"Light the Lake" – A Free Magical Holiday Tradition at Colonial Lake includes Snowfall, Food Village, Beer Garden, and Holiday Movie

Colonial Lake will be transformed into a glowing winter wonderland as Charleston Parks Conservancy announces the return of its much-anticipated holiday event, "Light the Lake," on December 1 at Colonial Lake from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. This free, family-friendly gathering includes a whimsical "snowfall" experience, food village, wine bar, beer garden, photo booth sponsored by Publix, and live music and performances featuring a special presentation of "ANIMALIA" by Hobey Ford. Colonial Lake’s pathways will be lined with more than 1,000 luminaries and will include the lighting of the tree in the center of the Lake by Charleston’s Mayor at 5:45 p.m.

The community is invited to honor and celebrate special people in their lives by dedicating a luminary for a $35 donation, which will be displayed on the 40-foot big screen, courtesy of Fox Audio Visual, before the movie begins at 7 p.m. These luminaries honor children, friends, family members, or even pets. Additionally, people can choose to memorialize a loved one. While registration is not required, it is recommended. To dedicate a luminary and to let the Conservancy know you’re coming, visit charlestonparksconservancy.org/LighttheLake.

"Light the Lake is integral to the mission of the Conservancy as it embodies the essence of community, bringing people together to celebrate and connect while fostering an appreciation for Charleston's public spaces, a cornerstone of our overarching mission,” said Darlene Heater, CEO of Charleston Parks Conservancy.

The funds raised during the Party for the Parks event presented by First National Bank on Nov. 4 serve as a foundation for sustaining invaluable initiatives like Light the Lake, ensuring that Charleston Parks Conservancy’s free community programming continues to thrive and benefit residents.

“As we reflect on the blend of community spirit and charitable contributions, it becomes evident that our work continues and is incredibly important to Charleston. The Conservancy's commitment to enhancing public spaces fosters a sense of unity and shared responsibility for the well-being of our cherished parks,” said Heater.

Sponsors play a vital role in the Conservancy’s mission; to sponsor a 2024 event, contact Emily Topham, etopham@charlestonparksconservancy.org, by Jan. 1, 2024, for additional benefits.

About the Charleston Parks Conservancy
The Charleston Parks Conservancy is a nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring the people of Charleston to connect with their parks and create stunning public places and a strong community. For more than 13 years, the Conservancy -- through public-private partnerships -- has had a hand in renovating and beautifying more than 20 parks in the City of Charleston. In 2020, renovations were completed at Moultrie Playground and at St. Julian Devine Community Center & Park. Other notable projects include the complete renovation of Colonial Lake, the renovation of the Rose Pavilion at Hampton Park as well as Magnolia Park and Community Garden, and Medway Park and Community Garden. For more information, visit www.charlestonparksconservancy.org, Instagram: @charlestonparks, and Facebook / YouTube: @CharlestonParksConservancy.