9 Places In South Carolina That Will Make You Feel As Though You’ve Entered A Winter Wonderland

For several dreamy nights in December, Brookgreen Gardens opens their gates during the evening hours for their popular 'Nights of a Thousand Candles' display. The event features 5,500 candles that are hand-lit late each afternoon, a 75 foot Christmas tree that is ceremoniously lit every afternoon and their amazing gardens adorned with millions of twinkling lights. Add to that an optional special dinner add-on, plus hot cider and entertainment. This could be the ticket of the season in South Carolina! Find out more at this link.

When you step on the ice in one of the outdoor holiday ice rinks in South Carolina it may be a little hard to wrap your head around the fact that just weeks ago the temperatures were in the 80s in some of these cities and towns that now have ice skating. Wow! What a transformation. We love it! Find out where to locate five outdoor rinks in South Carolina here.

We may not have a white Christmas this year, but we certainly have many cities and towns that transform into magical places filled with seasonal decorations and festive events. Check out 10 of them in this list and then make plans to visit each one.

At these 13 Christmas tree farms not only can you choose your own tree, you can also cut it down, or if you prefer they'll cut it for you. The adventure of heading to a Christmas tree farm (in our own state) is unique enough, but bringing the kids along makes it a day (or night) to remember. Some of the farms on our list even have hot cocoa and photos with Santa. Let's go!

You may be surprised to learn South Carolina has an animal park safari. If that's the case then you'll be even more delighted to learn it's been reopened and for the Christmas season is hosting a drive through Christmas lights display. For a nominal add-on ticket you can even drive through the enchanted forest and feed the animals by hand from your car! Learn more about this adventure here.

Head to one of these 9 Christmas stores guaranteed to make even the Grinch smile and get into a festive mood. What feels more like a winter wonderland than being surrounded by countless Christmas trees all decked out in ornaments and cheer?

It's not Christmas until Santa makes an appearance aboard the Rockton, Rion & Western at the South Carolina Railroad Museum in Winnsboro. Hop on board to meet jolly Saint Nick, hear a Christmas tale read aloud, ride the train and get a special treat! The museum operates several rides per operation day, including a Santa's Twilight Express. Find out how to guarantee your spot on the train in this article.

Head to Newberry each Friday night in December for North Pole Nights where the city makes faux snow in Memorial Park. Either have a professional photo taken with Santa for $5, or you can take your own photo for free. Then head into the Chamber of Commerce for story time with Mrs. Clause. Find out more on the official Newberry Christmas website.