January 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. For more information, call (843) 795-4386 or visit HolidayFestivalofLights.com.

Shuckin’ on the Cooper
Saturday, Jan. 12, 1-4 p.m.

Mount Pleasant Pier

Come out and enjoy scenic views of the Charleston Harbor 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. Event rescheduled from December. For more information or to purchase advance tickets, visit CharlestonCountyParks.com.

Off Road Duathlon

Saturday, Jan. 19, 8:30 a.m. race start

Laurel Hill County Park

Traverse the scenic trails of Laurel Hill County Park in Mount Pleasant during the Off Road Duathlon, presented in partnership with Anne Moore Endurance Coaching and Mount Pleasant Velo. This three-part beginner-friendly course begins with a 2-mile run, then includes a 7-mile bike, and finishes with another 2-mile run. The bike leg is best suited for knobby, wide-tired bikes. A transition area will be used for set-up between legs. Awards will be given to the top three male/female finishers. Register online until 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, January 17. $45. Race day registration available on-site at Laurel Hill County Park from 7 – 8 a.m. at day-of rate.

Save the Light Half Marathon and 5K

Saturday, Feb. 2, 8:30 a.m. race start

Folly Beach Pier

Join us on Folly Beach for the Save the Light Half Marathon and 5K. Both USATF certified races start and finish near the Folly Beach Pier. Awards and post-race food provided. Race supports the preservation of the Morris Island Lighthouse by Save the Light, a grassroots non-profit organization that formed to save the lighthouse from being lost to the sea. Both USATF certified races start and finish near the Folly Beach Pier. Half Marathon is a run only event. The 5K is open to runners and walkers. Fees vary. For more information or to register, visit CharlestonCountyParks.com or call 843-795-4386.

January Programs

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

Winter Explorers Camp

Campers will explore and learn about the Lowcountry environment, create arts and crafts, and play cooperative ga.m.es 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.

Jan. 2-4 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

James Island County Park OR Palmetto Islands County Park

Ages 6-9

$50 per day

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.

Wed., Jan. 2 8:30 -11:30 a.m.

Caw Caw Interpretive Center

Fee: $10/Free for Gold Pass Holder

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.

Wed., Jan. 2 12 -5 p.m.

James Island County Park

Fee: $12

Early Morning Bird Walks at Caw Caw

Sat., Jan. 5 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! Open to ages 14 and up.

Sun., Jan. 6 2 -4 p.m.

James Island County Park- Climbing Wall Classroom

$25

How to Belay

Mon., Jan. 7 2 -4 p.m.

James Island County Park - Climbing Wall Classroom

$25

Hip Hop Hollywood
Exercise just got a whole lot more fun. Hip Hop Hollywood combines the latest dance choreography with hip hop music to create an atmosphere of community, empowerment, and fun all while burning calories. These group fitness classes are led by dance instructors and are open to all levels. Open to ages 12 and up.
Tues., Jan. 8 6:15 – 7:15 p.m.
Schroder Recreation Complex – Hollywood
$5

Baptist Hill Youth Basketball

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For ages 8-13. 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 different age groups.

Jan. 7-Mar. 2 Monday-Thursday from 6-8 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Schroder Recreation Complex - Hollywood

$30

Johns Island Youth Basketball

Jan. 7-Mar. 2 Monday-Thursday from 6-8 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

St. John's High School Basketball Gymnasium

$30

Early Morning Bird Walks at Caw Caw

Wed., Jan. 9 8:30 -11:30 a.m.

Caw Caw Interpretive Center

Fee: $10/Free for Gold Pass Holder

College Days at the Climbing Wall

Wed., Jan. 9 12 -5 p.m.

James Island County Park

Fee: $12

Local Paddling Destinations

The Lowcountry is well known for its salt marshes, cypress swamps, and inland waterways. Learn about many of our great paddling destinations and how to gain access to them.

Thurs., Jan. 10 6-9 p.m.

CCPRC Headquarters

$15

Beginner Birding

Even the best birders were "fledglings" at one time. Join a naturalist to learn birding essentials, like proper gear and basic terminology. We'll then take a walk to spot and identify some feathered friends. Open to ages 12 and up; a registered and paid chaperone is required for participants ages 15 and under.

