Celebrate with the Florence community this holiday season! Our guide will connect you with all the festive happenings. From locals to visitors, our guide showcases the best of Florence's festive season.
One of the highlighted attractions is the Brookgreen Gardens' Nights of a Thousand Candles, where enchanting candlelit paths and live music create a magical atmosphere. The Holiday Festival of Lights features dazzling light displays that bring festive cheer to families and friends. And the Downtown Christmas Magic is something you definitely don’t want to miss, offering a delightful blend of shopping, local treats, and seasonal entertainment. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Florence
- Brookgreen Gardens' Nights of a Thousand Candles (Georgetown)
- Holiday Festival of Lights (Charleston)
- Riverbanks Zoo Wild Lights (Columbia)
- Downtown Holiday Music and Light Show
- Downtown Christmas Magic
- Fireflies Holiday Lights (Columbia)
- Harbour Town Lights (Hilton Head)
- Magic of Lights: Hollywild (Inman)
- Mount Pleasant Christmas Light Parade (Mount Pleasant)
- Upstate Holiday Light Show (Easley)
See these and even more events listed below!
Florence Holiday Light Displays
Downtown Christmas Magic
What to Expect:
Synchronized holiday light and music display on historic downtown buildings.
Description:
Downtown Christmas Magic in Florence features decorated storefronts, holiday crafts, Santa meet-and-greets, and a holiday light and music spectacular on S. Dargan Street.
Where: Florence | More Info: Downtown Christmas Magic
Downtown Holiday Music and Light Show
What to Expect:
Synchronized light and sound show on historic downtown buildings.
Description:
The Downtown Holiday Music and Light Show is a free, nightly event featuring a walk-through display of holiday lights synchronized with festive music. Located in the 100 block of S. Dargan Street, this event offers a joyful atmosphere perfect for families and holiday enthusiasts.
Where: Florence | More Info: Downtown Holiday Music and Light Show
Holiday Festival of Lights
What to Expect:
Two million lights in a three-mile driving tour.
Description:
The Holiday Festival of Lights at James Island County Park features over two million dazzling lights, a three-mile driving tour, and various family attractions including marshmallow roasting, festival train rides, and an old-fashioned carousel. Guests can also visit Santa's Sweet Shoppe and explore gift shops.
Where: Charleston | More Info: Holiday Festival of Lights
Magic of Lights: Hollywild
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration with synchronized lights and animal encounters.
Description:
At Hollywild Animal Preserve, the Magic of Lights event transforms the nearly 100-acre park into a vibrant display of lights, themes, and music. This annual celebration includes Santa's Village and features hundreds of animals in their natural habitats, making it a unique holiday experience.
Where: Inman | More Info: Magic of Lights: Hollywild
Riverbanks Zoo Wild Lights
What to Expect:
Interactive light displays with nature-inspired lanterns.
Description:
Stroll through Riverbanks Zoo and discover nearly 60 larger-than-life handcrafted lanterns inspired by nature, featuring pollinators, plants, endangered, and even extinct animals. Enjoy interactive activities and seasonal favorites like nightly snowfall and visits from Santa.
Where: Columbia | More Info: Riverbanks Zoo Wild Lights
Upstate Holiday Light Show
What to Expect:
Synchronized light and sound show with a petting zoo and carnival rides.
Description:
The Upstate Holiday Light Show at District Park in Easley, SC, features 32 million dancing Christmas lights synchronized to holiday classics. The event includes a Winter Wonderland with a petting zoo, pony corral, and carnival rides.
Where: Easley | More Info: Upstate Holiday Light Show
Celebrate the Season Holiday Lights
What to Expect:
Holiday lights driving tour benefiting local charities.
Description:
Celebrate the Season features a picturesque Holiday Lights Driving Tour through thousands of twinkling lights at Old Santee Canal Park. The event includes free visits with Santa, crafts, food, and festive activities. Admission proceeds benefit local charities.
Where: Moncks Corner | More Info: Celebrate the Season Holiday Lights
Winter Wonderland at the Beach
What to Expect:
Free oceanfront holiday lights display with a 3-Day Family Fun Festival.
Description:
Winter Wonderland at the Beach is a family-friendly holiday attraction featuring a free lights display along the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, a 3-Day Family Fun Festival with activities like tree lighting, holiday market, and entertainment for all ages.
Where: Myrtle Beach | More Info: Winter Wonderland at the Beach
Brookgreen Gardens' Nights of a Thousand Candles
What to Expect:
Hand-lit candles and millions of sparkling lights transform the gardens.
