Have you visited Carolina Lights at the South Carolina State Fairgrounds? We did! And, we have all the information and parent tips to make your trip to Carolina Lights spectacular.

When the lights go down in the city, and the sun sets over Williams-Brice Stadium, the Carolina Lights at the South Carolina Fairgrounds illuminate the evening sky from December 8 – 24, 2023.

The 5th annual Carolina Lights, a drive-through holiday light spectacular, is located at Lexington Medical Center Fair Park at the South Carolina Fairgrounds. This unforgettable show boasts over 100 individual LED light displays. With a combination of displays of both novelty and tradition, there’s something to satisfy even the biggest Scrooge!

Tickets for Carolina Lights

You can purchase tickets in advance for Carolina Lights on the South Carolina State Fair website, or you can pay cash or card at the gate. These advance purchase tickets may be used anytime between December 8 – 24, 2023. 

Special Day Promotional Tickets

Active and Retired Military Day

On Wednesday, December 13, all active and retired military (with proper military identification) will be able to purchase tickets for 50% off at the gate

First Responder Day

On Tuesday, December 19, all first responders may purchase tickets for 50% off at the gate.

When is Carolina Lights?

Enjoy the light show anytime between December 8 – 24, 2024. Carolina Lights is open Sundays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM. And Fridays and Saturdays, from 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM. Closed on all Mondays.

How Do You Get to Carolina Lights?

You may enter Carolina Lights at 901 George Rogers Blvd, Columbia, SC 29201. Please use Gate 6 of the South Carolina Fairgrounds.

Tips for Carolina Lights

• Tune into FM Radio Station 88.9 for holiday music to sync with the lights.
• Once you enter the fairgrounds, kindly turn off your headlights.
• Stay in your vehicle at all times.
• Restrooms are available halfway through the park. Look for signs for directions.
• Cookies, milk, water, Pepsi products and even dog biscuits are available for purchase halfway through the light show. Follow signs to the designated lane.
• Request a re-entry pass at the exit gate if you wish to re-enter the light show free of charge.

My Family’s Carolina Lights Experience

Opening night of Carolina Lights, my family turns into Gate 6 at the South Carolina State Fairgrounds. Upon entering, there are two lanes for check-in, and a designated person handing out maps at each post. We are greeted immediately and promptly handed a map of the lights and a holiday activity book for my two-year-old daughter. The gentleman then directs us ahead to the two mini houses, where each car pays with either cash or card. Again, there are still two lanes, in order to move things along swiftly.

Pay and On Your Way

My family is greeted by Kathy, the woman collecting money. She politely directs us ahead, giving us the option to turn off our headlights and tune into the FM Radio Station, 88.9. The radio station is playing holiday music of both new and old, and magically synchronized with the lights within the drive-through. Once you pay, the drive-through turns into a single-file lane only. 

Not a Bad Seat in the House

Light displays line each side of the road, so no matter where you’re sitting in your car, front, back, infant car seat or third-row, you’re not going to miss a thing! 

The light show begins with a giant gold-lit “Carolina Lights” archway, complete with a Carolina crescent moon and blue Palmetto tree to the left and right of the arch. 

Holiday Hits of New and Old

As we weave in and out of the light show, we turn the radio station up so we can hear the carefully coordinated holiday music align with the dancing lights. My daughter is thrilled when “Let it Go,” from the Frozen soundtrack, is part of the show. From that song, to country, to both classic and current holiday hits, there’s a song to melt just about anyone’s holiday heart. 

A Display for Everyone

We see every type of display as we make our way down the drive of blanketed lights. From flamingos, to dinosaurs, a carousel horse and an impressive array of characters from the Twelve Days of Christmas, my family was wide-eyed and in awe the entire ride. 

Cookie Break

Midway through, there’s an option to go stay in one lane and continue driving throughout the light show, or stop for a cookies and milk in another lane. This year, they’ve even added an option to purchase dog cookies for $2, should you decide to bring your family pet along for the ride!

After you’ve been handed your snacks, in a drive-through style fashion, you simply follow the signs back to the light show route. 

Holiday Lights Come to an End

As we make our rounds, the “ooohs and ahhhs” never stop. Everyone in the car points out their favorite display at one point or another. We make our way toward the end of the route, a beautiful archway with the words “Joy to the World” shine above us. Next, the words “Happy Hanukkah” and a menorah line the left side of the driveway and not far ahead a manger scene complete with wise men and animals close out the Carolina Lights.

Or Do They?

