Columbiana Centre
Date: Now – Dec. 24, 2019
Time: Monday – Saturday (noon until 8 p.m., break: 2:30 – 3 p.m.), Sunday (12 – 6 p.m., break: 2:30 – 3 p.m.); Extending holiday hours Dec. 14 – 21: Monday – Saturday (9 a.m. – 9 p.m., break: noon – 12:45 p.m. and 3:45 – 4:30 p.m.), Sunday, Dec. 22 (10 a.m. – 7 p.m., break: 2 – 3 p.m.); Monday, Dec. 23 (9 a.m. – 9 p.m., break: noon – 12:45 p.m. and 3:45 – 4:30 p.m.); Christmas Eve (9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Break: 12:30 – 1:30 p.m.)
Location: 100 Columbiana Circle, Columbia 29212 (inside the mall at Belk Court)
Cost: Prices vary depending on the package you choose
Details: Make a reservation to see Santa and spend less time in line.
Grand Opening: Santa’s Holiday Village
Dates: Nov. 29, 2019
Time: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Location: EdVenture Children’s Museum, 211 Gervais Street, Columbia 29201
Cost: FREE with museum admission
Details: Watch Santa come down the chimney and have your picture taken with the Jolly Old Elf himself and Mrs. Claus!
Breakfast with Santa & Mrs. Claus
Dates: Nov. 30, 2019
Time: 9 a.m. – noon
Location: Treasure Island Marketplace, 2702 Emanuel Church Road, West Columbia 29170
Cost: $4 per person for breakfast
Details: Visit a Santa’s workshop plus have breakfast with Santa and Ms. Claus.
Pancake, Sausage and drink. Select a name from our senior giving tree by picking an ornament to provide confined seniors a gift.
Santa Visit
Date: Dec. 3, 2019
Time: 4:40 – 5:30 p.m.
Location: Gaston Branch Library, 214 S Main Street, Gaston 29053
Cost: Free
Details: Guess who’s stopping by the Gaston Branch Library before he takes to the sky on Christmas Eve. He’s made the list and he’s checked it twice. Come visit Santa and join in on some festive holiday fun. For more information, call (803) 785-9908.
Holiday Celebration with Santa
Date: Dec. 5, 2019
Time: 6 – 7 p.m.
Location: Chapin Branch Library, 129 Columbia Avenue, Chapin 29036
Cost: Free
Details: A special holiday treat. Santa will slip away from his busy North Pole schedule to visit with children of all ages. We’ll decorate the tree, visit with Santa and enjoy refreshments. For more information, call (803) 345-5479.
Breakfast with Santa
Date: Dec. 7, 2019
Time: 9 a.m. – noon
Location: St. Andrews Park, 920 Beatty Road, Columbia 29210
Cost: Free (We ask that each family only claim tickets that they plan to use, so that others may have an opportunity to have Breakfast with Santa!)
Details: Enjoy a family fun Saturday morning with fun activities, breakfast, picture taken with Santa, a performance of “Cinderella’s Holiday Ball” by The Columbia Marionette Theater and much more!
Feliz Navidad
Date: Dec. 7, 2019
Time: 2 – 4 p.m.
Location: Lexington Branch Library, 5440 Augusta Road, Lexington 29072
Cost: Free
Details: Join us for a bilingual holiday celebration featuring stories, crafts, songs and selfies with Santa. Presented in partnership with Lexington School District One Parenting Center. For more information, call (803) 785-2630. (all ages)
Train Rides with Santa–SC Railroad Museum
Dates: Dec. 7 | Dec. 14 | Dec. 21, 2019
Times: Train Rides with Santa, 10 a.m., 11 a.m., noon and 2 p.m., 3 p.m. and Twilight Santa Express, 5:30 p.m.
Location: 110 Industrial Park Road, Winnsboro 29180
Cost: Train Rides with Santa: Locomotive Cab Ride $50, First Class car $20 per person; Santa Train $15, Children 2 and under are expected to sit on a parent’s lap to ride free. Twilight Santa Express: $20 per person.
Details: All aboard the Rockton, Rion and Western Railroad to take an hour long scenic train ride with Santa! Seating is limited so order your tickets here before you go!