Thurs., Jan. 11 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

Caw Caw Interpretive Center - Classroom

$12

Hidden Places at McLeod

The enslaved cherished hidden spaces and moments from the watchful eyes of enslavers to claim small freedoms no matter how uncomfortable or briefly. Discover clues for how people at McLeod could have asserted those freedoms. A registered and paid chaperone is required for participants ages 15 and under. Pre-registration required.

Sat., Jan. 12 10 -11:15 a.m.

McLeod Plantation Historic Site

$15

Early Morning Bird Walks at Caw Caw

Sat., Jan. 12 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 a.m.azing vantage point of the Folly Beach Fishing Pier. Targets include scoters, scaup, grebes, loons, gulls, terns, and more. Open to ages 12 and up; a paid chaperone is required for participants ages 15 and under. Pre-registration required.

Tues., Jan. 15 8:30 -10 a.m.

Folly Beach Pier

Hip Hop Hollywood
Exercise just got a whole lot more fun. Hip Hop Hollywood combines the latest dance choreography with hip hop music to create an atmosphere of community, empowerment, and fun all while burning calories. These group fitness classes are led by dance instructors and are open to all levels. Open to ages 12 and up.
Tues., Jan. 15 6:15 – 7:15 p.m.
Schroder Recreation Complex – Hollywood
$5

Early Morning Bird Walks at Caw Caw

Wed., Jan. 16 8:30 -11:30 a.m.

Caw Caw Interpretive Center

Fee: $10/Free for Gold Pass Holder

Coastal Navigation: Level 1

This course introduces you to all aspects of coastal navigation. The basics of maps and charts, compasses, aids to navigation, declination/variation, and rules of the nautical road will be covered. Sea kayakers and other coastal travelers will enjoy learning from these informative classes. Gain confidence and skills to feel at ease knowing where you are and how to get to where you want to go. Pre-registration required.

Wed., Jan. 16 6 -8 p.m.

CCPRC Headquarters

$15

College Days at the Climbing Wall

Wed., Jan. 16 12 -5 p.m.

James Island County Park

Fee: $12

Tides and Currents

Will you get stuck in pluff mud or breeze along to your destination? Understanding tides and currents can make a significant difference in your paddling day. This course will help you prepare for your next adventure on the water. Pre-registration required.

Thurs., Jan. 17 6-8 p.m.

CCPRC Headquarters

$15

Homeschool in the Parks: Coastal Winter Wonders

There are so many things to discover at the beach during the quiet season. We walk, talk, and investigate during this class to learn about a barrier island ecosystem in the winter. This program is designed for homeschool children and explores natural and cultural history through games, art, and hands-on activities. For ages 7-13. Pre-registration required.

Fri., Jan. 18 10 -11:30 a.m.

Kiawah Beachwalker Park

Homeschool in the Parks: Coastal Winter Wonders

Fri., Jan. 18 12 -1:30 p.m.

Kiawah Beachwalker Park

Coastal Navigation: Level 2

Learn more advanced navigational skills such as dead reckoning, range lines, fixes, following bearings, triangulation, and compensating for the current. Level 1 Coastal Navigation skills are a prerequisite. Pre-registration required.

Fri., Jan. 18 6-8 p.m.

CCPRC Headquarters

$15

Early Morning Bird Walks at Caw Caw

Sat., Jan. 19 8:30 -11:30 a.m.

Caw Caw Interpretive Center

Fee: $10/Free for Gold Pass Holder

Baptist Hill Youth Basketball

For ages 5-7. 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 different age groups.

Saturdays, Jan. 19-Feb. 23 10-11:30 a.m.

Schroder Recreation Complex - Hollywood

$15

Johns Island Youth Basketball

Saturdays, Jan. 19-Feb. 23 10 -11:30 a.m.

St. John's High School Basketball Gymnasium

$15

Sunset/Moonrise Paddle

Glide silently past feeding herons and witness features hidden to trail-bound visitors by canoeing Caw Caw's waterways. These interpretive paddles offer a unique look into the ecology of the Lowcountry. Trained naturalists will enlighten you to the cultural and natural history of the area, citing important connections to the past, present, and future. Open to ages 12 and up; a registered and paid chaperone is required for participants ages 15 and under. Pre-registration required.

Sat., Jan. 19 3-6 p.m.

