Celebrate the holiday season in Columbia, South Carolina with festive events and activities including Lights Before Christmas, the Lights of Cayce and the Famously Hot New Year's Eve Celebration!
Join us for Thanksgiving Day races, Christmas festivities and New Year's Eve Celebrations this
November and December 2015! Get in the holiday spirit at exciting holiday shows including
The Nutcracker,
Trans-Siberian Orchestra and
Holiday Pops Concert. Race with family and friends in
The Turkey Day 5K and
Jingle All The Way 5K Run. Enjoy Christmas carols along the riverwalk and view thousands of twinkling lights at the Riverbanks Zoo Christmas spectacular, the
Lights of Cayce and
West Metro Parade of Lights. We look forward to celebrating the holidays with you in Columbia, South Carolina!
Visiting from out of town? The
Staybridge Suites,
Wingate Harbison,
Holiday Inn Express Harbison and
Hampton Inn Lexington are offering excellent discount rates this holiday season! Enjoy free breakfast, free parking and free WiFi at these premier Columbia hotels.
2015 Columbia South Carolina Holiday Events:
A Christmas Story
November 6 – 22, 2015
Make your list and check it twice so you don’t miss this perennial holiday favorite — A Christmas Story! Step back to 1930’s Indiana where a bespectacled boy named Ralphie has a big imagination and wants only one thing for Christmas: An Official Red Ryder 200-Shot Carbine-Action Range Model Air Rifle. A kooky leg lamp, outrageous pink bunny pajamas, a cranky department store Santa, and a triple dog-dare to lick a freezing flagpole are just a few of the obstacles that stand between Ralphie and his Christmas dream.
Click here for additional information.
Vista Lights
November 19, 2015 from 5-9PM
Kick off your holiday shopping and fun at the Vista's 30th annual holiday street party! The entire Vista community will take part, with Gervais Street closed to traffic from Gadsden to Assembly streets, and Park and Lincoln closed from Lady to Senate. Start by parking in one of our convenient garages and then stroll up Gervais to Lincoln to see all the festivities. Be sure to stop by One-Eared Cow Glass & the shopping center where Backpacker is located to see all that is going on there as well. Although they are further down Gervais there is still great things to see and do. See our map for a detail list of events.
Click here for additional information.
Lights Before Christmas
November 20 - December 30, 2015 from 5-9PM
Closed November 26, December 24 and 25
Bring the kids and the camera and see why Lights Before Christmas has continued as a family tradition for more than 25 years! Enjoy nearly one million twinkling lights, countless animated images, dazzling Music In Motion Lights Spectacular and nightly visits with Santa. Plus, enjoy warm memories and holiday cheer around the Jingle Bell Bonfire. Hot cocoa, marshmallows and other festive foods are available for purchase.
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26th Festival of Trees
November 20-22, 2015
The 26th Festival of Trees will be Nov. 20-22 at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center in Columbia, South Carolina. Festival of Trees features decorated trees, wreaths, stockings and gifts that will be up for bid during a weekend-long silent auction. The auction will also feature several children’s menorahs and dreidels, in celebration of Hanukkah. Guests will attend from across the Midlands to enjoy the holiday cheer as well as wonderful activities and entertainment. Festival of Trees begins on Friday with a magical night at the Festival of Trees Auction Preview and the silent auction continues through the weekend with family-friendly entertainment by local choirs, dance groups, visits with Santa and area mascots. Last year, Festival of Trees raised more than $279,000, including in-kind donations, for Palmetto Health Children’s Hospital!
Click here for additional information.
Trans-Siberian Orchestra
November 20, 2015 at 8PM
Hallmark Channel presents the Trans-Siberian Orchestra on Friday, November 20, 2015. Join us at the Colonial Life Arena for this spectacular performance. Trans-Siberian Orchestra melds the sound and fury of rock with the storytelling of Broadway to create a unique "rock theater" that leaves crowds of all ages speechless. We look forward to seeing you at this exciting holiday event.
