2012 Columbia SC Holiday Challenge

Take the 2012 Columbia SC Holiday Challenge to get in the holiday spirit!

Experience the joy and excitement of the Holiday Season at Columbia's favorite holiday events! We challenge you to get in the holiday spirit and attend as many Columbia holiday events as you can this holiday season. Print the 2012 Columbia SC Holiday Challenge check list and hang it on your fridge today. Check off each holiday event as you go and post holiday pictures on our Facebook page. Share this Holiday Challenge with family and friends so that you can celebrate the holidays together.

Visiting Columbia SC from out of town this holiday season? Take advantage of special discount hotel rates from our local hotel partners so that you can experience all of Columbia's exciting holiday events. We look forward to seeing you in Columbia, SC!

Read more about the exciting Columbia events in the 2012 Columbia SC Holiday Challenge and get in the Christmas Spirit today!

Holiday House Tours
November 16, 2012 - December 31, 2012
Tues - Sat 10AM - 4PM | Sun 1PM - 5PM | Closed Mondays, Christmas, and New Years
Enjoy the holiday season with guided tours of Historic Columbia Foundation's house museums. The Robert Mills House, Hampton-Preston Mansion, and Mann-Simons Cottage are all decorated for the season. Guides will provide stories of holidays past in Columbia and discuss how families decorated and entertained during the 19th and early 20th centuries. View a variety of holiday decorations in each house and stunning details of our faux food on display. Learn more at www.historiccolumbia.org.

Lights Before Christmas
November 17, 2012 - December 30, 2012 from 6PM - 9PM
Experience Columbia's longest running holiday tradition. Enjoy nearly 1 million twinkling lights, countless animated images, dazzling music in motion lights, and warm memories around the Jingle Bell Bonfire. Santa will visit every night until December 23rd. Hot cocoa, marshmallows and other festive foods are available for purchase. Call 803-779-8717 for more information!

Holiday Lights on the River
November 21 - December 31, 2012
Holiday Lights on the River is the Midlands Largest Drive-Through Lights Show! Saluda Shoals Park comes alive in a blaze of more than a million sparkling lights. This holiday spectacular features over 400 themed, animated light displays on a two-mile loop of the park. Call 803-772-1228 for more information

2012 Holiday Market
November 29 - December 2, 2012
Visit the Cantey Building at the South Carolina State Fairgrounds to attend the 2012 Holiday Market. Columbia's premier shopping event features over 90 merchants traveling from all over the United States. Admission to the 2012 Holiday Market is $8 for all four days. Children 12 and under are admitted free!

The Lights of Cayce
November 29 - December 31, 2012
Take a ride through the Cayce City Hall complex and enjoy the magic of thousands of twinkling lights, dazzling holiday displays, and music of the season. New displays have been added this year, so come check it out!

2012 Midlands Clay Arts Society Holiday Sale
November 29 - December 2, 2012
Visit Gallery 80808 in Columbia, South Carolina November 29 - December 2, 2012 for the 12th Annual Midlands Clay Arts Society Holiday Sale. The opening reception will be November 29 from 5-8PM. Learn more about the Holiday Sale on the Midlands Clay Arts Society Facebook page.

Ice Skating at Boyd Plaza
Open until January 6, 2013
Mon - Thurs 11AM - 9PM | Fri - Sat 11AM - 10PM | Sun 1PM - 9PM | Closed Christmas Day
Come experience Columbia's cool new ice skating rink! City of Columbia and Magic Ice USA have partnered to bring an outdoor ice skating rink called Main Street Ice to Boyd Plaza. Main Street Ice is located in front of the Columbia Museum of Art, at the corner of Hampton and Main Streets. Call 803-545-3100 for more information.

Snowville
Open until February 24, 2012
Pack your mittens for a frosty, fun-filled trip to Snowville. EdVenture's most popular seasonal exhibit is back and cooler than ever! Snowy fun awaits in the North Pole. Climb an ice capped mountain, explore an ice cave, or have a snowball fight with a snowman. Play a game of ice hockey, get the chills in the Blizzard Booth, or take a 25 foot long ride down Sled Hill. Call 803-779-3100 for more information.

