Celebrate a Lowcountry tradition at Charleston’s most beloved nighttime holiday event…the Holiday Festival of Lights! With over 2 million shimmering lights, this three-mile driving tour brings more and more light displays year after year with nearly 600 shining displays this year. Beginning November 14, 2008 and continuing through January 4, 2009, gather your family and friends and come capture the magic of the holiday season at James Island County Park.

The Festival of Lights is much more than just a driving tour! Park the car, stretch your legs, and take in the new and exciting attractions custom-designed for holiday cheer. There are many celebrated attractions to be sure to see and do, including:

• Marshmallow Roasts
• Festival Train Rides
• Lakeside Lights Interactive Activity
• Enchanted Forest Walking Trail
• Gingerbread Houses
• 50-Ton Sand Sculpture
• Giant Greeting Cards
• Carousel Rides
• Gift Shops
• Portable Climbing Wall
• Photos with Santa
• Santa’s Sweet Shoppe

Stroll through Santa’s Village and see the meticulously crafted holiday sand sculpture constructed by hand with 50-tons of sand. View the sugary structures entered in the gingerbread house competition. Visit the gift shops, Santa’s Attic and Incredible Gift Shoppe, for hand-crafted goodies from local artisans, official 24kt gold collector series ornaments, toy trains, dolls, angelic decorations, and many more stocking stuffers.

Spoil your sweet tooth at Santa’s Sweet Shoppe where the aroma of specialty coffees, cappuccinos, and fresh baked temptations of fudge and Christmas cookies fill the air. Make a s’more by the marshmallow roasting pit, take a snapshot with Santa, and then hop aboard a train for an up-close look at the displays.

Wander over to Winter Wonderland where a traditional 18-animal carousel ride whirls you around and around. Don’t miss the 4-by-8 foot holiday card designs created by local school students as part of a holiday art competition. These life-size displays of Christmas themes tower above you and are well worth a visit.

And join us on Friday, November 14 for the Opening Night Celebration! Activities include a tree lighting ceremony, the announcement of the postcard and gingerbread competition winners, performances by Lowcountry Power Brass and Charleston Dance Center, and loads of fun for the entire family! These activities are free with your regular Holiday Festival of Lights admission.

Festival Hours are: Fridays and Saturdays: 5:30 p.m. – 11 p.m.; and Sundays – Thursdays: 5:30 p.m. – 10 p.m. Fees are $10 per vehicle for 1-15 guests, $25 per vehicle for 16-30 guests, or $100 per vehicle for 31 or more guests. Receive a $2.00 discount per vehicle (Monday-Wednesday only) with the donation of a canned food item. Donations benefit the Lowcountry Food Bank. For more information about the Holiday Festival of Lights, please call 843-795-4FUN or visit www.holidayfestivaloflights.com.