This event has passed.

Light the Lake 2023

December 1 @ 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Event Overview

Join us for an unforgettable evening at Colonial Lake Park in downtown Charleston! Immerse yourself in the enchanting ambiance as you stroll along the park’s pathways lined with 1,000+ luminaries that surround the lake where we’ll kick off the holiday season. The evening is topped off with the lighting of the tree in the center of Colonial Lake by Mayor John Tecklenburg, live music, a food village, a photo booth, and more!

Doors Open: 5:00 PM
Tree Lighting: 5:45 PM
Holiday Movie: 7:00 PM
Event End: 9:00 PM

Enjoy live performances both on the stage and around the lake including Hobey Ford’s special performance of “ANIMALIA”. Together with his team of adorable “Foamies,” Hobey makes animals of all sorts emerge in movement and music to form a full-on puppet ballet. Watch as the habits and habitats of the world’s mightiest beasts and tiniest bugs come into furry focus right before your eyes.

In addition to our master puppeteer, Creative Edge Dance Studio will be performing various sets throughout the night. Led by experienced industry creatives to produce quality and innovative arts, Creative Edge Dance Center provides a positive atmosphere for aspiring dancers to thrive while discovering their own artistic voice. Our pre-professional company works closely with our staff to achieve their personal goals in the dance world, from becoming a professional performer, attending a specific dance school, auditioning for performance opportunities or running their own future dance company. The pre-pro dancers are showcasing new pieces of work in various genres for Light the Lake!

After you’ve meandered the lake and enjoyed various artist vignettes, grab your chairs and blankets and settle in for a Holiday Movie on the lawn at Moultrie Park from 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM. Concessions and alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase. Please bring your own lawn chairs, blankets, pillows, or whatever else you need to be comfortable for the movie! No tents or vehicles allowed on the lawn.

Don’t forget to vote for your favorite holiday movie to be shown on the big screen! Cast your vote here.

NOTE: Ashley Avenue will be closed between Broad and Beaufain Street. You may enter through any of the access points surrounding the lake! There is lots of parking along side streets or there are parking garages available (93 Queen Street – 12 minute walk).

RSVP Here

Dedicate A Luminary

This year, we invite you to honor and celebrate those special people who have touched your life by dedicating a luminary for display at Light the Lake.

For just $35, you can dedicate one luminary to celebrate and remember your loved ones. This is a wonderful opportunity for our community to come together and create a beautiful, shared experience that symbolizes the love and connections we all hold dear, especially during the holidays.

The best part is that all proceeds from the sale of luminaries will directly benefit the invaluable work of the Charleston Parks Conservancy, ensuring that the nonprofit organization can continue to offer free programs for the community. These programs engage people of all ages and backgrounds, fostering a sense of community and belonging. Community members come together, connect with one another, and build relationships through shared experiences in the parks. Thank you for making an impact in our community by being a champion of our parks.

Luminary dedications close at 12p.m. on December 1st.