The City of Sumter hosted the opening ceremony for the 2025 Fantasy of Lights on December 1 at Swan Lake Iris Gardens, marking the official start of this year’s month-long light display. The event took place on the lawn beside the Swan Lake Visitors Center and welcomed residents and visitors for the annual kickoff.
After opening remarks from Mayor David Merchant, winners of the eleventh annual Mayor’s Christmas Card Contest were recognized, and holiday performances were provided by the Crestwood High School Dance Team and the Freed School of Performing Arts. The ceremony concluded with remarks from Colonel Kevin D. Hicok of Shaw Air Force Base and the official countdown to activate the 2025 display.
Fantasy of Lights runs nightly through December 31, and Santa’s Village will be open on December 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, and 20 from 6 to 8 p.m. The Sumter Souvenir Shop is open in the former Iris Market and features seasonal, Swan Lake, and Sumter merchandise, including the 2025 Sumter Keepsake Ornament honoring hall of fame musician and Sumter resident, Bill Pinkey. For more information, visit www.sumtersc.gov.
