Join us for the most magical event of the holiday season!
🎄✨ The annual Fantasy of Lights is back in Swan Lake Iris Gardens in Sumter, South Carolina — and it’s FREE for everyone!
📅 Event Details
Dates: December 1 through December 31
Time:
Sunday–Thursday: until 9 PM
Friday & Saturday: until 10 PM
Opening Night Ceremony: December 1 @ 6 PM at the lawn beside the Visitors Center (822 W. Liberty Street)
🎆 What to Expect
Over 1 million lights transforming the gardens into a winter wonderland.
The floating Christmas tree, Santa’s Village, holiday characters, and animated light displays.
Drive‑through experience along Liberty Street and Garden Street (enter at Liberty; exit on Oakland Ave). Walking trails are closed after dusk—parking is available across from the Heath Pavilion.
Santa’s Village: Kids can take pictures (bring your own camera!). Hot cocoa, holiday music and treats available for purchase.
Santa’s Village dates for 2025:
Friday, Dec 5 & Saturday, Dec 6
Friday, Dec 12 & Saturday, Dec 13
Friday, Dec 19 & Saturday, Dec 20
– all open from 6‑8 PM
Santa’s Village is moving to the Green Space by the Visitors Center this year—and he’s bringing a sleigh full of surprises!
✅ Why You Should Go
It’s the largest free Christmas light display in South Carolina!
A fun outing for the whole family — kids, grandparents, friends.
Great photo opportunities in a festive ambiance.
No admission cost — just show up and enjoy the magic.
🎁 Tips for Visitors
Arrive a little before dusk to get the full effect of the lights.
Bring a camera or smartphone — the floating tree and light displays are especially photogenic.
Dress warmly, especially if you’ll be standing/viewing outside.
If you want to park and stroll a little, use the lot across from the Heath Pavilion — avoid parking along Garden Street.
Visit earlier in the month for lighter traffic; weekends may be busier.
For Santa’s Village nights, come a little early to beat the crowd and enjoy treats while they last.
Let’s kick off the holiday season together in a blaze of lights and good cheer! Don’t forget to invite your friends and family — and share the magic of Fantasy of Lights!
Also check out other Trips & Adventurous Activities in Sumter, Kids events & activities in Sumter.
