The top places to see Christmas lights in Columbia this season are Merriweather Symphony of Lights (Nov 27 – Jan 2), Light Yards (Nov 23 – Jan 1) and Enchant Christmas at Nationals Park (Nov 20 – Dec 27). We've mapped 2 displays in Columbia and 32 more nearby (9 home displays, 8 walk-thrus, 6 tree lightings). 28 are free. 7 are synced to music. Tap any display for dates, hours and directions.
Tap + Tour on a few displays to get one driving route you can send to your phone (how it works). Missing a house or show in Columbia? Add it free.
Christmas lights in Columbia: common questions
What are the best Christmas lights in Columbia?
Popular picks this season include Merriweather Symphony of Lights (Nov 27 – Jan 2), Light Yards (Nov 23 – Jan 1), Enchant Christmas at Nationals Park (Nov 20 – Dec 27) and Festival of Lights at Watkins Regional Park (Nov 27 – Jan 1). In all, 34 displays are mapped in and around Columbia, from decorated houses and neighborhoods to ticketed light shows.
Where can I see free Christmas lights in Columbia?
Free options include Light Yards, Frosted at Franklin Park, Festival of Lights at the Washington DC Temple and Garden of Lights at Brookside Gardens. 28 of the 34 displays near Columbia are free to visit; most home and neighborhood displays cost nothing to drive by.
Is there a drive-thru Christmas light show near Columbia?
Yes. Merriweather Symphony of Lights ($25 per vehicle; walk-through nights priced separately), Festival of Lights at Watkins Regional Park ($20 per car) and Winter Lights Festival ($15 per car Mon-Thu, $25 Fri-Sun). Drive-thru shows usually charge per car, and buying tickets online ahead of time is often faster.
Are there Christmas lights synced to music in Columbia?
Yes. Enchant Christmas at Nationals Park, Festival of Lights at the Washington DC Temple and National Christmas Tree Lighting. Synced displays broadcast their soundtrack on a low-power FM station so you can listen from your car.
When do Christmas lights start in Columbia?
The earliest Columbia-area displays turn on Nov 13, and most are running by the weekend after Thanksgiving. Many stay lit through New Year's; check each display's page for its exact dates and nightly hours.
Want your house to look like this?
Professional Christmas light installers in Columbia hang, maintain and take down your lights, or install permanent lights you control from your phone. Tell us about your house and get free quotes.
