Everyone is talking this year about the enchanted Lights Before Christmas at Columbia’s Riverbanks Zoo and Garden. If you haven’t added this holiday event to your agenda in previous years, then maybe this is the year. Amid the million sparkling lights that sprinkle joyous colors throughout the zoo, visitors will also find a variety of family-oriented activities – and all at an affordable price.

Why all the buzz this year as opposed to previous years? It's because Riverbanks Zoo is in the running this year for the Best Zoo Lights in America, voted on by USA Today's readers.
Facebook/Riverbanks Zoo and Garden
It's not hard to see why South Carolina's premier zoo is in the running for the top honor.
Facebook/Riverbanks Zoo and Garden
Aside from the delightful holiday lights found at this nighttime event...
TripAdvisor/Matt L
...including the many lighted animal-themed displays, there are many other activities the whole family can enjoy.
Riverbanks Zoo and Garden

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The evenings kick off with the Holly Jolly Christmas Parade, where Santa may be the Grand Marshall, but visitors will also love the other characters in the festive parade.
Riverbanks Zoo and Garden
Beginning immediately after and at scheduled times throughout the night, Santa will make nightly visits with those who want to sit on his lap and proclaim just how good they've been all year.
Riverbanks Zoo and Garden
For this nighttime event, most of the zoo's permanent residents will be snoozing away, which makes visiting the zoo during the Lights Before Christmas event that much more special.
Facebook/Riverbanks Zoo and Garden
The zoo even has a snow machine where you can walk underneath the flying snow, and then go roast s'mores by a toasty fire.
Facebook/Riverbanks Zoo and Garden
See why everyone is talking about it? Maybe it's time to check it out for yourself!
Facebook/Riverbanks Zoo and Garden

Lights Before Christmas at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden takes place (rain or shine) from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. only on select nights in November and December. Tickets for non-zoo members are only $12/adults and $10/children ages 2-12. Learn more and purchase tickets on the official website of the zoo.

Can’t get enough holiday cheer? Take our signature Christmas-themed road trip in South Carolina this year!

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