img0 img1img2img3img4
Left Arrow
Right Arrow
img1
img2
img3
img4
Rating Star

Viator Rating : 5 (4 reviews)

Location Icon Charleston

Charleston Lights Fest: Small Group Tour

Clock

210

Overview

Experience Intelligence

Highlights

Sentiment Analysis

FAQs

Location

Overview

Quotes Logo Charleston Festival of Lights with Small Group Transportation offers a magical holiday experience! Instead of big, crowded buses, Chicora Tours provides a cozy journey with a maximum of twelve guests. Travel in a clean and comfy tour van with holiday music, perfect for couples, families, and friends.

Guests can expect personal service and warm, homemade (dairy-free) hot chocolate as they explore millions of sparkling lights at the Holiday Festival of Lights on James Island. Forget about parking hassles and enjoy a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. This is Charleston's most enchanting holiday tradition, experienced in comfort and style.

This half-day tour starts at the Charleston Visitors Center and includes admission fees. A local guide/driver ensures a seamless experience in an air-conditioned vehicle. The tour excludes gratuities. Quotes Logo

Highlights

Highlight Icon

Small Group Size: Enjoy a more personal and intimate experience with a maximum of 12 guests.

Highlight Icon

Comfortable Transportation: Travel in a clean, spacious van with festive ambiance and holiday music.

Highlight Icon

Homemade Hot Chocolate: Sip on delicious homemade (dairy-free) hot chocolate during your tour.

Highlight Icon

Avoid the Hassle: Skip the parking headaches and large tour groups – relax and enjoy the lights!

Sentiment Analysis

  • Positive Highlight Icon Customers loved the relaxing and enjoyable outing to see the light show.

  • Positive Highlight Icon The small group size allowed for a more personal experience.

  • Positive Highlight Icon Guests appreciated the driver's historical knowledge of Charleston.

  • Positive Highlight Icon Many enjoyed the comfortable transportation and festive atmosphere.

  • Negative Highlight Icon Some wish they had more time to explore certain areas.

  • Negative Highlight Icon A few mentioned traffic delays getting to and from the event.

The Journey

1

Charleston Visitors Center

Your Charleston exploration begins at the Charleston Visitors Center, the gateway to discovering the Holy City's rich history and vibrant culture. Conveniently located and easily accessible, it serves as the perfect starting point for your Lowcountry adventure. More than just a pick-up spot, the Visitors Center offers invaluable information, maps, and expert advice to help you navigate Charleston's charming streets and uncover its hidden gems. Explore exhibits showcasing Charleston's past, present, and future before your journey begins, and set the stage for an unforgettable experience.

2

Holiday Festival of Lights, James Island

Step into a dazzling winter wonderland at the Holiday Festival of Lights, a beloved Charleston tradition on James Island. Immerse yourself in over three miles of enchanting light displays, animated scenes, and festive holiday themes that will ignite your holiday spirit. Stroll through twinkling walking areas, savor seasonal treats like hot cocoa and roasted marshmallows, and discover unique local crafts in the charming gift shops. Create lasting memories at Santa's Village, where you can explore a whimsical carousel, luminous light tunnels, and giant holiday sculptures, capturing the magic with festive backdrops. Escape the stress of traffic and parking as you revel in this joyous and unforgettable experience, perfect for families, couples, and friends seeking a touch of Charleston's holiday magic.

Know Before You Go

This experience includes admission fees to the Holiday Festival of Lights, a knowledgeable local guide/driver, transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, and homemade (dairy-free) hot chocolate. Gratuities for the guide/driver are not included. The tour starts at the Charleston Visitors Center, where guests will meet the tour van for pickup and drop-off.

Hot Tip

Based on reviews, arrive at the Charleston Visitors Center a little early to ensure you don't miss the departure! Some guests recommended bringing extra snacks or drinks.

Review Summary

People usually say the Charleston Festival of Lights tour is a charming holiday experience with impressive displays of over 2 million lights and a festive ambiance. Travelers frequently praise the small group size and comfortable transportation, along with thoughtful touches like hot chocolate. Common positive notes include friendly guides and the ease of avoiding parking hassles. Some less favorable feedback references limited accessibility for wheelchairs and occasionally tight scheduling to fully enjoy the festival, but overall reviews are highly positive, highlighting the tour as perfect for families, couples, and friends seeking a relaxed and memorable holiday outing.

This page is complied by Dyvarcity Team

From $39 Price

Book Now

As a Viator affiliate partner, we may earn a commission on purchases made through our platform.

Book Now

As a Viator affiliate partner, we may earn a commission on purchases made through our platform.

More like this

Beaufort, SC: Historic Minibus Tour of the City

Location Icon Hilton Head Island

$37.45

Beaufort, SC: Historic Minibus Tour of the City

Cultural Tours Top Product Bus Tours

Rating Star 4.9 (517 reviews)

Duration In Minutes Duration: 75 minutes

The Beaufort City Minibus Tour offers a charming exploration of Beaufort, South Carolina, known as the Queen of the Sea Islands. This driving tour takes visitors through the historic district, including the Old Point area and The Bluff, showcasing antebellum houses and churches.

