December events and programs in your Charleston County Parks

The 29th Annual Holiday Festival of Lights

Ongoing Nightly through Jan. 1

James Island County Park

Make merry magical memories at one of the Lowcountry’s most beloved holiday events! Nightly from Nov. 9 through Jan. 1, James Island County Park hosts the award-winning Holiday Festival of Lights. Journey a three-mile driving tour packed with over 700 light displays, then stretch your legs and enjoy attractions like marshmallow roasting, gift shops and more within Winter Wonderland and Santa’s Village. Special event nights including live music and storytelling will take place on select nights. For more information, call (843) 795-4386 or visit HolidayFestivalofLights.com.
Holiday Festival of Lights Special Events Calendar - Most events take place in Santa’s Village; visit HolidayFestivalofLights.com for details.

· Dec. 1: School of the Arts High School Chamber Music, 6:30 – 8 p.m.

· Dec. 2: Tesoro Gypsy Jazz Duo, 6:30 – 9:30 p.m.

· Dec. 4: Visit with Mrs. Claus, 6-10 p.m.

· Dec. 6: Lowcountry Powerbrass, 7 – 9 p.m. Ask a Naturalist, 6 p.m.

· Dec. 7: Storytelling with the Charleston County Sherriff’s Office, 6:30 and 7:30 p.m. Ask a Naturalist, 6 p.m.

· Dec. 8: Roving Holiday Carolers, 6:30–8:30 p.m. Little Dickens Carolers (children’s performance), 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.

· Dec. 10 & 12: Visit with Mrs. Claus, 6-10 p.m.

· Dec. 13: Lowcountry Power Brass performance, 7-9 p.m.

· Dec. 14: Storytelling with the Charleston Animal Society, 6:30 and 7:30 p.m.

· Dec. 15: Roving Holiday Carolers, 6–8 p.m.

· Dec. 16: Magic by Julie, 7-9 p.m.

· Dec. 17: James Island Charter High School Band Chamber Ensembles, 7-9 p.m.

· Dec. 19: Visit with Mrs. Claus, 6-10 p.m.

· Dec. 20 & 21: Ask a Naturalist, 6 p.m.

· Dec. 22: Magic by Julie, 7-9 p.m.

· Dec. 31: New Year’s Eve Fireworks at the Holiday Festival of Lights, 9 p.m.

Holiday Hoedown

Thursday, Dec. 6, 6 – 8 p.m.

Wannamaker County Park

People with special needs and their families and friends are invited to an unforgettable night at Cypress Hall! Come dressed in your favorite western gear to welcome the holiday, country style! Enjoy light refreshments with Mrs. Claus and the Holiday Festival of Lights mascot, Wattson. A registered and paid chaperone is required for participants ages 15 and under. Call (843) 795-4386 to register for this program. Fee: $5.

Shuckin’ on the Cooper
Saturday, Dec. 8, 5 – 8 p.m.

Mount Pleasant Pier

Come out and enjoy scenic views of the Charleston Harbor and the City of Charleston's Holiday Parade of Boats while dancing to live music from Joshua Jarman and shuckin' some oysters! Admission is $8 per person, or $10 on site (if available). Buckets of oysters will be available for $10 each. Beverages will also be available. For more information or to purchase advance tickets, visit CharlestonCountyParks.com.

December Programs

Advance registration or minimum number of registrants required for many programs. Call 843-795-4386 or visit charlestoncountyparks.com to register.

Early Morning Bird Walks at Caw Caw

Join us on one or more of our regular bird walks. Our trek through many distinct habitats will allow us to view and discuss a variety of birds, butterflies, and other organisms. A paid chaperone is required for participants ages 15 and under. Registration is not required.

Dec. 1 Sat 8:30 -11:30 a.m.

Caw Caw Interpretive Center

Fee: $10/Free for Gold Pass Holder

How to Belay

Learn the basics of rock climbing in a safe and fun environment. Stack the odds in your favor from the beginning by learning safe and efficient techniques and good habits. These clinics are tailored for first time climbers and people wanting to learn more about getting started with rock climbing. Have fun, meet new people, and learn how to climb!

Dec. 2 Sun 2-4 p.m.

James Island County Park – Climbing Wall Age: 14 & up

Fee: $25

Johns Island Youth Wrestling
This program is an ideal introduction to the sport of wrestling focusing on development of motor skills, wrestling techniques, rules, safety, and having fun. Participants will learn proper body position of feet, knees, arms, neck, and head to solidify best body positioning on a wrestling mat, and other strategy techniques. Participants will have the opportunity to participate in tournaments.

