Where to See Holiday Lights Around Charleston

There's nothing better to get in the holiday spirit than riding around and seeing all of the beautiful holiday light displays! This week we're giving you a rundown of where to go around Charleston to see light displays, tree lightings, and more.

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32nd Annual Holiday Festival of Lights

• When?
  • NOW-December 31, 2021
• Where?
  • James Island County Park, 871 Riverland Dr.
• What is it?
  • A 3-mile holiday light experience with over 750 light displays. There's a driving tour, walking trail, carousel, and more!
• How much does it cost? 
  • Regular Nights: $15 in advance, $20 at the gate
  • Peak Nights: $25 in advance, $30 at the gate

2021 Festival of Trees*

• When?
  • NOW-January 4, 2022
• Where?
  • Charleston Visitors Center, 375 Meeting St. 
• What is it?
  • ​25 themed and decorated trees and 16 wreaths, all decorated in honor of someone who battled cancer
• How much does it cost?
  • This is a free event! 

*Masks Required for Entry

Aquarium Aglow

• When?
  • NOW-January 2, 2022, 5:30-9:30 PM
• Where?
  • South Carolina Aquarium, 100 Aquarium Wharf
• What is it?
  • An immersive holiday light display throughout the entire aquarium, with entertainment nightly as well as food and beverages for purchase
• How much does it cost?
  • $24.95 for adults, $19.95 for children ages 3-12

Holiday Lights Driving Tour

• When?
  • NOW-December 30, 2021
• Where?
  • Santee Cooper Headquarters, 1 Riverwood Dr.
• What is it?
  • Powered by Berkeley County Electric, this light display honors the local Lowcountry communities
• How much does it cost?
  • $5 per vehicle, proceeds benefit charities serving Berkeley County

Cougar Night Lights

• When?
  • December 2, 2021-January 1, 2022
• Where?
  • Cistern Yard, Downtown Charleston
• What is it?
  • A light show that occurs every 30 minutes, starting at 5:30 PM and ending at 9 PM nightly
• How much does it cost?
  • Free!

Marion Square Tree Lighting

• When?
  • December 2, 2021, 5-6 PM
• Where?
  • Marion Square, Downtown Charleston
• What is it?
  • Musical interludes lead up to Mayor Tecklenburg lighting up the tree in Marion Square as a part of Illumination Charleston
• How much does it cost?
  • Free!

Holiday Parade of Boats

• When?
  • December 11, 2021
• Where?
  • Charleston Harbor
• What is it?
  • Lighted and festive boats proceed through the Cooper River, around the Charleston Harbor, and into the Ashley River
• How much is it?
  • Free!

26th Annual Christmas Light Parade

• When?
  • December 12, 2021
• Where?
  • Coleman Blvd., Mount Pleasant
• What is it?
  • Lit floats and community groups march up West Coleman Blvd. There will be a fireworks show as well.