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?

Please feel free to drive around the light show as many times as you would like!

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: Camp Road, 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 provide you with quicker access into the park and less wait times for attractions such as Santa and the train, we've identified "Peak" and "Regular" nights. On a Regular night, you can enjoy a quieter visit and even save on your admission ticket. 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 $3 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. Are the gift shops open during the day?

Shops are open during festival hours, 5:30- 10 p.m. and will be open the following select days, 10 a.m.-3 p.m: 

• November 25-27
• December 3-4
• December 10-11
• December 17-18

10. 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.