Join the Charleston Parks Conservancy for an evening of holiday festivities at Colonial Lake. The annual Light the Lake, presented by Publix, will be 5-7:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 6. Bring the entire family and enjoy holiday cookie decorating with Publix, a festive photo booth and letters to Santa station. Don’t forget to wear your best (or worst!) Christmas sweater for the ugly sweater contest. Plus, the Charleston Model Yacht Club will have model boats sailing on Colonial Lake.

Everyone is invited to bring a new, unwrapped toy to fill Santa’s carriage with donations for Toys for Tots. The evening is topped off with the lighting of the tree in the center of Colonial Lake by Mayor John Tecklenburg and a performance by the Meeting Street Watoto Charleston Ensemble.

Food trucks Independent Coffee Grounds, Kickin' Chicken, Braised in the South, Pita Stroller, Roti Rolls, Pure Fluff Co. and T&T Original Kettle Korn will have food and drinks available for purchase. DJ Ede will be playing everyone's favorite holiday music. Admission and holiday activities are free.