Here’s a glance at where and when to see Christmas light displays in the Columbia area
On the darkest nights, the lights of the season have a way cutting through the gloom and finding their way into our memories.
Indeed, the holidays are upon us, and bring with them the colorful, twinkling lights of Christmas. As you drive through the neighborhoods of the Midlands, you will undoubtedly see many holiday displays, with residents festooning yards, trees, bushes, porches and roofs with strands of lights, inflatable decorations and illuminated plastic Santas that are normally packed away in basements and attics, only to be dragged out in December to light up the night sky.
While residential, neighborhood Christmas displays are a common occurrence during the holidays, the Midlands also boasts a number or organized, professional-grade events where folks can go to see millions of sparkling lights and participate in other holiday activities.
What follows is a look at some of the key ticketed holiday lights events in the Columbia area, ranging from a stadium light show to a stroll through the zoo, and beyond.
Holiday Lights on the River at Saluda Shoals Park
Now through Dec. 31, 6-10 p.m.
6071 St. Andrews Road, Irmo.
For years, Holiday Lights on the River at Saluda Shoals Park has been one of the most cherished Christmas lights gatherings in the Midlands. Organized by the Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission, the nightly event features more than three miles of colorful, animated displays. (This reporter’s personal favorite is a pterodactyl that soars overhead at one point during the journey.) There also are a number of activities for kids and families, including a Winter Wonder tube slide, hay rides and train rides, and a laser light show on the park’s wetland trail.
Tickets range from $25 to $35 per car, depending on which night you go. Visit www.icrc.net/event/holiday-lights-river-1 for more details.
Fireflies Holiday Lights at Segra Park
Nightly through Jan. 4, 6-9 p.m. Closed Christmas Day and New Year’s Day
640 Freed St., Columbia.
In the warmer months, Segra Park in the BullStreet District is the place to watch the boys of summer, as it is home to the Class A Columbia Fireflies baseball team. But as the temperatures grow colder and Santa begins checking his list, the ballpark becomes home to one of the region’s best holiday lights displays. With Fireflies Holiday Lights, Segra Park is illuminated with more than 1.5 million colorful lights. And the event also includes a host of activities for the family, including visits with Santa Claus, crafts at Santa’s workshop and rides aboard the Fireflies Express train. Concessions, including holiday-themed items, are available.
Tickets are $12 per person. Visit www.firefliesholidaylights.com for more details.
Wild Lights at Riverbanks Zoo
Select nights through Jan. 12. Visit www.riverbanks.org/events/wild-lights for full calendar.
500 Wildlife Parkway, Columbia.
Riverbanks Zoo has, for decades, been Columbia’s key attraction for visitors and families. And it’s also been a go-to spot for seeing vibrant, festive lights during the holiday season. With Wild Lights, visitors can walk through the zoo and see more than 60 handcrafted wildlife lantern displays that are inspired by nature. There’s also a nightly “snowfall,” visits with Santa Claus and numerous photo opportunities. The event also is offering private igloo rentals this year.
Tickets start at $20.99 and vary depending on the date.
Making Spirits Bright Pop-Up Holiday Experience at Williams-Brice Stadium
Thursday, Dec. 5, 5:30-9 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 7, 5:30-9:30 p.m.
Thursday, Dec. 12, 5:30-9 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 13, 5:30-9:30 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 14, 5:30-9:30 p.m.
1125 George Rogers Blvd., Columbia
Throughout the fall, the University of South Carolina football team has lit up Williams-Brice Stadium with touchdowns and wins against SEC rivals. Now, amid the holidays, it is home to a different type of lights. The Making Spirits Bright Holiday Experience is back for a second year, and is set to feature all-new light shows, as well as activities for kids and various Christmas decorations. Guests can also purchase drinks from a full bar, including what the university describes as “festive drink options and heavy hors d’ouevres.”
Tickets are $10 per person.
This story was originally published December 3, 2024 at 5:00 AM.
