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Take an inside-look at Columbia’s favorite holiday lighting displays

Columbia has many opportunities for people to get in the holiday spirit. The three largest shows include the Holiday Lights on the River at Saluda Shoals, Wild Lights at Riverbanks Zoo and Gardens and Fireflies Lights at Segra Park.

Every year, Saluda Shoals Park transforms into a brightly lit, festive holiday adventure wonderland with three miles of animated, lighted displays. A walking trail, illuminated by displays, features a winding path with a laser light show to enjoy.

A festive holiday scene unfolds in Saluda Shoals Park as motorists drive through during the Holiday Lights on the River on Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025. The annual event features three miles of lighted animated displays, a walking trial with a laser light show, and hay rides.
A festive holiday scene unfolds in Saluda Shoals Park as motorists drive through during the Holiday Lights on the River on Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025. The annual event features three miles of lighted animated displays, a walking trial with a laser light show, and hay rides. Tracy Glantz tglantz@thestate.com

Holiday Lights on the River at Saluda Shoals Park

5605 Bush River Road, Columbia, SC 29210

More than a million lights, 400 themed, animated light displays on a two-mile loop of the Park, dancing, lighted trees synchronized to classical and whimsical holiday music. There’s also a three-dimensional Victorian Village, Old Man Winter, the holiday classic Twelve Days of Christmas.

Today to Dec. 31

6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Admission: $25, $30, $35 for cars based on the night, $50 for 12+ passenger vans, truck with trailer, limo and $75 for buses

Driving Tour, Santa’s shop, hay ride, walking trail and more

Wild Lights at the Riverbanks Zoo and Garden features handmade lanterns in the shape of animals, real and fantasy.
Wild Lights at the Riverbanks Zoo and Garden features handmade lanterns in the shape of animals, real and fantasy. Joshua Boucher jboucher@thestate.com

Wild Lights at Riverbanks Zoo and Gardens

500 Wildlife Parkway, Columbia, SC 29210

Nearly one million lights, animated images, Music in Motion Lights Spectacular, nightly visits with Santa (on-site beginning at 6 p.m. each night through Dec. 23), Jingle Bell Bonfire; hot cocoa, marshmallows and other festive foods available for purchase

Today to Dec. 30 (closed Dec. 24-25)

5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Admission: $8 Children, $10 Adults, younger than 2 free

Walking Tour

Fireflies Holiday Lights

Segra Park, Columbia, Nov. 21-Jan.3

Presented by Lexington Medical Center, over one million LED lights, featuring 10 themed areas plus kids crafts and activities, holiday-themed food and drinks

December/January: Advanced tickets $12 per person plus ticket fees

​All tickets increase by $2 per ticket on the day of the event.

​Children 2 and under get in free and do not require a ticket. Military members will receive $2 off their tickets with a valid Military ID.

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