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 nightly from November 25th through December 31st, 2026.
- Hours are 6 pm to 10 pm
- Cost: Varies from $25-35 per car depending on the date.
- Where: Saluda Shoals Park, 6071 St. Andrews Road, Columbia, SC 29212
- What you’ll see: a 3-mile drive-through route with millions of lights, plus tube slides, a hayride and train ride, a laser light show, and a Letter to Santa station included with admission
- Santa visits: Nov. 27-29, Dec. 4-7, Dec. 11-13, and Dec. 17-23, 2026
- Info: Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission, 803-772-1228, official event page
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 the type of light displays you can expect at Saluda Shoals.
These shots were from a previous year’s experience.
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 and Saluda Shoals train ride
- Winter Wonder dual tube slides
- Laser light show on the Wetland Trail
- Letter writing station to Santa
- Santa visits- In 2026, Santa is scheduled for Nov. 27-29, Dec. 4-7, Dec. 11-13, and Dec. 17-23. Photo packages are an additional cost.
Heads up: ICRC says the activities will not be available on Thanksgiving night, Christmas Eve, or Christmas night, though the lights are still open.
Want to See Holiday Lights on the River?
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- Holiday Lights on the River runs nightly from November 25th through December 31st, 2026.
- Hours are 6 pm to 10 pm
- Cost: For November 25th – 27th, November 29th – 30th, December 1st – 4th, December 6th – 10th, December 14th – 16th, and December 25th – 31st the cost is $25 per car / $50 per 12+ passenger van, truck with trailer, or limo / $75 per bus.
For November 28th and December 5th, 11th, 13th, 17th, and 24th the cost is $30 per car / $50 per 12+ passenger van, truck with trailer, or limo / $75 per bus.
For December 12th and 18th – 23rd the cost is $35 per car / $50 per 12+ passenger van, truck with trailer, or limo / $75 per bus. - Your ticket includes the additional activities
- Go early, and plan to wait in line, especially on the weekends.
- ICRC sorts nights into Green, Yellow, and Red based on past attendance, and says Green and Yellow nights cost less and usually have lighter traffic and shorter waits.
- Tickets bought in advance are only good for the night you choose, and ICRC does not offer refunds or transfers.
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.
Holiday Lights on the River FAQ
When is Holiday Lights on the River 2026?
It runs nightly from November 25 through December 31, 2026, from 6 to 10 pm.
How much does Holiday Lights on the River cost?
Cars are $25, $30, or $35 depending on the night. 12+ passenger vans, trucks with trailers, and limos are $50, and buses are $75. A transaction fee applies to credit and debit card purchases.
When is Santa at Holiday Lights on the River?
Santa is scheduled for Nov. 27-29, Dec. 4-7, Dec. 11-13, and Dec. 17-23, 2026. Photo packages cost extra.
What activities are included?
Admission includes the Winter Wonder dual tube slides, a hayride and train ride, a laser light show on the Wetland Trail, and a Letter to Santa station. Activities are not available on Thanksgiving night, Christmas Eve, or Christmas night.
Where is Holiday Lights on the River?
It’s at Saluda Shoals Park, 6071 St. Andrews Road, Columbia, SC 29212. For questions, call the Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission at 803-772-1228.
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.
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