While the weather outside is still trying to figure itself out, the holiday season in the Midlands is warming up. From holiday parades to tree lightings, craft fairs and more – expect to find many opportunities to make holiday memories.
Here’s a glimpse at some of the festive fun coming up in the weeks to come.
Christmas Lights in the Vista
Dates: Friday, Nov. 16, 2023
Location: Vista Community, Downtown Columbia
Details: Join us for the 38th Annual Vista Lights! This is the neighborhood’s signature open house which has ushered in the holidays in Columbia for more than 30 years.
More than 60 galleries, shops, and restaurants will safely open their doors to showcase their holiday treasures and delicious dishes. Make your plans and reservations now! COVID-19 protocols are in place. Please social distance from others and wear a mask when necessary.
The Vista Guild is also organizing live entertainment and performances to get attendees in the holiday spirit as we light the Vista’s tree at the corner of Gervais and Lincoln Streets. Visit the Vista stage outside River Runner Outdoor Center at 6 p.m. for live performances by local groups. Then help us light the Vista tree at 7 p.m. and stay to enjoy live music.
Fireflies Holiday Lights
Dates: Nov. 16 – Dec. 31, 2023
Time: Daily, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. | The Lights will be closed 11/20 and 11/27 as well as Thanksgiving Day (11/23) and Christmas Day (12/25)
Location: Segra Park, 1640 Freed Street, Columbia 29201
Cost: $10 per person in November and $12 per person in December. Children 2 years of age and younger are free, and do not require a ticket for entry. Military members, First Responders and Seniors aged 65+ will receive $2 off their ticket with valid ID.
Details: Your favorite Midlands holiday tradition returns bigger and brighter for its second year at Segra Park this November and December! Walk through the winter wonderland that includes MORE lights, MORE activities, and more festive fun for the whole family.
Wild Lights at Riverbanks Zoo
Dates: Select dates between Nov. 17, 2023 to Jan. 14, 2024
Time: 5-9 p.m.
Location: Riverbanks Zoo, 500 Wildlife Parkway, Columbia 29210
Cost: $19.99 Children (ages 2-12 years), $24.99 Adults, younger than 2 free (all Riverbanks members receive one free visit with a valid membership)
Details: Stroll through the Zoo and discover nearly 60 larger-than-life handcrafted lanterns inspired by nature. From pollinators and plants to endangered (and even extinct) animals, guests will be dazzled by awe-inspiring illuminations around every turn. Plus, enjoy interactive activities, fun photo ops, and seasonal favorites including nightly snowfall and visits with Santa (through Dec. 23).
Governor’s Carolighting at the State House
Date: Sunday, Nov. 19, 2023
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: SC State House, 1100 Gervais Street, Columbia 29201
Cost: Free
Details: This year marks the 57th annual Governor’s Carolighting at the State House. This special event heralds the official start of South Carolina’s yuletide season with the lighting of the State’s Christmas Tree. The program features performances from artists from across South Carolina, the Governor’s seasonal message and more!
Sleigh Bell Trot
Date: Monday, Nov. 20, 2023
Time: 7 p.m.-9 p.m.
Location: Saluda Shoals Park East, 6071 St. Andrews Road, Columbia 29212
Cost: Trot Early Bird by Nov. 10: $30 per person | Nov. 11-19: $35 per person | Nov. 20: $40 per person (Military discounts are available)
Details: See the lights at the Sleigh Bell Trot! Join us for this unique, nighttime four-mile timed run taking place amid the festive light displays of Holiday Lights on the River!
Sleigh Bell Stroll
Date: Tuesday, Nov. 21, 2023
Time: 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Location: Saluda Shoals Park East, 6071 St. Andrews Road, Columbia 29212
Cost: $7/Per Person (age 3 and above), $2/Per Child (2 and under)
Details: See the lights at the Sleigh Bell Stroll! Join us for this unique two-mile, nighttime family fun walk taking place amid the festive light displays of Holiday Lights on the River.
Ann Brodie’s The Nutcracker
Date: Nov. 22 – 26, 2023
Time: Nov. 22-22, 10 a.m. | Nov. 24 – 25, 7:30 p.m. | Nov. 26, 3 p.m.
