Columbia Fireflies Holiday Light Show returns to Segra ballpark

December is around the corner, so it’s time to bust out the old Christmas lights.

Or you can tour someone else’s.

Segra Park, home to Columbia’s single-A baseball team, opened its gates this offseason to showcase 1.2 million lights at its holiday light show for the second year. 

Visitors can stroll through the concourse and field to Christmas music, surrounded by bright lights.

The event is open nightly through the end of December, except for Christmas day. 

“Our team has worked since January to make sure that the Fireflies Holiday Lights is bigger and brighter with more lights and fresh new displays along with more activities this year,” team President Brad Shank said in a press release.

The other activities include the popular s’mores fire pit station.

And Santa and vendors line the concourse. Christmas trees are for sale behind center field.

The newest addition is a train ride for children under 12. 

The light show includes nativity scenes, sports-themed Christmas lights and a flashing light show covering the entire lower seating area.

“The light show dances with the music between every 15 minutes or so,” Media Relations Manager John Kocsis said.

When the lights start to move with the music, the attention of everyone in the park is focused behind home plate.

“This is a great new tradition,” Kocsis said. “It took us six weeks to put the lights together.”

Rosa Moore, a new resident to Columbia, found the lightshow and stadium atmosphere so enjoyable that she’s coming back for the regular baseball season.

“The stadium was all ablaze with holiday cheer,” Moore said. “After my move from Nashville two years ago, I treasure every moment I spend with my family as well as having the opportunity to share events such as this.”

Moore, a case worker for the Salvation Army, rang her bell near the iconic red kettle, calling for donations.

“Aside from the magnificence of the lights themselves, the look on children’s faces as they entered the stadium made (braving the cold weather) worth the effort,” Moore said.

Tickets to the light show are reduced this year, dropping from $16 a ticket to $12. Military members, seniors and first responders get a $2 discount. Children 2 and under are free.