If you should choose, your night doesn’t have to end after your first tour through. Just request a re-entry pass and view the lights again on the same night.

Carolina Lights
1200 Rosewood Drive
Columbia, SC 29201

Find more amazing lights in Columbia, SC!

Here’s the Kidding Around Guide to Holiday Lights in Columbia, SC

Have you heard about the new Wild Lights at Riverbanks Zoo & Garden? Whether you’re looking for a beautiful place to get in a few steps or just ready to experience new holiday fun, we have found the place for you! Wild Lights at the Riverbanks Zoo & Garden is sure to bring a smile to your family’s face! This is truly a light show unlike any other and one you need to experience for yourself! 

Sneak Peek: Just a Bit of What You’ll See

Take a walk through Wild Lights with us.

What to Expect at Wild Lights

The walk up to the entrance is beautiful and gives you just a taste of the dazzling colors and displays that await you inside. The color-changing Angel’s Wings outside the gate serves as a great photo opportunity and the nightly snowfall as you enter is sure to catch the kids’ attention!

Once inside, you are greeted by photographers at a green screen. These creative photos are worth your time as they are transformed into pure magic by the time you circle back. These and other photo opportunities, including Santa, are available for purchase on your way out of the zoo. Be sure to keep the photo cards that you receive in a safe place as you’ll need those to get your pictures, plus, you can scan them after you leave in case you missed the stop on your way out.  

Travel through the Wild Lights at your own pace and in any direction that you choose with illuminations around every corner. Don’t be surprised if you get captivated by the color-changing lights on many of the displays. The kids will want to stop and ride the Merry – Go – Round and you’ll also want to pause and relax at one of the toasty fire tables. 

Santa at Wild Lights

One of the kids’ favorite stops will be the Stepping Board tiles that light up as they bounce across the giant illuminated “2023.” There are nightly visits from Santa and Mrs. Clause and while you wait, the friendliest elf will let your kids know if they made the naughty or nice list.

See what visiting with Santa looks like at Wild Lights

In Santa’s Village you can also color a card for the children at Children’s Hospital, details and supplies are provided there. Santa will only be there through December 23, 2023, so keep that in mind if you plan to see him on your visit.

There is light food available for purchase and lots of seating in this area and be sure to take advantage of some beautiful photo opportunities while you wait.  

Noteworthy Displays at Riverbanks Zoo’s Wild Lights

While each lantern display is stunning, there are a few that stand out. The most memorable is one that absolutely can’t be missed. Situated in the center of the zoo, stands the stunning Lingzhi Tree, which is actually a species of mushroom! Topped with butterflies, it delicately changes color and is relaxing to watch plus makes for a great photo backdrop!

Not far from the Lingzhi, you’ll find illuminated Moonlight Swings that provide a fun place for both adults and kids to play and yet another great photo and video opportunity. Throughout your walk, you can stand and pose inside the mouth of a dinosaur and a crocodile! Remember to look up while you explore and take in the beautifully lit trees, Palace Lanterns, and color-changing butterflies.

The peacock spider and giant crab both have moving elements as well as the salamanders. Possibly the coolest moving lantern in the zoo? The Peacock! Twinkling with rainbow-colored lights the peacock initially appears small but if you wait just a few minutes, you’ll get to see it raise its feathers which creates a beautiful new display to enjoy! A train circles around the peacock and offers another fun activity for kids and parents too! 

Will We See Animals at Wild Lights?

While most of the animals are either off exhibit or sleeping, you may still luck out and find some awake and active! On our most recent trip, we had the pleasure of watching a koala enjoy a bamboo snack and even saw a zebra off in the distance through the dark.

The kids really enjoyed searching the enclosures to see if they could spot anything. The flamingoes were visible, squirrel monkeys were playful and we spotted several other indoor animals as well! The sea lions were very active, vocal, and lots of fun to watch before we headed home!  

Tips for Wild Lights

Make sure your camera and phone are fully charged.

Plan for your visit to take 1-2 hours depending on your pace and popularity of the day you go.  Allow extra time to capture some stunning pictures and videos and be sure to tag Kidding Around Columbia, Kidding Around Greenville, and Riverbanks Zoo & Gardens (so we can share in all the fun you’re having too!)

Weekends are typically busier than weekdays and of course, the warmer days will likely attract more visitors.

Don’t forget to stop and see how your photos have transformed since you took them upon entry and let the kids pick a couple of favorites to take home.

Stop in the beautifully decorated gift shop on your way out and let the kids give you Christmas gift ideas.

