Guide to Holiday Lights in South Carolina

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Few things signal a kickoff to the holiday season more than lights going up! It’s a wonderful time of year already, but something about lights sparkling throughout the season makes this time of year feel extra magical. Thankfully, there are plenty of places to see these lights in Columbia, and all over the state. Check out some of the best of the best South Carolina has to offer!

Fireflies Holiday Lights

1640 Freed Street, Columbia, SC 29201

Your favorite Midlands holiday tradition returns bigger and brighter for its second year at Segra Park this November and December! Walk through the winter wonderland that includes MORE lights, MORE activities, and more festive fun for the whole family. 

  • Nov. 16 – Dec. 31, 2023 
  • $10 per person in November and $12 per person in December. Children 2 years of age and younger are free, and do not require a ticket for entry. Military members, First Responders and Seniors aged 65+ will receive $2 off their ticket with valid ID.

  • Daily, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. | The Lights will be closed 11/20 and 11/27 as well as Thanksgiving Day (11/23) and Christmas Day (12/25)
  • Walking tour

30th Annual Anderson Christmas Lights

150 Rose Valley Blvd, Anderson, SC 29621

Imagine a place filled with snowflakes, toys, reindeer and even old St. Nick himself. Nope, it’s not the North Pole; it’s “The Anderson Christmas Lights.” Over 292 displays, 2.5 miles of roads lights, 3.5 plus, million light bulbs, 14 – 200 amp power meters and 4 – 400 amp power meters, miles and miles of extension cords

  • Nov. 23 – Dec. 25, 2023
  • $10 per car
  • 5:30 p.m. – 10 p.m. daily 
  • Proceeds benefit local charities
  • Driving tour and holiday activities

Celebrate The Season Holiday Driving Tour at Santee Cooper

Celebrate The Season is an annual charitable holiday event, powered by Berkeley Electric Cooperative, organized by Santee Cooper, Old Santee Canal Park and the Town of Moncks Corner, that honors the communities of the Lowcountry and Santee Cooper Country with a month-long holiday celebration. Enjoy the Holiday Lights Driving Tour with dozens of brilliantly lit displays and thousands of twinkling lights, supported by local businesses and organizations.

  • Nov. 24 – Dec. 30, 2023 (closed Dec. 24 – 25)
  • $10 per car (cash only)
  • 6 – 9 p.m.
  • All gate proceeds benefit charities serving Berkeley County 
  • Driving tour

Christmas in Hopelands

135 Dupree Place, Aiken, SC 29803 (you must take a free shuttle from Citizens Park at 1060 Banks Mill Road, Handicap parking available at135 Dupree Place)

The Annual Christmas in Hopelands event will transform Hopelands Gardens in Aiken, South Carolina. Guests can spend time with friends and family as they stroll through Hopelands Gardens, taking in the sights and sounds of the holiday season while sipping hot cocoa or apple cider. This enchanting walk-through exhibit features over two miles of lighted pathways and illuminated displays. With over 100,000 twinkling lights in the peaceful setting of Hopelands Gardens, this event should be at the top of your holiday bucket list.

  • Dec. 9 – 22, 2023
  • Free but donations are welcome
  • 6 – 9:30 p.m. (shuttle runs consistently from 5:45 – 8:45 p.m.)
  • Walking Tour – Dress for the weather!

Harbour Town Lights in The Sea Pines Resort

32 Greenwood Drive, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928

Stroll along the harbour and enjoy the illuminated seasonal figures, including the centerpiece attraction – a towering Christmas tree! The perfect place to spend the holiday season with your family, Harbour Town will be bustling with activities and live entertainment. The official tree lighting will take place just prior to the Gregg Russell concert at 7:30pm Friday, Nov. 24. While you’re enjoying the holiday season, help the Deep Well Project make a difference in someone’s life. Drop off a couple of canned goods or a new, unwrapped child’s toy in the well by the Liberty Oak stage.