Sundaes with Santa
Date: Dec. 8, 2019
Time: noon – 4 p.m.
Location: Cantey and Goodman Buildings at South Carolina State Fairgrounds, 12oo Rosewood Drive, Columbia 29201
Cost: $8 per person (12 months and under are admitted FREE), parking $5, General Admission tickets and ticket stubs from Preview Party and Ladies Night Out CAN be used by ADULTS ONLY for entry during Sundaes with Santa.
Details: Dress your children in their Sunday best for photos with Santa, enjoy games and crafts with your family, and top off the fun with an ice cream sundae bar!
Visit With Santa
Date: Dec. 8, 2019
Time: 3 – 4:30 p.m.
Location: Batesburg-Leesville Branch Library, 203 Armory Street, Batesburg 29006
Cost: Free
Details: Santa is stopping by with an update from the North Pole. Find out what the elves and reindeer are doing to get ready for their big night. Bring your camera to capture a special photo with the special guest. Sponsored by the Friends of the Batesburg-Leesville Branch Library. For more information, call (803) 532-9223. (all ages)
PJ’s With Santa
Date: Dec. 9, 2019
Time: 6 – 8 p.m.
Location: Chick-fil-A, 229 Bush River Road, Columbia 29210
Cost: Free
Details: Join us for our Annual PJ’s with Santa! Enjoy dinner with the Family, Festive Fun, and Pictures with Santa!
Santa Claus
Date: Dec. 10, 2019
Time: 5 – 6:30 p.m.
Location: Swansea Branch Library, 199 N. Lawrence Avenue, Swansea 291606
Cost: Free
Details: A special holiday treat – Santa will slip away from his busy North Pole schedule to visit with children of all ages. For more information, call (803) 785-3519. (all ages)
Breakfast with Santa
Date: Dec. 14, 2019
Time: 8 – 11 a.m.
Location: Historic Robert Mills Carriage House, 1616 Blanding Street, Columbia 29201
Cost: Adults $20 (members $15); Children $10 (members $7); under 3 free (reservations required)
Details: You’re invited to have breakfast with the jolly ole man himself! After breakfast, take a picture with Santa, make holiday crafts, explore the decorated halls of the Hampton-Preston Mansion and see a Victorian Christmas tree. Breakfast with Santa will be offered at 8, 9 and 10 a.m. Space is limited, so reserve your spot today!
Don’t forget to stop by the Gift Shop at Robert Mills to find the perfect gift! While Santa is hard at work gathering lists, the Gift Shop elves will also be hard at work providing great values on purchases. Enjoy shopping and activities throughout the day at the Gift Shop at Robert Mills!
Please note: This event is rain or shine—bring your umbrellas and stay warm inside our cozy carriage house!
Visit With Santa
Date: Dec. 8, 2019
Time: 6 – 7:30 p.m.
Location: Irmo Branch Library, 6251 St. Andrews Road, Columbia 29212
Cost: Free
Details: Santa is stopping by with an update from the North Pole. Find out what the elves and reindeer are doing to get ready for their big night. Bring your camera to capture a special photo with the special guest. Sponsored by the Friends of the Batesburg-Leesville Branch Library. For more information, call (803) 532-9223. (all ages)
The Carolina Carillion
Date: Dec. 1, 2018
Time: 9:45 a.m.
Location: The parade will begin at Gervais and Bull Streets and proceed west on Gervais. It will pass in front of the State House and end in the Vista on Park Street.
Cost: Free
Details: The 65th Annual Carolina Carillion Holiday Parade, Music! Magic! and Mistletoe! will feature some very special SC celebrities, new marching bands, drill teams, local churches, dozens of beautiful floats, and of course, the most exciting part of the parade, Santa Claus!
Lexington Christmas Parade
Date: Dec. 2, 2018
Time: 3:30 p.m.
Location: Main Street in Lexington
Cost: Free
Details: Join us for a family friendly parade!
Cayce-West Columbia Holiday Parade of Lights
Date: Dec. 8, 2018
Time: 5:30 p.m.
