James Island County Park. The event has received many awards and mentions in publications throughout the country, and the three-mile driving tour delivers more every year.
The Holiday Festival of Lights is much more than just a driving tour! Park the car and experience family attractions, shopping, dining and more. There are many celebrated attractions to see and activities to do. Grab dinner at concessions stands, or just spoil your sweet tooth at Santa’s Sweet Shoppe. In Winter Wonderland, see a meticulously crafted sculpture constructed with 50 tons of sand. View sugary hand-made houses from the annual gingerbread competition. Shop at four festival shops for unique gifts, official 14-kt gold on brass collector series ornaments, toys, personalized items, decorations and stocking stuffers. Hop aboard the festival train for an intimate look at the festival, only seen on this enchanted ride.
Explore Santa’s Village, where the man himself is available for photos on select dates, starting the day before Thanksgiving. Take a whirl on the traditional 18-animal carousel, make s’mores at the marshmallow roasting pits, and marvel at giant 4-by-8 holiday card designs created by local students for the annual art competition. Enjoy entertainment on select nights, including live music, storytelling, visits with Mrs. Claus, outdoor movies and more.
What’s every family’s best bet for enjoying the Holiday Festival of Lights? Join us on our evenings benefiting the Lowcountry Food Bank – every Monday through Thursday! Bring a canned food item (dog and cat food also accepted) on these nights to receive discounted admission.
What’s amazing about one of this year’s new light displays? It was inspired by a young local artist! The winner of last year’s kids’ Light Display Design Contest is seven-year-old Geneva, a student at Stiles Point Elementary School. Geneva noticed at last year’s festival that there was not a display of downtown Charleston’s iconic pineapple fountain, so she submitted a drawing of her idea to the annual Light Display Design Contest. Geneva has visited the light show since she was two years old and looks forward to the event each year. Don’t miss the display she inspired at this year’s festival! Also new this year is a new toy emporium, Prancer’s Presents, located in Santa’s Village.
For more information on the Holiday Festival of Lights, including event hours and fees, call 843-795-4386 or visit the link below. This event is presented by Boeing and Your Charleston County Parks.
