Holiday Festival of Lights

This vibrant light show is one of Charleston’s most cherished holiday events, featuring an estimated two million dazzling lights. 

The Annual Holiday Festival of Lights is open every evening, rain or shine, from 5:30 p.m. and closes at 10 p.m. nightly. 

Millions have toured the Holiday Festival of Lights, which is hosted by the Charleston County Parks at James Island County Park. The holiday hotspot has earned many awards and mentions throughout the country.

Families are invited to warm their hearts as they cruise along the three-mile display of glimmering lights through the park. The festival features over 750 light displays, including the newly refurbished and rebuilt Cooper River Bridge display. In addition to the driving tour, guests can park the car and explore family attractions, shopping, dining and more.

Highlights include: 

• Marshmallow Roasting
• Festival Train Rides
• The Amazing Dancing Light Display
• Enchanted Walking Trail
• Old-Fashioned Carousel
• Santa’s Sweet Shoppe and concessions: hamburgers, kettle corn, hot chocolate and more
• Gift Shops
• Daytime photo opportunities to “Mingle with Kringle” (register in advance)
• Climbing Wall

Visit Winter Wonderland, home of the area’s largest holiday sand sculpture, formed from over 50 tons of sand. Roam through festival shops for merry gifts, official 14-kt gold on brass collector series ornaments, toys, personalized items, decorations and stocking stuffers. Take a ride on the train for an up-close view of the festival, and to see even more light displays.

Make a trip to Santa’s Village, where old St. Nick is waiting to take photos.  Take a spin on the old-fashioned carousel, toast s’mores at the marshmallow roasting pits and marvel at the outstanding 4-by-8 holiday greeting card designs created by local students for the annual holiday art competition. On Dec. 31, the festival will celebrate New Year’s Eve with a fireworks display.