Spending the holidays in Charleston is something everyone needs to experience at least once; however, just one visit to Charleston during the holiday season and we guarantee you will want to come back! Charleston is a great place to visit anytime of the year (it was just named the Top City in the World by Condé Nast Traveler) but there is just something special about Charleston during the holidays. Take a stroll on the cobblestone streets or a carriage ride through downtown and see the historic Charleston homes decorated for the holidays, have a nice dinner at one of Charleston’s many famed restaurants or attend one of the great Charleston holiday events.
One of the most popular things to do in Charleston during the holidays is visit James Island County Park for their annual Holiday Festival of Lights event. This event will take place all holiday season from November 9th until December 31st and is a great place to go with a loved one, a group of friends or the entire family. This Charleston holiday event is now in its 23rd year and keeps getting better each year.
The Holiday Festival of Lights at James Island County Park is now a Lowcountry tradition for locals and visitors alike. The event features over two million holiday lights and a three mile driving tour with over 700 holiday displays. Watch as your kids’ faces light up in awe of this magical holiday attraction. Displays are unlike anything you can see anywhere else. Displays include many holiday and Christmas favorites such as gingerbread houses, snowflakes, candy canes and Santa and his reindeer.
The Holiday Festival of Lights is more than just a driving tour. Visitors can park their car and enjoy many exciting holiday attractions and things to do in celebration of the season. There will be marshmallow roasts where make s’mores, festival train rides, an Enchanted Forest Walking Trail, gingerbread houses, carousel rides, inflatables, a portable climbing wall and a 50-ton sand sculpture. Of course, Santa will make some appearances so check in for the dates if you want your little ones to take a photo with Santa. On select nights, there will be live entertainment such as live bands and outdoor movies. Shop the festival gift shops for stocking stuffers such as collector series ornaments, toys, personalized gifts and other items from local artisans. There will be plenty of food items to enjoy such as sweets from Santa’s Sweet Shoppe, Frosty’s Treats or Blitzen’s Burgers.
The park is open seven days a week from November 9th to December 31st for the Holiday Festival of Lights. Don’t miss this great Charleston holiday event! Looking for a place to stay during your Charleston holiday vacation? Try our historic downtown Charleston hotel for a warm and cozy place to stay and to be close to all that Charleston has to offer. Contact us today for more information on visiting Charleston during the holidays or to book a room at our boutique Charleston hotel.
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