Location: Township Auditorium, 1703 Taylor Street, Columbia 29201
Cost: $14.50 – $20.50
Details: Join Ann Brodie’s Carolina Ballet for the magical performance of “The Nutcracker.” Watch this glittering holiday classic come to life with spectacular talent and special guest artists. As the only Ballet Company in the Midlands with a full live orchestra and chorus, it is the perfect way to kick off your holiday season! Excitement for all ages. See the stars of tomorrow with the stars of today on The Township stage in this magnificent production!
Holiday Lights on the River at Saluda Shoals Park
Dates: Nov. 22 – Dec. 31, 2023
Time: 6 – 10 p.m.
Location: Saluda Shoals Park East, 6071 St. Andrews Road, Columbia 29212
Cost: $25/car | $50/12–15 Passenger Van, Trucks w/ Trailers & Limos | $75/Bus with 16+ Passengers)
Details: Experience the magic as Saluda Shoals Park comes alive in millions of sparkling lights. Journey through more than three miles of lights featuring colorful, animated light displays of all shapes and sizes! Create lasting family memories this year at Holiday Lights on the River.
Kids Holiday Terrarium Workshop
Date: Sunday, Nov. 26, 2023
Time: 10 – 11 a.m.
Location: PlantHouse, 702 Cross Hill Road #400B, Columbia 29205
Cost: $26
Details: Our kids ornament workshop is the perfect family activity! Join us for a festive workshop where you’ll learn how to create a unique terrarium complete with air plants, decor, and winter/holiday figurines.
*Workshop recommended for ages 6+. Parent supervision is required. Tickets only required for guests building a terrarium. Guests supervising are not required to purchase a ticket. Decor options will vary.
Country Christmas Celebration
Date: Sunday, Nov. 26, 2023
Time: 1 – 5 p.m.
Location: South Carolina State Farmers Market, 3483 Charleston Hwy West Columbia, SC 29172
Cost: Free
Details: Come out and celebrate a country Christmas by shopping our local holiday décor and craft vendors and our selection of live Christmas trees! Children will also have the opportunity to write letters to Santa, take photos with Santa Claus, and create some DIY crafts. Our Christmas tunes will be on, and food trucks will also be there to serve you.
Blythewood Christmas Tree Lighting
Date: Sunday, Nov. 26, 2023
Time: 5 – 6 p.m.
Location: Blythewood Town Hall, 141 Langford Road, Blythewood 29016
Cost: Free
Details: Enjoy music, refreshments and visit with neighbors and old friends who have come home to Blythewood for the holidays.
Sweet Seasons in Forest Acres
Date: Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2023
Time: 5 – 8 p.m.
Location: Lowe’s Foods Shopping Center, 4711 Forest Drive, Columbia 29206
Cost: Free
Details: Join us for our 19th annual tree lighting in the Lowes Foods Shopping Center! We will have local vendors for families to dine and drink on site. Free kid fun including face painting, balloon animals, a bubble artist and a magician! Visit with Santa and the Grinch.
Holiday Planetarium Lighting
Dates: Thursday, Nov. 30, 2023
Time: 4 – 7 p.m.
Location: SC State Museum, 301 Gervais Street, Columbia 29201
Cost:
Museum members receive free general admission. We are leaving it up to our non-member guests to set their own general admission price for this evening! $1, $5, $10 or free – it is your choice. General admission includes access to all four floors of exhibition space. 4D and Planetarium shows will carry a set ticket price of $5 each ($4 for members).
Details: Kick off the holiday season with this special evening event at the State Museum! In addition to extended hours at the museum, guests can enjoy holiday shows, a holiday craft for the kids, extra time to shop at the store, a visit with Santa and more. Be sure to stick around, as at the end of the evening we will be officially “lighting” the planetarium dome with a special holiday display courtesy of our friends at Ambient Media!
Christmas in Cayce – 46th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony
Dates: Thursday, Nov. 30, 2023
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: Cayce City Hall Complex, 1800 12th Street, Cayce 29033
Cost: Free
Details: City Hall will be aglow with thousands of lights and Christmas displays. Santa and Mrs. Claus will make an appearance while local school choirs and bands perform Christmas carols. Hot chocolate and sweets are free for all during this magical Tree Lighting.
Christmas Craft Fair
Dates: Thursday, Nov. 30 – Friday, Dec. 1, 2023
Time: 4 – 8 p.m.
