Winter is the darkest time of the year, when nature sleeps and the sky turns dark and cold. Because of this, lighting a tree is a long-held tradition among many cultures, bringing light and warmth into the chill of winter. Nowadays, communities take it much further by illuminating entire neighborhoods with glowing, multicolored lights.
Lesser-Known Displays:
Bee City is a family-owned zoo that opened 30 years ago with the mission of educating individuals about the importance of honeybees. Through the years, it evolved into a full zoo, and one of its biggest annual events is the Christmas Festival of Lights. The entire zoo is decorated in the glow of holiday cheer and filled with amazing wildlife and instructional exhibits. From Dec. 15-Jan. 4, you can take your children to meet the animals and enjoy the festive display at Bee City in Cottageville.
To see a traditional Christmas display, peek back in time through the giant oaks surrounding Boone Hall Plantation. The entire historical site is decorated from head to toe with fir and mistletoe. According to Boone Hall Plantation’s website, many of the displays and ornaments are crafted using traditional sweetgrass creations, cotton and materials grown right there on the property. There are no plastic decorations, and all of the trees are living wonders.
Local Town Squares
From big business displays to small-town festivities, South Carolina is filled with holiday spirit. Nearly every local town square and city center has a lighting ceremony to kick off the holiday cheer. On Dec. 2, from 6-8:30 p.m., you can join Summerville locals in Hutchinson Square for the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. Since the reconstruction of the square in 2019, the event has gained traction as a favorite holiday hangout. Businesses open their doors to offer holiday specialties, and even Santa comes to town.
For another budget-friendly and festive option, Park Circle in North Charleston displays amazing lights throughout the holiday season. Take your family on a cozy stroll through the park and immerse yourself in a winter wonderland. Check out their Facebook page to find events and celebrations among the lights.
Neighborhoods
Homeowners and renters also get in on the holiday glamour by decorating their homes with festive winter displays. If you miss out on your local tree lighting or big displays, you can still enjoy a drive through local neighborhoods like Hidden Cove in Mount Pleasant. According to Carroll Realty Inc.’s website, this is a family-friendly location where kids can experience the neighborhood’s hard work from the safety of their cars.
Many towns also hold local holiday decorating contests, such as the Daniel Island annual competition and the city of Hanahan’s annual Holiday Lights Competition. The Facebook pages for these cities display options for amazing homes every year. Just be sure to remain respectful and drive slowly through these areas.
By Emily Etheridge