FOCUS: 26th annual Holiday Festival of Lights is less than 3 weeks away

By Sarah Reynolds, CCPRC  |  The beloved Holiday Festival of Lights is returning for its 26^th year with even more to experience! Featuring an estimated 2 million shimmering lights, Charleston’s most popular holiday event is open nightly at James Island County Park Nov. 13, 2015, through Jan. 3, 2016.

More than 4 million people have toured the Holiday Festival of Lights, which is hosted by the Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission at James Island County Park. The event has received many awards and mentions in publications throughout the country, and the three-mile driving tour delivers more every year. Join us as we kick off the 26^th season at the Grand Opening Celebration on Nov. 13, featuring live entertainment from Lowcountry Power Brass, awards presentations for the gingerbread house, greeting card competitions, and all the excitement of the festival.

The Holiday Festival of Lights is much more than just a driving tour! Park the car and experience family attractions, shopping, dining and more. There are many celebrated attractions to see and activities to do, including:

• The Festival Fun Run on Nov. 11 and 12
• Marshmallow roasting
• Festival train rides
• Lakeside lights interactive activity
• The amazing dancing light display
• Enchanted Walking Trail
• Old-fashioned carousel
• Portable climbing wall
• Four unique gift shops, featuring the new Prancer’s Presents, a children’s toy emporium
• Santa’s Sweet Shoppe
• Santa’s Sleigh – unique group and family photo opportunity
• Special family events on select evenings, including photos with Santa, live music and more!

Grab dinner at concessions stands, or just spoil your sweet tooth at Santa’s Sweet Shoppe. In Winter Wonderland, see a meticulously crafted sculpture constructed with 50 tons of sand. View sugary hand-made houses from the annual gingerbread competition. Shop at four festival shops for unique gifts, official 14-kt gold on brass collector series ornaments, toys, personalized items, angelic decorations and stocking stuffers. Hop aboard the festival train for an intimate look at the festival, only seen on this enchanted ride.

Explore Santa’s Village, where the man himself is available for photos on select dates after Thanksgiving. Take a whirl on the traditional 18-animal carousel, make s’mores at the marshmallow roasting pits, and marvel at the giant 4-by-8 holiday card designs created by local students for the annual art competition. Enjoy family entertainment on select nights, including live music, storytelling, visits with Mrs. Claus, outdoor movies and more. On Dec. 31, the festival features fireworks!

What’s every family’s best bet for enjoying the Holiday Festival of Lights? Join us on our evenings benefitting the Lowcountry Food Bank – every Monday through Thursday! Bring a canned food item on these special nights to receive discounted admission.

• Click here for a full list of events throughout the festival | Hours and admission | FAQ