Location: Icehouse Amphitheater, 107 West Main Street, Lexington 29072
Cost: Free
Details: Join us at the Icehouse Amphitheater Pavilion for a Christmas Craft Fair featuring fresh produce, unique gifts, local vendors, food, and more!
Columbia Classical Ballet presents The Nutcracker
Date: Friday, Dec. 1 – Sunday Dec. 3, 2023
Time: 7:30 p.m. (Fri-Sat) | 2 p.m. (Sat-Sun)
Location: Koger Center for the Arts, 501 Greene Street, Columbia 29201
Cost: Tickets range from $10 to $25.
Details: The Nutcracker Ballet is a worldwide Christmas favorite.
Carols Along the Riverwalk
Dates: Friday, Dec. 1, 2023
Time: 6 – 8 p.m.
Location: Cayce Riverwalk, 201 N Avenue at the intersection of Axtell and N Avenue
Cost: Free
Details: The City of Cayce partners with the Cayce Events Committee to bring you holiday cheer with free live music and treats during Carols Along the Riverwalk. Beginning at the N Avenue Entrance (201 N Avenue at the intersection of Axtell and N Avenue) of the Cayce Riverwalk, the sounds of the holidays will flow through the trees during this reverse caroling event, where several local church choirs and musicians will be located throughout the first half mile of the Riverwalk. Parking will be made available at Brookland Cayce High School with free trolley rides provided to and from the entrance of the Riverwalk.
Carolighting Ceremony
Dates: Friday, Dec. 1, 2023
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Location: Icehouse Amphitheater, 107 West Main Street, Lexington 29072
Cost: Free
Details: Join the Town of Lexington as we sing Christmas carols, light the tree, & take pictures with Santa at Icehouse Amphitheater.
The Grinch Movie Night
Dates: Friday, Dec. 1, 2023
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Location: Icehouse Amphitheater, 107 West Main Street, Lexington 29072
Cost: Free
Details: Follow along and while the Grinch and his pet dog Max try and stop Whoville’s Christmas celebration by stealing all the town’s decorations and gifts.
The Living Christmas Story
Dates: Friday, Dec. 1 – Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023
Time: 6:30 – 9 p.m.
Location: Union United Methodist Church, 7852 Woodrow Street, Irmo 29063
Cost: Free
Details: This Union’s 30th annual presentation of The Living Christmas Story! The Living Christmas Story is a drive-through “living” story of Jesus’ birth. Union United Methodist Church has been creating memories for families throughout the Irmo, Lexington, and Columbia areas since 1994.
Come enjoy this free event as you drive along a 1/3 mile route through the church’s parking area, which has been transformed into the city of Bethlehem to re-enact the ‘greatest story ever told.’ This is a gift to our community with no admission fee.
Real people from Union Church and the Irmo community, including live animals, bring the town of Bethlehem to life. Villagers, a blacksmith, the innkeeper, Herod’s Court, the marketplace and many more scenes come alive as you drive through and experience the night Christ was born.
Hands on Art: Grinchmas
Date: Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023
Time: 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Location: Richland Library Blythewood, 218 McNulty Street, Blythewood 29016
Cost: Free
Details: You’re invited to Whobilation! Joins us for a morning full of Grinchy crafts and a special storytime of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” with a special guest! Dress for a mess. Crafts for all ages.
Santa’s Swingin’ Christmas Party
Date: Dec. 2, 9, 16, 18 & 23, 2023
Time: 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. (Saturday, Dec. 2, 9, 16 & 23) | 10 a.m. (Monday, Dec. 18)
Location: Columbia Marionette Theatre, 401 Laurel Street, Columbia 29201
Cost: $7
Details: Join Tinkle and Winkle, two of Santa’s elves, as they plan a party at the North Pole while he is delivering presents around the world! But when a storm appears out of nowhere, Santa is delayed. Will he make it to the party? Two puppeteers and a jazz quartet really bring the swing in this musical celebration!
Carnival & Movie
Date: Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023
Time: 1 – 5 p.m.
Location: Icehouse Amphitheater, 107 West Main Street, Lexington 29072
Cost: Free
Details: Join the Town of Lexington for this year’s Snowball Festival Carnival at the Icehouse Amphitheater featuring face painting, balloon artists, letters to Santa, rides + more! Make sure to stay and watch The Santa Claus which will begin at 5:30 p.m.