  • Nov. 24, 2023 – Jan. 1, 2024
  • $9 gate fee
  • 5 p.m. – midnight
  • Walking tour

Holiday Lights Safari

2325 Hampton Road, Wellford, SC 29385

Magic of Lights is a dazzling, drive-through holiday lights experience featuring favorite holiday scenes and characters of the season using the latest LED technology and digital animations. Experience Magic of Lights from the comfort and safety of your own car as you wind through the sparkling path of Upstate’s new holiday tradition. 

  • Nov. 17 – Dec. 31, 2023 – Jan. 1, 2023 
  • $10 Adults & Children General Admission. Entrance into the Enchanted Deer Forest can be purchased, additionally, for $10 per vehicle in advance (online) or at the gate upon arrival.
  • Free Children under 24 months
  • 5:30 p.m. – 9 p.m. (10 p.m. on weekends in December)
  • Driving tour 

Fantasy of Lights at Swan Lake Gardens

822 W. Liberty Street, Sumter, SC 29150

South Carolina’s largest FREE Christmas light display!

Holiday cheer arrives in Sumter with the opening of the annual Swan Lake Fantasy of Lights. For the entire month of December, the gardens come alive with a display of twinkling holiday imagery created by more than one million lights. The Pilot Club’s floating Christmas tree is an annual favorite, along with Santa’s Village, angels and characters of song and story.

This event is designed to be a drive through, but visitors are allowed to park to take pictures with the lights. Access into the walking trails is closed after dusk. Lights are all along the main parking lot area to Swan Lake Iris Gardens, along Liberty Street and along Garden Street (enter at Liberty Street and exit onto Oakland Avenue).

  • Dec. 1 – 31, 2023
  • Free
  • 6 – 9 p.m. (10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday)
  • Driving tour


Upstate Holiday Light Show

3800 Calhoun Memorial Hwy, Easley, SC 29640

The Upstate Holiday Light Show is the area’s biggest Christmas light event! Drive your car around the Greenville-Pickens Speedway track to see millions of multi-colored lights illuminate the sky while synced to your favorite Christmas music on 106.5 as you drive through. Take your time. Park and enjoy. The show lasts 30 minutes, but drive around the track as many times as you’d like!

  • Nov. 23 – Dec. 31, 2023
  • Sunday – Thursday 6 p.m. – 10 p.m. | Friday – Saturday 6 p.m. – 11 p.m.
  • Cars, Minivans, Trucks or SUVs – $35, Passenger Vans – $75, Busses – $100 (pricing includes light show & petting zoo). Premium parking, fast passes, corral tickets, carnival tickets, and concessions are all sold separately.
  • Fast Passes available Friday, Saturday, and Sunday (rates vary)
  • Driving Tour

Holiday Festival of Lights at James Island County Park

871 Riverland Drive, Charleston, SC 29412

Let your heart be light at the Holiday Festival of Lights, a beloved Lowcountry tradition. There’s so much to discover at the Holiday Festival of Lights! Marvel at the magical twinkling lights as you explore the grounds at Santa’s Village and Winter Wonderland. Enjoy mouth-watering treats or commemorate your trip with a gift from one of our shops. During the driving tour through millions of lights, there will be magical surprises along the way! So many chances to make magical, lasting memories!

This year, Santa Claus is most definitely coming to town! Visits with Santa will be available on a first-come, first-served basis at the festival and during the day at the appointment-only Mingle with Kringle and Inclusive Visit with Santa.

  • Nov. 10 – Dec. 31, 2023
  • Light traffic & crowd nights – $15 in advance, $20 at gate | Moderate traffic & crowd nights – $25 in advance, $30 at gate | High traffic & crowd nights – $30 in advance, $40 at gate (rates reflect up to 15 people per car – for larger parties, check their website)
  • Nightly 5:30 – 10 p.m.
  • Driving and walking tour

Holiday Lights on the River at Saluda Shoals Park

East entrance at 6071 St. Andrews Rd., Columbia, SC 29210

Experience the magic as Saluda Shoals Park comes alive in millions of sparkling lights. Journey through more than three miles of lights featuring colorful, animated light displays of all shapes and sizes! Create lasting family memories this year at Holiday Lights on the River.

