December 2024 Special Events and Programs at Charleston County Parks
James Island County Park
Open nightly through Dec. 31, 5:30 – 10 p.m.
It’s the most wonderful time of the year at the Holiday Festival of Lights! Open nightly through Dec. 31, this driving tour features three miles of magical twinkling lights. Guests can also park the car and explore the grounds, featuring mouth-watering treats, festival gift shops, visits with Santa and much more. Advance tickets are available at a discounted rate. On Dec. 31, join us for a fireworks display! For details on this year’s festival or to purchase tickets, visit HolidayFestivalofLights.com.
Fees: vary
www.HolidayFestivalofLights.com
Holiday Hoedown
Park Circle Community Building- 4800 Park Circle, North Charleston, SC 29405
Wednesday, Dec. 4, 6 – 8 p.m.
People with disabilities and their families and friends are invited to our annual Holiday Hoedown! Come dressed in your favorite Western gear to welcome the holiday, country style. Refreshments will be provided.
Fee: $4 in advance (call 843-795-4386) or $5 at the event
Ages: 4 and up
https://ccprc.com/3337/Holiday-Hoedown
Mingle With Kringle
James Island County Park – Park Center
Saturdays, Dec 7, 14 and 21, from 10 – 11 a.m., 11 a.m. – 12 p.m., 12 – 1 p.m., 1 – 2 p.m., and 2 – 3 p.m.
Enjoy a scheduled visit with Santa! While you are chatting with jolly old St. Nick, our professional photographer will take photos of your group of up to 5 people with Santa. You’ll receive the full digital package with all images of your visit. No personal photography will be allowed. A maximum of 6 families will be able to register for each 60-minute time slot, and each visit with Santa will be on a first-come, first-served basis during that time slot. Santa’s Attic Gift Shop, the Incredible Gift Shop, and Santa’s Sweet Shoppe will be open during the event hours. Registered participants will receive a complimentary pass to come back and enjoy the Holiday Festival of Lights at night (1 pass per registered group).
Pre-registration required.
Fee: $75
Ages: Any
Great Outdoor Gear Sale
Saturday, December 7, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
James Island County Park Climbing Wall
Here’s your chance to get awesome deals on great gear. Sale items may include used tents, canoes 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.
Free with park admission fee
http://apm.activecommunities.com/charlestoncountyparks/Activity_Search/10819
Inclusive Santa
James Island County Park at Park Center Terrace
Sunday, Dec. 8, timeslots available between 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Registration required; program is filling up so register today! People with disabilities and their families are invited to a photo session with Santa at James Island County Park. Join us to experience the time-honored tradition of visiting Santa Claus during dedicated hours in a calming, subdued environment. Santa will be fluent in ASL (American Sign Language). While you’re chatting with jolly old St. Nick, our professional photographer will take photos of your group of up to 5 people with Santa. You’ll receive the full digital package with all images of your visit. No personal photography will be allowed. A maximum of 6 families will be able to register for each 30-minute time slot, and each visit with Santa will be on a first-come, first-served basis during that time slot. Santa’s Attic Gift Shop, the Incredible Gift Shop, and Santa’s Sweet Shoppe will be open during the event hours. Registered participants will receive a complimentary pass to come back and enjoy the Holiday Festival of Lights at night (1 pass per registered group). We are also excited to partner with KultureCity’s® for this event. To better accommodate guests with sensory difficulties, sensory bags equipped with noise canceling headphones, fidget tools, and verbal cue cards will be available for guest use. A dedicated space will also be available for guests who may feel overwhelmed by the environment. Ask staff on-site for more information.
Fee: $40
Ages: all ages
Register here: https://ccprc.com/3673/Inclusive-Visit-with-Santa
Silent Disco
Lincoln Regional Center in McClellanville
Friday, Dec., 20, 5 – 6:30 p.m.
Children ages 8 and up are invited to a Silent Disco! This will be a unique party experience where all guests wear wireless glowing headphones. There will be two live DJs playing a variety of tunes, and attendees will have the ability to switch between two genres of music. Pizza and refreshments will be served. Chaperone required for ages 15 and under.
Fee: $4 in advance (call 843-795-4386 to register)
Ages 8 and up
December Programs
Dragon Boat at the Holiday Festival of Lights
Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, Dec 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 16 and 18, 4:30 – 6 p.m.
James Island County Park – Boat House
We’ve put together a terrific opportunity for you to see the Holiday Festival of Lights from a whole new perspective as the sun goes down and the lights come on for the evening. Team up with a pal – or forge new friendships – when you try your hand at dragon boating! Newbies and curiosity seekers will enjoy an on-the-water introduction to this ancient paddle sport while also getting an up-close view of some of our most iconic light displays. With ten paddlers per boat, fun is guaranteed! After you paddle off into the sunset (well, just across the lake), we’ll treat you to a tasty hot chocolate and free admission to the Holiday Festival of Lights!
