The Best Christmas Lights in South Carolina

If you are in the holiday spirit and looking for a few places to see some great Christmas lights in South Carolina, I got you covered! Here’s a list of the best Christmas light displays. Most are drive-through, some have walking options, and some have both. Whatever you choose, use precautions for yourself and your family in order to stay safe.

1. Holiday Festival of Lights at James Island County Park– James Island

Feel the excitement driving through the huge 3-mile park! It’s filled with lots of activities such as a train ride, carousel, art displays from local schools, a sand castle, food, a gift shop, and most importantly several animated Christmas lights.

The sight has been named “Best Christmas Lights Displays in the US” by Country Living Magazine. This year it is drive-through only. The cost is $20 per car. The event began on Nov 13th and ends Dec 31st. The family will definitely enjoy it. Couples too. I’ve been about 3 times. The line for entrance into the park does get long, so try to get there early. 

2. Riverbanks Zoo Lights Before Christmas– Columbia

Here’s another fun-filled site with over a million lights on display. You can stop by Santa’s Village, ride the North Pole Express, and more. There’s a timed entry for the public this year. Tickets are available online.  Remember to social distance if you go.

3. Night of a Thousand Candles at Brookgreen Gardens– Murrells Inlet

This isn’t a drive-through option. You’ll hear holiday music as you walk through the gardens and see thousands of hand-lit candles as well as holiday lights. Doesn’t the picture look stunning? This could be perfect for date night! I think my husband and I are going to try this event. Last year we thought we could purchase same-day tickets and that wasn’t the case, so we didn’t go. Remember to purchase your tickets in advance. The event starts on Nov 27th.

4. Hollywild Animal Preserve– Wellford 

The event is celebrating 30 years this year. This is a drive-through light display on a hundred-acre park. You have the option of doing the drive-through for $7 or drive through the Enchanted Deer Forest for $10 to feed the animals from your vehicle. Sounds like fun!

5. The Great Christmas Light Show– North Myrtle Beach 

Here you will find 500 festive light displays and it is drive-through. You can also get out and walk to Santa’s Village make s’mores, take photos with Santa, and ride the Express Train. Social distancing measures are to be implemented this season. The Great Christmas Lights opens from November 23 through December 30. The event is closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Gates open from 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm. Admission costs start at $15 per vehicle.

6. Holiday Lights on the River at Saluda Shoals Park– Columbia

This is a 2-mile drive-through display. It’s known as the largest drive-through light show in the Midlands. You will have the option to walk on the Winter Walking Trail to the Wetland. No concessions or other activities this year. Cost is $20 per car.

7. Anderson Christmas Lights– Anderson

Here in Anderson, you will find approximately 300 decorative Christmas displays and 2.5 miles of sparkling lights with 3.5 million light bulbs. 

8. Swan Lake Fantasy of Lights– Sumter

Starts Dec 1 – Dec 31. The cost is free. There are more than 1 million sparkling lights to see as you drive through. The colorful displays extend beyond the gated entryway. Just follow the crowd for the full view. This year it has been announced that there will not be a Santa’s Village.

Going to Swan Lake is a fond childhood memory for me. I know your family will enjoy it as well.

9. Carolina Lights at SC State Fair – Columbia

This drive-through experience is just in its 2nd year of operation. Visit the mile-long display of lights beginning Dec 5th. The cost is $20 per car.

10. Christmas in Hopelands at Hopelands Gardens– Aiken

This is a free event; however, donations are accepted. Stroll through the garden for 2 miles of twinkling lights and festive holiday displays.

11. Holiday Lights Drive Tour– Moncks Corner

This is a short festive drive-through display. It’s doesn’t have nearly as many lights as the Holiday Festival of Lights on James Island, but it’s more convenient if you are in the Charleston area. Plus you don’t have to worry about a long entry line. Cost is $5 per car. 

Do me a favor and share this post with your family and friends for some holiday cheer!

If you don’t live in South Carolina, but want to find Christmas light displays near you, check out these lists from O Magazine and Travel Leisure.

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