by 
It is that time of the year when the entire state of South Carolina lights up and presents a strong case to people who treat this as only a summer vacation spot. During Christmas, South Carolina looks different. And it is a sin to stay at home and miss out on the thriving ambiance. In almost every corner you can find Christmas lights. In almost every corner, you can enjoy some hot chocolate or roasted marshmallow while settling into the Christmas feeling. But a few areas in Upstate South Carolina stand out. For they go the distance to light up during Christmas and you just cannot spend the holiday season without paying a visit.
So, we, here at Family Auto – one of the best buy here pay here dealerships in upstate South Carolina and functioning at various locations, decided to list the top spots in the state where you can really enjoy Christmas lights with your family. Plan one for each day, hop into your cars. Go out together and enjoy Christmas all lit up.
Hollywild Animal Park at Wellford
Want to start your Christmas on a different note this year? Then there is no better way than driving to the Hollywild Animal Park in Wellford, South Carolina where you can indulge in some night safari surrounded by holiday lights. This is a 100-acre sprawling area that allows visitors to drive through and enjoy mesmerizing light displays and for a small fee, you can feed zebras and deer by taking your car to the interiors of the park. There is Santa’s village which is a must-visit. End your trip with some marshmallows roasted on the bonfire.
The Christmas House in Inman
Celebrating Christmas in the Christmas House in Inman is a tradition that the owners of the property are maintaining since the 1970s. And after two long generations, the spectacle has only gotten better as people now come to this Upstate location and drives through to soak in the Christmas ambiance and enjoy some much-needed private family time. The experience is free at the Inman house. Lights come on every day at 5:30 PM and stay lit deep into the night. For many, Christmas does not begin without a visit to this place.
Tryon Resort in Mill Spring, NC
We know that this place is not exactly in South Carolina but it is just an hour’s drive away from Greenville city. And the reason we are adding Tryon Resort to our list is their thousands of Christmas lights dancing to the beats of festive music. You can drive through the property to enjoy the spectacle of Christmas lights. Plan your date right and you can catch their live theatre where your favorite Christmas characters will be on stage till January. Plus, the area is dotted with restaurants for some much-needed festive indulgence.
Anderson Christmas Lights in Anderson
Anderson Christmas Lights has some stunning displays spread over a 2.5 miles road that is lit with over a million light bulbs. Lights like the Old Man Winter and Anderson Express will excite your kids. And the Santa Village is a spot to visit to rekindle your Christmas feeling for the year and get into the festive mood. Driving through with your family car will only cost you $10 but the experience you will bring back will be worth so much more. And while you are at it, do not forget to shop for Christmas presents in Anderson.
Bonus Places (Rest of South Carolina)
James Island Country Park at Charleston
Sure, you have heard of the Holiday Festival Lights in Charleston’s James Island Country Park. This was recently voted as one of the 10 best Holiday Light Shows in the United States. Take your family in your car and drive through a stunning display of 700 lights spread over three miles. Then, hop into the holiday train and enjoy a closer view of the displays that are sure to rekindle your Christmas spirits. Before leaving, drop by at the Santa’s Sweet Shoppe and indulge in some Christmas delicacies to make it the perfect end to the night.
Brookgreen Gardens at Murrells Inlet
Imagine an 85-foot tall sprawling tree decorated with nearly 100,000 lights. Then imagine walking through nature at night dotted with 5,500 additional lights that give the area a cheerful feeling. If all these seem like a scene straight out of a Disney movie, you need to head out to the Brookgreen Gardens at Murrells Inlet, South Carolina. Plan a weekend before Christmas and you can witness Brookgreen’s famous Night of a Thousand Candles event. And remember to visit the Old Kitchen to enjoy some steaming cider.
The Riverbank Zoo & Garden, Columbia
As you may have already noticed from the name, we were indeed saving the best for the last. The Riverbank Zoo & Garden is the capital city’s top tourist attraction and it gives more reasons for visitors to come during Christmas. Before 25th, the area lights up with over a million decorative lights and the Jingle Bells bonfire comes to life providing some warmth in the chilling winds. And then, comes out Saint Nicholas to add the last touch of Christmas while the Holly Jolly Christmas Parade makes you leave with a smile.
We need to add here that some of these locations have specific timings for entry and often carry a fee to restrict crowd during the holiday season. So, type in the location at any search engine, visit the official websites and check the itinerary along with other necessary and relevant details. Beyond that, enjoy your Christmas. Heartiest greetings from all of us at Family Auto of Greer. And we hope this holiday season brings you all the joy and excitement that you wished for yourself and your family.