"It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas!"

Head "Elf" Barbara McLaughlin

The Daniel Island Holiday Festival elves have been hard at work this week, transforming the Family Circle Tennis Center from an award-winning tennis facility to a wonderland of festive gifts, delicious food and fun holiday entertainment! This annual festival will be held this Saturday, December 5th from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm.

Barbara McLaughlin, festival organizer and Manager of Community Services at the Daniel Island Property Owner’s Association, has been involved with the festival for the past 5 years and still enjoys every minute of it. “I’ve always loved the holidays,” Barbara told us. “I just happen to be lucky enough to be able to spread that joy with others during this wonderful time of year!”

And she gets everyone involved in the process! The Daniel Island Garden Club was working hard this past week, decorating the Family Circle Tennis Center with Christmas trees, sparkling lights and beautiful wreaths.

More than 120 of Charleston’s best vendors will descend upon Daniel Island with a variety of great holiday gift items for everyone – art, jewelry, books, games and much much (for a complete list, click here). “It’s been exciting to watch what began as a small holiday bazaar with only 20 vendors grow into such a wonderful event that brings the entire Lowcountry community together,” said Barbara. “While the holiday festival has grown, I still strive to maintain that “small town” feel that appeals to so many people”.

Members of the Daniel Island Garden Club

Throughout the day, local dance and choral groups will be performing on the Center Stage, leading up to the grand finale — Santa’s Rockin’ Christmas Countdown at 5:00 pm followed by a Holiday Disco Dance Party! For a complete schedule of entertainment, click here.

“I consider it an honor to be involved in the planning of the Daniel Island Holiday Festival,” said Barbara. “It brings joy to so many people of so many ages. That sense of enthusiasm, anticipation and pride wells up in my heart every year when I see that large community Christmas tree go up, followed by all of the decorations that make our island town sparkle”.

Check out the photo gallery for pictures from previous years at the Daniel Island Holiday Festival.