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” but also for grand displays during events like the Super Bowl and Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
That’s the holiday gift that College of Charleston alumnus John Reynolds ‘97 gives to his alma mater (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.
Cougar Night Lights kicks off in the historic Cistern Yard surrounding Randolph Hall on Monday, Dec.1, 2025 for students, faculty and staff, then opens to the public the following evening, Dec. 2, 2025.
The treasured musical light show runs nightly, every half hour between 5:30 and 9 p.m., through Jan. 1, 2026.
The centerpiece of the show is an array of LEDs hanging down like moss from the columns of Randolph Hall. “We have more hanging lights this year and new lights up lighting the wings of Randolph Hall,: said 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,” he added.
Students select the music for the light show and those musical choices are kept under wraps until the show’s debut.
Mike Ledford
“This is a highlight of fall semester and the perfect way to deliver joy and peace throughout the holiday season,” said Alicia Caudill, executive vice president for student affairs. “The College of Charleston community is honored to share this beautiful gift with the community.”
By the Numbers
- 2017 – The 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 each year’s new show.
- Immeasurable – Smiles on faces during the show’s run during December.
Cistern Yard is located at the corner of George and St. Philip streets. Public parking garages are available at two locations, including the George Street Garage and St. Philip Street Garage.