11 BEST Christmas Light Show Displays in South Carolina 2023

It’s the holiday season, which means that the streets are glowing with Christmas and holiday lights! It’s a special time of year as we give back and try to create beautiful memories with our loved ones. One great way to do this is by going to see Christmas light show displays in South Carolina. Something about glowing lights fills us with awe and makes us feel that Christmas spirit.

But how do we know the perfect place to see Christmas light displays? There are so many options, and it can be so hard to find the proper information. Well, we’re here to help you out with that. We’ve narrowed down the list to just the 11 best Christmas light shows in South Carolina.

See Also: Places to Avoid in South Carolina

 

1. Saluda Shoals Park Holiday Lights on the River

This event is one of the biggest drive-through Christmas lights in South Carolina. With millions of shimmering lights over the span of two miles and animated light displays of all shapes and sizes, you won’t want to miss this! Included with admission are a winter wonder tube slide, a hayride through the lights, a laser light show on the Wetland Trail, and a place for you and the kids to write a letter to Santa!

 

2. Charleston Holiday Festival of Lights

At this magical light show in South Carolina, you and your family can make lasting memories on the Festival Express. The train ride gives you an up-close look at the lights. You can also visit the festival’s gift shops or satisfy your sweet tooth with delicious treats. Check out the 50-ton holiday sand sculpture, and be sure to visit Santa’s village.

 

3. Anderson Christmas Lights of Hope

Over two decades ago, the tradition of the Anderson Christmas lights started. This South Carolina drive-thru Christmas light display began as a way to spread Christmas cheer and give back. If you want to give back this season while also making memories and having fun with your family, the Anderson Christmas Lights are a great way to do both.

 

4. Segra Park Fireflies Holiday Lights

At Segra Park, you can check out South Carolina Christmas lights that will blow others out of the ballpark. Get your Christmas shopping done when you stop by their vendors. Drink and eat some holiday-themed food and beverages. You and the kids can even participate in scavenger hunts and crafts. And of course, don’t miss the more than one million lights illuminating the park.

 

5. Moncks Corner Celebrate the Season

Another great way to give back this time of year is through Celebrate the Season. All the proceeds for this event benefit local charities. Not only that but the lights are also powered by 100 percent Green Power from Santee Cooper. This driving tour of lights is sure to be a night to remember as you experience the lights and the spirit of the season. One of the best Christmas light show displays in South Carolina.

 

6. South Carolina State Fair Carolina Lights

One of the best places to view Christmas lights in South Carolina is the South Carolina State Fair. In its fourth year running, this drive-through light experience will feature more than 100 individual LED light displays. If you saw it last year, you should check it out again because they have expanded the route and have several new displays.

 

7. Brookgreen Gardens Night of a Thousand Candles

Night of a Thousand Candles is one of the most loved holiday light displays in South Carolina. It features more than 2,700 hand-lit candles and millions of sparkling lights. Tickets include beverages (including wine or beer) and heavy hors d’oeuvres which are stationed throughout the gardens. You can walk the path with a warm cup of cider (or whatever your preferred drink is) and enjoy the lights and holiday music.

 

8. Lights at Riverbanks Zoo

Check out the transformed Riverbanks Zoo, decorated with a million lights and giant illuminated animal lanterns. Hop aboard the Gingerbread Express, ride the Candy Cane Carousel, grab some s’mores and hot cocoa, or stop by Santa’s village. There’s plenty to do at one of the best public holiday light displays in South Carolina.

 

9. Hollywild Animal Preserve Holiday Lights Safari

Get ready to get wild with these South Carolina Christmas lights at the preserve. They are putting in extra effort this year to make this a magical drive-thru experience. Drive through the lights, and if you want a truly wild experience, enter the deer forest where herds of animals will approach your car and eat right out of your hands.

 

10. Swan Lake Iris Gardens Fantasy of Lights

More than one million lights join together to create beautiful holiday imagery at the Fantasy of Lights. Be sure to check out the floating Christmas tree—a holiday favorite—and Santa’s village and songs and stories from angels and characters. This is one of South Carolina’s biggest free Christmas light displays, perfect for families on a budget.

 

11. The Christmas House

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas at the Christmas House in South Carolina. The owners of this house love to deck it out with lights and décor to spread that Christmas feeling that we all love. These lights have that personal and cozy touch that can only come from homes decorated like this. Hop in the car and drive by!

 

Conclusion

When it comes to Christmas light show displays in South Carolina, there are a lot of choices, but hopefully, this list of the 11 best Christmas light options has helped you pick the best option for you and your family. Whether you choose a walk-through or a drive-through, a neighborhood or a ballpark, we hope that you have a fantastic experience that lights up your December. So, pile the kids into the car and check out these amazing lights!