A holiday lighting display in Coastal Carolina University's Blanton Park will be on public view through the season. Motorists can view the display from University Boulevard through Jan. 1, 2014.

The lighting display was unveiled at a special ceremony for the campus community the evening of Dec. 3. It marks the first time that lights have been placed on the live oaks and other trees in Blanton Park, formerly a horseshoe with traffic and parking that has been transformed into a green space.

Featured were Santa Claus and his elves; actors who portrayed scenes from "A Christmas Carol," presented by Atlantic Stage Theatre; President David DeCenzo reading a Chanticleer version of "The Night Before Christmas"; and the CCU Choir, under direction of Frances T. Sinclair, singing Christmas carols and an a cappella version of "The Halleluiah Chorus" from Handel's Messiah. Children were also given the opportunity to make their own toys such as birdhouses and airplanes in Santa's Workshop -- with a little help from Santa's elves.

Refreshments were served, and there was a fire pit where attendees roasted marshmallows and 'smores.

Children were invited to make Christmas cards and letters to place in the Santa Mailbox.

The lights will be turned on at dusk and will remain on throughout the night during the holiday season.