Caw Caw Interpretive Center

$35

Hip Hop Hollywood
Exercise just got a whole lot more fun. Hip Hop Hollywood combines the latest dance choreography with hip hop music to create an atmosphere of community, empowerment, and fun all while burning calories. These group fitness classes are led by dance instructors and are open to all levels. Open to ages 12 and up.
Tues., Jan. 22 6:15 – 7:15 p.m.
Schroder Recreation Complex – Hollywood
$5

Early Morning Bird Walks at Caw Caw

Wed., Jan. 23 8:30 -11:30 a.m.

Caw Caw Interpretive Center

Fee: $10/Free for Gold Pass Holder

College Days at the Climbing Wall

Wed., Jan. 23 Wed 12 -5 p.m.

James Island County Park

Fee: $12

What Do Those Clouds Mean?

What do a Mackerel Sky and Mare's Tails mean, and how do they help forecast the weather? Join us for a review of clouds and their relationships to weather patterns to aid in our own weather forecasting for being on the water. Pre-registration required.

Thurs., Jan. 24 6-8 p.m.

CCPRC Headquarters

$15

Kayaking Kulture and Games

Immerse yourself in the origins of kayaking from the Arctic. Learn how the paddle and kayak design evolved to develop the best design for specific function and paddling discipline. Historical games played by paddlers will also be enjoyed. Delve into the roots of paddling and discover how relevant and fun doing things "old school" can be! Pre-registration required.

Fri., Jan. 25 6-8 p.m.

CCPRC Headquarters

$15

Early Morning Bird Walks at Caw Caw

Sat., Jan. 26 8:30 -11:30 a.m.

Caw Caw Interpretive Center

Fee: $10/Free for Gold Pass Holder

Secrets of the Swamp

Experience the primordial beauty of a bottomland swamp habitat with a trained naturalist. Beneath the towering cypress trees, we will stop and listen to the sounds of this sometimes mysterious world that seem far from everyday life. We'll uncover the secrets of plants and animals that inhabit this uniquely southern ecosystem. Open to ages 12 and up; a registered and paid chaperone is required for participants ages 15 and under. Pre-registration required.

Sat., Jan. 26 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

Wannamaker County Park

Navigating the Lowcountry

Learn the essential elements of navigation, tides and currents, and "Rules of the Road" that will help you safely get the most out traveling the Lowcountry's waterways. From quiet marshes to the busy harbor, learn the tools that will help you explore our local treasures with confidence. Pre-registration required.

Sat., Jan. 26 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

CCPRC Headquarters

$15

Intro to Kayak Rolling

Have you ever wanted to learn how to roll a kayak? One of the greatest self-rescue tools a kayaker has is rolling, which also sharpens other boating skills. Increase your confidence and abilities while learning how to roll a kayak, reviewing rescue techniques, or other skills. All classes take place in a controlled environment to ensure your comfort throughout the process. Open to ages 13 and up; a chaperone is required to be present for participant ages 15 and under. Pre-registration required.

Jan. 28, 7 – 8:30 p.m.

Jan. 30, 7 – 8:30 p.m.

Feb. 1, 5:30 – 8 p.m.

Off-Site - Destination

$65

Hip Hop Hollywood
Exercise just got a whole lot more fun. Hip Hop Hollywood combines the latest dance choreography with hip hop music to create an atmosphere of community, empowerment, and fun all while burning calories. These group fitness classes are led by dance instructors and are open to all levels. Open to ages 12 and up.
Tuesday, Jan. 29 6:15 – 7:15 p.m.
Schroder Recreation Complex – Hollywood
$5

Practice Pool Session

Improve or develop your paddling skills or techniques with instructors on hand to help. A great time to learn or improve on rescues! Increase your confidence and abilities while learning how to roll a kayak, reviewing rescue techniques, or other skills. All classes take place in a controlled environment to ensure your comfort throughout the process. Open to ages 13 and up; a chaperone is required to be present for participant ages 15 and under. Pre-registration required.

Jan. 29 & 31 7 -8:30 p.m.

Off-Site - Destination

$48

Early Morning Bird Walks at Caw Caw

Wed., Jan. 30 8:30 -11:30 a.m.

Caw Caw Interpretive Center

Fee: $10/Free for Gold Pass Holder

College Days at the Climbing Wall

Wed., Jan. 30 Wed 12 -5 p.m.

James Island County Park Age:

Fee: $12

Recreation