Lowcountry events › Holiday Festival of Lights
The Holiday Festival of Lights runs nightly from November 13 to December 31, 2026, 5:30 to 10 p.m., at James Island County Park in Charleston. You pay per vehicle, from $15 online on a green night to $45 at the gate on a red night, for up to 15 people.
| Key fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Dates | Nov 13 to Dec 31, 2026, every night (open Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day) |
| Hours | 5:30 to 10 p.m. |
| Where | James Island County Park, 871 Riverland Dr, Charleston, SC 29412 |
| Price | Per vehicle (up to 15 people): $15 to $45 depending on the night |
| Phone | (843) 795-4386 |
Ticket prices by night color
Charleston County Parks colors each night green, yellow or red by expected crowd level. Prices are per vehicle of up to 15 people; the first figure is online in advance, the second is at the gate.
| Night color | Standard vehicle (online / gate) | Nights |
|---|---|---|
| Green (lighter crowds) | $15 / $25 | Nov 13-20, 22-25, 29-30; Dec 1-4, 7-10, 14-15 |
| Yellow | $25 / $35 | Nov 21, 26, 28; Dec 5, 6, 11, 13, 16, 17, 24, 25, 27-31 |
| Red (busiest) | $30 / $45 | Nov 27; Dec 12, 18-23, 26 |
Large vehicles of 16 to 30 people are $50 and vehicles of 31 or more are $150 (price shown on the green-night ticket page). Gift passes are $25 each. Gold Pass members get one free standard-vehicle entry per membership period at the gate.
What you get
The festival has run since 1990 and lists more than 750 illuminated displays, festive gift shops, a holiday train ride, a giant sand sculpture, marshmallow roasting and visits with Santa. The route is a three-mile driving tour with a self-guided walking portion.
| Extra | Price and hours (as published) |
|---|---|
| Train ride | $5 per person, bought at the train depot |
| Carousel | $2 per person per ride, nightly from 6 p.m. |
| Climbing wall | $4 for two climbs, nightly 6 to 10 p.m. |
| Marshmallow roasting | You may bring your own marshmallows and roasting sticks |
Tips for families
- Pick a green night for shorter waits and the lowest price; the organizer says it expects lighter traffic and crowds on those nights.
- Buy ahead online and keep your emailed QR code ready at the gate. Admission is valid only for the date you book and advance tickets are not refundable.
- The festival is open rain or shine.
- There is no ATM on site; credit cards are accepted at most locations.
- Bicycles and pedestrians cannot enter the drive-through. Park to visit the walking areas.
- Tour buses should call the park office at (843) 406-6990 ahead of time.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Holiday Festival of Lights in 2026?
Every night from November 13 through December 31, 2026, 5:30 to 10 p.m., including Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
How much does the Holiday Festival of Lights cost?
Per vehicle of up to 15 people: $15 online ($25 at the gate) on green nights, $25 online ($35 gate) on yellow nights and $30 online ($45 gate) on red nights.
Which nights are least crowded?
Green nights: Nov 13-20, 22-25 and 29-30, and Dec 1-4, 7-10 and 14-15. The organizer sets the colors from expected attendance.
Can I drive through more than once?
Yes. The organizer says you are welcome to drive around the light show as many times as you like.
Can I walk or bike through the lights?
No. Bicycles and pedestrians are not allowed into the drive-through; walking areas are reached by parking.
Keep planning
Sources
- Charleston County Parks: Holiday Festival of Lights tickets (green night page), checked 2026-10-17
- Charleston County Parks: Holiday Festival of Lights, checked 2026-10-17
- Charleston County Parks: festival FAQs, checked 2026-10-17
Everything above was read on the organizer’s own pages and last checked 2026-10-17. Organizers change dates, prices and rules, so confirm on the linked page before you go. See our editorial standards, verification log and corrections.
Coming Up Near Charleston
- Charleston Farmers Market (Marion Square, Saturdays)On now through Nov 21 · Charleston
- Halloween Night Climb (Palmetto Peaks Climbing, James Island County Park)Oct 30 · Charleston
- McClellanville Fall FestivalOct 30 · McClellanville · about 34 mi
- Charleston Southern football vs. Western Illinois (Homecoming)Oct 31 · Charleston
Places Nearby
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Straight-line distance from the centre of Charleston, not driving miles. Events within 40 miles, places within 25. Dates come from our checked events list and may change; confirm with the organizer.
Cite this page: It's South Carolina, “Holiday Festival of Lights Charleston 2026: Tickets & Dates”, itssouthcarolina.com/holiday-festival-of-lights-charleston/ (updated ). By the It's South Carolina editorial team. Free to quote with attribution and a link to this page; data and tables are licensed CC BY 4.0.