Fee: $ 30
Ages: 10 and up
15560
Belay Basics
Sun., Dec. 8, 10 – 11:30 a.m.
James Island County Park – Outdoor Zone
Learn the ropes with our “Belay Basics” class, a comprehensive guide to the essential skill of top rope belaying in rock climbing. In this hands-on session, our experienced instructors will walk you through the fundamentals of belaying techniques, equipment usage, and safety protocols. Whether you’re a novice or looking to refresh your skills, this class is designed to empower you with the knowledge and confidence to securely manage the rope for your climbing partner. Join us for a practical and engaging session, where you’ll master the art of belaying, enhancing your climbing experience for you and your partner. Gear up and get ready to elevate your climbing skills!
Fee: $25
Ages: 14 and up.
Lighthouse Inlet Bird Walk
Fri., Dec. 13, 8:30 – 10:30 a.m.
Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve
This walk focuses on the incredibly diverse northeast end of Folly Island. Once the home of a Coast Guard station, this Heritage Preserve protects maritime forest, beach, dune, and marsh habitats for wildlife. This site boasts one of the largest bird lists in South Carolina. At this time of year, we hope to see a variety of songbirds, seabirds, and shorebirds such as Painted Bunting, Sandwich Tern, Whimbrel, and more. This program is open to birders of all levels, including beginners. No accessible parking is available. No restrooms are available. For more information on accessibility at this program, visit this link.
Fee: $9
Ages 12 and up (chaperone required for ages 15 and under)
15290
Understanding the Rice Culture
Sat., Dec. 14, 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Caw Caw Interpretive Center
To talk about land in the Lowcountry is an automatic invitation to talk about rice, who grew it, where it came from, and how cultivation changed the landscape in ways that are still evident today. Caw Caw provides one of the best local looks in the Lowcountry. Accessible parking, accessible restrooms, accessible water fountains, and picnic tables are available at the Welcome Center where the program begins and ends. The park includes natural, unpaved trails that are mostly flat. The program route is a loop. Benches are available.
Fee: $10
Ages: 16 and up
Saturday, Dec. 14, 10 – 11:30 a.m.
Mount Pleasant Pier
With a population around seven billion, humans can have quite an impact on the environment we all share. Learn about natural resource use, land development, and ways you can make a difference to keep our home planet healthy. What to expect: Accessible parking, water fountains, restrooms, and picnic tables are available at this location. The program will take place on a flat, paved surface. The program includes games and activities where participants will run, but accommodations can be made onsite.
Fee: $7
Ages: 8 – 12 years
Johns Island Holiday Fun Day Ages 4-11
St John’s High School
Saturday, Dec. 14, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Join us for an exciting day of activities and entertainment for school-aged children. The event will feature a jump castle, a gaming truck, a selection of food trucks, and photo opportunities with Santa Claus. We invite you to come and enjoy a day filled with fun and festive experiences. Registration not required to attend.
Fee: FREE
Ages: 4 – 11 years
Adaptive Climbing Day
Sun., Dec. 15, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
James Island County Park – Climbing Wall
Join The Climbing Walls adaptive climbing monthly meetup, a supportive space designed for climbers of all abilities. Whether you’re new to the sport or a seasoned climber, our community focuses on overcoming obstacles together, fostering personal growth, and building resilience. Adaptive climbers will find an encouraging environment that emphasizes individual strengths while embracing the thrill of climbing. Empower yourself, reach new heights, and be part of a community where every accomplishment is celebrated, and everyone’s journey is valued.
Fee: $10
Ages: 6 and up.
Homeschool in the Parks: Coastal Indigenous Tribes!
Palmetto Islands County Park – Meadow Tent
Friday, Dec. 20, 10 – 11:30 a.m.
Learn about Indigenous culture of coastal South Carolina at the time of European settlement with a focus on how local tribes successfully used natural recourses in everyday life. What to expect: Accessible parking, accessible restrooms, accessible water fountains, and accessible picnic tables are available at this location. The program route is a loop, and benches are available along the trail. The program speed is moderately slow to medium. Trails at this park are flat and are paved and consist of natural, unimproved surfaces.
Fee: $7
Ages: 7 -12 years
Explorers Camp at James Island: Winter Break
Ashley Center at James Island County Park
Monday, Dec. 23, Thursday Dec.26 and Friday, Dec. 27, from 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m., 3-day Session
Enjoy winter break at your county parks. Kids will spend their days having a blast doing arts and crafts, playing cooperative games, canoeing and playing in the dirt…just like you used to do.
Fee: Standard charge: $150
Ages: 6-9
15611
Explorers Camp at Pal-metto Islands: Winter Break
Big Oak at Palmetto Islands County Park
Monday, Dec. 23, Thursday Dec. 26 and Friday, Dec. 27, from 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m., 3-day Session
Enjoy winter break at your county parks. Kids will spend their days having a blast doing arts and crafts, playing cooperative games, canoeing, and playing in the dirt…just like you used to do.
Fee: Standard charge: $ 150
Ages: 6-9
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