Location: The parade begins in front of the Cayce Municipal Complex, located at 1800 12th Street, and will proceed down 12th to 12th Street & Hwy 1 in West Columbia.
Cost: Free
Details: The Greater Cayce – West Columbia Holiday Parade of Lights is one of the most anticipated holiday parades in the Midlands of South Carolina! Grab a spot early because this parade is a local favorite!
Blythewood Christmas Parade
Date: Dec. 9, 2018
Time: 3 – 6 p.m.
Location: Parade begins at Blythewood High School, left on McNulty Road, left on Boney Road, left on Blythewood Road, back to Blythewood High School
Cost: Free
Lights Before Christmas at Riverbanks Zoo
Date: Nov. 17 – Dec. 30, 2018 (Closed Nov. 22, Dec. 24 and 25)
Time: 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Location: Riverbanks Zoo, 500 Wildlife Parkway, Columbia 29210
Cost: $12 Adults / $10 Children ages 2–12. All Riverbanks members receive one free visit. Order tickets here. Members get one free admission to the Lights Before Christmas event.
Details: Experience Columbia’s longest running holiday tradition—Lights Before Christmas at Riverbanks Zoo & Garden. The Zoo will illuminate at 5 p.m. each evening with nearly one million twinkling lights and countless animated images. Guests are invited to meander through the park while soaking in the sights and sounds of the holiday season. Plus, Riverbanks is the only place in town where it snows every night.
40th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony in Cayce
Date: Nov. 29, 2018
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: Cayce Municipal Complex, 1800 12th St., Cayce 29033
Cost: Free
Details: This event is sponsored by The Woman’s Club of Cayce and includes greetings from city officials, holiday thoughts, musical selections, and a visit from Santa.
Holiday Lights on the River
Date: Nov. 30 – Dec. 31, 2018
Time: 6p.m. – 10 p.m.
Location: Saluda Shoals, East entrance at 6071 St. Andrews Rd., Columbia 29210
Cost: $20 per car; $40 per 15-passenger van; $60 per bus
Details: Saluda Shoals Park will come alive in a blaze of more than a million sparkling lights. Holiday Lights on the River features over 400 themed, animated light displays on a two-mile loop of the Park! Enjoy the Dazzling Dancing Forest with its dancing, lighted trees synchronized to classical and whimsical holiday music. See the three dimensional Victorian Village, Old Man Winter, the holiday classic Twelve Days of Christmas and so much more, all in sparkling lights. Activities offered nightly except Thanksgiving, Christmas eve and Christmas.
Santa will be visiting Holiday Lights December 14th – 23rd only. A professional photographer will be available for photos with Santa. Photography fees and Holiday Lights admission apply. Holiday Lights on the River is a magical experience you won’t want to miss!
Harborside Festival of Lights at Lake Carolina
Date: Dec. 8, 2018
Time: 5 p.m.
Location: Town Center at Lake Carolina, 20 Helton Drive, Columbia 29229
Cost: Free
Details: Enjoy live musical entertainment, horse-drawn carriage rides, photos with Santa, holiday treats, millions of twinkling lights, over sixteen hundred luminaries and dozens of decorated trees at this annual holiday celebration You can also get in the holiday spirit at the Jeep Rogers Harborside Lights 5K Run/Walk around Lake Carolina among thousands of twinkling lights! 1 mile Kids Fun Run also available! Harborside Lights is free to attend. For race registration visit, strictlyrunning.com. 5K Run/Walk starts and ends at Town Center, where runners will be able to enjoy this wonderful event.
Yes Virginia: The Musical
Date: Nov. 29 – Dec. 8, 2018
Time: Thursday, Friday, Saturdays ( 7:30 p.m.) | Saturdays (2:30 p.m.)
Location: On Stage Productions, 711 East Main Street, Lexington 29072
Cost: Tickets are $12 to $20
Details: Yes Virginia: The Musical is a musical designed a released by Macy’s.The famous 1897 letter by Virginia O’Hanlon, adding in a homeless Santa Claus, a Mean Girl classmate and her cat, a magical librarian, and a Historical Villainand Frank Church, the newspaper editor who answered her letter.
