Christmas is over, and you might think the Holiday Festival of Lights is, too, but you’d be mistaken. The
popular attraction — a long-standing tradition for Lowcountry families — features millions of lights and festive displays throughout James Island County Park, and it’s open through Jan. 3. To ring in 2010, the park is throwing a winter carnival with rides — like a hot air balloon ride, swings, helicopter ride, spinning barrels — along with a mechanical bull, kids’ fun house, carousel, climbing wall, and more. Wristbands, which allow unlimited riding, are only $10, or you can pay $1 per ride. On New Year’s Eve at 9 p.m., there will be fireworks to bring in the new decade with a bang. Visitors can still drive around and enjoy the lights, Santa’s Sweet Shoppe, and the festival train as well.
— Erica Jackson