November events and programs in your Charleston County Parks!

November Special Events

Harvest Festival

Saturday, Nov. 3, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Johns Island County Park

Bring the family to celebrate a traditional Southern fall festival! The 17th annual Harvest Festival features down-home delights like a craft market, children's activities including hay rides and an archery competition, and live foot-stomping bluegrass music from five local bands! Plus enjoy beverages and food for sale, including plenty of barbeque. No outside food or beverages permitted. Admission is $8, or free for kids 12 and under and Gold Pass holders. For a band schedule, visit CharlestonCountyParks.com.

Holiday Festival of Lights Fun Run and Walk

Wednesday, Nov. 7 and Thursday, Nov. 8, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

James Island County Park

Join us for this exclusive preview of the Holiday Festival of Lights. Runners and walkers will be the first in Charleston to explore hundreds of magical light displays during a two-mile, non-competitive run and walk. Afterwards, participants are invited to enjoy the festival's amenities including marshmallow roasting, touring gift shops and more. Participants receive a glow necklace. Arrive early; the park will close to all traffic at 6:30 p.m. and will not reopen until approximately 8:30 p.m. An admission ticket is required for event entry. Tickets are limited and must be purchased in advance. A registered and paid chaperone is required for ages 15 and under. Socialized dogs on a short leash are welcome. Retractable leashes, bicycles, skateboards, rollerblades and scooters are not permitted for safety reasons. Tickets: $12/$10 Move IT! Pass Holder; $15 on Nov. 7 or after. Visit HolidayFestivalofLights.com to purchase tickets.

The 29th Annual Holiday Festival of Lights

Ongoing Nightly, Nov. 9 – 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.

· Nov. 9: Grand Opening Night! Enjoy live music from Lowcountry Powerbrass (7-9 p.m.) and awards presentation for the Giant Greeting Card contest.

· Nov. 10: The Charleston Sparks Dance Team, performances at 6:30 and 7:30 p.m.

· Nov. 12: First night to save $5 off admission when you bring a canned food item for donation to the Lowcountry Food Bank. Canned dog or cat food also accepted. Discount offered every Monday through Thursday, Nov. 12 through Jan. 1

· Nov. 15: Ask a Naturalist – Visit with a naturalist from Caw Caw Interpretive Center! 6 p.m.

· Nov. 16: The Footlight Players performing an excerpt from “Miracle on 34th St.,” 6 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Ask a Naturalist, 6 p.m.

· Nov. 17: Magic by Julie, 7 – 9 p.m.

· Nov. 21: Lowcountry Power Brass performance, 7-9 p.m.

· Nightly Nov. 21 - Dec. 23: Santa Claus is at the festival nightly in Santa’s Village! Families and dogs are invited for photos.

· Nov. 24: The Break Circuit (American Ninja Warrior Competitor), 7 – 9 p.m.

· Nov. 25 & 28: Visit with Mrs. Claus, 6-10 p.m.

· Nov. 29: Ask a Naturalist, 6 p.m.

· Nov. 30: Visit with Mrs. Claus, 6-10 p.m. Holiday Storytelling with Chick-fil-A, 6:30 & 7:30 p.m. Ask a Naturalist, 6 p.m.

Supper with Santa at the Holiday Festival of Lights

Friday, Nov. 16. Seatings at 5:30-6:30 p.m. and 7-8 p.m.

Edisto Hall at James Island County Park

A benefit for Charleston County Parks’ nonprofit partner, The Parklands Foundation. In addition to viewing the holiday light show, attendees will enjoy a festive meal and a professional photo package with Santa Claus from Coleman Photography. Cap off the evening with a train ride through the lights, a whirl on the carousel, a climb on the climbing wall, and marshmallow roasting! Tickets are $50, or $25 for kids 12 and under. For details and to purchase tickets, visit TheParklandsFoundation.org or call 843-640-5451.

Chili 5K Trail Run/Walk

Saturday, Nov. 17, 9 a.m.