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Shandon Turkey Trot
November 21, 2015
The Shandon Turkey Trot will be held on November 21, 2015 at Hnad Middle School in Columbia, South Carolina. The 8K/4K Run/Walk begins at 7:45AM. The Family Kid's Fun Run begins at 7:30AM. The course is flat and fast.The award ceremony begins at 8:45AM. Everyone receives a medal for the Family Kid's Fun Run. Additional awards will be given out for the 8K and 4K Events. Refreshments provided by EarthFare include water, bananas, apples and bagels.
Click here for additional information and register today!
The Nutcracker Ballet
November 25-29, 2015
Carolina Ballet presents The Nutcracker Ballet at the Township Auditorium November 25-29, 2015. Doors open one hour prior to each performance. Student tickets are available at the Township Auditorium Box Office. Children 6 and under are FREE for the Sunday matinee only but they must have a ticket. Free children tickets are available at the Township Auditorium Box Office.
Click here for additional information about this exciting Columbia performance.
Turkey Day 5k & Family Fun Run
November 26, 2015
Held on Thanksgiving day every year, the Turkey Day 5K, now in its eleventh year, is a 3.1 mile run through downtown Columbia that begins and ends at the Colonial Life Arena. The Family Fun Run gives boys and girls of the Midlands the opportunity to train for and participate in this special event too. Turkey Day 5K proceeds benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Midlands through scholarship contributions and program supplies.
Click here for additional information.
A Starry Night in Five Points
December 3, 2015
The newest event in Five Points! Join us on Thursday, December 3rd as we celebrate everything that is wonderful about this time of year during our holiday open house. Stores will be open late and offering terrific sales and complimentary refreshments! Goings-on in the neighborhood that day include an opportunity to meet Santa, hot chocolate courtesy of H&R Block and holiday treats at the fountain, DJ at the fountain, horse carriage rides, roaming photography, the Salvation Army's famous red kettle and toy drive accepting unwrapped toys and pop-up performances from carolers.
Click here for additional information.
38th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at Cayce City Hall
December 3, 2015 at 6PM
The 38th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony will be hosted by the Woman's Club of Cayce. Proceeds from the sale of lights will be donated to God's Helping Hands to assist families in need. They are also sponsoring the Cayce Cares Food Drive and ask that you bring canned goods and non-perishable food items. The event will include a community reception and is free to the public.
Click here for additional information.
Lights of Cayce
December 3 - 31, 2015
Visitors to Cayce City Hall can enjoy the magic of thousands of twinkling lights and dazzling holiday displays from December 3 - 31, 2015. Each year there is something new and exciting at the Lights of Cayce! Plan ahead so that you can enjoy this exciting Columbia holiday event!
Click here for additional information.
Jingle Arrgh the Way
December 4 - 13, 2015
The Columbia Children's Theatre presents Jingle Arrgh the Way - A Christmas Pirate Musical based on a story by Melinda Long, author of How I Became a Pirate. Show times are 7PM on Fridays, 10:30AM, 2PM and 7PM on Saturdays and 3PM on Sundays.
Click here to purchase tickets.
Carols Along the Riverwalk
December 4, 2015 from 6:30-8PM
The sounds of the season can be heard at the Cayce Riverwalk where several area church choirs and local musicians will be caroling within the first half mile of the park. Wander the luminary lit walkway from group to group, while enjoying holiday musical selections and complimentary hot apple cider. This year, park at BC High School and enjoy a trolley ride to the entrance of the park.
Click here for additional information.
26th Annual Cayce Historical Museum Christmas Traditions
December 5, 2015 at 6PM
The Cayce Historical Museum welcomes visitors to celebrate the holidays in the days of old. This free holiday open house features beautifully decorated trees and other Christmas decorations in every room and docents in period costumes. As always, there will be delicious homemade refreshments and live entertainment. As darkness falls, visit the living history encampments on the museum grounds and displays celebrating the long and important role Cayce plays in the history of the South Carolina Midlands.
Click here for additional information.