CTC’s A Charlie Brown Christmas Musical
Date: Nov. 29 – Dec. 9, 2018
Time: Nov. 29 & 30 ( 7:30 p.m.) | Dec. 1 (10 a.m. and 3p.m.) | Dec. 2 (3 p.m.) | Dec. 6 & 7 ( 7:30 p.m.) | Dec. 8 (10 a.m. and 3p.m.) | Dec. 9 (3 p.m.)
Location: Firehouse Theatre, 102 Lexington Street, Chapin 29036
Cost: Tickets are $12 to $15
Details: The Peanuts gang discovers the true meaning of Christmas. This will be a holiday classic in Chapin.
Columbia Classical Ballet – The Nutcracker
Date: Nov. 30 – Dec. 2, 2018
Time: Nov. 30 ( 7:30 p.m.) | Dec. 1 (3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.) | Dec. 2 (3 p.m.)
Location: Koger Center for the Arts, 1051 Greene Street, Columbia 29201
Cost: Tickets are $5 to $30
Details: The Nutcracker Ballet is a worldwide Christmas favorite.
Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol
Date: Nov. 30 – Dec. 22, 2018
Time: Show times vary
Location: Trustus Theater, 520 Lady Street, Columbia 29201
Cost: Weekend $28, Weekdays and Matinees $25, $20 students
Details: “Marley was dead, to begin with.” Well, we all know that from seeing countless versions of Dickens’ holiday classic A Christmas Carol. But what happens to Ebenezer Scrooge’s mean, sour, pruned old business partner after that? This play tells it all!
Chained and shackled, Marley is condemned to a hellish eternity. He’s even given his own private tormentor: a malicious and hilarious little hell-sprite who thoroughly enjoys his work. Desperate, Marley accepts his one chance to free himself: To escape his own chains, he must first redeem Scrooge. So begins a journey of laughter and terror, redemption and renewal, during which Scrooge’s heart, indeed, is opened; but not before Marley—in this irreverent, funny and deeply moving story—discovers his own.
Porkchop Productions: Holly & the Snowman
Date: Dec. 2, 2018
Times: 3 – 4 p.m.
Location: Cayce-West Columbia Branch Library, 1500 Augusta Road, West Columbia 29169
Cost: Free
Details: How can you make a snowman when it’s 98 degrees outside? Join Holly the Elf on her quest to make a seemingly impossible holiday wish come true. Will Jack Frost be willing to change his icy ways or will tropical snow be a no-go? Find out in this Porkchop original that is sure to warm even the frostiest of hearts. For more information, call (803) 794-6791, ext. 5.
Holiday Pops
Date: Dec. 2, 2018
Times: 3:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Location: Harbison Theatre, 7300 College Street, Irmo 29063
Cost: $25/30
Details: This year is something new – TWO Holiday Pops performances for you and your family to enjoy! The festive season is here, and it’s time to celebrate this annual musical tradition with the South Carolina Philharmonic on the Harbison Theatre stage.
A Christmas Story
Date: Dec. 2, 2018
Times: 6 p.m.
Location: Nickelodeon Theatre, 1607 Main Street, Columbia 29201
Cost: $5
Details: Based on the humorous writings of author Jean Shepherd, this beloved holiday movie follows the wintry exploits of youngster Ralphie Parker (Peter Billingsley), who spends most of his time dodging a bully (Zack Ward) and dreaming of his ideal Christmas gift, a “Red Ryder air rifle.” Frequently at odds with his cranky dad (Darren McGavin) but comforted by his doting mother (Melinda Dillon), Ralphie struggles to make it to Christmas Day with his glasses and his hopes intact.
Singing Christmas Tree
Date: Dec. 7 – 9, 2018
Times: Friday (7 p.m.); Saturday and Sunday (2:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.)
Location: Shandon Baptist Church, 5250 Forest Drive, Columbia 29206
Cost: Free but reserve your tickets
Details: The Singing Christmas Tree is a Columbia holiday tradition! The popular community holiday celebration returns for five performances this Christmas season. The Singing Christmas Tree features a 30-foot tree, holding a 100+-person choir. The choir is accompanied by a thirty-piece orchestra, and the show includes a dramatic presentation of the Christmas story accentuated by dance ensembles. This is the event the whole community looks forward to each holiday season.
