Discover the Festival

There's so much to discover at the Holiday Festival of Lights! Marvel at the magical twinkling lights as you explore the grounds at Santa's Village and Winter Wonderland. Enjoy mouth-watering treats or commemorate your trip with a gift from one of our shops. So many chances to make magical, lasting memories!

Three children visit with Santa Claus at the Holiday Festival of Lights.

Visit with Santa

Your visit is not complete until you see Santa! Mr. Claus and his elves are at the festival from November 10 – December 23. Visiting with Santa is free. Digital photos are available for an additional fee.

A train drives on a wooden pathway through holiday lights.

The Festival Express

Purchase your tickets at the train depot and board the next available train for an up-close look at the lights.The train runs nightly from 6–10 p.m. and rides last approximately 12 minutes. No food, drinks, or pets are allowed on the train. Ticket sales end at 9:40 p.m.

Little girl riding the carousel at the Holiday Festival of Lights.

The Carousel

The carousel runs nightly with continuous sessions beginning at 6 p.m. Two tickets per rider; children under 42” must be accompanied by an adult. Adult may stand on ride for free when accompanying child under 42”. Ticket sales end at 9:40 p.m.

Woman roasting marshmallows at the Holiday Festival of Lights.

Food & Concessions

Enjoy a meal and festival fun foods straight from Claus’ kitchen! With a wide-variety of options, we can help curb any craving from burgers and fries to sweets and s'mores. Seating is available inside the sweet shop and at picnic tables near the other dining spots. All dining options are open nightly during festival hours.

 

Girl climbing the portable climbing wall at the Holiday Festival of Lights.

The Climbing Wall

No experience is needed to climb, and our staff will assist with safety procedures. Four tickets allow two climbs. Tickets can be purchased for $1 each at any location inside the festival. Closed-toe shoes are required to climb. The wall is open nightly from 6–10 p.m. Ticket sales end at 9:40 p.m.

A wooden sign for the gift shop at the Holiday Festival of Lights.

Shopping

Fulfill those holiday wish lists with treasures from one of our signature gift shops. The shops offer fun stocking stuffers, holiday decorations, personalized ornaments, handcrafted holiday mementos and more! You can also purchase the festival’s official 24-carat gold-plated collector series ornaments. 

View of the sand sculpture from the Holiday Festival of Lights.

Holiday Sand Sculpture

Meticulously crafted from over 50-tons of sand, the holiday sand sculpture wows visitors with a different holiday scene each year.

Person holding teddy bear at the Holiday Festival of Lights

Reindeer Workshop

Spend the holidays with a furry friend that you build yourself. 

Couple views the Greeting Cards at the Holiday Festival of Lights

Holiday Greeting Cards

Created by local students, giant 4x8-foot holiday postcards are proudly displayed within Santa's Village. Young Lowcountry artists compete for prizes as part of this annual holiday art competition. The towering displays depict holiday themes and are well worth a visit.

Events Calendar

Make your experience of the Holiday Festival of Lights even more magical when you join us for one of our special event nights! 


Accessibility

The Charleston County Park & Recreation Commission is committed to the accessibility of our services, facilities, employment, and programs for all individuals. Visit our Accessibility Page to find out more about how we can help.

  1. How do I purchase tickets?
  2. Will I be able to visit with Santa?
  3. How many times may I drive through?
  4. Are there alternate routes to try to avoid the traffic?
  5. Which nights are less busy?
  6. I'd like to bring my group out to the festival. Who should I call?
  7. Do you rent wheelchairs?
  8. How do I buy tickets for the train?
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