Dec. 3 – 31, M/Tu/W/Th/Sat 6 – 8 p.m.

St. John’s High School – Basketball Gymnasium Ages: 4 - 14

$30

College Days at the Climbing Wall

Climbing is a fun way to get into shape and to meet new people. It is also a great social activity. Students with a current ID will receive a free harness and shoe rental with the regular price of admission. Registration is not required.

Dec. 5 Wed 12 -5 p.m.

Meets at: James Island County Park Age:

Fee: $12

Early Morning Bird Walks at Caw Caw

Join us on one or more of our regular bird walks. Our trek through many distinct habitats will allow us to view and discuss a variety of birds, butterflies, and other organisms. A paid chaperone is required for ages 15 and under. Registration is not required.

Dec. 5 Wed 8:30 -11:30 a.m.

Caw Caw Interpretive Center

Fee: $10/Free for Gold Pass Holder

Great Outdoor Gear Sale

Here's your chance to get awesome deals on great gear. Sale items may include used tents, kayaks, mountain bikes, SUPs, camping accessories, and other gear. These deals can't be beat! All equipment sold "as is," prices are non-negotiable, and all sales are final.
Dec. 8 Sat 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
James Island County Park (Climbing Wall area)
Free with park admission fee ($2 per person)

Seashore Exploration

Winter is a great time to explore the beach and a trained naturalist will help familiarize you with several species. Share in the discovery by learning intriguing stories about adaptations that allow for life near the ocean. A registered and paid chaperone is required for participants ages 15 and under.

Dec. 8 Sat. 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Isle of Palms County Park Ages 9 and up

$7

Early Morning Bird Walks at Caw Caw

Join us on one or more of our regular bird walks. Our trek through many distinct habitats will allow us to view and discuss a variety of birds, butterflies, and other organisms. A paid chaperone is required for participants ages 15 and under. Registration is not required.

Dec. 8 Sat 8:30 -11:30 a.m.

Caw Caw Interpretive Center

Fee: $10/Free for Gold Pass Holder

Mingle with Kringle

Tired of waiting in long lines to see Santa? Avoid the lines and book a private visit before the Holiday Festival of Lights gets busy during the evening. Our professional photographer will take photos of your group, of up to 5 people, and Santa sitting in his sleigh. If your group has more than 5 people, book multiple spots. You'll receive the shots on a USB thumb drive. Also included in this package is a Gift Pass to visit the Holiday Festival of Lights on another evening of your choosing!

Select dates: Dec. 8, 9, 15, 16, 22

Saturday times: 10 – 11 a.m., 11 a.m. – 12 p.m., 12 – 1 p.m., 1 – 2 p.m., 2 – 3 p.m.

Sunday times: 12 – 1 p.m., 1 – 2 p.m., 2 – 3 p.m.

James Island County Park - Park Center Terrace

Fee: $65

McClellanville Youth Basketball

Program will concentrate on developing skills such as passing, shooting, defense/offense, rebounding, and teamwork in a fun environment. Involves league play for some age groups and may require traveling. Participants will be separated into age groups.

Dec. 10-31 M/W/Th (8-week session) 3 – 5 p.m.

Lincoln High School basketball gymnasium Ages: 9 - 15
$30

College Days at the Climbing Wall

Climbing is a fun way to get into shape and to meet new people. It is also a great social activity. Students with a current ID will receive a free harness and shoe rental with the regular price of admission. Registration is not required.

Dec. 12 Wed 12 -5 p.m.

Meets at: James Island County Park Age:

Fee: $12

Homeschool in the Parks: Twilight Hike

Take a stroll around the Caw Caw Interpretive Center as the sun sets to see changes as the world transitions from day to night. This program is designed for homeschool children and explores natural and cultural history through games, art, and hands-on activities.

Dec. 14 Fri 5 – 6:30 p.m.
Caw Caw Interpretive Center Ages: 7-13
$5

Early Morning Bird Walks at Caw Caw

Join us on one or more of our regular bird walks. Our trek through many distinct habitats will allow us to view and discuss a variety of birds, butterflies, and other organisms. A paid chaperone is required for participants ages 15 and under. Every Wednesday and Saturday. Registration is not required.

Dec. 12 Wed 8:30 -11:30 a.m.

