When you live in the South and parts of your state rarely see snow, Christmastime, with all its festivities and sparkling lights, brings about a seasonal winter wonderland. From drive through lights displays to pop-up outdoor ice skating rinks - and more, here are nine places in the Palmetto State that will make you feel like you've entered a magical winter wonderland:
1. This enchanting walk-through lights display.
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.
2. Magical outdoor ice skating rinks.
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.
3. SC Christmas towns that belong inside a snow globe.
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.
4. Christmas tree farms where you can select the perfect tree for the holiday.
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!
5. The only drive through Christmas lights animal safari in the state.
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.
6. The largest drive-through lights display in the state.
Two million twinkling lights await you on this enchanted journey through a county park that transforms each year for the Holiday Festival of Lights. Bring the whole family and plan to get out afterward to stretch your legs and explore Santa's Village. Find out more here.
7. Christmas stores and shopping!
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?
8. Ride the magical Santa Claus Express and meet Santa.
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.
9. North Pole nights with faux snow and photos with Santa.
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.
Where's your favorite winter wonderland? We'd love to hear from you in our comments.
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