Charleston County, South Carolina – You’re probably putting away your Halloween decorations while you eat the last of your trick-or-treat sweets, but the calendar is now full of Thanksgiving and the holiday season.
The Christmas Festival of Lights, a beloved Christmas tradition, comes to James Isand County Park in just a few weeks, featuring brilliant light displays, visits with Santa Claus, and walks through the enchanting forest of lights and displays.
The 2025 Holiday Festival of Lights will be open everyday from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. from November 14 to December 31.
Since its inception in 1995, more than five million people have visited the James Island Light Show. It includes approximately 750 light displays along a three-mile drive through James Island County Park.
Guests can park their vehicles about the midway point and participate in family-friendly activities such as seasonal shopping, delicious refreshments, and visits with Santa.
Some of the activities include riding the Festival Express train, witnessing the 50-ton sand sculpture, admiring the stunning, enormous Christmas greeting cards meticulously produced by local kids, and riding the old-fashioned carousel.
There will be plenty of goodies to try, such as roasting marshmallows over an open fire or sipping hot chocolate while perusing the gift stores.
Santa will be at the Holiday Festival of Lights every night until December 23.
To ensure a successful visit to the Holiday Festival of Lights, organizers attempted to identify each night’s attendance levels, which were classified as light, moderate, and heavy. Admission fees will vary throughout the evening, but attendees can save money by purchasing their tickets online in advance.
Green (light crowd level) nights will cost $15 per vehicle in advance, or $25 at the gate.
Yellow (moderate crowd) nights will cost $25 per vehicle in advance or $35 at the gate.
Red (strong crowd) nights will cost $30 per vehicle in advance or $45 at the gate.
