‘Tis the Season: Holiday Lights in Columbia SC

In Relationship With Experience Columbia SC

November 15, 2022

Charlotte Mag Content Studio,

Black Rooster West Columbia Ecsc Winter 2020 Photo By Sean Rayford 00042 Black Rooster Rooftop

The holidays are right around the corner! What better way to get into the spirit of the season than with a holiday getaway to the capital city with friends or family to see lights across the city. Keep reading to discover where to find the best holiday light displays in Columbia SC.

Lights at Riverbanks Zoo
Columbia has become nothing short of a light show thanks to rockstar events like Lights at Riverbanks Zoo. On select evenings in November and December, you can experience Riverbanks Zoo & Garden after hours, illuminated by nearly a million lights and more than 350 hand crafted images. Take a picture with Santa and roast marshmallows at the Jingle Bell Bonfire at this magical winter wonderland where it “snows” every evening.

Carolina Lights
If you’re looking for a light show downtown, the South Carolina State Fairgrounds is once again hosting Carolina Lights. Load up the car, grab a cup of hot cocoa and get in the holiday spirit with the 4^th annual drive-through light show. Carolina Lights will feature more than 100 individual LED light displays, including favorites from last year along with several new displays.

Sean Rayford

Fireflies Holiday Lights
New to the holiday lights scene is Fireflies Holiday Lights, hosted at Segra Park, home to Columbia’s minor league baseball team, in the up-and-coming BullStreet District. From November 19^th-December 31^st, come see the ballpark decked out in over one million LED lights and discover holiday shopping, kids crafts and activities, and holiday-themed food and drinks.

Holiday Lights on the River
You’d be remiss not to experience the heart of SC’s largest drive-through holiday light show. Holiday Lights on the River at Saluda Shoals Park boasts three miles of lights featuring colorful, animated light displays. In addition to the light show, you’ll find activities like the winter wonder tube slide, a laser light show, letters to Santa, and the Santa’s Claus’et Gift Shop.

Governor’s Carolighting
It wouldn’t be the holidays without a slew of traditions that get you feeling jolly. We’ve heard it said that Christmas in South Carolina doesn’t officially start until the annual Governor’s Carolighting. On the steps of the South Carolina State House, you’ll enjoy musical performances, a visit from Santa, sweet treats, and more as we light the 40-foot tree that sits on the corner of Gervais and Main on Sunday, November 20^th at 6 pm. The tree will stay up and lit until after the holiday season wraps for locals and visitors alike to enjoy.