Laurel Hill County Park

Navigate through the majestic moss-draped trails of Laurel Hill County Park during the Chili 5K with a post-race party including chili and beer. Online registration ends Thursday, Nov. 15. Race day registration available on-site at Laurel Hill at day-of rate. Race hoodies are guaranteed to participants who register prior to Oct. 15. Open to ages 10 and up. $28 in advance/$34 on race day.

Starlight Yoga at the Holiday Festival of Lights

Wednesday, Nov. 28, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.

James Island County Park

Get your holiday spirit flowing with Starlight Yoga at the Holiday Festival of Lights. Open to all fitness levels. Register by November 8 to receive a special glow-in-the dark prize. Online registration ends Nov. 28 at 2PM. Event day registration available onsite for $8. Rain date: Wednesday, Dec. 5. Photo ID required. Holiday Festival of Lights vehicle admission is a separate fee. Class held in the meadow at Santa's Village. $5 per person; free to Move IT! Pass holders.

November Programs

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

Ongoing Programs

Level 1 Chronic Condition Management: Level 1 Move IT! Studio

Highly trained fitness professionals conduct low intensity classes specifically designed for those who lead sedentary lifestyles and are also managing chronic conditions. Each program blends structured physical activity with targeted health education and lifestyle strategies to promote health and well-being. All classes are held in climate controlled, indoor spaces.

Ongoing: Tuesdays and Thursdays: Nov. 1, 6, 8, 13, 15, 20, 27, 29 1:30 -2:30 p.m. Course # 58518

Meets at: Move IT Office Age: 16 & up

Fee: $7/$5 Move IT! Pass Holder

Level 1 Chronic Condition Management: Level 1 Schroder Community Center

Ongoing: Tuesdays and Thursdays: Nov. 1, 6, 8, 13, 15, 20, 27, 29 10 -11 a.m. Course # 58540

Meets at: Schroder Community Center Age: 16 & up

Fee: $7/$5 Move IT! Pass Holder

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Walk and Restorative Yoga Caw Caw Interpretive Center

Yoga professionals lead participants along short walking loops through the breathtaking natural habitat at the Caw Caw Interpretive Center in Ravenel. Practice gentle and restorative yoga techniques to build strength, flexibility, and balance. Take advantage of our series discount!

Ongoing: Thursdays: Nov. 1, 8, 15, 29 9:30 -10:30 a.m. Course # 57527

Meets at: Caw Caw Interpretive Center Age: 16 & up

Fee: $8. Register for six or more classes and receive a $3 discount per class. Coupon code: FITMULTI. Free to Move IT! Pass holders.

Walk and Restorative Yoga James Island County Park

Join us for an invigorating walk mixed with relaxing and rejuvenating yoga in an incredibly beautiful setting. It is the perfect way to start your day in a positive and restoring way. Open to all levels including mothers with children in strollers.

Ongoing: Thursdays: Nov. 1, 8, 15, 29 9:30 -10:30 a.m. Course # 57554

Meets at: James Island County Park Age: 16 & up

Fee: $8. Register for six or more classes and receive a $3 discount per class. Coupon code: FITMULTI. Free to Move IT! Pass holders.

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.

Ongoing: Wednesdays and Saturdays: Nov. 3, 7, 10, 14, 17, 21, 24, 28 8:30 -11:30 a.m. Course # 57656

Meets at: Caw Caw Interpretive Center

Fee: $10/Free for Gold Pass Holder and Move IT! Pass Holder

Pilates Mat

Using movements that focus on challenging the core, participants experience a full body workout that emphasizes balance, stretch, strength and control. Classes are a blend of Classical Pilates exercises and variations that use props and light weights. Open to all levels. Series discount available.

Ongoing: Saturdays: Nov. 3, 10, 17 9:30 -10:30 a.m. Course # 57340

Meets at: Move IT Office Age: 16 & up

Fee: $8. Register for six or more classes and receive a $3 discount per class. Coupon code: FITMULTI. Free to Move IT! Pass holders.

