Image by Flickr user sgroi

The Charleston area is beginning to buzz with holiday spirit, and there's no better way to crank it into high gear than by visiting the Holiday Festival of Lights.

The annual event held at the James Island County Park opens on November 12th and runs through Januray 2nd. With over two million shimmering lights, this three-mile driving tour boasts over 700 shining displays this season.

There's much more than just lights, however. Visitors to the park can stroll through Santa’s Village and see the hand-crafted holiday sand sculpture, take a peek at the sugary gingerbread house competition entries, shop at Santa’s Attic and the Incredible Gift Shoppe for hand-crafted goodies from local artisans, collector series ornaments, toys, personalized gifts, angelic decorations and stocking stuffers.

As Christmas approaches, there are even more events to come, so we'll be sure to keep you posted on all the fun coming our way.

For more information on the Holiday Festival of lights, check out the Charleston County Parks and Recreation Commission's web page.