Wild Lights will return annually, however, the displays will rotate each year so it always remains fresh and new. With that said, you won’t want to miss this year’s displays so secure your tickets today!  

Time to Go Visit Wild Lights: Riverbanks Zoo

Whether you’re searching for a place to see Santa or a fun family night, Wild Lights at Riverbanks Zoo will be a fun adventure for everyone in your family! Immerse yourself in the twinkling wonderland of Wild Lights and prepare for a night of smiles and laughter!

Admission: Free for Zoo members, must reserve tickets online.  

General admission is $19.99 – $24.99 per adult 

 $14.99 – $19.99 per child (depending on the day you select) save up to $5.00 per ticket by purchasing in advance.  Children under two years old are free.   

Riverbanks Zoo is great any time of year. Find out all about it in our full Riverbanks Zoo Review.

Which Wild Lights are you looking forward to seeing the most? 

Wild Lights
Hours: 5 pm to 9 pm select nights  
Dates: November 17, 2023 through January 14, 2024. 

More Lights!

Here are the places near Columbia to see Christmas Lights

Have you made a trip to the Fireflies Holiday Lights yet? The Fireflies Holiday Lights is back with the Columbia, SC tradition, and is all the rave this year! The Segra Park baseball stadium, home of the Fireflies, is decked out in tons of twinkling lights and interactive displays, there are several “stations” for families to stop and enjoy seasonal treats and kid-friendly crafts, and even booths for holiday shopping! We recently had the chance to go and highly suggest you and your family check it out. 

Don’t Miss Out on This New Tradition in Columbia, SC 

Segra Park is back with Fireflies Holiday Light show! This event will run from November 16 through December 31, 2023. It is such a well-done, magical, winter wonderland that we think will stick around for years to come. There are over 1 MILLION beautiful lights all throughout the stadium. We would recommend setting aside about 2 hours to be able to fully enjoy all this event has to offer – lights, s’mores roasting, letters to Santa, etc. 

So Many Lights! 

Upon entering the light show, traffic will flow to the left where you will be able to walk around the whole upper deck of the stadium. You’ll see a huge Christmas tree (perfect for a family photo-op), reindeer, elves, and more! Also towards the beginning of your walk will be a concession stand that serves things such as hamburgers, fries, hot dogs, and chicken tenders. 

Once you make your way around the top, you can walk down a flight of stairs to the field. Strollers and drinks are not permitted on the field, but there is a stroller parking area as well as tables or trash cans to dispose of any beverages. Walking on the field is cool on its own, but it’s so much more special with all of the light displays! My son loved running through the twinkling tunnel in the outfield.  

What is there to do at the Fireflies Holiday Lights? 

Aside from all of the lights displays, there are so many opportunities for family-friendly fun! There is a really neat space that my family stayed at for a while with fire pits, s’more roasting, and large games. We had such a great time roasting s’mores and then my son found another group of kiddos to play jumbo Jenga and Connect 4 with.  

Another stop you can make are the craft tables! Here you will find activity books for kids, letters to Santa, and Santa’s giant red mailbox. 

Know Before You Go: Fireflies Holiday Lights 

Tickets for Fireflies Holiday Lights

All tickets MUST be purchased online. While you can purchase them on your phone at the entry gates, it is best to plan a bit ahead and buy them a few days before your trip. QR Codes will either be texted or emailed to you and scanned at the entrance. Ticket prices vary depending on day and age: 

• November Price: $10 per person
• December Price: $12 per person
• Military, seniors, and first responders receive $2 off 
• Ages 2 and under are FREE 

Clear Bags Only 

I am usually prepared for these clear bag-only situations, however, it completely slipped my mind when we packed up to go to the lights. Since the event is held inside the Segra Park stadium, the clear bag policy is still in place. No diaper bags, bookbags, large fanny packs, etc. will be permitted. 

Plenty of Seating 

My family and I went on a Sunday and took advantage of the free hotdog and drink for kids! We originally thought there weren’t enough seating options to sit and eat, however, as you keep traveling around the stadium there are PLENTY of seats and tables all along the walkways. So, if there aren’t open seats near the concessions (which will likely be the case) just walk to the left a little bit and you’ll be sure to find some! 

Cashless Facility 

Segra Park is a cashless facility and will remain this way for the light show. However, if you do have cash, you can exchange it for gift cards at guest services. Gift cards can then be used at the concession stand and team store. 

