Soak in the sights and sounds of the season at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden during Lights Before Christmas presented by BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina. Timed tickets are required for the Zoo’s annual holiday lights spectacular — now underway on select evenings through December 30.

Merriment comes alive from 5 pm – 9 pm each night with a dazzling display of more than one-million twinkling lights and a variety of ornate images plus a 30-foot animated story tree sponsored by Dominion Energy echoing popular Christmas tunes. Riverbanks also is the only place in town where it snows every night.

Adults and children alike also will enjoy traditional Lights favorites with modifications to help ensure the safety of our guests, staff, and the animals. Guests will notice additional spacing measures in Santa’s Village to allow for proper social distancing. Visit with Santa starting at 6:00pm each evening through December 23. The Jingle Bell Bonfire also has been modified to enable guests to maintain a 6-foot distance and additional locations for toasting s’mores have been added throughout the Zoo.

Riverbanks members will receive at least one free visit to Lights Before Christmas with a valid membership card and photo ID (guest passes will not be accepted). General admission is $12 for adults and $10 for children ages 2 – 12. Children under 2 are admitted free. Reserve your timed tickets today.

Lights Before Christmas also has been nominated for Best Zoo Lights in USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice contest. Shine the light on your Zoo! Cast your vote daily through noon on Monday, December 7.

• DATES: Select dates between Nov. 25 until Dec. 30, 2022
• TIME: 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• LOCATION: Riverbanks Zoo
• COST: Members of the zoo it’s free. Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for kids ages 2 to 12. Under 2 is free.
• DETAILS: Bonfire, lights, and sales of hot chocolate and marshmallows to toast