Tai Chi

For adults experiencing muscular tension, fatigue, arthritis pain, and intestinal distress, Tai Chi has proven effective as part of a holistic approach to wellness. With a focus on stability and balance, Tai Chi may help reduce or prevent falls commonly associated with aging.

Ongoing: Saturdays: Nov. 3, 10, 17 4 -5 p.m. Course # 57327

Meets at: Move IT Office Age: 16 & up

Fee: $8. Register for six or more classes and receive a $3 discount per class. Coupon code: FITMULTI. Free to Move IT! Pass holders.

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.

Ongoing: Tuesdays: Nov. 6, 13, 20, 6:15 -7:15 p.m. Course # 57608

Meets at: Schroder Community Center Age: 12 & up Fee: $5

Daily Programs

Monarch Migration

Did you know Monarch butterflies are the subject of tag and release research? Join a naturalist to search for and potentially tag Monarchs while learning about their amazing annual migration. A registered chaperone is required for ages 15 and under. Pre-registration required.

Nov. 1 Thu 1 -3 p.m. Course # 57625

Meets at: Folly Beach County Park Age: 9 & up

Fee: $9/$7 Move IT! Pass Holder

Night Climbing

Enjoy an evening under the stars at The Climbing Wall! Try your favorite route from a different perspective. Equipment is not included in climbing fee. Bring your own headlamp/flashlight. Registration is not necessary.

Nov. 1 Thu 5 -10 p.m. Course # 57459

Meets at: James Island County Park Age: 16 & up

Fee: $12/$9 Move IT! Pass Holder

Harvest Festival Trail Ride

Enjoy a beautiful weekend at Mullet Hall Equestrian Center. Registration options include the all-inclusive package, which includes trail riding, camping and a catered dinner on Saturday night for $60; or the non-rider package, which includes dinner and camping only on Saturday night (no trail riding) for $15.

Nov. 2-4, departs 12 p.m. Friday.

Meets at: Johns Island County Park Age: 3 & up

Introduction to Climbing

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!

Nov. 4 Sun 2 -4 p.m. Course # 57477

Meets at: James Island County Park Age: 14 & up

Fee: $25/$20 Move IT! Pass Holder

Level 2 Chronic Condition Management: Level 2 Move IT! Studio

Highly trained fitness professionals conduct low to moderate intensity classes appropriate for anyone managing chronic conditions with moderate levels of mobility. Each program blends structured physical activity with targeted health education and lifestyle strategies to promote health and well-being. All classes are held in climate controlled, indoor spaces.

Nov. 6 Tue 6 -7 p.m. Course # 58551

Meets at: Move IT Office Age: 16 & up

Fee: $7/$5 Move IT! 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.

Nov. 7 Wed 12 -5 p.m. Course # 57469

Meets at: James Island County Park Age:

Fee: $12/$12

Folly Beach Bird Walks: Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve

From inlet to inlet, birding experts help participants explore the wonderfully diverse areas of Folly Beach. Our spotting scope will help you see shorebirds, seabirds, songbirds, and raptors too. A registered and paid chaperone is required for participants ages 15 and under. This walk focuses on the incredibly diverse northeast end of Folly Island. We hope to see a variety of shorebirds and seabirds such as American Oystercatchers and Northern Gannets.

Nov. 9 Fri 8:30 -10:30 a.m. Course # 57631

Meets at: Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve Age: 12 & up

Fee: $7/$5 Move IT! Pass Holder

Homeschool in the Parks: Carolina Gold

Learn about natural and cultural history through games, exploration, and hands-on activities. Each program highlights an ecosystem, animal, or culturally significant story found in the park system. Chaperones welcome to attend but not required. Explore former rice fields and walk through the various steps required for the cultivation of rice. Examine the roles and influences of enslaved Africans and African Americans. Pre-registration required.

