Every holiday season, James Island County Park transforms into a sparkling winter wonderland as the Holiday Festival of Lights returns to the Lowcountry. A beloved Charleston tradition since 1990, this annual celebration invites families, friends and visitors to experience millions of twinkling lights, larger-than-life holiday displays, seasonal treats and festive activities throughout the park.
The 2026 Holiday Festival of Lights runs November 13 through December 31 at James Island County Park, located at 871 Riverland Drive in Charleston, South Carolina. Open nightly from 5:30 to 10 p.m., including Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The festival offers a memorable way to celebrate the season, whether you're continuing a family tradition or experiencing the lights for the first time.
What Is the Holiday Festival of Lights?
The Holiday Festival of Lights began in 1990 with just 18 light displays. Today, it has grown into one of the Lowcountry's signature holiday attractions, featuring more than 750 illuminated displays along a three-mile driving route.
The experience begins with a drive through the park, where colorful lights, animated scenes and oversized holiday decorations transform the landscape into a festive spectacle. Visitors can enjoy the displays from the comfort of their vehicles before parking to explore the attractions, shops and seasonal activities in Santa's Village.
There's something for nearly every age, from little ones excited to see Santa Claus to adults looking for a relaxing evening surrounded by holiday lights. Plan to spend additional time beyond the driving tour to enjoy everything the festival has to offer.
Explore Santa's Village
After enjoying the drive-through light show, park your vehicle and make your way to Santa's Village. This walkable area brings together many of the festival's most popular attractions, along with food, shopping and opportunities to make holiday memories.
Ride the Festival Express
All aboard the Festival Express! This approximately 15-minute train ride offers another way to experience the holiday displays up close. The train operates nightly from 6 to 10 p.m., with ticket sales ending at 9:40 p.m. Tickets cost $5 per person and can be purchased at the train depot. Children 2 and under may ride free when seated on an adult's lap.
Take a Spin on the Carousel
A classic carousel ride adds a little extra magic to an evening at the festival. Rides cost $2 each, and the carousel operates nightly beginning at 6 p.m. Children under 42 inches tall must be accompanied by an adult.
See the Holiday Sand Sculpture
One of the festival's distinctive attractions is its elaborate holiday sand sculpture, created using more than 50 tons of sand. The detailed seasonal artwork offers a unique photo opportunity and showcases the creativity behind the festival's displays.
Try the Climbing Wall
For visitors looking to add a little adventure to their evening, the climbing wall offers an active break from the holiday festivities. Two climbs cost $4, with tickets available at the attraction.
Build a New Friend at the Reindeer Workshop
The Reindeer Workshop offers children a hands-on opportunity to choose a plush animal and take part in creating a new furry friend. It's a fun activity for younger visitors and a chance to bring home a special holiday keepsake.
Visit Santa Claus at the Holiday Festival of Lights
For many families, a visit with Santa is an essential part of the holiday season. Santa is scheduled to welcome visitors nightly from November 13 through December 23, beginning at 6 p.m.
Regular visits with Santa are free with festival admission. Digital photographs are available for an additional fee. Visitors can sign in with an elf to join the virtual queue, then enjoy other attractions while waiting for their turn.
The festival also offers special daytime experiences for families seeking a more personalized visit.
Mingle with Kringle is scheduled for December 5 and 12, 2026. This $85 experience includes professional digital photos for a group of up to five people and a gift pass for a future festival visit.
Inclusive Visit with Santa is scheduled for December 6 and 13, 2026. Designed to provide a calmer environment for people with disabilities and their families, this experience costs $40 per group of up to five and includes professional digital photos and a festival gift pass. Sensory bags and a dedicated quiet space are available.
Advance registration is required for both special experiences. Families should check the official registration pages for availability and additional details.
Enjoy Holiday Treats and Shopping
No holiday outing is complete without a seasonal snack. Santa's Sweet Shoppe serves favorites such as hot chocolate, pretzels, popcorn, ice cream and fresh-baked treats. Visitors can enjoy refreshments inside the shop or at outdoor picnic tables.
Santa's Village also offers opportunities to shop for holiday decorations, toys, stocking stuffers, personalized ornaments and handcrafted keepsakes. The festival's official collectible ornament series is a popular option for visitors who want to commemorate their annual trip.
The 2026 collectible ornament, titled Serpent of the Stono, draws inspiration from local lore about a mysterious creature associated with the Stono River near James Island County Park. The ornament is priced at $21.99 plus tax at the festival.