From the comfort of an air-conditioned van, a professional local guide shares stories of Beaufort's rich history and cultural heritage. Guests will discover the architecture of historic townhouses and learn about the families who built them. The tour also delves into Beaufort's Civil War history and its role as a backdrop for over 24 Hollywood films. Key stops include Downtown Beaufort, providing a close-up look at this Nation Historic Landmark District.

This 1.15-hour tour includes a costumed guide, enhancing the historical experience. Gratuities are not included, and souvenir photos are available for purchase. This tour provides an excellent overview of Beaufort's history and beauty.

Details

Book Now

Uncover Savannah's Secrets: A Personalized Historic & Victorian Tour

Location Icon Savannah

$175

Uncover Savannah's Secrets: A Personalized Historic & Victorian Tour

Bus Tours Car Tours Viator Plus

Rating Star 4.9 (416 reviews)

Duration In Minutes Duration: 180 minutes

Explore Savannah's Historic/Victorian Districts & Bonaventure Cemetery with a private guide, experiencing the city like a local. Enjoy chauffeured comfort, bottled water, and an in-depth look at stunning homes, churches, and historic sites both in and outside the Historic District. This tour offers a personalized and luxurious Savannah experience.

Details

Book Now

Charleston's Charm: Unveiling History on a Personalized Private Tour

Location Icon Charleston

$182.44

Charleston's Charm: Unveiling History on a Personalized Private Tour

DSA non-compliant Low Last Minute Supplier Cancellation Rate Ports of Call Tours

Rating Star 4.9 (375 reviews)

Duration In Minutes Duration: 120 minutes

Charleston in a Nutshell Private Tours offers a tailored 2-hour city exploration with local guide Jeff Zimmerman. Experience a unique narrative on history, architecture, and culture in a comfortable SUV. Get off the beaten path and discover hidden gems beyond typical tourist spots. Licensed since 1997.

Details

Book Now

Savannah's Slavery to Freedom History Tour: Sistah Patt

Location Icon Savannah

$68.48

Savannah's Slavery to Freedom History Tour: Sistah Patt

Bus Tours Cultural Tours Top Product

Rating Star 4.9 (406 reviews)

Duration In Minutes Duration: 180 minutes

Savannah Slavery to Freedom Guided History Tour: Discover the untold stories of Savannah's past, tracing the journey from slavery to freedom. This tour, led by the renowned Gullah Geechee storyteller Sistah Patt, offers a powerful exploration of the struggles, resilience, and contributions of those who fought for equality.

Guests will experience the sights and stories of where West African slaves first arrived, were held, and were sold. Key stops include the historic River Street Warehouses, Johnson Square, and the Second African Baptist Church, each offering a poignant connection to Savannah's complex history. This 2 to 2.5-hour narrated tour honors the past and inspires a commitment to a more just future.

The tour includes visits to the African American Monument, Laurel Grove Cemetery, and Johnson Square. Participants will gain insights from 'Sistah Patt', a master Gullah Geechee truth-teller. Please note that gratuities for guides, bottled water, and parking costs are not included.

Details

Book Now

Sip, See & Stroll: Charleston's Lowcountry Day Trip!

Location Icon Charleston

$149

Sip, See & Stroll: Charleston's Lowcountry Day Trip!

Spring Break Food & Drink Half-day Tours

Rating Star 4.9 (87 reviews)

Duration In Minutes Duration: 330 minutes

Wine Sippin'-Tea Drinkin'-Tree Huggin' Lowcountry Sightseeing offers a relaxing day trip to Wadmalaw Island, a rural farming island near Charleston. This small group tour, limited to 10 guests, visits three unique spots for a taste of Southern charm.

The adventure begins at the Angel Oak Tree, a majestic 500-year-old oak that inspires awe. Next, the tour heads to Charleston Tea Garden, America's only tea farm where tea is grown and made. Guests enjoy a trolley tour around the farm, a factory tour, and unlimited tea, both hot and iced. Finally, the group visits Deep Water Vineyard for wine tasting and a relaxing stroll through the vines.

This all-inclusive experience provides bottled water and snacks, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable day exploring the Lowcountry. Keep in mind that lunch is not included, but guests are welcome to bring their own. This tour is led by Leanne, a certified city guide who shares insights into the beauty and history of Charleston's sea islands. This tour may last longer than 5 hours sometimes.

Details

Book Now

Charleston Luxury Tour: See the City in Style!

Location Icon Charleston

$42.63

Charleston Luxury Tour: See the City in Style!

Bus Tours City Tours Short term availability

Rating Star 5.0 (16 reviews)

Duration In Minutes Duration: 90 minutes

Charleston in Comfort: A Luxury Small-Group City Tour offers a special way to see Charleston. It's a 1.5-hour tour in a fancy Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van. The tour is for small groups of 10 people or less. This makes it easy to see Charleston's pretty streets and buildings without big crowds. An expert local guide shares stories about the city's past. They make Charleston's history come alive.

Visitors will see Rainbow Row, where the houses are bright and colorful. The tour also goes to The Battery, a street by the water with big, beautiful houses. It also goes through South of Broad, where the streets have lots of big trees. The van drives through the French Quarter, where there are old churches and small roads made of stone. People also get to see the College of Charleston.

