Cougar Night Lights Returns to the College of Charleston

It’s not every university campus that can boast a magical holiday light show produced by an Emmy Award–winning lighting designer known not only for his work on films like The Patriot and The Notebook (both with scenes filmed in the College of Charleston Cistern Yard), but also for grand displays during events like the Super Bowl and Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. 

That’s the holiday gift that John Reynolds ’97 gives to the College of Charleston community (and, indeed, all Charlestonians) each December. During a season that can sometimes feel rushed with shopping and decorating, Cougar Night Lights provides a chance to slow down and bask in the glow of the holidays.  

“We have more hanging lights this year and new lights uplighting the wings of Randolph Hall,” says Reynolds. “My design was inspired by the majestic live oak trees dripping with Spanish moss that surround Randolph Hall. By hanging lights from the live oaks, I mimicked this Southern Gothic aesthetic.”

Cougar Night Lights kicks off in the historic Cistern Yard in front of Randolph Hall (66 George St.) on Monday, Dec. 1, for students, faculty and staff, then opens to the public the following evening, Dec. 2. The treasured musical light show is free and open to the public and runs nightly, every half hour between 5:30 and 9 p.m., through Jan. 1, 2026. 

The ninth annual Cougar Night Lights will capture the magic of the holidays with dazzling light displays set to classic holiday tunes and popular contemporary songs. The music for the light show was selected by CofC students and will be kept under wraps until the show’s debut.

The public is invited to come enjoy the festive music and spectacular lights that will inspire the holiday spirit for all ages.

“This is a highlight of fall semester and the perfect way to deliver joy and peace throughout the holiday season,” says Alicia Caudill, executive vice president for student affairs. “The College of Charleston community is honored to share this beautiful gift with the community.”  

Cougar Night Lights by the Numbers 

• 2017 – year Cougar Night Lights made its debut
• 49,230 – number of pixels in the show
• 2 – number of weeks it takes to install the lights in Cistern Yard
• 6,000 – feet of cable in the live oak trees to support the hanging lights
• 3 – new songs chosen by College of Charleston students for the new show
• Immeasurable – smiles on faces during the show’s run during December

The Cistern Yard is located at the corner of George and St. Philip streets. Public parking garages are available at two locations, including the George Garage (34 St. Philip St.) and St. Philip Street Garage (89 St. Philip St.).