Food, beverages and merchandise are sold separately from admission, so consider bringing some extra spending money if you plan to enjoy the attractions and shops.
Special Events and Entertainment
The Holiday Festival of Lights offers more than its nightly light displays. Special events throughout the season provide additional opportunities to celebrate the holidays and connect with the community.
The Giant Greeting Card Competition is one of the festival's longstanding community traditions. Students create oversized, 4-by-8-foot holiday greeting cards that are displayed in Santa's Village. The 2026 opening-night awards presentation is scheduled for November 13 at 7 p.m., celebrating the creativity of participating students.
The festival also plans to ring in the new year with a fireworks display on December 31. Additional entertainment and seasonal programming may take place on select evenings, so visitors should consult the official events calendar when planning their trip.
Holiday Festival of Lights Tickets and Admission
Admission to the Holiday Festival of Lights is charged per vehicle rather than per person. For a standard vehicle carrying up to 15 people, 2026 admission rates vary by the expected crowd level for the selected night.
Green nights, designated for the lightest expected crowds, cost $15 online in advance or $25 at the gate. Yellow nights cost $25 online or $35 at the gate, while red nights, which are expected to draw the largest crowds, cost $30 online or $45 at the gate.
Larger vehicles have separate rates: $75 for vehicles carrying 16–30 people and $175 for vehicles carrying 31 or more.
Buying tickets online in advance is recommended because it can save money and time at the entrance. Admission tickets are valid for one entry on the date purchased and are nonrefundable. Check the official ticket calendar before purchasing to confirm the rate for your preferred date.
Charleston County Parks Gold Pass members receive one free standard-vehicle admission per annual membership period. Be sure to bring the actual Gold Pass to the gate; a purchase receipt is not accepted in its place.
Gift passes are also available for those who want to share the experience with friends, family or colleagues. Each pass admits one vehicle carrying up to 15 guests. Group orders qualify for discounted per-pass rates, starting at $25 per pass for orders of one to nine and decreasing to $22 per pass for orders of 251 or more. To order gift passes, contact Charleston County Parks at 843-795-4386.
Planning Your Visit
A little preparation can make your visit to the Holiday Festival of Lights even more enjoyable.
Arrive early. The festival opens at 5:30 p.m. Arriving near opening gives you more time to enjoy the driving route and explore Santa's Village before closing.
Choose your night carefully. Consult the color-coded admission calendar to compare prices and expected crowd levels. Green nights are a good option for visitors looking for lower admission prices and potentially lighter crowds.
Allow time for the attractions. The driving route is only part of the experience. Set aside extra time for Santa's Village, the train, carousel, food and shopping.
Dress for the weather. The festival operates rain or shine, and visitors should prepare for outdoor walking and changing temperatures.
Follow parking directions. Stay in your vehicle throughout the driving tour except when entering designated parking areas. Follow signs and staff instructions when parking to visit Santa's Village.
Plan for accessibility. A wheelchair is available to borrow free of charge from the park office on a first-come, first-served basis. Visitors with mobility questions or specific accessibility needs should contact the park before arriving. Much of the festival takes place outdoors, with walking areas that may include uneven surfaces.
The festival is located at James Island County Park, 871 Riverland Drive, Charleston, SC 29412. For directions, accessibility questions or other visitor information, call 843-406-6990 or visit the official Charleston County Parks website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Holiday Festival of Lights open on Thanksgiving and Christmas?
Yes. The 2026 festival is scheduled to operate nightly from 5:30 to 10 p.m., including Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Can I stop my car to take pictures during the light show?
Visitors should remain in their vehicles throughout the driving route and stop or exit only in designated parking areas. Plan to take photographs from designated areas or after parking in Santa's Village.
Is a visit with Santa included with admission?
Regular visits with Santa are free, although digital photos cost extra. The separate Mingle with Kringle and Inclusive Visit with Santa experiences require advance registration and additional payment.
Can I use my Gold Pass?
Yes. Gold Pass members receive one free standard-vehicle admission per annual membership period. Bring your actual pass when arriving at the festival.
Can I bring food and drinks?
Outside food, alcohol and coolers are prohibited.
Make the Holiday Festival of Lights Part of Your Tradition
Whether you're admiring the illuminated displays from your car, riding the Festival Express, visiting Santa or warming up with hot chocolate in Santa's Village, the Holiday Festival of Lights offers countless ways to celebrate the season.
For more than three decades, this Charleston tradition has brought people together to enjoy the wonder of the holidays. Make plans to experience it for yourself from November 13 through December 31, 2026, at James Island County Park.