It’s Christmas light show time in SC! Here’s your guide to the best light shows in the Lowcountry
Every holiday season, streets and homes across the country come alive with Christmas lights, each neighborhood offering its twist on the age-old tradition.
From grand displays that span entire lawns to simple wreaths glowing on front doors, the tradition of decorating with Christmas lights brings a new kind of holiday cheer.
Here is a guide to some of the best light displays across the Lowcountry this Christmas.
Hilton Head
Holiday Nights & Lights
Take a mesmerizing drive through the fourth annual Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park Holiday Nights & Lights event, 40 Harriet Tubman Way. This drive-through lights show is guaranteed to put you in the holiday spirit. The display is open nightly from Saturday, Dec. 7 through Monday, Dec. 9 from 6-8:00 p.m. Admission is free, but donations are accepted.
Holiday Lights at Fire Station 3
Visit the annual Holiday Lights at Fire Station 3, 534 William Hilton Pkwy, for a fun and festive display. In the spirit of the season, Fire Rescue will be collecting non-perishable food items and new unwrapped toys for Deep Well. New unwrapped toys should be for ages 1-12 and can be dropped off until Dec. 15. Non-perishable food items can be dropped off through January.
Hilton Head Island Christmas Tree Lighting
The Lowcountry Celebration Park, 94 Pope Avenue, will be aglow this Saturday, Dec. 7, for the lighting of the 30-foot-tall Christmas Tree. Watch a magical laser light show, enjoy local music, food trucks and more. The event is from 5:30-7:30 p.m. and the Christmas tree lighting is set for 6:30 p.m.
Bluffton
Town of Bluffton Tree Lighting Ceremony
Kick off the holiday season with The Town of Bluffton during the 53rd tree lighting ceremony, this Friday, Dec. 6, at 5:30 p.m. in Martin Family Park, 68 Boundary St. A miniature train will be available at the tree lighting from 6-8 p.m. to ride around Martin and DuBois Parks. Following the ceremony, you can enjoy the movie “Polar Express” and explore Santa’s Workshop at DuBois Park’s Pavilion.
To keep the festivities going, the Bluffton Christmas Parade is Saturday, Dec. 7 at 10 a.m. through Bluffton’s Historic District.
The Town is also hosting its second annual Menorah Lighting ceremony on Sunday, Dec. 29 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Martin Family Park. All of these events are free and open to the public.
Charleston & North Charleston
Aquarium Aglow
Visit the South Carolina Aquarium in Charleston, 100 Aquarium Wharf, to enjoy an incredible light display with larger-than-life installations, festive photo ops and the most unique visit with Santa. The event is held on select evenings from Nov. 23 through Dec. 30 and tickets are $21.95-$29.95 and available to purchase on their website.
Celebrate the Season
Pack the whole family in the car and turn on your favorite Christmas songs to enjoy the dazzling path through Moncks Corner Holiday Lights Driving Tour, 1 Riverwood Dr. This festive light display is open Nov. 29 through Dec. 30, 6-9:00 p.m. It costs $10 per vehicle and all proceeds benefit local charities.
Holiday Festival of Lights
Don’t miss the 32nd annual Holiday Festival of Lights at James Island County Park, 871 Riverland Dr. Enjoy over 750 light displays on a three-mile driving tour that includes the newly rebuilt Cooper River Bridge display. This event also includes train rides, marshmallow roasting, gift shops and more. It is open until December 31 and tickets start at $15 per vehicle.
College of Charleston Light Show
From Dec. 14 through Jan. 1, transport yourself into a winter wonderland at College of Charleston’s historic Cistern Yard and Randolph Hall, 66 George St. The lights string across the campus’ famed live oaks and the event includes a hot chocolate stand on weekends. The light show is free and starts hourly from 6-9 p.m.
The Lights around Park Circle and Christmas Tree Lighting
Watch the 40-foot Christmas Tree light up with Mayor Burgess on Friday, Dec. 6, 6-7 p.m. at Park Circle Community Building grounds, 4800 Park Circle. This event will have live music and free hot cocoa. After the lighting, be sure to enjoy the beautiful lights and displays around the park. This event is free and the lights will be available to tour until New Year’s Day.
Mount Pleasant Towne Center
Visit the Mount Pleasant Shopping Center this Christmas season to check off your holiday shopping and enjoy the sparkling chandeliers, giant lighted reindeer, canopies of lights and a 40-foot tree. The decorations are ongoing through the holidays, 1218 Belk Drive.
Bee City Zoo
If you’re looking for an all-day Christmas adventure, visit the Bee City Zoo and enjoy the zoo at night with dazzling lights. The lights will be available until Dec. 30 and tickets are $14 per person. Children under two are free, 1066 Holly Ridge Ln. Cottageville, SC.
Neighborhoods and Houses
3241 Morningdale Drive, Ivy Hall, Mount Pleasant
Homeowner Kelli Frazier Miller is known for her amazing and elaborate holiday decorations in the Ivy Hall neighborhood. Her Christmas display runs 24/7 in December then switches over to a Winter Wonderland in January. Its a must-see in North Mount Pleasant.
Park Crossing Drive & Sailmaker Street, Daniel Island
For some fun home holiday cheer, visit these two streets for festive decorations. One home even has a mailbox for letters to Santa, so make sure your kids bring their wish lists with them.
Walking in a Woodlands Wonderland, Morrow Lane, North Charleston
Visit this charming Christmas light show every Sunday through Thursday until the New Year. The show begins nightly at 6:00 p.m. Visit their Facebook page for more details or tune in on 93.9 FM.
Wonderland of Temuco Lane, 104 Temuco Lane, Plum Creek Neighborhood, Summerville
Come enjoy the lights and sounds of Christmas in this beautiful home display. The family is partnering up with Lowcountry Orphan Relief, so don’t forget to bring items on their donation wish list to leave in the donation box at the end of the driveway. The show will run until Jan. 1, Sunday-Thursday, 5:30-8 p.m. and Friday-Saturday, 5:30-9:30 p.m. Visit their Facebook page for more details.
Santa on Santino, 105 Santino Court, Goose Creek
For twinkling lights, blow-ups and a lighted arch over the driveway visit this house on Santino Court. The arch features 334 feet of PVC pipe, 250 zip ties, 72 feet of rebar and 1,800 lights. This display is ongoing through the holiday season.
Cadd Family Christmas Lights, 66 Springfield Road
David and Amanda Cadd brighten the neighborhood cul-de-sac with their dazzling display of lights. Their display includes synchronized lights and music, a snow machine and a Santa sleigh. Their display is guaranteed to make your season merry and bright.
Other popular neighborhoods to visit for holiday lights include:
- Brickhope Plantation, Goose Creek
- Crowfield Plantation, Goose Creek
- Cooper’s Landing off of Whipple Road, Mount Pleasant
- Hidden Cove off of Long Point Road, Mount Pleasant
- Hobcaw Point off of Mathis Ferry Road, Mount Pleasant
- Carolina Bay, West Ashley
