Annual Holiday Lights at Shore Acres
Shore Acres State Park transforms its botanical gardens with over 325,000 LED lights and illuminated sculptures for the Annual Holiday Lights event.
What to Expect
Dazzling light displays in a coastal botanical garden.
Event Details
Duration
Nightly, 4:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Charleston
Timed Entry
Yes
Organizer
Friends of Shore Acres
Food & Drink
Cookies, apple cider, and coffee available in the garden house. Hot cocoa, coffee, and cider are also available while waiting for the shuttle at the Charleston Marina.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families, couples, photographers
Vibe
Magical, festive, enchanting
Energy Level
Low
Budget
$$
Photo Friendly
Weather Sensitivity
Low
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: $10 per vehicle for parking – Get tickets
- Parking: A $10 time-specific parking pass is required per vehicle and must be reserved in advance online. Annual park pass holders and certain other passes may have the fee waived but still require an online reservation. Free shuttle service is available on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from the Charleston Marina.
- Accessibility: Wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Pets: No pets allowed (service animals welcome)
Tips & Advice
- Book your time-specific parking pass well in advance, especially if visiting on a weekend, as they are required for entry.
- Consider using the free shuttle on Fridays, Saturdays, or Sundays to avoid potential traffic and parking congestion.
- Arrive early in your reserved time slot to enjoy the transition from daylight to darkness and see the park's natural beauty before the lights fully illuminate.
- Weeknights (Monday-Thursday) and rainy evenings tend to be less crowded, offering a more relaxed viewing experience.
- Service animals are permitted, but other pets are not allowed in the formal garden area.
Special Events & Promotions
- Free shuttle service available on select nights
- Time-specific parking pass required for all vehicles
- Opportunity to see Santa 'soaking' in the bathtub
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the shuttle service free?
Yes, the shuttle service is completely free. Donations to the Friends of Shore Acres are welcome.
Do shuttle users enter the park for free?
Yes, admission to Holiday Lights at Shore Acres has always been free. The only cost is for parking at Shore Acres State Park.
Where do I get on the shuttle?
The shuttle departs from the large parking lot in the Charleston Marina, located at the corner of Guano Rock Lane and Crossline Street.
What are the shuttle operating hours?
The shuttle runs every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday between Thanksgiving and New Year's Eve, plus the four holiday nights. It runs from the Marina to Shore Acres from 4:15 PM to 8:10 PM, and from Shore Acres back to the Marina between 5:00 PM and 9:00 PM.
Is the shuttle first-come, first-served, or do I need to reserve a seat?
The shuttle operates on a first-come, first-served basis with two buses running continuously. Arriving at the Marina between 4:00 PM and 7:45 PM is recommended to ensure a seat.
More Christmas Events near Roseburg
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly.