Watch Charleston transform into a dazzling spectacle of lights this holiday season at the Charleston Festival of Lights. Embrace your favorite time of year at this event that is sure to put you in the holiday spirit!
Location
Come to James Island County Park for a series of holiday-centric events that are bound to make you holly and jolly. Drive or walk through the dazzling light displays, with glowing holiday figures and designs that go as far as your eyes can see.
Purchase Tickets
Get your tickets ahead of time online here! Tickets can also be purchased at the gate.
What Attractions Can I See?
Holiday Sand Sculpture
Have you ever seen a Christmas scene made from sand? Well, you will at the Holiday Festival of Lights! Watch as these sand sculptors transform heaps of sand into amazing masterpieces – like Christmas scenes and trees, sea turtles, dinosaurs and more.
Build Your Own Reindeer Workshop
Forget building a bear; how would you like to build your own reindeer? At the Reindeer Workshop, adults and kids can create their own plush reindeer to have for the holidays. Select your animal and enjoy the experience of bringing it to life!
Holiday Greeting Cards
There’s a community competition that involves making giant 4×8 greeting cards full of well wishes for your holiday season! Check out the unique talent and art styles of local students in the area competing for the best in show.
Visit with Santa
There are plenty of opportunities to visit with Santa at the Charleston Festival of Lights – three in particular are at the Festival, Mingle with Kringle, or during an Inclusive Visit. Here’s a little insight on each:
- At the Festival – You can’t come all the way to the holiday festival of lights and not see Santa! Santa and his elves will be present at the festival until December 23, so come share your wish lists and snap a photo with the man in red. Simply sign in with one of his elves, join the virtual waiting list, and when your time to meet Santa comes, you’ll receive an alert. It’s as simple as that. If you want to take home a digital photo with Santa, you can do so for a small fee.
- Mingle with Kringle – If you want some one-on-one time with Santa and your family, you can opt for a Mingle with Kringle – a private visit for up to 5 people outside of regular festival hours. Tell Santa all your Christmas wishes and get a digital download of your photo with him taken by a professional photographer. Dates for this event vary, so be sure to check online at the event website to register.
- Inclusive Visit – Friends with special needs can still visit with Santa personally and have a photo session at James Island County Park. The event takes place in a calm, quiet environment where visitors can talk to Santa and take photos with the group. As with the Mingle with Kringle event, registration must be done in advance here.
All Aboard the Festival Express
Chugga-chugga, chugga-chugga – do you hear that? It’s the Festival Express! Take this interactive train ride through all the amazing lights and displays. The ticket for your ride must be purchased at the festival and only costs you a few dollars. When the sun goes down, hop aboard to cruise through the amazing lights.
The Carousel
Enjoy the vintage vibes of a carousel ride! Go for a spin on the Carousel that operates in the evenings, starting at 6pm. Children who are under 42” must be accompanied by an adult. Adults can ride for free when riding with a child under 42”.
Festival Food
Eat a treat that will make you warm and fuzzy inside at any of the holiday vendors. Snack on popcorn and pretzels or eat something more savory. Visit Santa’s Sweet Shoppe or eat at any of the open concessions.
The Climbing Wall
Elevate your holiday experience with a trek on the Climbing Wall. Tickets can be purchased for this activity inside the festival.
Shopping
Get a head start on holiday shopping at the Incredible Gift Shoppe. Find gifts for everyone, stocking stuffers, decorations and hand-crafted ornaments that you will treasure for years to come.
Book a Rental with Carroll Realty
Make it a holiday season to remember by visiting the Holiday Festival of Lights in Charleston. Stay central to this event and much more by reserving your very own Isle of Palms vacation rental through Carroll Realty. Enjoy the beauty of the beach and being just a short drive away from all the holiday festivities. Take your pick from their wide selection of rentals on Isle of Palms to find your holiday home base. Reach out today to reserve your stay!