Nightly Deals and Promos 

Each night throughout the week will feature special promotions and activities such as: 

• Wednesday – Winter Wag-Along
  • Leashed dogs are welcome to join you at the lights! Be sure to bring bags for cleaning-up after them 
• Thursday – Thirsty Thursday
  • $1 Fountain drinks and hot chocolate, $2 domestic draft beer, $3 craft beer
• Sundays in December – Kids Eat Free
  • Children under 12 years old will get a voucher (at guest services inside the entrance) for a free hot dog and drink 
• Check out more Fireflies Holiday Lights Events

Fireflies Lights NYE Event 

New Year’s Eve will be your last chance to see the magic of the Fireflies Holiday Lights. On December 31, the park will be open from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. There will be a ball drop for kids happening at 7:00 pm where there will also be celebratory sparkling cider available. Such a fun opportunity to ring in the New Year with your family and friends! 

Fireflies Holiday Lights – Segra Park 
1640 Freed Street
Columbia, SC 29201 

Open from November 16 through December 31, 2023
Hours: Daily from 6 pm to 9 pm, except holidays which will have special hours

See lots more lights!

We have a huge guide to Christmas Lights in Columbia, SC

Did your family enjoy the Fireflies Holiday Lights? What was your favorite light display?

Go for a Christmas light drive around Columbia, SC! What’s more festive than a night of Christmas lights? Columbia has some seriously decked-out homes that you can enjoy for free and we arranged them all into a driving tour. Want more? We also included a couple of popular drive-thru professional displays in our tours. Fill up a thermos with some hot cocoa, pack some Christmas cookies, cue up the holiday music, and load up the kids. The holiday pajamas are optional, but, are highly recommended.

Use our maps or set up your preferred map direction app with the addresses and you’re ready to go!

Disclaimer: Kidding Around is not responsible for property damage, neighborhood safety, or any possible injuries of any kind that may happen while driving, stopping, and viewing holiday lights and decorations. Drivers and property owners maintain all responsibility for general safety, operating a vehicle safely, light-viewing enjoyment, and holiday cheer. Drive slowly, be respectful, share holiday magic, and don’t be a Scrooge.

Hooray! Our Holiday Lights Driving Tour is finally here!! We are beginning the season with two routes but be sure to check back regularly as displays are being added daily!

Help us grow these routes! Did you take this year’s Christmas decorating extra seriously? Want to share it with all of Columbia? Use this holiday home form to let us know.

Which house is the best?
VOTE HERE!

The Kidding Around Columbia Christmas Lights Contest

Sneak Peak: Columbia’s Christmas Houses

Christmas Lights Map

Map is being updated often as displays are added! Be sure to check back often!

Columbia Holiday Lights Driving Tour

Chapin/Irmo (Red) Approximately 35 Minutes

2311 Harvestwood Lane, Chapin is fully framed in bright colorful lights and has trees in every window! Be sure to drive through the rest of this neighborhood as there are lots of festively decorated homes to be admired!

6 Kagle Court, Chapin

Be sure to check out the backyard of this home, which is a sight to be seen and is visible from Westcott Ridge Road, which you’ll likely pass if using the red route.

311 Hollow Cove Road, Chapin

Within the same neighborhood as Kagle court, this home has a pretty display and is at the end of the street.

617 Hamlin Way, Irmo

627 Newton Road, Irmo

402 West Ashford Way, Irmo

10 Walnut Grove Way, Irmo

7 Abbey Court, Irmo

394 Poets Walk, Irmo displays a Christmas Light Show

• This house is entered in the Kidding Around Christmas Lights Contest! VOTE here. You can vote once per day.

Warden Way, Irmo Worth the trip to see the neighboring 3 homes synced to the same impressive light show, roll down windows and enjoy the music and dynamic light displays! Tune to 92.7 FM if you prefer to keep your windows closed! This show features 40 minutes of music and lights with the playlist and show alternating every other day!

Lexington Route (Yellow) Approximately 1 hour

759 Woodberry Road, Lexington, SC This impressive display expresses the family’s love of the Christmas season. Enjoy through 1/6/24.

Photo Credit: Jayna

309 Silver Branch Road Yard features several inflatables and lights strung across the front yard.

Photo Credit: Daniel Geddings

303 Lace Bark Lane has a light show that dances to music

284 Black Pine Court has a light show synced to music, tune in to 92.5 FM and enjoy the show!

142 Carriage Hill Drive, Lexington Features a very dynamic display that dances to music! The show runs Sunday – Thursday 5:30 pm – 9:30 pm and Friday and Saturday until 10:30 pm. Please use the loop at the end of the road to turn around and park across from the house to enjoy! This area will provide the best view!

