A Beloved Lowcountry Tradition Holiday Festival of Lights
Celebrate the season with us every night from November 13 through December 31, 2026, 5:30-10 p.m.
The Holiday Festival of Lights at James Island County Park is a beloved Lowcountry holiday tradition featuring more than 750 illuminated displays, millions of twinkling lights, festive gift shops, a holiday train ride, giant sand sculpture, marshmallow roasting, visits with Santa, and more!
Whether you're home for the holidays or visiting the Lowcountry for a holiday getaway, we promise you'll create lasting memories with millions of multicolored lights, fun family activities, holiday shopping, delicious treats, and so much more!
Events & Explorations
Starry concerts, nature walks, trail runs and more - there’s fun for everyone.
charleston county parks Start Your Adventure
Places and programs for learning and adventure.
Park Bench Stories
News and notes from the great outdoors
Your Complete Guide to the Holiday Festival of Lights
- 9 min read
Learn more about the Holiday Festival of lights and get your tickets here. Every holiday season, James Island County Park transforms into a sparkling…
Your Guide to the Harvest Festival at Johns Island County Park
- 6 min read
Celebrate fall the Lowcountry way with live bluegrass, hayrides, local crafts and family fun on Saturday, November 7! There’s something special…
Rooted in History: New Ashem Arboretum Connects Past and Present
- 3 min read
When visitors step into Old Towne Creek County Park, they'll find more than scenic trails, marsh views, and centuries of history. Weaved into the…
Everything You Need to Know Before Your Charleston County Parks’ Beach Parks visit
- 5 min read
Spring break and warmer weather mean our beach parks will be seeing more visitors with both locals and travelers eager for sun, sand and surf. Charleston…
Spring into Action in your Charleston County Parks!
- 2 min read
As the azaleas begin to bloom and the weather turns warm, there’s no better place to be than your Charleston County Parks. Whether you’re…
Lifeguard Rescues Osprey in Distress
- 2 min read
Lifeguarding isn’t always about people. One of our lifeguards Richard Miller learned that lesson first-hand in June 2025. While sitting on the stand…
Creating a Home for Purple Martins at McLeod Plantation
- 1 min read
In late January, volunteers met at McLeod Plantation Historic Site with staff members Caroline Heape and Kristina Wheeler of the Natural History…
Public Safety Meets Sustainability at Isle of Palms County Park
- 1 min read
Isle of Palms County Park, in collaboration with the City of Isle of Palms, recently completed an exciting and impactful project: the development of a new…
A New Chapter in Conservation: Motus Tower Installed at Caw Caw Interpretive Center
- 4 min read
Visitors walking near the rice fields of the Caw Caw Interpretive Center may notice a new silhouette rising above the marsh. It’s an intricate…
Turn Your Love of the Outdoors into a Summer Job!
- 1 min read
Make your office the outdoors this summer! Spend your days in the fresh air, with smiling visitors, doing work that makes a real difference. Each year…