Few things signal a kickoff to the season more than holiday lights! 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

Fireflies Holiday Lights will continue to make spirits bright this holiday season with even more lights, more activities and the return of the Fireflies Express presented by Thermal Technologies. 

• Nov. 15, 2024 – Jan. 4, 2025 

• $10 per person in November and $12 per person in December and January. Children 2 years of age and younger are free, and do not require a ticket for entry. Military members will receive $2 off their ticket with valid ID.

• Daily, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. | The lights will operate under different hours on Dec. 31, with special New Years Eve hours of 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• Walking tour

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31st 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. 28 – Dec. 25, 2024
• $15 per car
• 5:30 p.m. – 10 p.m. daily 
• Proceeds benefit local charities
• Driving tour and holiday activities

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Celebrate The Season Holiday Driving Tour at Santee Cooper

1 Riverwood Drive, Moncks Corner, SC 29461

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. 29 – Dec. 30, 2024 (closed Dec. 24 – 25)
• $10 per car (cash only)
• 6 – 9 p.m.
• All gate proceeds benefit charities serving Berkeley County 
• Driving tour

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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)

• Dec. 14 – 23, 2024
• 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!

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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, November 29. 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. 29, 2024 – Jan. 1, 2025
• $9 gate fee
• 5 p.m. – midnight
• Walking tour

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Magic of Lights

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. 22, 2024 – Jan. 4, 2025
• $10 Adults & Children General Admission. Kids 2 and under are free!
• Times vary, be sure to check out the website before going
• Driving tour 

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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, 2024
• Free
• 6 – 9 p.m. (10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday)
• Driving tour

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Upstate Holiday Light Show

3800 Calhoun Memorial Hwy, Easley, SC 29640

The Upstate Holiday Light Show is the area’s biggest Christmas light event! Each year thousands of families create lifelong memories at the Upstate Holiday Light Show. Drive your car around the District Park track to see millions of multi-colored lights illuminate the sky while synced to your favorite Christmas music on 106.5 (Traditional) as you drive through. Being the best Christmas light show around, you will definitely not want to miss seeing the spectacular view as the lights shine throughout the night.

• Nov. 28 – Dec. 31, 2024
• 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

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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. 16 – Dec. 31, 2024
• 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

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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. 27 – Dec. 31, 2024
• Ticket prices vary based on the night, check their website for pricing information
• 6 – 10 p.m.
• Driving tour and walking tour

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Wild Lights at Riverbanks Zoo

500 Wildlife Parkway, Columbia, SC 29210

Stroll through the Zoo and discover over 60 larger-than-life handcrafted wildlife lantern displays inspired by nature. This interactive event showcases stunning illuminations sure to dazzle guests of all ages. Enjoy nightly snowfall, fun activities, photo ops and visits with Santa (through December 23). 

• Nov. 15, 2024 – Jan. 12, 2025 (select days)
• $15.99/$20.99 Children (ages 2-12 years), $20.99/$25.99 Adults, younger than 2 free. Members get a discounted rate of $7.99/$9.99 Children, $10.99/$12.99 Adults. (Price varies based on date of attendance.)
• New this year: Private Igloo rentals! Reserve a cozy, heated igloo for a group of six (6)! This exclusive experience includes six (6) Wild Lights tickets for entry, complete with (6) special wristbands for easy access. Enjoy delightful amenities like hot chocolate, a s’mores kit, a private firepit, bottled water, and more. 
• Tuesday, December 3 will be a special Sensory Night.
• Concessions available at an additional fee
• 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
• Walking tour

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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. 30, 2024 – Jan. 5, 2025 (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

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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 are your favorite light lights displays?