A Christmas Carol
Date: Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023
Time: 2 & 6 p.m.
Location: Harbison Theatre, 7300 College Street, Irmo 29063
Cost: $15
Details: Grab your loved ones and enjoy this holiday tradition proven to warm even the Scroogiest of hearts!
Christmas Light Boat Parade on Lake Murray
Dates: Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023
Time: Gates open at 4:30 p.m. and parade begins at 6 p.m.
Location: Lake Murray Beach Park, 1837 N Lake Dr, Lexington 29072
Cost: Free
Details: You don’t want to miss this FREE family-friendly waterfront event that is sure to get you in the holiday spirit!
Christmas Olde and New – Cayce Historical Museum
Dates: Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023
Time: 6 – 9 p.m.
Location: Cayce Historical Museum, 1800 12th St, Cayce, SC 29033
Cost: Free
Details: Visitors can take in the sights and sounds of Christmas during the Cayce Historical Museum’s annual Christmas Traditions Holiday Open House. Rooms of the museum will be decorated with Christmas trees and there will be live entertainment and light refreshments. Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus will be there and there will also be a historical lantern tour. This year, for the first time, the event will feature an outdoor Christmas market with local vendors selling gifts, food, and drinks.
Santa Train
Date: Saturday, Dec. 2, 9, and 16, 2023
Time: 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 12 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m., 6 p.m.
Location: 110 Industrial Park Road Winnsboro, SC 29180
Cost: $17 – $27 (children under age 3 are considered lap infants and do not need tickets unless they need their own seat)
Details: Santa returns to the Rockton, Rion and Western Railroad. As you enjoy your ride through the countryside of Fairfield County, he will walk the train during the ride and talk to everyone but cannot sit with children or have them in his lap. The train does not return until Santa has talked to all the children. Santa will take letters from children, but limited touching is requested.
New this year, Twilight with Santa! While the first seating enjoys hot chocolate, chocolate chip cookies and stories in our historic dining car, the second seating visits with Santa and sings Christmas carols in one of our coaches. Halfway through the journey, we stop the train and the people from the diner swap places with the people visiting with Santa, and we repeat the experience.
Christmas Parade
Date: Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023
Time: 3 p.m.
Location: Town of Lexington, 111 Maiden Lane, Lexington 29072
Cost: Free
Details: It’s a Christmas tradition you won’t want to miss! Join the Town of Lexington and the Lexington Jaycees for the annual Christmas Parade down Main Street! Get in the Christmas Spirit by watching an array of parade floats make their way through downtown!
Christmas Ball | Daddy Daughter Dance
Date: Friday, Dec. 8, 2023
Time: 6:30 – 8 p.m.
Location: Gateway Kids, 1651 Dutch Fork Road, Irmo 29063
Cost: $10
Details: Join us for a fun night of dancing and hors d’oeuvres as dads and daughters have opportunity to connect with one another! We’ll also have a photo opp, craft, and a WHOLE lot of fun!
The Two Claras 2023
Date: Friday, Dec. 8 – Sunday, Dec. 10, 2023
Time: 7:30 p.m. (Friday) | 6 p.m. (Saturday) | 2 p.m. (Sunday)
Location: Harbison Theatre, 7300 College Street, Irmo 29063
Cost: $20
Details: CCJ has been delighting audiences for over 15 years with our modern rewrite of the Nutcracker Story! Come see this heartwarming Holiday tale about two friends named Clara and the Christmas adventures they share through the years. Appropriate for your entire family!
Carolina Lights
Dates: Dec. 8 – 24, 2023 (closed Mondays)
Time: Sunday – Thursday, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. | Friday – Saturday, 6 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Location: SC State Fairgrounds, 1200 Rosewood Drive, Columbia 29201
Cost: Cars – $20 ($15 if tickets purchased prior to Dec. 7), Mini Buses (9 – 25 passengers) – $35, Vehicles over 25 passengers – $70
Details: Experience the magic of the holiday season at the South Carolina State Fair’s 5th annual downtown drive-through light show. The drive-through light experience will feature more than 100 stunning individual LED light displays along an expanded route in the Lexington Medical Center Fair Park at the S.C. State Fairgrounds. Rediscover beloved favorites from past years and be enchanted by new displays. Don’t miss this mesmerizing holiday extravaganza!
