Annual Holiday Festival Of Lights

The Holiday Festival of Lights returns to James Island County Park in November for another year of enchantment! With around two million shining lights, this mesmerizing light show is one of a kind and known for being the most cherished holiday event in Charleston.

From November 11 to December 31, 2022, the Annual Holiday Festival of Lights is open every evening, rain or shine. The festival begins at 5:30 p.m. and ends at 10 p.m. every night. Booking your stay at Wingate by Wyndham Charleston Airport Coliseum will make it convenient to reach the venue.

Millions of people have visited Charleston County Park’s Holiday Festival of Lights at James Island County Park. The holiday hotspot has received numerous awards and mentions across the country.

Families are invited to warm their hearts as they cruise through the park’s three-mile display of glistening lights. During the festival, there are more than 750 light displays, including one on the Cooper River Bridge that has just been fixed up. Aside from the driving tour, guests can park their cars and explore family attractions, shopping, dining, and other activities. Among the highlights are:

•Festival Train Rides

•The Amazing Dancing Light Display

•Enchanted Walking Trail

•Old-Fashioned Carousel

•Santa’s Sweet Shoppe and concessions including hamburgers, kettle corn, hot chocolate, and more

•Gift Stores

•Photo opportunities during the day to “Mingle with Kringle” (register in advance)

•Rock Climbing Wall

Winter Wonderland is home to the area’s largest holiday sand sculpture, made of more than 50 tons of sand. Check out the festival shops for holiday gifts like official 14-kt gold on brass collector series ornaments, toys, personalized items, decorations, and stocking stuffers. Take the train for a closer look at the festival and to see even more light displays.

Visit Santa’s Village, where old St. Nick will be taking photos from November 21 to December 23 from 6 p.m. to closing. You can ride the old carousel, roast marshmallows at the pits, and look at the amazing 4-by-8 holiday card designs that local students made for the annual holiday art competition. The festival will celebrate New Year’s Eve with a fireworks display on December 31.

Call 843-795-4386 or visit HolidayFestivalofLights.com for more information on the Holiday Festival of Lights, including event hours and admission fees. This event is supported by many groups, including The Boeing Company, REV Federal Credit Union, Charleston County Parks, and many more!

The Charleston Christmas Special

Moranz Entertainment’s Charleston Christmas Special will mark 26 years of delighting audiences. The show, a long-standing holiday tradition for hundreds of families, will take place from December 16 to 22 at the Charleston Music Hall, 37 John St., Charleston, SC 29403.

Brad and Jennifer Moranz, the show’s producers, bring together some of the country’s best performers each year for a brand-new show with a mix of holiday classics and new songs that are sure to get everyone in the holiday spirit. Looking for hotels near the North Charleston Coliseum Performing Arts Center will make it easy for you to reach the location.

Holiday Sleigh Ride

Climb aboard our specially decorated carriage, driven by one of Santa’s elves, for some holiday fun. This festive 30-minute experience includes a 25-minute caroling ride through downtown Charleston and is sure to make you happy. Santa’s magical stable (just behind our barn) is the final stop, where you’ll join Old St. Nick and Mrs. Claus for hot cocoa and cookies. Bring your camera, because we’ll take pictures of you and Santa in his sleigh. A joyous Christmas awaits!

Aquarium Glow At South Carolina Aquarium

Aquarium Aglow, an elegant evening of holiday celebration in the heart of downtown Charleston, brings the season’s wonders to life. Gather your friends and loved ones for a journey through the aquarium, where you will be immersed in waves of color created by tens of thousands of lights. Installations transform the Aquarium you know and love, from warm and nostalgic to awe-inspiring and contemporary. Aquarium Aglow, along with its interactive displays and food, wine, and beer for sale, is an event that will become a new holiday tradition for many people.

Aquarium Aglow will be open to the public on Friday, November 18, and will be open from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on select dates through Saturday, December 31, 2022. Tickets start at $26.95 for adults (13 and up) and $22.95 for children (under 13). (3–12). Toddlers (0-2) are admitted free of charge. Aquarium members receive a 20% discount on general admission prices.

Cracked Nuts

Without leaving Charleston’s Historic District, you can go to a popular European attraction from the early 1900s called a “Spiegeltent” on the grounds of the Charleston Gaillard Center.

This holiday season, Cracked Nuts! will deliver thrills, laughs, and mind-blowing feats that will leave you inspired and delighted, featuring ACROBATS, AERIALISTS, JUGGLERS, AND A FEROCIOUS LION IN SPANDEX! Don’t miss this great variety and comedy show starring Matt and Heidi Morgan, who are Las Vegas legends.

Charleston Christmas Special

The Charleston Christmas Special, Charleston’s favorite holiday tradition, returns to the Charleston Music Hall for its 27th season in December. People of all ages will enjoy the music, dancing, and skits by some of the best performers in the country.

2 p.m. Thursday, December 15th, 7 p.m. Friday, December 16, at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday, December 17, 3 p.m. Sunday, December 18, 7 p.m. Tuesday, December 20th, 7 p.m. Wednesday, December 21 (Kids Free Night; buy an adult/senior ticket and get a free ticket for children ages 12 and under)

7 p.m. Thursday, December 22nd

All performances take place at the Charleston Music Hall, which is located at 37 John St., Charleston, SC 29403.

Adult tickets are $42; seniors/military tickets are $39; students are $24, and children 12 and under are $21. (plus ticketing fees).

Purchase tickets online at CharlestonChristmasSpecial.com, in person at the Charleston Music Hall Box Office from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, or by phone at 843-416-8453.

Photos With Santa

Saint Nicholas himself will return to the town on November 25. Santa will return to Towne Centre for another season of festive photo opportunities at 1748 Towne Centre Way (across from Belk Men’s). Bring your family and friends to get professional photos taken with Santa starting on November 25 and going every day until December 24. Your four-legged friends can also join in the fun, with special pet photos available every Monday. Remember to keep your pets on a leash or in crates while visiting the North Pole. Each child will also receive a free chocolate pop from Sweet Juleps. Prices for photo packages begin at $33.99. Wingate Charleston will be the perfect place to stay, and reaching the locations will be faster.