Show All Answers

1. How do I purchase tickets?

Tickets may be purchased online in advance or at the gate. Visit the ticketing page for details.

2. Will I be able to visit with Santa?

Santa Claus is most definitely coming to town! Visits with Santa will be available on a first-come, first-served basis at the festival and during the day at the appointment-only Mingle with Kringle and Inclusive Visit with Santa.

3. How many times may I drive through?

You are welcome to drive around the light show as many times as you would like! Our visitors always spot something new on each trip.

4. Are there alternate routes to try to avoid the traffic?

Please consider alternate routes to the Holiday Festival of Lights at James Island County Park, especially on busier, peak nights:

- From Folly Road (SC 171), turn right onto one of these roads: George L. Griffith Boulevard or Grimball Road. Then, turn right onto Riverland Drive, and then make a final left turn into the festival.

- The park is at 871 Riverland Drive.

See our admission page for a schedule of the peak nights for this year's Holiday Festival of Lights. 

5. Which nights are less busy?

To enhance the visitor experience and to help manage wait times, the Holiday Festival of Lights used historical attendance data to create Green, Yellow and Red nights.  Admission prices vary based on the night, and guests can save money by purchasing their tickets online in advance.  For more information see our festival admission page.

6. I'd like to bring my group out to the festival. Who should I call?

Please use the left-hand lane when approaching the gatehouse if you are driving a bus. We ask that tour buses call ahead with the park office at 843-406-6990 so that we can prepare for your arrival.

7. Do you rent wheelchairs?

The Holiday Festival of Lights is a three-mile driving tour with a self-guided walking portion to see more lights and other amenities. A wheelchair is available to check out at the park office in Winter Wonderland free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis. A photo ID is required as a deposit to check out. Please call the park office at 843-406-6990 or ask a staff member for assistance.

Read on for more information on festival accessibility.

8. How do I buy tickets for the train?

Train tickets must be purchased at the train depot and are $4 per person. Children two & under may ride for free if sitting in the lap of an adult. No food, drinks, or pets are allowed on the train. The train runs nightly from 6–10 p.m. Ticket sales end at 9:40 p.m.

9. What forms of payment do you accept?

Cash and credit cards are accepted for admission and for purchasing concessions. You may also purchase advance admission online.