Christmas Lights in South Carolina 2024-2025

It might not snow in South Carolina this December, but you can still experience the Christmas spirit with spectacular light displays, festive holiday music, and delicious Southern cooking. Wander through parks, botanical gardens, and zoos adorned with millions of lights, or enjoy miles of illuminated tunnels from the comfort of your car. The holiday season in South Carolina offers plenty of enchanting experiences to celebrate the season.

Magic of Lights at Hollywild Animal Preserve, Wellford (late November–early January 2025, TBA)

Magic of Lights is a spectacular drive-through holiday lights experience at Hollywild Animal Park, a 100-acre (40-ha) non-profit zoo in Wellford, South Carolina. The park is transformed with hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights featuring vibrant holiday themes, light sculptures, and illuminated tunnels. Visitors can also enjoy the park’s more than 500 live animals, with opportunities to purchase special food to feed them. Highlights include the larger-than-life Holiday Barbie display, the supersized Bigfoot Monster Truck, and life-sized dinosaurs in Prehistoric Christmas. Additional attractions include Santa's Village, Enchanted Deer Forest, AR surprises, and more. Tickets start at just $10 per person.

The Upstate Holiday Light Show at District Park (November 28–December 31, 2024)

District Park celebrates the holiday season with the largest Christmas light show in the area. This spectacular drive-through experience features 32 million colorful lights that set the sky ablaze. The light show lasts 30 minutes, but visitors can drive around the track as many times as they like. Highlights include animated scenes synchronized to holiday classics, a holiday-themed petting zoo, Christmas trees for sale, a skating rink, and Santa’s Workshop, where Santa meets children to hear their Christmas wishes and share cookies and hot chocolate. The park is open Friday and Saturday from 6 pm to 11 pm and Sunday through Thursday from 6 pm to 10 pm.

Anderson Christmas Lights at Old Country Farm Circle (November 28–December 25, 2024)

The Old Country Farm Circle in Anderson, South Carolina, hosts a spectacular holiday light display that has been a local tradition for over 20 years. The Anderson Christmas Lights span approximately 45 acres (18 hectares) and feature a 2.5-mile (4-kilometer) drive-through experience. A million sparkling lights surround visitors, and they can stroll through Santa's Village, which is adorned with snowflakes, reindeer, and Santa himself. With over 250 displays and 3.5 million light bulbs, the annual Anderson Christmas Light Show is a beloved local landmark. The Christmas Village offers a nostalgic experience with attractions like the General Store, Bakery, Bank, Wagon Rides, and various entertainment and music stages. The display is open daily from 5:30 pm to 10 pm.

Wild Lights at Riverbanks Zoo & Garden, Columbia (November 15, 2024–January 2025; on selected dates)

For over thirty years, Riverbanks Zoo and Garden in Columbia, South Carolina, has been a shining beacon of holiday cheer with its festive light display. The month-long Wild Lights at Riverbanks Zoo runs from 5 to 9 PM and draws thousands of families who come to experience the zoo under a canopy of twinkling lights. The zoo is illuminated by more than one million lights, creating a magical atmosphere enhanced by live entertainment, festive music, and the enchantment of snowfall.

Visitors can explore nearly 60 larger-than-life handcrafted lanterns inspired by nature, showcasing everything from pollinators and plants to endangered and extinct animals. The event also features interactive activities, fun photo opportunities, and seasonal treats like roasting s'mores. Santa will be available for visits through December 23, adding to the holiday spirit.

Fantasy of Lights at Swan Lake Iris Gardens, Sumter (December 1–31, 2024)

The beautiful Swan Lake Iris Gardens in Sumter, South Carolina, is renowned for its spectacular Fantasy of Lights, one of the largest Christmas displays in the state. Each holiday season, the area surrounding the lake transforms into a winter wonderland adorned with thousands of twinkling lights. As you drive around the lake, you'll encounter a delightful array of festive imagery, including a Christmas train, swans pulling Santa's sleigh, and a host of enchanting angels.

The park is illuminated by a dazzling total of one million lights each December, with the highlight being the Pilot Club's stunning floating Christmas tree. After enjoying the light display, be sure to stop by Santa's Village, where kids can write letters to Santa, take pictures with him (remember to bring your own camera), and enjoy a variety of holiday music and entertainment. All activities in Santa's Village are free of charge.

The Fantasy of Lights is a drive-through event, but visitors are welcome to park and take pictures with the lights. Please note that access to the walking trails is closed after dusk. Admission is free, with the event running Sunday through Thursday until 9 pm and Friday and Saturday until 10 pm.

Celebrate the Season at Old Santee Canal Park, Moncks Corner (November–December 2024)

Celebrate the Season is a beloved annual event held at Old Santee Canal Park in Moncks Corner, South Carolina. This festive celebration features a month-long Holiday Lights Driving Tour, showcasing dozens of dazzling displays and twinkling lights that illuminate the park's scenic trails. The Holiday Lights Driving Tour costs $10 per vehicle (cash only) and is closed on December 24 and 25.

In addition to the driving tour, the event includes the Tinsel Trot Holiday Fun Run, which takes place on the Saturday before Thanksgiving. This unique event invites participants to run, walk, or dance through a 2-mile (3.2-kilometer) illuminated course at Old Santee Canal Park, creating a magical experience for all. Holiday In The Park offers a delightful gathering space for families and friends to celebrate the season. Visitors can enjoy free visits with Santa Claus, engage in crafts, savor festive foods, and participate in various holiday activities. Admission to Holiday In The Park is included with the paid entry to the Holiday Lights Driving Tour.

Nights of a Thousand Candles at Brookgreen Gardens, Murrells Inlet (November 30, 2024–January 5, 2025, on selected dates)

Every Christmas season, from Thursday through Sunday, Brookgreen Gardens near Myrtle Beach transforms into a winter wonderland, aglow with the enchanting light of over 2,700 candles and twinkling lights. Visitors can stroll along the beautifully illuminated trail from 4 to 9 PM, enjoying a warm cup of cider, cocoa, or wine as they take in the festive atmosphere. The experience is enhanced by the sounds of holiday music and a live chorus performing classic carols.

This spectacular display, renowned for its high-quality entertainment, has been named "Best Christmas Lights in South Carolina" by Travel+Leisure Magazine. Admission is $35 for adults and $17 for children aged 4 to 12. This magical event is a must-see for anyone looking to embrace the holiday spirit.

Holiday Festival of Lights at James Island County Park, Charleston (November 15–December 31, 2024)

James Island County Park is a popular Charleston destination in the summer and transforms into a magical fairytale land during the winter months. The annual James Island Holiday Festival of Lights has been a cherished Charleston tradition for over thirty years. This award-winning light show features about two million dazzling lights and runs from mid-November through December, illuminating the park from 5:30 to 10 pm each night.

The Holiday Festival of Lights presents a spectacular three-mile (5-km) display that millions of families have enjoyed over the years. After touring the lights, visitors can explore a variety of attractions and activities, including marshmallow roasting, train rides, an old-fashioned carousel, Santa’s Sweet Shoppe, a climbing wall, live music, and storytelling.

The Winter Wonderland section boasts the area’s largest holiday sand sculpture, crafted from over fifty tons of sand. Festival shops offer a range of festive items such as gifts, collector series ornaments, toys, decorations, and stocking stuffers. For an even more immersive experience, take a ride on the train for an up-close view of the dazzling displays.