Discover 7 verified christmas lights in Columbia and nearby areas.
Welcome to your guide for Columbia Christmas lights and holiday displays, where the city and its surroundings come alive with festive illumination. Whether you're a local or visiting, you'll find plenty of ways to enjoy the season's glow.
Among the beloved neighborhood favorites are the Magic Tree in the Village of Cherry Hill and the Candy Cane Crib at Logboat Brewing Company, both near Columbia and perfect for capturing holiday spirit. These displays offer a warm, community-centered experience that locals cherish.
This guide covers everything from free neighborhood displays to ticketed drive-through lights and walkable trails. Explore the variety of light displays and make the most of your holiday visit near Columbia.
Annual holiday lighting event in The Vista
Join the 40th annual Vista Lights celebration presented by Prisma Health on Thursday, November 20, 2025. This beloved event marks the official start of the holiday season in Columbia, transforming the Vista district with festive lights and a joyous atmosphere....
Guided tours of historic homes decorated for the holidays.
Step back in time this holiday season with Historic Columbia's Holiday House Tours. Explore the beautifully decorated Robert Mills House and Hampton-Preston Mansion, experiencing Christmas traditions from the 1820s and 1850s. Discover how families celebrated holidays past, from early decorations...
Over 1.7 million LED Christmas lights in themed areas.
Experience the magic of Fireflies Holiday Lights at Segra Park, featuring over 1.7 million LED Christmas lights across various themed areas. Visitors can enjoy nightly visits with Santa Claus, perfect for capturing holiday memories. Indulge in festive food and warm...
Over 60 wildlife-themed lantern displays
Experience the enchantment of Wild Lights at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden. Wander through the zoo after dark to discover over 60 breathtaking, handcrafted wildlife lantern displays that illuminate the night. Enjoy a magical evening with nightly snowfall, engaging activities, and...
Santa visits each child on a festive train ride.
Embark on a magical 90-minute journey aboard Santa's North Pole Express. This festive train ride offers a unique opportunity to meet Santa Claus as he personally visits each child on board. Passengers can even deliver letters to Santa directly during...
South Carolina's largest free Christmas light display.
Sumter, SC transforms into a winter wonderland with the Swan Lake Fantasy of Lights, South Carolina's largest free Christmas light display. Wander through over a million twinkling lights that illuminate the gardens with festive imagery, including the popular floating Christmas...
Over 100,000 twinkling lights illuminating the gardens
Experience the enchanting magic of the holidays at Hopelands Gardens during Christmas in Hopelands. This cherished Aiken tradition transforms the gardens into a breathtaking winter wonderland, adorned with over 100,000 twinkling lights that illuminate the pathways and landscapes. Guests of...
See the location of all christmas lights around Columbia and nearby areas
Open Map →Some of the top displays include the Magic Tree in the Village of Cherry Hill, the Candy Cane Crib at Logboat Brewing Company, and the Veterans United Bright Lights Holiday Nights drive-through. Warm Springs Ranch in nearby Boonville also offers an impressive light show featuring the Budweiser Clydesdales.
Drive-through displays like Veterans United Bright Lights Holiday Nights allow you to enjoy lights from the comfort of your car, ideal for families or larger groups. Walkable options, such as the Winter Wonderland at Shelter Gardens, offer a more immersive experience where you can stroll through decorated gardens and enjoy close-up views.
Most displays in Columbia begin lighting up around late November, often starting the day before Thanksgiving, and continue through early January. For example, the Magic Tree lights up from Thanksgiving Eve through Epiphany (January 6th).
Yes, several neighborhood displays and public areas like the Boone County Courthouse Plaza offer free holiday lights. Additionally, some walkable events such as the Winter Wonderland at Shelter Gardens have free or low-cost admission.