HOLIDAY LIGHTS ACTIVITIES (included with admission)
  • Slide down the winter wonder tube slide
  • Ride the hayride or the Saluda Shoals train through the lights
  • Enjoy a laser light show on the Wetland Trail
  • Color and write a letter to Santa in the Environmental Center

Santa’s Claus’et Gift Shop will be open for holiday shopping. Concession from Tin Can Kettle Corn, beer, and wine will be available for purchase.

  • Nov. 22 – Dec. 31, 2023
  • $25 for cars, $50 for vans, $75 for buses
  • 6 – 10 p.m.
  • Driving tour and walking tour

Wild Lights at Riverbanks Zoo

500 Wildlife Parkway, Columbia, SC 29210

Stroll through the Zoo and discover nearly 60 larger-than-life handcrafted lanterns inspired by nature. From pollinators and plants to endangered (and even extinct) animals, guests will be dazzled by awe-inspiring illuminations around every turn. Plus, enjoy interactive activities, fun photo ops, and seasonal favorites including nightly snowfall and visits with Santa (through Dec. 23).

  • Nov. 17, 2023 – Jan. 14, 2024 (select days)
  • $19.99 Children (ages 2-12 years), $24.99 Adults, younger than 2 free (all Riverbanks members receive one free visit with a valid membership)
  • Concessions available at an additional fee
  • 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
  • Walking tour

Nights of a Thousand Candles at Brookgreen Gardens

1931 Brookgreen Drive, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576

Experience one of the most beloved holiday events in the Southeast, Nights of a Thousand Candles. See Brookgreen Gardens come to life amid the soft glow of more than 2,700 hand-lit candles and millions of sparkling lights. Walk the garden pathways with a warm cup of cider, cocoa, or wine. Hear the sounds of holiday music, carolers singing, and celebrate the season with family and friends!

Named “Best Christmas Lights in South Carolina” by Travel+Leisure Magazine. Winner of the Charles A. Bundy award for excellence in tourism from South Carolina Parks Recreation and Tourism.

  • Nov. 25 – Dec. 23, 2023 (select dates)
  • Member adult tickets are $30 and member child tickets (ages 4-12) are $14
  • General Public adult tickets are $35 and child tickets are $17
  • 4 – 9 p.m.
  • Walking tour

Carolina Lights

1200 Rosewood Drive, Columbia, SC 29201

Experience the magic of the holiday season at the South Carolina State Fair’s 5th annual downtown drive-through light show. The drive-through light experience will feature more than 100 stunning individual LED light displays along an expanded route in the Lexington Medical Center Fair Park at the S.C. State Fairgrounds. Rediscover beloved favorites from past years and be enchanted by new displays.  Don’t miss this mesmerizing holiday extravaganza!

  • Dec. 8 – 24, 2023 (closed Mondays)
  • Cars – $20 ($15 if tickets purchased prior to Dec. 7), Mini Buses (9 – 25 passengers) – $35, Vehicles over 25 passengers – $70
  • Sunday – Thursday, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. | Friday – Saturday, 6 p.m. – 10 p.m.
  • Driving tour

Neighborhood Lights to Visit In and Around Columbia

In Lexington

  • Mallard Lake Drive
  • Liberty Farm Blvd (The Farm Subdivision)
  • Torrey Glen Drive (Martin’s Grove Subdivision)
  • River Birch Drive (Westbrook Subdivision)
  • Dupre Mill Road (Parkside Subdivision)
  • Mill Wheel Drive (Millstream Crossing Subdivision)
  • Crepe Myrtle Circle
  • Hope Ferry Road
  • Saluda River Club
  • Palmetto Hall

In Columbia and the Northeast

  • Long Creek Plantation
  • Lake Carolina
  • North Springs Subdivision

West Columbia

  • Brookdale Subdivision
  • Hamlet West Subdivision

Irmo/Chapin

  • Westcott Ridge Subdivision

Where is your favorite light display?

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