James Island County Park’s drive-through light show opens for the season on Nov. 13.
The Holiday Festival of Lights at James Island County Park will run nightly from 5:30 to 10 p.m. through Dec. 31, according to the Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission, which runs it. The festival dates to 1990. Boeing and South Carolina Credit Union are its presenting sponsors, according to the commission’s website.
Visitors drive a three-mile route past more than 750 lighted displays, then can get out of their cars for an express train, a carousel, a 50-ton sand sculpture, a climbing wall, marshmallow roasting and holiday shops, The Post and Courier reported. The season ends with fireworks on New Year’s Eve.
Admission is charged per vehicle, and the price depends on the night. The festival color-codes each night green, yellow or red based on past attendance, according to the newspaper.
Green nights cost $15 per vehicle bought in advance and $25 at the gate. Yellow nights run $25 to $35, and red nights run $30 to $45. Buying online in advance can save up to $15 on red nights, The Post and Courier reported.
Gift passes cost $25 each for orders of up to nine, falling to $22 each for orders of 251 or more, according to the commission. Tour buses must call the park office ahead of time.
Last season, 207,615 people came through the festival in 60,441 vehicles, The Post and Courier reported.
The commission notes on its website that fees and hours are subject to change.