Nov. 9 Fri 10 -11:30 a.m. Course # 57298

Nov. 9 Fri 12 -1:30 p.m. Course # 57299

Meets at: Caw Caw Interpretive Center Age: 7-13

Fee: $5/$5

Canoeing At Caw Caw: Habitat to Heritage

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. Chaperone required for ages 15 and under.

Nov. 10 Sat 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Course # 57622

Meets at: Caw Caw Interpretive Center Age: 9 & up

Fee: $30/$24 Move IT! Pass Holder

Level 2 Chronic Condition Management: Level 2 Move IT! Studio

Nov. 13 Tue 6 -7 p.m. Course # 58552

Meets at: Move IT Office Age: 16 & up

Fee: $7/$5 Move IT! Pass Holder

College Days at the Climbing Wall

Nov. 14 Wed 12 -5 p.m. Course # 57470

Meets at: James Island County Park Age:

Fee: $12/$12

Master Naturalist Sampler: Naturalist Training at Palmetto Islands County Park

Would you like to take our Master Naturalist course, but don't have the time? We offer half-day sessions filled with natural history goodness! The hammock islands and salt marshes of this park provide a superb outdoor classroom for learning how to read landscapes. Walk away with a greater understanding of the natural world and your place in it! Pre-registration required.

Nov. 15 Thu 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Course # 57627

Meets at: Palmetto Islands County Park Age: 16 & up

Fee: $12/$9 Move IT! Pass Holder

Wee Wild Ones: Home Sweet Home

Young children ages 1-5 will channel their inner explorers while enjoying nature through hands-on activities, games, music, and art. Chaperones required to attend but not required to register. Wild animal dwellings are more like your home than you think! Join us as we learn about habitats and the plants and animals that call them home. Pre-registration required.

Nov. 16 Fri 10 -11 a.m. Course # 57278

Meets at: Caw Caw Interpretive Center Age: 1-5

Fee: $10/$10

Hunting for Dragons: South Carolina's Giant Salamanders

Experience the mystery and awe of these secretive amphibians by joining naturalists as they capture and record data on salamanders found in the coastal plain of South Carolina. A registered chaperone is required for ages 15 and under. Pre-registration required.

Nov. 17 Sat 9 -11 a.m. Course # 57633

Meets at: Caw Caw Interpretive Center Age: 12 & up

Fee: $9/$9

McLeod Plantation Historic Site by Night

For enslaved residents, night was time for burials, worship, family visits, or an opportunity to seize freedom. Tour McLeod after dark to discover how they commandeered the night and the risks they took doing so. A registered and paid chaperone is required for participants ages 15 and under. Pre-registration required.

Nov. 17 Sat 5:30 -6:45 p.m. Course # 57268

Meets at: McLeod Plantation Historic Site Age: 8 & up

Fee: $15/$15

Lowcountry Stargazers: Public Astronomy Observing

Mullet Hall Equestrian Center at Johns Island County Park hosts year-round astronomy observing events. Observe Saturn, Mars, the moon, constellations, the Milky Way and deep-sky objects at one of the darker sites in the Charleston area, guided by members of the Lowcountry Stargazers. Bring a flashlight; red cellophane will be provided to cover the lens. Weather permitting. For further information please contact Jim Hoffman at (843) 212-5857 or jimman48@att.net.

Nov. 17 Sat 6:15 -8:15 p.m. Course # 56344

Meets at: Johns Island County Park Age:

Fee: $0/$0 Move IT! Pass Holder

Introduction to Climbing

Nov. 18 Sun 2 -4 p.m. Course # 57478

Meets at: James Island County Park Age: 14 & up

Fee: $25/$20 Move IT! Pass Holder

Level 2 Chronic Condition Management: Level 2 Move IT! Studio

Nov. 20 Tue 6 -7 p.m. Course # 58553

Meets at: Move IT Office Age: 16 & up

Fee: $7/$5 Move IT! Pass Holder

College Days at the Climbing Wall