This tour includes a guide who knows a lot about Charleston. All taxes and fees are included. It's a small-group tour in a comfortable van with air conditioning. The tour does not include tips for the guide or any food or drinks. Discover Charleston's charm with ease and sophistication.

Details

Book Now

Nearby Events

WWE Summer Tour Tickets in North Charleston

Location Icon North Charleston Coliseum

Aug 30

7:00 PM

WWE Summer Tour Tickets in North Charleston

Wrestling Sports

WWE Summer Tour at North Charleston Coliseum brings WWE Live to North Charleston with a fast-paced night of signature entrances, high-impact matches, and the kind of crowd energy that has made WWE one of the most recognizable live entertainment brands in the world.
WWE has added this North Charleston date as part of its 2026 Summer Tour, with the live-event series offering fans a chance to see top wrestling action in an arena setting. North Charleston Coliseum is a longtime regional event venue known for hosting major concerts, sports, and touring entertainment in the Charleston area.

Details

Book Now

Sesame Street Live Tickets at Florence Center

Location Icon Florence Center

Oct 23

6:00 PM

Sesame Street Live Tickets at Florence Center

Children's Theatre Arts & Theatre

Sesame Street Live: Elmo's Got the Moves at Florence Center brings Elmo and his Sesame Street friends to the stage in a joyful family event built around music, movement, and audience participation. The production features fan-favorite songs, playful dance breaks, and kid-friendly fun that turns a night at the theater into an interactive experience for young fans and parents alike.
Elmo's Got the Moves is part of Sesame Street Live's 2026 touring schedule and is designed as a lively, welcoming show that mixes laughter, learning, and movement. Florence Center is a major event venue in Florence, South Carolina, known for hosting concerts, family entertainment, and touring performances in a large indoor setting.

Details

Book Now

James Taylor Live at Credit One Stadium

Location Icon Credit One Stadium

Sep 20

7:00 PM

James Taylor Live at Credit One Stadium

Rock Pop Music

James Taylor brings his All-Star Band to Credit One Stadium in Charleston, SC, for a captivating night of rock and pop classics on his extensive 2026 U.S. tour. Fans can anticipate timeless hits alongside fresh performances from the legendary singer-songwriter, whose multi-night stands at iconic venues like Tanglewood and Wolf Trap highlight the tour's prestige.

James Taylor, a five-time Grammy winner renowned for enduring anthems like 'Fire and Rain' and 'You've Got a Friend,' continues to enchant audiences with his warm baritone and masterful guitar work. Credit One Stadium, Charleston's state-of-the-art premier concert venue and home to the WTA 500 Charleston Open, offers an unparalleled open-air experience.[1][2][3][6]

Details

Book Now

Jordan Klepper Live at The Charleston Music Hall

Location Icon The Charleston Music Hall

Oct 09

7:00 PM

Jordan Klepper Live at The Charleston Music Hall

Comedy Arts & Theatre

Jordan Klepper at The Charleston Music Hall brings one of comedy’s sharpest political satirists to a beloved Charleston stage for a night of fast, topical stand-up. Klepper is best known for his work on The Daily Show, where he became a standout correspondent, and his touring schedule shows he remains a busy live performer in 2026.
The Charleston Music Hall is a restored historic venue in downtown Charleston known for an intimate atmosphere and strong sightlines, making it a fitting setting for a performer whose comedy depends on timing, crowd connection, and razor-edged commentary. The combination of a respected comedian and a compact theater space gives this event strong appeal for fans of intelligent, high-energy live comedy.

Details

Book Now

Serial Killers Lecture with Dr. Scott Bonn in Charleston

Location Icon The Charleston Music Hall

Sep 28

8:00 PM

Serial Killers Lecture with Dr. Scott Bonn in Charleston

Lecture/Seminar Miscellaneous

Serial Killers with Dr. Scott Bonn at The Charleston Music Hall offers a gripping lecture experience for true crime aficionados. Dr. Bonn, a renowned criminologist and best-selling author of Why We Love Serial Killers, delves into the psychological motivations behind infamous murderers in a captivating and educational format.
Dr. Scott Bonn’s expertise stems from his extensive research, personal interviews, and correspondence with notorious killers like David Berkowitz and Dennis Rader. The Charleston Music Hall, a historic venue known for its vibrant arts and cultural events, provides the perfect setting for this darkly fascinating seminar.

Details

Book Now

Savannah Bananas vs. Savannah Party Animals

Location Icon Grayson Stadium

Sep 11

7:00 PM

Savannah Bananas vs. Savannah Party Animals

Miscellaneous Sports

Details

Book Now

The Bucket List Playbook: Top Things to do in Charleston

Ready for adventure? Dyvarcity is your ultimate guide to the top 100 things to do in Charleston From must-see attractions like Short Term Availability, Music, Low Last Minute Supplier Cancellation Rate & Rock in Charleston. We've handpicked events & experiences with passion: whether you love activities that move your body, vibrant music, sports, food, or cultural explorations.

View Charleston Activities