The Best Christmas Lights in South Carolina

There’s something about South Carolina in December that feels different. Palmetto trees wrapped in twinkling strands, historic streets glowing under garlands, and families bundled up with cocoa in hand. From the Lowcountry to the Upstate, the state transforms into a living light show — and if you’re chasing the best Christmas lights in South Carolina, you’re in for a holiday journey that’s as magical as it is memorable.

Charleston & the Lowcountry Glow

Charleston knows how to put on a holiday. The Holiday Festival of Lights at James Island County Park is the big star, with miles of glowing tunnels, animated displays, and a lakeside carousel. It’s the kind of event where kids squeal at Santa’s Village, and grown-ups linger by the firepits with roasted marshmallows.

But Charleston’s holiday magic doesn’t stop there. Downtown streets sparkle with decorated storefronts, and even the grand historic homes join in. If you’re making it a weekend, check our Charleston Travel Guide for nearby experiences. Pair the lights with an overnight stay at one of the Best Luxury Hotels in Charleston or stroll past the Historical Sites in Charleston to see how garlands dress up centuries-old facades.

Further south, the island communities shine in their own quiet way. If you make it to the coast, Kiawah Island and Folly Beach shimmer with decorated piers and cozy beachfront cottages glowing against the Atlantic.

Myrtle Beach Sparkle

The Grand Strand brings its own brand of holiday lights. The Great Christmas Light Show in North Myrtle Beach is a drive-thru spectacular with two million lights and dozens of themed displays. It feels like a carnival of color stretched out along the coast.

Pair that with a stroll through Broadway at the Beach, where palm trees are wrapped in glowing strands and shops burst with decorations. If you need inspiration for planning the rest of your stay, dive into our Myrtle Beach Travel Guide or see where to stay at the Best Myrtle Beach Oceanfront Hotels.

Hungry after the light shows? Holiday evenings pair perfectly with hearty seafood, so don’t miss our guide to the Best Seafood Buffets in Myrtle Beach or keep it classic with the Best Myrtle Beach SC Restaurants.

The Midlands Shine

Columbia brings the glow inland with Holiday Lights on the River at Saluda Shoals Park. This two-mile drive-through features over a million lights, laser shows, and walking trails where the smell of kettle corn fills the air.

It’s also a perfect stop if you’re road-tripping across the Carolinas. Before or after, you can balance your holiday sightseeing with cozy downtown dining, guided by our Best of Charlotte Guide if you’re passing through the region.

Upstate Magic – Greenville, Anderson & Easley

The Upstate puts on some of the largest Christmas light shows in South Carolina. In Greenville, the Upstate Holiday Light Show transforms the speedway into a glowing tunnel of over 30 million lights synchronized to Christmas classics. Roll your windows down, sip some cocoa, and let the music set the pace.

Anderson hosts its long-running Lights of Hope, a tradition for families across the Carolinas. Easley also offers charming small-town shows that surprise visitors with creativity and heart. If you’re extending your trip in the region, make time for natural escapes like the Best Asheville NC Hikes or a day wandering the Biltmore House in Asheville all dressed in holiday grandeur.

Need a place to stay while touring the Upstate lights? See our Winston-Salem Best Hotels or compare Luxury Hotels in Charlotte if you’re pairing your light tour with a city break.

Coastal Gems – Hilton Head, Beaufort & Beyond

South Carolina’s coastal communities glow with their own personality. Hilton Head offers harbor-front displays, glowing boats, and twinkling palms. Hilton Head Christmas lights have become a seasonal draw for visitors who want ocean breezes mixed with holiday warmth.

In Beaufort, the historic waterfront glows with decorated trees and lanterns reflecting off the water. Smaller coastal towns like Pawleys Island and Murrells Inlet also put on seasonal light shows, making them perfect detours if you’re chasing a full coastal Christmas.

Sumter’s Swan Lake Fantasy of Lights

For families looking for free Christmas lights in South Carolina, Sumter’s Swan Lake Iris Gardens is a must. Over a million lights transform the gardens into a glowing wonderland, complete with a floating Christmas tree. It’s one of those experiences where the reflection on the water is as mesmerizing as the lights themselves.

This small-town charm pairs perfectly with a bigger holiday road trip. If you’re headed down I-95, don’t miss nearby North Carolina Coastal Campgrounds for a winter camping adventure with festive flair.

FAQs – South Carolina Christmas Lights

1. What are the best Christmas lights in South Carolina?
James Island’s Holiday Festival of Lights (Charleston), Nights of a Thousand Candles (Murrells Inlet), Upstate Holiday Light Show (Greenville), and Swan Lake Fantasy of Lights (Sumter) are the most popular.

2. Where can I see free Christmas lights in South Carolina?
Swan Lake Fantasy of Lights in Sumter is completely free. Anderson Lights of Hope is low-cost and supports charity.

3. Does Myrtle Beach have Christmas lights?
Yes — the Great Christmas Light Show in North Myrtle Beach and Broadway at the Beach both shine bright. Pair your trip with our Myrtle Beach Dolphin Cruises for a unique coastal holiday adventure.

4. What’s the most romantic light display in South Carolina?
Brookgreen Gardens’ Nights of a Thousand Candles — strolling under flickering live oaks feels straight out of a Christmas movie.

5. Are there drive-thru light shows in SC?
Yes — James Island, Upstate Holiday Light Show (Greenville), Swan Lake (Sumter), and Saluda Shoals (Columbia) all offer drive-thru options.

6. When do Christmas light shows start in SC?
Most begin mid-November and run through early January, with peak crowds on weekends.

7. Which Christmas light shows are best for kids?
James Island Festival of Lights (carousel, Santa’s Village), Swan Lake (free and family-friendly), and Greenville’s synchronized speedway show.

8. Are pets allowed at light shows?
Most drive-thru shows welcome dogs in the car, making it easy for pet parents. For overnight stays, check our Pet Friendly Virginia Beach Hotels if you’re planning a bigger trip with your pup.

And that’s the glow of South Carolina at Christmas — from candlelit gardens to drive-thru tunnels of light, every corner of the state shines a little differently. The best part? You don’t just see the lights. You feel them, in the warmth of shared moments and the sparkle of holiday nights.