Description:
Brookgreen Gardens' Nights of a Thousand Candles features over 2,700 hand-lit candles and millions of sparkling lights, creating a breathtakingly beautiful display. Visitors can walk the paths with a warm cup of cider, hear the sounds of holiday music, and celebrate the season with family and friends.
Where: Georgetown | More Info: Brookgreen Gardens' Nights of a Thousand Candles
Harbour Town Lights
What to Expect:
Towering Christmas tree centerpiece with live entertainment.
Description:
Harbour Town Lights features illuminated seasonal figures, including a towering Christmas tree, with live entertainment and activities throughout the holiday season.
Where: Hilton Head | More Info: Harbour Town Lights
Fireflies Holiday Lights
What to Expect:
Interactive holiday light display with train rides and Santa visits.
Description:
Fireflies Holiday Lights at Segra Park features an extensive display of holiday lights, activities like the Fireflies Express train ride, Santa visits, and a scavenger hunt. The event also includes a Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign and a Santa's Workshop where kids can make their own holiday crafts.
Where: Columbia | More Info: Fireflies Holiday Lights
Mount Pleasant Christmas Light Parade
What to Expect:
Spectacular fireworks show and beautifully lit floats.
Description:
The Mount Pleasant Christmas Light Parade features brilliantly lit floats and community groups marching along West Coleman Boulevard, culminating in a spectacular Pyrotecnico fireworks show.
Where: Mount Pleasant | More Info: Mount Pleasant Christmas Light Parade
Florence Holiday Markets and Shopping
Jingle Bell Market
What to Expect:
Unique gifts and seasonal items from national vendors.
Description:
The Jingle Bell Market is a premier holiday shopping event in the Carolinas, featuring vendors from all over the country offering unique gifts, decor, and more. Whether you're on the hunt for the perfect presents or just want to soak up the holiday spirit, this event is the place to be.
Where: Florence | More Info: Jingle Bell Market
CHRISTkindlmarkt Charleston
What to Expect:
Traditional German handworks crafted in the Erzgebirge region.
Description:
CHRISTkindlmarkt Charleston is a German-inspired holiday market featuring local makers, seasonal gifts, and traditional European finds. Shop amidst bustling shoppers, enjoy food and drink, and experience the rich cultural heritage of Germany.
Where: Charleston | More Info: CHRISTkindlmarkt Charleston
Mt Pleasant Holiday Farmers Market and Craft Show
What to Expect:
Unique shopping experience with local artisans and festive live music.
Description:
The Mt Pleasant Holiday Farmers Market and Craft Show offers a variety of locally grown produce, baked goods, hot food, and homemade preserves alongside handcrafted gifts. Enjoy live entertainment, children's activities, and a visit with Santa Claus. This event is a perfect opportunity to complete your holiday shopping with original pieces from talented local artists.
Where: Mount Pleasant | More Info: Mt Pleasant Holiday Farmers Market and Craft Show
Florence Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Wine Under the Oaks
What to Expect:
Unique blend of wine tastings and gourmet food in a festive holiday setting.
Description:
Wine Under the Oaks is a festive holiday event at Boone Hall Plantation featuring wine samples, gourmet food, and live music by the Midnight City Band. The event includes wine and cooking demonstrations, complimentary desserts and oysters, and specialty themed tents with food sampling.
Where: Mount Pleasant | More Info: Wine Under the Oaks
Florence Other Holiday Activities
Holiday Window Decorating Contest
What to Expect:
Community-driven holiday window decorating contest with QR code voting.
Description:
Downtown Florence businesses showcase their holiday spirit with creative and unique window displays, inviting visitors to vote for their favorite.
Where: Florence | More Info: Holiday Window Decorating Contest
Letters to Santa
What to Expect:
Santa's mailbox with potential responses.
Description:
Drop off your letter to Santa at the Downtown Holiday Music & Light Show, where it might even get a response.
Where: Florence | More Info: Letters to Santa
Holiday Photo-Ops
What to Expect:
Interactive holiday photo ops with festive characters.
Description:
Downtown Florence offers holiday photo opportunities with polar bears, reindeer, and holiday penguins placed throughout the Historic District for visitors to capture festive memories while shopping downtown.
Where: Florence | More Info: Holiday Photo-Ops
Greenville Poinsettia Christmas Parade
What to Expect:
Long-standing holiday parade with festive floats and activities.
Description:
The Greenville Poinsettia Christmas Parade is a long-standing holiday tradition that signals the start of the Christmas season in Greenville. Each year, thousands of visitors gather downtown to view holiday floats and activities. The parade features various awards, including the Peoples Choice Award, Best Float, and Best Marching Band.
Where: Greenville | More Info: Greenville Poinsettia Christmas Parade
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Sumter (38 miles)