Discover 20 years of holiday magic by participating in a real Lowcountry tradition – The Holiday Festival of Lights in Charleston, South Carolina. This is a tree mile driving tour at James Island County Park. The park is decorated with over two million shimmering lights and about 600 displays. The Holiday Festival of Lights opens on November 12, 2009 and continues through January 3, 2010.

But the Festival of Lights is more than a driving tour. Make sure to park the car and experience the other holiday attractions. This event is sure to be a hit with the younger crowd.

Santa’s Village

Take an evening walk through Santa’s Village to see the meticulously crafted holiday sand sculpture. This sculpture has been constructed by hand with 50-tons of sand. Pretty impressive! You also don’t want to miss the amazing gingerbread house competition.

The aroma of coffee, cookies and fudge fill the air, you’re just going to have to stop by Santa’s Sweet Shoppe. After all, it is the holiday season, and isn’t that the time of year when parents are nice? You can also make s’mores at the marshmallow roasting pits, take a snapshot with Santa and then hop aboard the train for an up-close look at the light displays.

Winter Wonderland

In Winter Wonderland there is a traditional 18-animal carousel ride. Also, take a look at the beautiful gigantic 4-by-8 foot holiday cards designed by local school students.

20 Nights of Celebrating 20 Years

This is a special 20th Anniversary series of activities featuring a variety of events and live entertainers during the first 20 days of December. Kick off takes place on December 1 with the Tree-Lighting ceremony. The rest of the schedule is listed below.

December 1
Mrs. Claus Storytelling 6pm-9pm

December 2
Family Craft Night
Presented by the Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry.
Santa Paws Bring your favorite furry friend to have a photo taken with Santa Claus.
6pm – 8:00pm & 8:20pm – 9:30pm.

December 3
Outdoor Movie: How the Grinch Stole Christmas!
Grab a chair and a warm blanket to see one of your favorite holiday flicks.
6pm, 7pm, 8pm, 9pm at Winter Wonderland.

December 4
The Cooper School Choir featuring The Hungry Monks
7pm-9pm

December 5
The Palmetto Bronze Handbell Choir
7pm-9pm

December 6
The Hungry Monks
7pm-9pm

December 7
Lowcountry Power Brass
7pm-9pm
Family Craft Night
Presented by the Children’s Museum of theLowcountry.

December 8
Franklin Hodge and Band
6pm-9pm

December 9
Family Craft Night
Presented by the Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry.
Santa Paws Photo Sessions 6pm – 8:00pm & 8:20pm – 9:30pm.

December 10
Outdoor Movie: A Christmas Story
6pm and 8pm at Winter Wonderland.

December 11
Mrs. Claus Storytelling
6pm-9pm

December 12
Lowcountry Power Brass

7pm-9pm

December 13
Franklin Hodge and Band
6pm-9pm

December 14
Family Craft Night
Presented by the Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry.

December 15
Franklin Hodge and Band
6pm-9pm

December 16
Family Craft Night
Presented by the Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry.

Santa Paws photo sessions
6pm – 8:00pm & 8:20pm – 9:30pm.

December 17
Outdoor Movie: The Polar Express
6pm and 8pm at Winter Wonderland.

December 18
Lowcountry Power Brass
7pm-9pm

December 19
The Hungry Monks
7pm-9pm

December 20
Mrs. Claus Storytelling
6pm-9pm