Charleston, South Carolina – A Lowcountry holiday tradition will celebrate 35 years on Sunday.
The Charleston Holiday Festival of Lights has been providing delight to Charlestonians since its introduction on November 9, 1990, at James Island County Park. Hurricane Hugo devastated many of the trees in the area, prompting organizers to launch the event.
Nearly 85,000 people attended the inaugural event, which featured 18 light shows along a two-mile course. Decades later, the festival has expanded to feature more than 750 custom-built light displays and draws millions of visitors each year.
While it incorporates traditional Christmas patterns, many of the decorations are unique and created by the park’s workers. Some exhibitions illustrate Charleston’s past, including as Civil War cannons and British troops who arrived on the island in 1780.
Rich Raab, a park maintenance and electrical staff worker, started designing his own light displays on-site in the park after learning how to do so.
Every year, new light shows are introduced, with each taking between six and 10 weeks to produce. Raab still works for the Festival of Lights today.
Over time, the event has grown to feature more than just lights. Families from all around can enjoy activities such as a strolling route, a holiday-themed train ride, a carousel, and the opportunity to sit with Santa.
The Festival of Lights will return to the Lowcountry this year, beginning November 14 and running until the end of the year.
