Checked October 1, 2026 on each organiser's website. Most holiday-light ticket prices are not out yet; we note where a date or price has not been published and will update this page when it is.
At a glance
| Lights | 2026 dates | Hours | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fireflies Holiday Lights, Segra Park | Nov 20 – Jan 3 | 6–9 pm | Prices not yet published |
| Wild Lights, Riverbanks Zoo | Select nights, Nov 20 – Jan 10 | 5–9 pm | On sale Nov 2 |
| Brew Lights (21+), Riverbanks Zoo | Fri Dec 4 | 7–9:30 pm | See riverbanks.org |
| Vista Lights | Thu Nov 19 | From 6 pm | Free |
| NEON Joy, Five Points | Fri Nov 20 | 6–9 pm | Free |
| Holiday Lights on the River, Saluda Shoals | Not yet published | – | – |
Fireflies Holiday Lights (Segra Park)
Where: Segra Park, 1640 Freed Street, Columbia, SC 29201, home of the Columbia Fireflies.
When: Friday, November 20, 2026 to Sunday, January 3, 2027, 6 to 9 pm nightly, last entry 8:30 pm. Closed Thanksgiving (Nov 26), Christmas Day and New Year's Day; special hours on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve.
More than 2 million lights, Santa every night, a scavenger hunt, crafts in Santa's Workshop, and the Fireflies Express train for children 12 and under ($5 per rider; under 4 must ride with an adult). Ticket prices say "available soon" on the official site. (firefliesholidaylights.com)
Wild Lights (Riverbanks Zoo & Garden)
Where: 500 Wildlife Parkway, Columbia, SC 29210.
When: select nights from November 20, 2026 to January 10, 2027, 5 to 9 pm. Check the zoo's calendar for which nights are open.
More than 60 large handcrafted wildlife lanterns, nightly snowfall, photo spots and visits with Santa through December 23. Tickets go on sale November 2; prices were not posted when we checked. Most of the animals are off exhibit at night. (riverbanks.org)
Brew Lights, a one-night, 21+ version with South Carolina craft beer among the lanterns, is on Friday, December 4, 7 to 9:30 pm. (riverbanks.org)
Vista Lights
When: Thursday, November 19, 2026, from 6 pm. Where: the Vista, around Lincoln and Gervais Streets.
The Vista's 41st annual holiday open house: more than 60 galleries, shops and restaurants open late, performances from 6:15 pm, the tree lighting at 7 pm outside River Runner Outdoor Center, live music until 9:45 pm, an artisan market and a free Kids' Zone with Santa. Park and Lincoln Streets close to traffic from 5 to 10 pm. Free parking at the SC State Museum, with a free shuttle loop to Steel Hands Vista from 5:45 to 9:45 pm; street meters are free after 6 pm. (vistacolumbia.com)
NEON Joy in Five Points
When: Friday, November 20, 2026, 6 to 9 pm. A free holiday laser light show in the Five Points Mural Lot at 6:30 pm (bring blankets and chairs), Santa and Mrs. Claus, hot cocoa, carolling and late shopping. No outside food or drink. Free parking at 2221 Devine Street. (fivepointscolumbia.com)
Holiday Lights on the River (Saluda Shoals Park)
The Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission's drive-through light show is at Saluda Shoals Park, main entrance 5605 Bush River Road, Columbia, SC 29212. Its 2026 dates and prices had not been published on icrc.net when we checked; we will add them when they are.
Tips
- Book Wild Lights early. Tickets go on sale November 2, and weekend nights before Christmas are the busiest.
- Combine two in one night. Vista Lights (Nov 19) and NEON Joy (Nov 20) are free and on back-to-back nights.
- Check the weather. Outdoor light shows can close for storms; check the organiser's social media on the day.
More Columbia ideas
The full list, by category: things to do in Columbia, SC.
Frequently asked questions
When do the Christmas lights open in Columbia, SC in 2026?
Fireflies Holiday Lights at Segra Park and Riverbanks Wild Lights both open on November 20, 2026. Vista Lights, with the Vista tree lighting, is on November 19.
What are the dates for Riverbanks Wild Lights 2026?
Select nights from November 20, 2026 to January 10, 2027, 5 to 9 pm. Tickets go on sale November 2.
What are the hours for Fireflies Holiday Lights?
6 to 9 pm nightly from November 20, 2026 to January 3, 2027, with last entry at 8:30 pm. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year's Day.
Are there free Christmas lights in Columbia, SC?
Yes. Vista Lights (November 19) and NEON Joy in Five Points (November 20) are free.