COLUMBIA, S.C. — The Governor’s Carolighting marked its 58th year, with thousands of people gathering on the wintry lawn of the State House. Residents from throughout the Midlands continued time-honored traditions and, for many, started brand-new ones.
Adrienne Tilley came to watch her daughter perform and shared her enthusiasm for the event.
“We will be doing this every year, even if she doesn’t sing. We will continue to do this,” she said.
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For Anna Ross, this event held particular significance.
“Christmas is my favorite holiday, so I really have never seen the tree light up," she said. "So, I was really excited to kind of be a part of it for the first time—living here for a long time and never getting to see it. It was a really great experience.”
As has become tradition, the community began the countdown to light the tree. The air was charged with excitement, and the spirit of the season was palpable. The event was filled with cheers and the warmth of togetherness, marking the beginning of the holiday season.
With a sparkle in the night, the holiday season officially kicked off.
“I think it’s very sparkly,” resident Zoey Hartman said, reflecting on the festive colors of the tree lights.
Davonte Davis expressed his joy in making new memories with his children.
“We love events like this—it kind of helps get everybody in the spirit," he said. "I think, for the past couple of years, we haven’t really had the spirit ever since COVID, so things like this really help us get back into that holiday magic.”
This year’s tree is a Norway spruce, 35 feet tall, sourced from Henderson Tree Farms in Morganton, North Carolina.