• This house is entered in the Kidding Around Christmas Lights Contest! VOTE here. You can vote once per day.

(Photo Credit: Kris Walling) The Carriage Hill Drive display will be static only (not dancing to music) on December 16th and visitors are encouraged to come enjoy on a different day. This is for safety reasons as they are hoping to reduce traffic on that night only.

213 Meetze Ave Lexington, SC Park your car, tune your radio to 90.3 and enjoy the 100,000+ lights dance to the music.

301 Southberry Way, Lexington Has lots of inflatables and a brightly lit home.

• This house is entered in the Kidding Around Christmas Lights Contest! VOTE here. You can vote once per day.

Photo Credit: Mollohan Bryan

497 Sandy Point Road, Lexington Features beautiful lighting, a nativity scene. Photo Credits: Missy Porth

Bonus: Saluda Shoals Park, Holiday Lights on the River, Cost $25 per car. (Just skip this stop to keep your route free!)

Worth the Ride: More Lights

These homes are worth the drive, especially if you’re traveling through the area but were not included in the map as they are further out than the others!

2482 Wire Road, Aiken, SC 29805 (Off of exit 29 on I-20) While this free drive-through display is a bit further out, it boasts lots and lots of lights and blow-ups and would be a great pit stop if traveling towards Augusta! PLUS they offer $2 homemade hot cocoa and $1 cookies nightly! Enjoy through 12/30/23.

• This house is entered in the Kidding Around Christmas Lights Contest! VOTE here. You can vote once per day.

1820 Birch Drive, North Augusta Drive up and tune in to 90.5 and enjoy the show. Their annual Star Wars Night is happening on December 16th from 6-11 pm and will feature a live lightsaber fight between Jedi, a special appearance by Darth Vader and all will be visiting with families following the battle. Be sure to stick around for the dancing Grinch and Olaf singing!

They have a partnership with the Ronald McDonald House of Augusta. Help meet their goal by contributing here: Ronald McDonald House.

• This house is entered in the Kidding Around Christmas Lights Contest! VOTE here. You can vote once per day.

217 McKade Lane, Leesville, SC 29070 Tune your radio to 98.1 FM and enjoy the show!

305 Hudson Street, West Columbia Colorful and fun

Photo Credit: Bo Slice

433 Glen Arven Court, Chapin features a 27 foot tall light tree, snowman, Santa and sleigh.

936 Trident Maple Lane Chapin has fun, colorful lights all over, “Santa on water” and a tall tree formed by strands of Christmas lights.

118 Judiths Path, West Columbia features handmade Disney Characters highlighted with red and green spotlights and the house is lined with colorful lights.

740 Martin Smith Road, Gilbert is a 3-acre traditional display and photo only shows a small portion of all they have illuminated!

725 Formby Drive, Columbia in the Spring Valley Subdivision. Synchronized display, tune to 88.7. Lisznyai House Lights are on from 5:30 pm to 10:30 pm. These folks are raising money for Make a Wish SC. If you’d like to participate you can look for the drop box at the display OR donate online. Enjoy through 1/1/24.

• This house is entered in the Kidding Around Christmas Lights Contest! VOTE here. You can vote once per day.

Spring Valley Subdivision: Since you’re already there viewing the Lisznyai House, drive through the rest of the Spring Valley Subdivision, well-known as a neighborhood with lots of festive lights to enjoy.

Lake Carolina: Another neighborhood, not too far from Spring Valley, that’s known for rolling out the holiday cheer with lights this time of year.

Bonus: Visit Carolina Lights at the State Fairgrounds. Carolina Lights $20 per car. To keep your route free, just skip this stop.

Help us grow these routes! Add your home to these routes! Use this holiday home form to let us know you’d like to be considered!

Want more lights?

Here are 15+ Places in Columbia, SC to See Amazing Christmas Lights!

• Christmas and Holiday Events Around Columbia, SC
• Where to See Santa in Columbia, SC
• 15+ Christmas Lights Displays Near Columbia, SC
• Free Things to Do for Christmas in Columbia

Winter Break is Coming.
Stay busy with activities and camps.
Winter Break Bucket List!

Love our content? Follow us on Facebook and join our Kidding Around Columbia Community page.

• Kidding Around Columbia on Facebook
• Kidding Around Columbia Facebook Community Page