Caw Caw Interpretive Center

Fee: $10/Free for Gold Pass Holder

Holidays on the Plantation

The holidays are often seen as joyous occasions spent with family and friends. Join us as we explore how they were experienced on plantations and what they might have meant to enslaved people at McLeod. A registered and paid chaperone is required for participants ages 15 and under.
Dec. 15 Sat 10 – 11:15 a.m.
McLeod Plantation Historic Site
$15

Early Morning Bird Walks at Caw Caw

Join us on one or more of our regular bird walks. Our trek through many distinct habitats will allow us to view and discuss a variety of birds, butterflies, and other organisms. A paid chaperone is required for participants ages 15 and under. Registration is not required.

Dec. 15 Sat 8:30 -11:30 a.m.

Caw Caw Interpretive Center

Fee: $10/Free for Gold Pass Holder

Seabirding at Folly Beach Pier

Birding experts will help you find oceangoing seabirds from the amazing vantage point of the Folly Beach Fishing Pier. Targets include grebes, loons, gulls, terns, and more. A paid chaperone is required for participants ages 15 and under.

Dec. 18 Tue 8:30 - 10 a.m.

Folly Beach Pier - entrance Age: 12 and up

Fee: $6

College Days at the Climbing Wall

Climbing is a fun way to get into shape and to meet new people. It is also a great social activity. Students with a current ID will receive a free harness and shoe rental with the regular price of admission. Registration is not required.

Dec. 19 Wed 12 -5 p.m.

Meets at: James Island County Park Age:

Fee: $12

Early Morning Bird Walks at Caw Caw

Join us on one or more of our regular bird walks. Our trek through many distinct habitats will allow us to view and discuss a variety of birds, butterflies, and other organisms. A paid chaperone is required for participants ages 15 and under. Every Wednesday and Saturday. Registration is not required.

Dec. 19 Wed 8:30 -11:30 a.m.

Caw Caw Interpretive Center

Fee: $10/Free for Gold Pass Holder

Early Morning Bird Walks at Caw Caw

Join us on one or more of our regular bird walks. Our trek through many distinct habitats will allow us to view and discuss a variety of birds, butterflies, and other organisms. A paid chaperone is required for participants ages 15 and under. Registration is not required.

Dec. 22 Sat 8:30 -11:30 a.m.

Caw Caw Interpretive Center

Fee: $10/Free for Gold Pass Holder

Winter Explorers Camp

Campers will explore and learn about the Lowcountry environment, create arts and crafts, and play cooperative games within the comfort of one of the Charleston County Parks. This experience introduces kids to the wonders of being outside, and builds physical, social, and decision-making skills while providing recreational fun. Our programs are designed with the philosophy that physical and emotional safety has to be the base on which all fun and education can be achieved.

Dec. 26 – Jan. 4 (no camp Jan. 1) 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

James Island County Park OR Palmetto Islands County Park

Ages 6-9

$50 per day

College Days at the Climbing Wall

Climbing is a fun way to get into shape and to meet new people. It is also a great social activity. Students with a current ID will receive a free harness and shoe rental with the regular price of admission. Registration is not required.

Dec. 26 Wed 12 -5 p.m.

Meets at: James Island County Park Age:

Fee: $12

Early Morning Bird Walks at Caw Caw

Join us on one or more of our regular bird walks. Our trek through many distinct habitats will allow us to view and discuss a variety of birds, butterflies, and other organisms. A paid chaperone is required for participants ages 15 and under. Every Wednesday and Saturday. Registration is not required.

Dec. 26 Wed 8:30 -11:30 a.m.

Caw Caw Interpretive Center

Fee: $10/Free for Gold Pass Holder

Fairy House Day

Kids of all ages join us for the greatest, tiniest building project ever! Check in at the registration table to receive a building permit and materials, then start creating your own little dwelling. For extra fun, come dressed up like a fairy or gnome. This program is free; however, regular gate admission is required for park entry. Registration is not required. An on-site chaperone for children is required.

Dec. 28 Fri 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Caw Caw Interpretive Center

Free with regular park admission ($2 per person)

Early Morning Bird Walks at Caw Caw

Join us on one or more of our regular bird walks. Our trek through many distinct habitats will allow us to view and discuss a variety of birds, butterflies, and other organisms. A paid chaperone is required for participants ages 15 and under. Every Wednesday and Saturday. Registration is not required.

Dec. 29 Sat 8:30 -11:30 a.m.

Caw Caw Interpretive Center

Fee: $10/Free for Gold Pass Holder

Advance registration required for many programs. Call 843-795-4386 or visit www.charlestoncountyparks.com to register. Many programs require that a minimum number of participants be met.