The 31st Annual Columbia Christmas Pageant
Date: Dec. 7 – 9, 2018
Time: Friday (7 p.m.); Saturday (2 p.m. and 5 p.m.); Sunday (4 p.m.)
Location: First Baptist Church of Columbia, 1306 Hampton Street, Columbia 29201
Cost: Tickets are free, but reservations are required
Details: The Columbia Christmas Pageant is one of the premiere Christmas Celebrations in the South! In the 31st year the pageant has become a Christmas Tradition for thousands who come from South Carolina as well as surrounding states. With state of the art lighting, including thousands of Christmas lights, glorious music, and a cast and crew of hundreds, the Columbia Christmas Pageant is something that you certainly don’t want to miss.
Columbia City Ballet – The Nutcracker
Date: Dec. 8 and 9 | Dec. 15 and 16, 2018
Times: Saturdays (3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.), Sundays (3 p.m.)
Location: Koger Center for the Arts, 1051 Greene Street, Columbia 29201
Cost: $20 – $45
Details: Nutcracker, Columbia’s holiday family tradition, has the distiction of being Koger Center’s first Nutcracker production and the longest consecutively running arts event. With six snow-filled performances, including four matinees, Nutcracker is designed to accommodate the entire family’s holiday schedule.
Bonus: Mark your calendars now for our magical Nutcracker Tea at 1:30-2:30 p.m. on December 8, 9, and 15, just before the Nutcracker matinee performances. The special events will be in the Koger Center’s “ballroom” and will feature a sit-down tea, cakes, cookies and lots of surprises. Learn the real story of the Nutcracker as you meet Clara, her Nutcracker Prince, and the Sugar Plum Fairy and the other company dancers. Tickets are $30 per person and must be purchased in advance by calling Columbia City Ballet at (803) 799-7605.
Rudolph’s Winter Revue
Date: Dec. 15 – 22, 2018
Time: Dec. 15 and 22 (11 a.m. and 3 p.m.) | Dec. 17 (10 a.m.
Location: Columbia Marionette Theatre, 401 Laurel St., Columbia 29201
Cost: $5 per person
Details: Get ready to ring in the holidays with Rudolph! CMT’s brand new variety show will feature musical numbers and showcase different puppetry styles.
Frozen Party
Date: Dec. 27, 2018
Time: 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Location: South Carolina State Museum, 301 Gervais St., Columbia 29201
Cost: $18 per person and $15 for museum members
Details: The State Museum presents a magical evening to spark young guests’ imagination! During the event, guests will watch Disney’s Frozen, meet and greet with Anna and Elsa and enjoy crafts and activities. Frozen costumes are highly encouraged! NEW this year – a Family Room! Bring your pillows and blankets for a more relaxed Family Room viewing experience. Chairs will also be provided, but you are welcome to get comfy on the floor and are free to move about during the movie, if needed.
Carols Along the Riverwalk
Date: Nov. 30, 2018
Time: 6 – 8 p.m.
Location: Cayce Riverwalk Park, Naples Avenue Entrance, 201 Naples Avenue, Cayce 29033
Cost: Free
Details: The sounds of Christmas can be heard throughout the Cayce Riverwalk Park where several area church choirs and local musicians will be located within the first half mile of the Riverwalk. Visitors can wander from group to group, enjoying holiday musical selections. The Riverwalk will be lighted with luminaries and refreshments will be served free of charge. Parking will be available at Brookland-Cayce High School with free Trolley rides provided to and from the entrance of the Riverwalk.
Town of Lexington Snowball Festival
Date: Nov. 30 – Dec. 2, 2018
Time: Varies based on event
Location: Varies based on event
Cost: Free
Details: Friday, Nov. 30, 2018: Concert and Carnival in the Square 6 p.m. – 8 p.m., Tree Lighting at 8 p.m. with s’mores and hot chocolate / Saturday, Dec. 1, 2018: Movies in the Park 5 – 9 p.m. at Icehouse Amphitheater (107 W. Main Street). Showing ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas/ A Christmas Story. Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018: Christmas Parade at 3:30 p.m. (W. Main Street).