Jingle All the Way 5k Run
December 5, 2015
Join us for the 8th annual Jingle all the Way 5K, Walk & Dog Jog! The 5K Run, Walk & Dog Jog takes runners toward the State House where the run will be part of the official start of the 61st Annual Carolina Carillon Holiday Parade! Have a little fun - wear your favorite holiday gear to show off your holiday cheer! The event will be dog-friendly so please see application for entry fees to bring Fido!
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62nd Annual Carolina Carillon Holiday Parade
December 5, 2015
The 62nd Annual Carolina Carillon Holiday Parade will be held Saturday, December 5th, 2015 featuring famously festive entries from all across the state of South Carolina! This year's Grand Marshal will be the 2015 National Champion USC Equestrian Team! The parade will begin at 9:45AM at Gervais and Bull Streets and proceed west on Gervais. It will pass in front of the State House, and continue into the Vista to Park Street. With nearly 100 entries, last year's Carillon featured a number of new entries, including The Pelion High School Marching Band, Wal-mart, and others. This year there will be some very special SC celebrities, new high school marching bands, drill teams, local churches, dozens of beautiful floats, and of course, the most exciting part of the parade, Santa Claus!
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Deck the Hall Family Holiday Event
December 5, 2015
Deck the Hall on December 5, 2015 and enjoy a holiday race that’s fun for the whole family. There will be races, games, costume contests, and more all held at Heathwood Hall Episcopal School. Awards will be given to overall male and female winners, as well as the top three in each category and age group. Deck the Hall 2015 will benefit Winston’s Wish and Rural Mission, Inc.
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West Metro Parade of Lights
December 12, 2015
This annual event is one of the most anticipated holiday parades in the Midlands! This beloved night time parade begins at the corner of 12th Street and Hwy 1 in West Columbia and proceeds down 12th Street ending in front of the Cayce Municipal Complex. Crowds have been estimated over 20,000 so come grab a viewing spot early!
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Holiday Pops Concert
December 13, 2015 at 3:30PM
Harbison Theatre presents the 2015 Holiday Pops Concert! Welcome the holiday season with the fourth annual Holiday Pops concert with the S.C. Philharmonic. Featuring classic, festive carols and contemporary holiday anthems, this family-friendly show will leave audience members with smiles on their faces and seasonal cheer in their hearts.
Click here for additional information and tickets.
The Christmas Angel
December 17, 2015 at 6:30PM
Celebrating it's 15th Anniversary, this fresh and exciting Ballet is sure to take your breath away. Balletomanes and the general public alike are mesmerized by the originality of this magical story as well as the quality and beauty of dance represented by Celestial Stars. Artistic Director, Gabrielle Celeste, wrote and choreographed "The Christmas Angel". It is a story of a princess whose soul is devoured by jealousy and through the pure love of the Christmas Angel, she is forgiven and redeemed. Don't miss this treasure of a performance. Harbison Theatre, December 18 and 19 at 7PM; and new this year, a special performance for children and adults with special needs on December 17 at 6:30PM.
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Famously Hot New Year's Eve
December 31, 2015
Now in its fifth year, #FHNY is a free, outdoor street celebration that draws a diverse, all-ages crowd from all over the nation -- last year 28,000 strong -- to downtown Columbia, S.C. The entire Midlands region comes together for the New Year's holiday, with expanded hours at family-friendly destinations, pop-up NYE parties at local restaurants and clubs, specials at neighborhood boutiques, hotel deals and more. You don't need tickets for FHNY; it's free! Enjoy regional food & drink, groove to Ms. Lauryn Hill live on stage, marvel at colossal midnight fireworks and revel in a safe, comfortable celebration, brimming with Southern hospitality. Discover the New Year in the New Southern Hot Spot!
Click here to make your New Year's Eve hotel reservations today.
Happy Holidays!
Columbia SC Events
Plan a trip to the South Carolina State Capital to enjoy captivating attractions, fascinating events and beautiful scenery! Visit the gorgeous Lake Murray, explore popular South Carolina Museums and check out fascinating events all year round including the St. Patrick's Day Celebration in Five Points and the South Carolina State Fair.
