Never too soon: 4 places in Columbia to see holiday lights before Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving purists may feel that getting into the Christmas spirit before the turkey is even cooked crosses an invisible line on the calendar. But already, holiday carols swirl through the air at retail stores across America, Starbucks cups are adorned in red and green, and throughout Columbia, twinkling lights and Santa Claus stand-ins are ready and waiting for the city’s Christmas enthusiasts.
Don’t want to wait until after Thanksgiving to get into the spirit? Here are four places you can see holiday lights before the end of November.
Five Points Neon Joy Holiday Laser Light Show
For the second year in a row, Five Points is putting on a free holiday festival complete with a laser light show, special guest appearances by Santa and Mrs. Claus, and music, dance and martial arts performances to boot.
When and where is the show?
- The festivities will last from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 21.
- The laser light show begins at 6:30 p.m. at the parking lot in front of the Five Points mural. You’re free to bring blankets and chairs.
- Most of the action will be on Saluda Avenue and Devine Street, with various Five Points businesses also participating.
Visit fivepointscolumbia.com for a map and full schedule.
What does the event cost?
- Admission to the event is completely free, but outside food and drinks are not allowed. Food and beverages will be for sale on-site.
- Various Five Points businesses will also be offering special deals and giveaways
Fireflies Holiday Lights
The Columbia Fireflies in 2022 set out to start a new Midlands holiday tradition: covering the baseball stadium in a million LED lights. The event also includes visits with Santa, a craft workshop, and a children’s train ride. The Fireflies Holiday Lights show is back beginning Nov. 21.
Where and when?
- Fireflies Holiday Lights begins Nov. 21 and is open almost every day through Jan. 3.
- The light show will be open 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. every night, but will be closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Da’.
- The festival takes place at Segra Park in the BullStreet District, at 1640 Freed St.
What does it cost?
- November: $10 per person
- December/January: $12 per person
- Children two years old and younger get in free
You can buy tickets and read more about the Fireflies holiday event at firefliesholidaylights.com.
Wild Lights at Riverbanks Zoo
More than 60 oversized wildlife lanterns are spread throughout Columbia’s award-winning Riverbanks Zoo during its annual Wild Lights holiday event. The event also promises “nightly snowfall” and visits with Santa. The Zoo has been holding the Wild Lights event since 2023, and for 35 years before that had been adorning the property in Christmas lights.
When and where?
- The Wild Lights event begins Nov. 21 and lasts through Jan. 11., from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- Wild Lights nights at the zoo will be Nov. 21-23, Nov. 26, and then almost nightly through Jan. 11.
You can buy tickets and read more about the event at Riverbanks.org.
What does it cost?
- It costs between $15.99 and $25.99 per person depending on how old each person is and which night you go. Weeknights are the cheaper option, except for the week and a half leading up to Christmas.
- Children younger than two years old get in free.
- Wild Lights is not selling tickets on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, and New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
Holiday Lights on the River
Spend a night at the Midlands’ largest drive-thru light show at Saluda Shoals Park, where you can pass through three miles of animated light displays. Then get out of the car to take a hay ride and visit Santa. Holiday Lights on the River has been a Midlands tradition for more than 20 years.
Where and when?
- Holiday Lights on the River begins Nov. 26, and is open nightly through Dec. 31, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
- The event is at Saluda Shoals Park, 5606 Bush River Rd.
- Santa will be on the premises Nov. 28-29, Dec. 5-7, Dec. 12-14, and Dec. 18-23.
What does it cost?
- Tickets range from $25 to $35 per car, depending on if it's a low or higher traffic night.
- Make an ornament for $3, or a plate for $5
- Concessions will be available to buy most nights of the event.
Buy tickets and read more about Holiday Lights on the River at icrc.net.
