Inside: Get ready for the Christmas magic to appear with one of Columbia’s greatest Christmas light displays!
Looking for an amazing drive-thru light display? Holiday Lights on the River in Columbia, SC may be just what you are looking for. This display features millions of lights along the 3-mile route, with themed sections of the display, lots of animation, and family activities like a winter tube slide, hayride, and Santa! Here’s everything you need to know about Holiday Lights on the River in Columbia, SC.
Holiday Lights on the River: The Quick Details
- Holiday Lights on the River runs from November 26th through December 31st, 2025.
- Hours are 6 pm to 10 pm
- Cost: Varies from $25-35 per car depending on the date.
The three miles of holiday lights that make up Holiday Lights on the River, make this display one of the largest in the Midlands of South Carolina and well worth the drive from the Upstate. You’ll find creatively themed sections of the display that make this drive-through light experience unique including sports-themed lights to enjoy, plus dinosaurs, trains, fairytales, snowy trees, and armed services.
Watch! Our Visit to Saluda Shoals Christmas Lights
Here’s a little sneak peek at what you’ll see at Holiday Lights on the River:
It was by far the best drive through display I’ve seen. Lots of movement and animation.
Jen H.
Activities at Holiday Lights on the River
Admission includes several activities you can stop and enjoy. However, if you choose not to stop, the lights themselves are still well worth the admission fee.
- Hayride
- Winter Wonderland tube slide
- Laser light show
- Letter writing station to Santa
- Santa visits- Be sure to check online to know exactly what days Santa will be in town! Photo packages are an additional cost.
Want to See Holiday Lights on the River?
- Holiday Lights on the River runs from November 26th through December 31st, 2025.
- Hours are 6 pm to 10 pm
- Cost: For November 26th – November 27th, November 29th – 30th, December 1st – 5th, December 7th – 11th, December 15th – 17th, December 25th – 31st the cost is $25 per car / $50 per 12+ passenger van / $75 per bus.
For November 28th, December 12th, 14th, 18th, and 24th the cost is $30 per car / $50 per 12+ passenger van / $75 per bus.
For December 6th, 13th, and 19th – 23rd the cost is $35 per car / $50 per 12+ passenger van / $75 per bus. - Your ticket includes the additional activities
- Go early, and plan to wait in line, especially on the weekends.
Holiday Lights on the River
Saluda Shoals Park
6071 St. Andrews Road
Columbia, SC
Admission: Cost is based on day of visit. See Holiday Lights on the River for more information. A transaction fee for credit cards does apply.
Ready for more Christmas Lights Near Columbia?
We have a whole list for you! Really, we did all the work and now you can choose from over 15 Christmas and holiday light displays near Columbia, SC. Our list includes more drive-thru displays, plus free displays, lights you can walk through, and lots more!
Want to visit another of the South’s fabulous Christmas Towns? Here are the Best Christmas Towns of the South.
