It’s the most wonderful time of the year in the Midlands! Don’t miss these opportunities to catch some Christmas spirit and share the joy of the holidays with your loved ones. Here is a sampling of some of the many events to look forward to over the next month.
Wild Lights
When: Most evenings through Dec. 30, 5-9p.m.
Where: Riverbanks Zoo and Garden, 500 Wildlife Parkway, 29210
For 35 years, zoo visitors have marveled at lights at Riverbanks. This year, in partnership with Tianyu Arts & Culture, Riverbanks is introducing an all-new lights experience — Wild Lights, inspired by nature. Guests will encounter nearly 60 larger-than-life, handcrafted lanterns throughout the zoo, from pollinators and plants to endangered and even extinct animals. Roast marshmallows at a bonfire, get a photo with Santa, and enjoy a surprise snowfall nightly. Avoid the lines and purchase tickets at RiverBanks.org
Holiday Lights on the River
When: Nightly through Dec. 31, 6-10 p.m.
Where: Saluda Shoals Park, 6071 Saint Andrews Rd., 29212
Enjoy a drive through 3 miles of millions of sparkling lights along the banks of the Saluda River. Other activities include a laser light show on the wetland walking trail, hayrides, tube slides, holiday shopping, and photos with Santa. Learn more at ICRC.net
Fireflies Holiday Lights
When: Most evenings through Dec. 31, from 6-9 p.m.
Where: Segra Park, 1640 Freed St., 29201
The halls of Segra Park are decked with over 1 million lights throughout the ballpark. Guests will enjoy holiday food including s’mores over a campfire. Other festive fun includes photos with Santa, crafts for kids, and a lights scavenger hunt. More information and tickets are available at FireFliesHolidayLights.com
Holiday House Tours
When: Now through Dec. 30
Where: The Robert Mills House and the Hampton-Preston Mansion, 1616 Blanding St., 29201
Guests are invited to experience holiday decorations and traditions from the 1800s in both historic homes. Tour guides will provide stories of historic Columbia and discuss how families decorated and entertained during the 19th century. Guests can view artifacts and learn about holiday traditions involving Christmas, Hanukah, and New Year celebrations. This event is hosted by Historic Columbia. More information and tickets are available at HistoricColumbia.com/holiday-house-tours.
Junior League of Columbia Holiday Market
When: Nov. 30 - Dec. 3
Where: South Carolina State Fairgrounds, 1200 Rosewood Dr., 29201
Wrap up your Christmas shopping at the Holiday Market while helping the Junior League of Columbia’s mission to support the health and well-being of children and families in the Midlands. Browse more than 170 merchants and participate in Ladies Night Out, the Holiday Ball, or Sundaes with Santa. The market is hosted in the Cantey and Goodman buildings on the South Carolina State Fairgrounds. Learn more at JLColumbia.org
Columbia Classical Ballet —
The Nutcracker
When: Dec. 1-3
Where: Koger Center for the Arts, 1051 Green St., 29201
Known for its European style performance of this holiday classic, Columbia Classical stars an international company of dancers from Korea, Colombia, the Netherlands, Venezuela, Canada, Brazil, Australia, South Africa, and all over the United States, led by artistic director Brooklyn Mack and his innovative approach. It promises to thrill, delight, and embrace all that attendees dream The Nutcracker to be. Purchase tickets at ColumbiaClassicalBallet.com
The Living Christmas Story
When: Dec. 1-3, 6:30-9 p.m.
Where: Union United Methodist Church, 7582 Woodrow St., 29063
Journey through a parking lot transformed into the city of Bethlehem and witness the Nativity story in this fully immersive experience. Animals and actors recreate the sights and sounds of the first Christmas while onlookers enjoy them from the comfort of their cars. This gift to the community has no admission fee.
Carolina Carillon Holiday Parade
When: Dec. 2, 9:45 a.m.
Where: Downtown Columbia
Enjoy this 69-year-old tradition featuring marching bands, drill teams, beautiful floats, and of course, Santa Claus. The parade begins at the intersection of Sumter and Laurel streets. The parade proceeds down Sumter Street toward the USC Horseshoe and ends on Senate Street.
Carolina Lights: A Drive-Through Holiday Light Show
When: Dec. 8-24
Where: S.C. State Fairgrounds, 901 George Rogers Blvd. Enter at Gate 6
The S.C. State Fair will usher in the holiday season with its fifth annual downtown drive-through holiday show. The drive-through light experience will feature more than 100 individual LED light displays along an expanded route in the Lexington Medical Center Fair Park at the S.C. State Fairgrounds. Tune your radio to 88.9 FM to enjoy holiday music synced with the lights. Tickets are sold per car, minibus, or large passenger vehicles and can be purchased online at scstatefair.org, or at the gate.
South Carolina Ballet — The Nutcracker
When: Dec. 9, 10, 16, 17
Where: Koger Center for the Arts, 1051 Green St., 29201
This cherished Christmas classic is the ultimate way to welcome the holiday season with this premier ballet studio. Join Clara on her adventure across the world into the Land of Sweets and beyond in the Koger Center’s original Nutcracker production and longest consecutively running annual arts event. The Nutcracker Tea before the matinees is a wonderful opportunity for children to enjoy cake, cookies, and refreshments before the performance. Purchase tickets at ColumbiaCityBallet.com/tickets-events
2023 Santa Run 5k & Rudolph Youth Fun Run
When: Dec. 9
Where: Strictly Running, 2515 Devine St., 29205
Dress up as Santa and walk or run this flat and fast 5K with a downhill finish. Or gather the family for the Rudolph Family Fun Run/Walk and receive a participation medal at the finish line. One hundred dollars will be awarded to the Best Dressed Santa Claus. Learn more and register at StrictlyRunning.com/Santa.
Handel’s Messiah
When: Dec. 10, 2023, 4 p.m.
Where: Trinity Cathedral, 1100 Sumter St., 29201
Handel’s Messiah is performed by the North Carolina Baroque Orchestra playing period instruments for an authentic 18th century experience and is sung by the Trinity Cathedral Choir of Boys, Cathedral Choir of Girls, Cathedral Choir of Young Men, and Cathedral Singers. Tickets and more information can be found at TrinitySC.org/worship/music-the-arts/concert-season.
Home for the Holidays with the
S.C. Philharmonic
When: Dec. 21, 3:30 p.m.
Where: The Koger Center for the Arts, 1051 Greene St., 29201
After many sold-out performances at Harbison Theater, Morihiko Nakahara and the S.C. Philharmonic musicians will return to the Koger Center stage this holiday season. Bring your family and friends to warm their hearts with classic holiday carols. Visit KogerCenterfortheArts.com for tickets and more information.