Holiday Parade of Lights
Dates: Saturday, Dec. 9, 2023
Time: 5:30 p.m.
Location: All along 12th St, Cayce, SC 29033
Cost: Free
Details: This annual event is one of the most anticipated holiday parades in the Midlands! This beloved night-time parade is hosted by the Greater Cayce West Columbia Chamber of Commerce.
Columbia City Ballet Nutcracker
Date: Dec. 9 – 10, Dec. 16 – 17, 2023
Time: 3 p.m. (Saturday & Sunday), 7:30 (Saturday)
Location: Koger Center for the Arts, 501 Greene Street, Columbia 29201
Cost: Tickets range from $35 to $60.
Details: Nutcracker, Columbia’s holiday family tradition, has the distinction of being Koger Center for the Arts’ first Nutcracker production and longest consecutively running annual arts event.
Scrooge, According to Gullah
Date: Thursday, Dec. 14, Saturday, Dec. 16, and Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023
Time: 6 p.m. (Thursday) | 2 p.m. (Saturday) | 3 p.m. (Sunday)
Location: Richland Library Wheatley, 931 Woodrow Street, Columbia 29205 (Thursday) | Richland Library Edgewood, 2101 Oak Street, Columbia 29204 (Saturday) | Richland Library Main, Auditorium, 1431 Assembly Street, Columbia 29201
Cost: Free
Details: This is a Christmas season comedy based on Ebenezer Scrooge from the Charles Dickens’ classic, A Christmas Carol. The stage performance features Donald Sweeper acting the part of Scrooge as if he is speaking in the Gullah Language.
Nova Ballet Theatre presents The Christmas Angel
Date: Friday, Dec. 15 and Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023
Time: 11 a.m. (Friday) | 7 p.m. (Friday & Saturday)
Location: Harbison Theatre, 7300 College Street, Irmo 29063
Cost: $12 – $19
Details: In its 23rd year of production, The Christmas Angel, an original Ballet, will take you and your family on a magical journey. With intriguing characters, a compelling storyline, beautiful scenery, stunning costumes, and splendid dancing, The Christmas Angel will captivate the hearts of the entire family. Come experience this remarkable performance and it will quickly become your new holiday tradition.
The Palmetto Chamber Orchestra presents Sounds of the Season
Date: Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023
Time: 3 – 4:30 p.m.
Location: Richland Library Main, Auditorium, 1431 Assembly Street, Columbia 29201
Cost: Free
Details: Get your holiday spirit stirring in this special performance by the Palmetto Chamber Orchestra’s newly-formed string quartet, string septet, and wind quintet. Celebrate the season and enjoy some of your favorite holiday songs from movies, Christmas carols, and more! You may even have a chance to perform and participate in some of the selections. This free, family-friendly concert is the perfect addition to your holiday season.
Swingin’ Holidays Presented by SC Jazz Masterworks Ensemble
Date: Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023
Time: 3:30 p.m.
Location: Harbison Theatre, 7300 College Street, Irmo 29063
Cost: $25 – $50
Details: The SC Jazz Masterworks Ensemble will make your holidays bright with a collection of jazz for the holidays presented with some big band energy and swingin’ sleigh bells.
Watch Freely: How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Date: Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023
Time: 2:30 – 4:15 p.m.
Location: Richland Library Main, Theater, 1431 Assembly Street, Columbia 29201
Cost: Free
Details: On the outskirts of Whoville lives a green, revenge-seeking Grinch who plans to ruin Christmas for all of the citizens of the town.
Watch Freely: The Grinch (2018)
Date: Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023
Time: 6 – 7:30 p.m.
Location: Richland Library Edgewood, Edgewood Meeting Room, 2101 Oak Street, Columbia 29204
Cost: Free
Details: We’ve got the popcorn and hot cocoa with marshmallows to keep us warm and cozy during the showing of The Grinch (2018), bring the family and join us at Edgewood to celebrate the holidays!
You’re missing Ann Brodie’s Carolina Ballet The Nutcracker at the Township Auditorium Nov 23, 25, and 27.
Thanks! We will get that added!