Cayce Historical Museum Annual Holiday Open House
Date: Dec. 1, 2018
Time: 6 – 9 p.m.
Location: 1800 12th Street, Cayce 29033
Cost: Free
Details: The sights, sounds and tastes of Christmas abound at the Museum’s 29th annual Christmas Traditions Holiday Open House. Each room of the Museum will be decorated with trees and crafts from the 18th century to present. The Open House will also feature live entertainment, docents dressed in period attire, and light refreshments. As darkness falls, scenes from the Civil War will come to life in a lantern tour through the Museum’s historic grounds. History and comedy make this event a memorable and popular activity. Presented by the 20th SC Volunteer Infantry.
Sweet Seasons
Date: TBD but usually in early December
Time: TBD
Location: Historically at the old Bi-Lo parking lot, 4711 Forest Drive, Columbia, SC 29206
Cost: Free
Details: The Annual City of Forest Acres Christmas Tree Lighting. Enjoy live music, food and drink vendors, drawings for door prizes and even an appearance from Santa. The city council, led by the mayor, will turn on the city’s holiday decorations and officially kick off the season in Forest Acres. Admission is always free and Sweet Seasons is a family-friendly event.
A Starry Night
Date: Dec. 7, 2018
Time: 4 – 8 p.m.
Location: Five Points (Harden Street between Blossom and College streets), Columbia 29205
Cost: Free
Details: Patrons can stroll through all of their favorite Five Points stores to enjoy sales and specials during a night full of holiday cheer. From home goods, jewelry, and clothing to baked goods and wine, the Five Points merchants have everything patrons could possibly want for the holidays. At the Five Points Fountain, you can find such delights as complimentary hot chocolate and cider, holiday tunes, a chance to visit with Santa, and so much more!
Candlelight Tours & Carriage Rides
Date: Dec. 14, 2018
Time: 6pm – 9 p.m.
Location: Robert Mills House, 1616 Blanding Street, Columbia 29201
Cost: Tour – non-member- Adult $15 ; Children $8; Members-$5 adult and free for youth; Carriage Rides – $10 per person
Details: Enjoy live music, entertainment, children’s activities and hot chocolate from Drip Coffee while celebrating the holidays with Historic Columbia. Before or after your house tour, take a carriage ride through the Robert Mills Historic District. Stop by the Gift Shop’s holiday open house throughout the evening for a last minute storewide sale as well as refreshments, holiday tunes and giveaways. There is limited space on the carriage rides and guests are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance.
New Year’s Eve at Noon
Date: Dec. 31, 2018
Time: 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. (doors open at 9 a.m.)
Location: EdVenture Children’s Museum, 211 Gervais St., Columbia 29201
Cost: Children and Adults: $11.95; Seniors (62+): $10.95; Military (with ID): $10.95; Children under two: Free
Details: Columbia’s only BALL DROP for kids complete with a juice box toast at noon and activities celebrating New Year’s Eve around the world on December 31 from 11 a.m.–2 p.m.! As the countdown to noon begins, a giant illuminated ball descends and lands at the foot of EDDIE, kicking off the biggest mid-day celebration in town!
Famously Hot New Year
Date: Dec. 31, 2018 – Jan. 1, 2019
Time: 6:30 p.m. – 12:30 a.m.
Location: South Carolina State House (corner of Main and Gervais Street)
Cost: This is a free outdoor concert, but be sure to bring money for parking garages and vendors
Details: Famously Hot New Year is South Carolina’s largest free New Year’s Eve celebration, with a full-length outdoor concert headlined by Grammy-nominated female R&B superstars En Vogue, and a midnight countdown with the biggest NYE fireworks display in South Carolina. Set next to the historic S.C. State House on Main Street in Columbia, S.C., the celebration features food from local vendors, beer, wine and bubbly in a fun, friendly festival environment amid downtown Columbia’s vibrant, walkable lifestyle districts. Support acts include Columbia, S.C.’s jazz and brass phenomenon, Soda City Brass Band, and quirky indie hip-hop group Little Stranger, from Charleston, S.C. Find details here.
Columbia is a great City of holiday Cheer.