Hollywild Animal Preserve

04/02/2025

🎉 Exciting News! 🎉

You may have noticed a cozy little cabin tucked along the path if you visited the Magic of Lights event during November- December. 👀 Well, that was just the beginning!

We are thrilled to announce that bookins for Nature Nook Retreat cabins are now LIVE!

Whether you dream of a peaceful glamping experience, a stay surrounded by wildlife, or an outdoor adventure with a cozy cabin to come home to — your retreat is waiting.

✨ Visit www.naturenookretreats.com to see what your retreat can look like and book your stay today!

01/17/2025

If you visited the Magic of Lights, we thank you for supporting our offering for the holidays while contributing to the well-being of hundreds of animals in our care. We hope the event provided you with the great enjoyment we envisioned for our guests as we created this year's program. Our team wishes you a wonderful New Year!

01/04/2025

This is the last opportunity to enjoy the Magic of Lights. Open today, January 4th, from 5:30 to 9:00 p.m. You'll be glad you did!

01/03/2025

If you haven't had a chance to enjoy our unique benefit this year, there is still time to visit the Magic of Lights. Come see us before we turn out the lights on Saturday, January 4th.

01/02/2025

If you didn't have a chance to enjoy the Magic of Lights event during the holidays, we are still here for you! We are open through Saturday 5:30 to 9:00 p.m. It is the perfect time to visit at your leisure. We hope you'll have an enjoyable outing!

12/25/2024

Best wishes to each of you during this season of celebrations!

The Magic of Lights is open EVERY night through January 4th. (Including Christmas and the New Year holidays)
Our entrance is open from 5:30 to 9:00 pm.

Come visit and enjoy!

12/22/2024

MAGIC OF LIGHTS is OPEN NIGHTLY
including every holiday (weather permitting)

Hours: Dec 20 - Dec 23, 5:30 – 10:00 PM
Dec 24 – Jan 4, 5:30 – 9:00 PM

We invite you to celebrate with us and wish you much joy during the holidays!

Send a message to learn more

12/16/2024

Monday, Dec. 16th update:
All three areas of the Magic of Lights event are open tonight.
Drive-through, Deer Forest, and Santa's Village.
We hope you will enjoy your visit!

12/15/2024

Sunday, December 15th event update:

Magic of Lights drive-through is open.
The Deer Forest is open.
Santa's Village is too wet to be enjoyable walking around, so it is closed.

We hope you will enjoy your visit in the comfort of your own vehicle!

12/11/2024

TODAY, Wednesday, Dec 11th, the sun is shining again!
All areas of the Magic of Lights event will be accessible tonight. (Drive-through, Deer Forest, and Santa's Village.)
Gates will be open from 5:30 to 9:00 PM.
We hope you will enjoy your visit!

Send a message to learn more

12/10/2024

Tuesday, December 10th, we are closed due to heavy rain.

12/10/2024

11/28/2024

Happy Thanksgiving from our family to yours!

We are open tonight and every night (weather permitting) through January 4th.

We hope you will find much joy and laughter during your visit.

PS: For more specific details, please visit

Hollywild Animal Preserve. For 30 years and counting, the preserve has hosted the Safari Lights Benefit. Now, "The Magic of Lights", a family-oriented event will, once again, offer an unforgettable opportunity for children and adults alike to share and embrace the Christmas spirit.

11/03/2024

The whale is getting a major makeover! It will be ready to shine more beautifully than ever as the Magic of Lights benefit gets underway on November 22nd. You are invited!

10/22/2024

✨️Magic of Lights✨️ returns to Hollywild Animal Preserve this holiday season!

Tickets purchased during the month of October, $5 from each ticket will be donated to Salvation Army Hurricane Relief: https://www.tixr.com/groups/molupstate/events/magic-of-lights-upstate-115288

10/17/2024

Hear ye, hear ye!

It's that time of year: we are now HIRING for the 34th annual Magic of Lights event.

Apply in person at our upcoming hiring fair:

Date: Tuesday, October 29th
Time: 6 to 7:30 pm
Location: Main entrance - 2325 Hampton Rd, Wellford, SC 29385
Event Details: Evenings, November 22nd – January 4th
(Includes all holidays)
Hours: nightly 5:30 pm – until
(Admission gates close at 9 or 10 pm)
Jobs: assorted duties as attendants at Deer Forest and
Santa's Village providing enjoyment for our visitors.
Minimum age: 16 years old
Rate of pay: $9 per hour

Questions? Email [email protected]

HELP US SPREAD THE WORD ABOUT THIS HIRING EVENT …and join us in sharing some holiday cheer!