Back by popular demand is Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park’s annual Holiday Nights and Lights event. Everyone is invited to drive through the park to view the illuminated winter wonderland from the comfort of their own vehicles December 6-8 from 6 to 8 p.m. The sixth annual event brings holiday cheer to all ages and is free and open to the public.
For many years, Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park has hosted annual holiday events, including the lighting of its big oak tree where hundreds of people gathered to celebrate the lights burning bright. The tree lighting evolved over time to become Holiday Nights and Lights in 2020, a drive-through experience that was a safe way to savor holiday cheer during COVID-19.
“That first year, it was so overwhelming with people, which was a great thing,” said Lola Campbell, a native islander and board chair for the nonprofit Freedom Park organization. “There were no events happening, nothing to go to especially for the holiday because we couldn’t have these large events at that time. People were driving from Savannah to come and drive through and see the lights.”
After experiencing an incredible turn out and receiving positive feedback, organizers decided to make it an annual event.
Campbell and her family enjoy volunteering and driving through the holiday event each year. “I have to drive through because my son has to be in the car and drive through and see it,” she said. Oftentimes she has already had a sneak peak of the festive display from volunteering, but she still enjoys driving the loop with her son. “I love to experience it from the view of our supporters,” she said.
Her son’s favorite part is the snow at the end of the event. “Sometimes that’s the only snow that you might see on Hilton Head in the holiday season,” she said.
This year’s theme is The Gullah Village, which showcases the joy of “going visiting,” Gullah-style, during the holiday season. The drive-through exhibit reimagines Christmastime when families walked from house to house to visit neighbors, spread holiday cheer, and catch up with one another. Through lights, displays, and special nods to local cultural partners, The Gullah Village honors the way Gullah families have long celebrated the holiday season with presence, community connection, and quality time.
As cars slowly wind their way through the park, the experience will feel warm and inviting, reminiscent of front porch greetings, with intergenerational storytelling, and the feeling of close-knit community. Campbell said the theme vividly reminds her of her childhood, when people visited her family’s home “to get their Christmas.”
Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park is located at 40 Harriet Tubman Way on the north end of Hilton Head Island. Volunteers will greet visitors in their cars and help guide them through the route. Attendees are encouraged to turn on holiday music and bring hot cocoa to enjoy in their vehicles as they drive through the festively decorated park. The event is free and open to the public, but donations will warmly be accepted to help support the park’s mission.
More about Historic Mitchelville
Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park is a significant historical location for American History. It is home to the first self-governed town of formerly enslaved people, established in 1862 during the Civil War. Currently, the park welcomes visitors each day to experience its history, beauty, and legacy, and hosts events to celebrate Gullah culture.
Many new visitors to the island – as well as some longtime residents – are unfamiliar with the park’s past. Campbell is committed to sharing its history with others. “I am passionate, truly, because I still cannot get over the fact that I grew up here and I didn’t know about Mitchelville,” she said. “I didn’t know about this story that I think is such a significant part of our American history. I just don’t want any other kids, especially on this island or in this area, to grow up not knowing about it.” Her hope is to share the story of the historic location with locals, visitors, and the entire world. “I think the story that hasn’t been told needs to be told wide and far,” she said.
The park has been proud to host the Traveling Harriet Tubman Statue, “The Journey to Freedom,” exhibit this past year and served as host of the exhibit longer than any other locale to date. Folks who have not yet seen the statue in person are encouraged to do so soon because it will be rehomed in January.
Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park is also home to an active archaeological site. Recent excavations have located pottery from indigenous people along with Civil War era artifacts. This past summer, the organization broke ground on a 4,000-square-foot facility that will showcase and support the ongoing archaeological preservation efforts.
Another December event at the park is a Garden Ribbon Cutting & Quilt Showcase on December 5 from 3 to 5 p.m. The public is invited to celebrate and explore the new educational garden, which features heritage plants and highlights traditional gardening techniques.
For more information about Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park and its events, visit exploremitchelville.org.
