[CHARLESTON, SC] –The beloved Holiday Festival of Lights is returning for its 27th year! Featuring an estimated two million shimmering lights, Charleston’s most popular holiday event is open nightly at James Island County Park Nov. 11, 2016 through Jan. 1, 2017.
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, including:
Grab dinner at concessions stands, or spoil your sweet tooth at Santa’s Sweet Shoppe. In Winter Wonderland, see a meticulously crafted sculpture constructed with 50 tons of sand. Shop at 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 greeting card designs created by local students for the annual art competition. Enjoy entertainment on select nights, including live music, storytelling, visits with Mrs. Claus, carolers, outdoor movies and more. See event listing below.
What’s amazing about one of this year’s new light displays? It was inspired by a young local artist! The winner of the final kids’ Light Display Design Contest was Katherine Leigh Jackson from Rollings Middle School of the Arts. In 2015, Summerville native Katherine submitted a drawing of a dog putting treats into a stocking. Katherine was inspired by her own dog, Wally the miniature red long-haired dachshund, and hopes that the display will encourage people to rescue and adopt pets. Don’t miss the display she inspired at this year’s festival!
What’s every family’s best bet for enjoying the Holiday Festival of Lights? Join us on our evenings benefitting 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.
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.
Holiday Festival of Lights Special Events Calendar:
Nov. 9 & 10: Get a Sneak Peek of the festival at the Fun Run! 6:30-8:30 p.m.; advance registration is required.
Nov. 11: Grand Opening Night! Enjoy live music from Lowcountry Powerbrass (7-9 p.m.) and the awards presentation for the winners of the Giant Greeting Card contest and the Light Display Design Contest. In honor of Veterans Day, guests with a valid military ID will receive a $5 admission discount.
Nov. 14: First night to save $5 off admission when you bring a canned food item for donation to the Lowcountry Food Bank. Canned dog or cat food also accepted. Discount offered every Monday through Thursday, Nov. 14 – Dec. 29.
Nov. 17: The Footlight Players, performing an excerpt from Nuncrackers, 6:30 & 7:30 p.m.
Nov. 18: Outdoor Movie Night - Bring a chair and a blanket and kick back to watch a family holiday film! Continuous shows starting at 6 p.m. in Santa’s Village.
Nov. 19: Outdoor Movie Night - Continuous shows starting at 6 p.m. in Santa’s Village.
Nov. 23: Visit with Mrs. Claus, 6-10 p.m. Performance by Lowcountry Power Brass, 7 – 9 p.m.
Nightly Nov. 23 - Dec. 23: Santa Claus is at the festival nightly in Santa’s Village! Families and dogs are invited for photos.
Nov. 27: Visit with Mrs. Claus, 6-10 p.m.
Nov. 30: Starlight Yoga, 6:30 p.m.
Dec. 1: Visit with South Carolina Aquarium, 6- 8 p.m. Performance by Lowcountry Power Brass, 7-9 p.m.
Dec. 2 & 4: Visit with Mrs. Claus, 6-10 p.m.
Dec. 3: First opportunity to Mingle with Kringle during the day! Sign up in advance by calling 843-795-4386 (pre-registration required).
Dec. 5: Performance by Charleston County School of the Arts, 6 & 7 p.m.
Dec. 6: Holiday Storytelling with Two Girls and a Guy from Mix 96, 6:30 & 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 7: Performance by Charleston County School of the Arts, 6 & 7 p.m.
Dec. 8: Visit with South Carolina Aquarium, 6- 8 p.m. Performance by Lowcountry Power Brass, 7 – 9 p.m.
Dec. 9: Visit with Mrs. Claus, 6-10 p.m. Performance by Charleston County School of the Arts, 6 & 7 p.m.
Dec. 10: Holiday Carolers, 6 – 8 p.m. Stiltwalker, 6 – 9 p.m.
Dec. 12: Visit with Mrs. Claus, 6-10 p.m.
Dec. 13: Holiday Storytelling with the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office, 6:30 & 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 14: Visit with Mrs. Claus, 6-10 p.m. Performance by Charleston County School of the Arts, 6 & 7 p.m.
Dec. 15: Visit with South Carolina Aquarium, 6-8 p.m. Performance by Lowcountry Power Brass, 7-9 p.m.
Dec. 17: Holiday Carolers, 6 – 8 p.m. Magnolia Dance Academy performance, 7 p.m.
Dec. 18 & 19: Visit with Mrs. Claus, 6-10 p.m.
Dec. 20: Holiday Storytelling with Memminger Elementary School, 6:30 & 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 22: Visit with Mrs. Claus, 6-10 p.m.
Dec. 31: Stiltwalker, 6-9 p.m. and Fireworks at the Holiday Festival of Lights, 9 p.m.
