Posted in South Carolina Events, Winter October 11, 2022 by

The South Carolina Drive Thru Christmas Lights Show With Over 400 Glittering Displays

Christmas cheer abounds in the Palmetto State! Sure, it’s a pretty rare thing that we have a white Christmas in South Carolina, but that doesn’t mean we’re lacking in holiday cheer! And this abundance of holiday spirit is epitomized by the annual drive-thru Christmas lights display at Saluda Shoals Park in South Carolina. If you’re looking for a fun and festive activity in South Carolina that the whole family can enjoy, this is it! Saluda’s Holiday Lights on the River is one of our favorite displays of holiday lights in South Carolina.

Holiday Lights on the River is one of the largest drive-thru events in the state featuring Christmas lights and more. And with all there is to see and do, it's easy to see exactly why people return year after year.
Google Maps/Chris Helm
Located along the banks of the gorgeous Saluda River, this park turns into a holiday wonderland each Christmas as more than a million lights are flipped on in more than 400 displays.
Facebook/Saluda Shoals Park
Take a journey through a twinkling fantasy land, enjoying all the enchanting lights. Because this is a drive-thru event, it's a great option for families with younger kids and grandparents.
Facebook/Saluda Shoals Park
After you've driven through the display, take in even more twinkling fun on the wetland trail and in the holiday light maze.
Google Maps/mircea morutan
You can also take a ride down the Winter Wonder Run Tube Slide, and hop aboard the Saluda Shoals Park train. These add-on activities generally cost extra.
Facebook/Saluda Shoals Park
Outside Santa's Gift Shop, you can roast marshmallows...
Facebook/Saluda Shoals Park
...and eat s'mores!
Flickr/Sancho McCann
And of course, no Christmas lights event would be complete without getting to meet Santa!
Facebook/Saluda Shoals Park
If you haven't experienced this magical Christmas lights event in South Carolina, what are you waiting for? Once you've visited, it's sure to become a new family favorite!
Google Maps/Chris Helm

The entrance for Holiday Lights on the River at Saluda Shoals Park is located at 6071 St. Andrews Road, Columbia, SC, 29212. You can learn more, including dates, times, admission, and other details about this year’s event, at the Holiday Lights on the River website.

What is your favorite place to go to see holiday lights in South Carolina? Have you visited Holiday Lights on the River in the past? If so, share your experience (and pictures!) with us in the comments!

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Address: Saluda Shoals Park, 5605 Bush River Rd, Columbia, SC 29212, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center

Christmas lights in South Carolina

November 10, 2021
Sarah

What are some of the best Christmas lights displays in South Carolina?

South Carolina offers some pretty phenomenal places to view Christmas lights every year. Depending on your preference, you can choose a holiday drive-thru and enjoy all of the twinkling lights from the comfort of your car, or you can wander through light displays on foot, like at Saluda Shoals Park in Columbia. Heck, you can even explore all nine of these SC holiday light displays in one season if you have the time! Which of these Christmas lights displays in South Carolina is your family’s favorite?

What are the holidays like in South Carolina?

While we rarely get snow on Christmas, South Carolina is a magical place to visit during the holidays. The mild temperatures make it enjoyable to get out and enjoy the many festivals and light displays in the state, and we don't have to worry too much about inclement weather affecting holiday travel, either!

Are there any fun Christmas events I should check out in South Carolina?

Prepare yourself for the ultimate holiday experience aboard a South Carolina Christmas Train. The Santa Express on the Rockton, Rion, & Western line offers a unique holiday adventure the whole family will love. Ride the historic rails in decorated train cars as you listen to Christmas stories and even receive a visit from Santa himself. Just make sure to reserve tickets early, this seasonal attraction sells out almost every year! There is nothing else quite like this holiday train ride in South Carolina!