December Special Events at Charleston County Parks and Recreation

Event Details

Light up your holidays with over two million gleaming lights! Open daily through Jan.1, 2012, James Island County Park hosts one of the Lowcountry’s most beloved holiday traditions – the Annual Holiday Festival of Lights. Journey down a three-mile driving tour jam-packed with holiday light displays, then strength your legs and enjoy the attractions within Winter Wonderland and Santa’s Village.

Holiday Festival of Lights – December Special Events Schedule:
· Lowcountry Power Brass Performance: Dec. 1, 8, 15
· Visits with Mrs. Claus: Dec. 2, 4, 9, 10, 17, 18
· Holiday Balloon Art: Dec. 3, 11, 16
· Family Craft Tent with the Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry: Dec. 7, 14, 21
· Santa Paws (photos of your pet with Santa): Dec. 7, 14, 21
· Ice Carving Demonstration: Dec. 19
· Outdoor Holiday Movie: Dec. 29
· Winter Carnival: Dec. 31

Ongoing now through Jan. 1, 2012: The Holiday Festival of Lights Light Display Design Contest. The Holiday Festival of Lights now offers a light display design contest for children ages 12 and under! The festival houses hundreds of light displays of all kinds each year, and CCPRC is encouraging kids to submit their ideas for a new display. The grand prize winner will receive a Super Splash Pass for entry into the county’s three waterparks for summer 2012. For rules and to download an entry form, visit www.holidayfestivaloflights.com. All entries must be received by Jan. 7.

Great Outdoor Gear Sale
Saturday, Dec. 3, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
James Island County Park
Here's your chance to get great deals on great gear! We're selling some of the tents, kayaks, mountain bikes, camping accessories, and other gear that we've used. These deals can't be beat! All equipment sold 'as is', prices are non-negotiable, and all sales are final. Gate admission to James Island County Park required to attend ($1 per person).

Winter Explorers Camp
Monday – Thursday, Dec. 19-22
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. each day
Palmetto Islands County Park OR James Island County Park
Looking for a way to make the winter school break one for your kids to remember? CCPRC’s Winter Explorers Camp introduces children to the beauty of your county parks. Kids ages 6-9 will spend their days doing arts and crafts, playing cooperative games, roasting s'mores, scaling the Climbing Wall, exploring nature, and taking a day trip. Pre-registration required. For ages 6-9. Fee: $123/$112 CCR (Charleston County Resident) Discount.

Winter Explorers Camp
Monday – Thursday, Dec. 27-30
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. each day
Palmetto Islands County Park OR James Island County Park
Looking for a way to make the winter school break one for your kids to remember? CCPRC’s Winter Explorers Camp introduces children to the beauty of your county parks. Kids ages 6-9 will spend their days doing arts and crafts, playing cooperative games, roasting s'mores, scaling the Climbing Wall, exploring nature, and taking a day trip. Pre-registration required. For ages 6-9. Fee: $123/$112 CCR Discount.

Holiday Festival of Lights Winter Carnival
Saturday, Dec. 31
James Island County Park
For this one special night, kids will have the chance to enjoy children’s amusement rides as well as inflatable jump castles, beginning at 5:30 p.m. Then, be sure to experience the nightly attractions at the festival, including the old-fashioned carousel, the portable climbing wall, children’s activities and much more. Stay with us as we welcome 2012 with a BANG during the fireworks show at 9 p.m.! $10 wristbands will be for sale at the Winter Carnival for unlimited rides on most attractions (does not include train). Single tickets are a $1 and most rides will cost around 3 tickets. For more information visit www.holidayfestivaloflights.com.