Viator Rating : 5 (4 reviews)
Charleston
Charleston Lights Fest: Small Group Tour
210
Overview
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. 
Highlights
Small Group Size: Enjoy a more personal and intimate experience with a maximum of 12 guests.
Comfortable Transportation: Travel in a clean, spacious van with festive ambiance and holiday music.
Homemade Hot Chocolate: Sip on delicious homemade (dairy-free) hot chocolate during your tour.
Avoid the Hassle: Skip the parking headaches and large tour groups – relax and enjoy the lights!
Sentiment Analysis
Customers loved the relaxing and enjoyable outing to see the light show.
-
The small group size allowed for a more personal experience.
-
Guests appreciated the driver's historical knowledge of Charleston.
-
Many enjoyed the comfortable transportation and festive atmosphere.
Some wish they had more time to explore certain areas.
-
A few mentioned traffic delays getting to and from the event.
The Journey
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.
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
More like this
Hilton Head Island
$37.45
Beaufort, SC: Historic Minibus Tour of the City
4.9
(517 reviews)
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.
Savannah
$175
Uncover Savannah's Secrets: A Personalized Historic & Victorian Tour
4.9
(416 reviews)
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.
Charleston
$182.44
Charleston's Charm: Unveiling History on a Personalized Private Tour
4.9
(375 reviews)
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.
Savannah
$68.48
Savannah's Slavery to Freedom History Tour: Sistah Patt
4.9
(406 reviews)
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.
Charleston
$149
Sip, See & Stroll: Charleston's Lowcountry Day Trip!
4.9
(87 reviews)
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.
Charleston
$42.63
Charleston Luxury Tour: See the City in Style!
5.0
(16 reviews)
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.
Nearby Events
Enmarket Arena
May 31
7:30 PMJourney Final Frontier Tour Savannah - Book Tickets
Journey brings their legendary Final Frontier Tour to Enmarket Arena in Savannah on May 31, 2026, marking a historic farewell for one of rock's most iconic bands. After more than five decades of electrifying performances and chart-topping hits, the Rock & Roll Hall of Famers are saying goodbye with a thunderous, full-throttle celebration featuring their greatest anthems including "Don't Stop Believin'," "Any Way You Want It," "Faithfully," and "Lights."
This is a special evening celebrating Journey's unparalleled legacy and the fans who made their journey possible. Founder Neal Schon leads the lineup featuring Jonathan Cain on keyboards, Arnel Pineda on lead vocals, and the complete band, all delivering an all-new stage production across North America. Enmarket Arena, Savannah's premier entertainment venue, provides the perfect setting for this once-in-a-lifetime rock experience.
The Charleston Music Hall
Oct 15
7:00 PMMark Normand Live at Charleston Music Hall
Mark Normand brings his razor-sharp stand-up comedy to The Charleston Music Hall in a night of hilarious storytelling and observational humor. Known for his Netflix specials like 'Soup to Nuts' and 'Out to Lunch,' Normand's tour showcases his latest material on everyday absurdities, earning raves for quick wit and relatable takes.
Mark Normand has risen as a comedy powerhouse with appearances on Conan, The Tonight Show, and his own Comedy Central special, captivating audiences with self-deprecating charm and crowd work mastery. The Charleston Music Hall, a historic 1936 gem, offers intimate acoustics perfect for live laughs in Charleston's vibrant arts scene.
North Charleston Coliseum
Dec 05
7:00 PMLeanne Morgan Live: Time of Our Lives Tour Tickets
Leanne Morgan brings her *THE TIME OF OUR LIVES TOUR** to North Charleston Coliseum with her signature Southern comedy that has fans rolling in the aisles. Known for her relatable humor about family life, motherhood, and everyday chaos, this show promises non-stop laughs from the Netflix special star whose witty observations resonate with audiences nationwide.
Leanne Morgan, a stand-up sensation celebrated for sold-out tours and viral routines, delivers high-energy performances packed with heart and hilarity. North Charleston Coliseum, a premier venue renowned for hosting top comedy and entertainment events, provides an intimate yet grand setting for her show.
The Charleston Music Hall
July 01
7:30 PMChristopher Cross Live at Charleston Music Hall
Christopher Cross brings his iconic soft rock to The Charleston Music Hall in Charleston, SC, delivering timeless hits like 'Sailing' and 'Ride Like the Wind' in an intimate setting. Fresh from collaborations with Toto and a storied career marked by five Grammy wins—including the unprecedented sweep of Record, Album, Song of the Year, and Best New Artist—Cross continues to captivate with his elegant melodies and guitar mastery.
With over 12 million albums sold, an Oscar, Golden Globe, and five Top 10 singles, Christopher Cross remains a singer-songwriter legend from his Texas roots to global stages. The Charleston Music Hall offers a historic, beloved venue perfect for this soft rock evening.
Florence Center
Jun 18
7:00 PMTOBYMAC, Zach Williams Live at Florence Center Tickets
TOBYMAC, Zach Williams, Seph Schlueter, and Jamie MacDonald bring their powerhouse Christian music lineup to Florence Center for an electrifying night of gospel and worship. This event promises hits from TOBYMAC's extensive catalog, including staples like 'Help Is On The Way (Maybe Midnight),' 'The Goodness,' and 'Cornerstone,' alongside Zach Williams' soul-stirring anthems, all delivered with high-energy performances that have defined their 2026 tours.
TOBYMAC, a Grammy-winning artist formerly of DC Talk, captivates with over 70 No. 1 hits, collaborating with stars like Crowder and Jeremy Camp on his Hits Deep Tour, while Zach Williams delivers raw, faith-filled power in songs like his 'Cornerstone' remix. Seph Schlueter and Jamie MacDonald add fresh rising talent to the mix. Florence Center, a premier venue in Florence, SC, hosts top concerts and events in an intimate arena setting.
The Refinery
July 25
7:30 PMSteel Pulse Reggae Against Racism Tour at The Refinery
Steel Pulse - Reggae Against Racism Tour ignites The Refinery in Charleston, SC, with the legendary British roots reggae band's powerful message against racial injustice. Steel Pulse, formed in 1975 in Birmingham, England, delivers socially conscious anthems from their Grammy-winning catalog, including hits like 'Ku Klux Klan' and 'Chant a Psalm,' backed by their latest album Mass Manipulation that confronts global human rights issues.
Renowned for four decades of revolutionary reggae tackling racial intolerance and humanitarian causes, Steel Pulse remains a global powerhouse influencing new artists. The Refinery offers an intimate setting perfect for this high-energy performance.
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