Aiken’s annual holiday spectacle, “Senn-Sational Christmas Lights,” continues to captivate visitors with its stunning display – this year, with over 111,000 lights and over 220 blow-ups across a nearly quarter mile path.
The event grows each year with the addition of new lights and updated scenes.
The family behind the festive exhibition has added a new, whimsical section this holiday season, inspired by Whoville and “The Grinch Who Stole Christmas.”
How it started
The tradition began in 2021 when Karrie Senn suggested to her husband, Matt, that they “go all out” with their Christmas display. According to Senn, her husband has always been a lover of the holiday, and both she and her daughter have birthdays in December. The Senn family posted about the initial display on local Facebook pages, and soon were prompted to convert their driveway into a convenient loop for future drive-through visitors.
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Each year, the event attracts more guests, solidifying its place as a cherished community gathering; Senn said that last year one weekend brought in over 3,000 visitors.
Although the family’s car counter is temporarily down, Senn believes the event is continuing to grow in attendance.
“I think it says that we care, and we want them to come out and have something special,” she said about its community impact. “Not everybody can afford to go to Lights of the South or these other places…it gives [parents] a chance to be able to share something with their children.”
Senn added that her favorite aspect of the tradition is “everybody being out here, being together, and just, all the love and togetherness that everybody shares.”
Taste of Ligons
Every year, guests on the Senn property have been able to enjoy cookies and hot chocolate provided by volunteers Dwayne and Jordan Ligons and Noah and Tori Slate.
This year, the same dedicated volunteers who have been serving sweet treats since the event’s inception have now launched a catering business called Taste of Ligons.
The delicious collaboration is continuing to provide light display guests with seasonal goodies to make their visit more memorable.
Planning your visit
The drive-through event is open Monday to Thursday from 5-9 pm and Friday to Sunday from 5-10 pm until Dec. 30.
While entry is free, donations are accepted, and visitors are asked to enjoy the lights from their vehicles as walk-throughs are not permitted.
The display will be closed on Christmas Day and Christmas Eve.
“Senn-Sational Christmas Lights” is located at 2482 Wire Road in Aiken.
