You Need to See the James Island Christmas Lights This Year

The James Island Christmas lights draw thousands of visitors each year. It is one of the Charleston area’s most anticipated holiday events, and for a good reason. From miles of light displays to kettle corn and DIY s’mores, there is something for everyone! If you're staying on Kiawah Island or Seabrook Island between November and January, this is a must add to your things to do list. 

After your trip to the Holiday Festival of Lights, take your time to enjoy the other winter activities that the Lowcountry offers. Download our free Seabrook Island and Kiawah Island Guides for recommendations on top restaurants, entertainment, historic sites, and more!

More December Events

 

Here's What You'll See at the 2024 James Island Christmas Lights


Did you know that the Holiday Festival of Lights at James Island County Park has an estimated two million lights? This is one of the many reasons that it attracts so many visitors each year from across the Palmetto State. The lights are beautifully displayed and offer great entertainment for the entire family.

  • Holiday Festival of Lights Fun Run & Walk

November 13 and 14

Kick off the holiday season and get a sneak peek at this year's upcoming Festival of Lights Display! This 2-mile fun run/walk is excellent exercise for the whole family.

Tickets are $38 per standard-sized vehicle—a maximum of 15 people per vehicle. Guests must arrive together, as each vehicle must have a ticket for entry. Space is limited, and this event is expected to sell out.

Guests must arrive together, as each vehicle must have an entry ticket.  Hurry! This event will sell out—call (843) 406-6990 for more info.

  • The Holiday Festival of Lights 2024 at James Island County Park

November 15  to December 31, 2024

Open Nightly 5:30 - 10 pm

Christmas lights on James Island

Not only will you see classic holiday designs, like Rudolph the Rednosed Reindeer and even Santa Claus, you can also look forward to many unique displays as well.

The Holiday Festival of Lights is always adding something new to its collection, making it a great place to visit year after year.

How Much is the James Island Festival of Lights?


Festival Admission & Tickets

To enhance the visitor experience and help manage wait times, the Holiday Festival of Lights used historical attendance data to create Green, Yellow, and Red nights. Admission prices vary by night, and guests can save money by purchasing their tickets online in advance. Prices listed are per vehicle.

Green Night
Lighter Traffic & Crowds
  • Standard Vehicle of up to 15 people: $15 Online or $20 at the Gate

  • Large Vehicle of 16-30 people: $50 per vehicle 

  • Large Vehicle of 31+ people: $150 per vehicle      

Yellow Night
Moderate Traffic & Crowds
  • Standard Vehicle of up to 15 people: $25 Online or $30 at the Gate

  • Large Vehicle of 16-30 people: $50 per vehicle

  • Large Vehicle of 31+ people: $150 per vehicle

Red Night
Heavy Traffic & Crowds
  • Standard Vehicle of up to 15 people: $30 Online or $40 at the Gate

  • Large Vehicle of 16-30 people: $50 per vehicle

  • Large Vehicle of 31+ people: $150 per vehicle

Gift Passes

Learn more about Holiday Festival of Lights gift passes here

To purchase gift passes, please call Park & Program Services at 843-795-4386.

Traditionally, the season kicks off with the Holiday Festival of Lights Fun Run & Walk. This is a family-friendly, two-mile run and walk that will allow you to see the lights on foot. It is a great way to incorporate exercise into your trip! Park your car and enjoy walking to Santa's Village and Winter Wonderland

View a Map of the James Island County Park.

Annual Traditions for the Festival of Lights in Charleston


No trip to the Festival of Lights is complete without visiting the one and only, Santa Claus! You can see him and his elves at the Winter Wonderland nightly from Thanksgiving week to the day before Christmas Eve. You will find Santa waiting once your vehicle reaches the end of the Christmas light displays.


Create New Holiday Memories Just Minutes from Charleston!

Kiawah and Seabrook Islands are ideal destinations for you to experience the best of the Lowcountry. Here we have stunning natural landscapes and private and secluded communities that are just a short drive away from the wonderful activities and events in Charleston.

Consider these beautiful barrier islands whether you’re looking for a new place to make your permanent home or you’re ready to make your vacation home dreams a reality.

Family and friends will enjoy visiting you on Kiawah Island or Seabrook Island during the Fall & Winter months.

Temperatures are still mild, beaches are less crowded and proximity to downtown Charleston is just 30 minutes.

For access to the most up-to-date listings and real estate trends, remember to contact our agents for local guidance and access to the Charleston MLS database.

 

If you aren’t quite ready to connect with an agent, you can still stay in the know with our Charleston real estate listing alerts.

Submit your criteria, including desired location, budget, and community amenities, and we will notify you when we find a listing that matches your needs.