Carols Along the Cayce Riverwalk
November 30, 2012 at 6PM
The sounds of Christmas can be heard throughout the Cayce Riverwalk Park. Several area church choirs will be located throughout the first half mile of the park. Visitors can wander from choir to choir enjoying holiday musical selections. the Riverwalk will be lighted with luminaries and hot apple cider will be served free of charge.

Breakfast with Santa
December 1, 2012 at 9:00AM
Columbia Children's Theatre and Richland County Recreation Commission present this special holiday treat! Join us at the Richland Mall Food Court for family fun holiday activities, breakfast, and photos with Santa himself! At 10AM, everyone will head upstairs to find seats for the 10:30 performance of the award-winning production The Christmas Doll. Get your Breakfast With Santa tickets today!

Carolina Carillon Holiday Parade
December 1, 2012 at 9:45AM
The 59th Annual Carolina Carillon Holiday Parade will feature dozens of floats, marching bands, drill teams, and live performances. It will begin at Gervais and Bull Streets, proceeding west on Gervais. The parade will pass in front of the State House and continue into the vista to Park Street. Call 803-799-1216 for more information.

Jingle All The Way 5K Run
December 1, 2012  at 9:45AM
Ring in the season with a run through the City Center, the vibrant Vista, and the beautiful University areas of downtown Columbia. At the finish line which is located on the south side of the State House, runners will find an array of refreshments. Water stations will be located along the route. Awards will be presented to the top male and female finishers. Learn more about the Jingle All The Way 5K Run and register today!
 
Deck The Trail
December 1, 2012 from 5PM - 7PM
A Kickoff Celebration for the Holiday Walking Tour of Lights! Enjoy wonderful holiday music performed by Columbia locals and lots of hot chocolate. Join us at Riverfront Park for this exciting holiday celebration.

Train Rides With Santa
December 1, 8, 15, 2012
Enjoy a train ride with Santa at the South Carolina Railroad Museum. Don't forget to bring your letters for Santa before he heads back to the North Pole! Train trip depart at 9:30AM, 11:30AM, 1:30PM, and 3:30PM. Tickets are $12 for adults and $9 for children. Call 803-712-4135 for more information.

A Charlie Brown Christmas
December 6 - 9, 2012
Watch as this beloved holiday classic comes to life before your eyes. A talented cast of students along with local children's choirs will perform A Charlie Brown Christmas. Tickets are $10 for adults and children 3 years old and up. $2 of each ticket will be donated to charities helping children and animals.

Columbia's Christmas Pageant
December 6 - 9, 2012
The Columbia Christmas Pageant features over 250 choir and orchestra members, along with hundreds of children, students, and volunteers of all ages. This year, the Columbia Christmas Pageant will look back on the past 25 years and pull out favorite songs, videos and costumes. This holiday event is FREE but you must have a ticket. Call 803-217-3250 for ticket information.

Harborside Lights
December 7, 2012 from 6PM - 9PM
Experience the holiday magic at Lake Carolina's 9th Annual Harborside Lights event. See the Village Green and Town Center glow with thousands of twinkling lights and luminaries. Enjoy musical entertainment, horse-drawn carriage rdies, photos with Santa, holiday treats, millions of twinkling lights, over twelve hundred luminaries, and dozens of decorated trees. Free event! Call 803-736-5253 for more information.

Blue Christmas Elvis Special
December 7, 2012 at 7:30PM
Rock n roll your way into the holiday spirit with Workshop Theatre's Blue Christmas Elvis Special. Award-winning Elvis tribute artist Rick Wade returns to Workshop to treat you and your family to a variety of Elvis Christmas classics during this one night only holiday special. Call 803-799-6551 to get your tickets today!

Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And then some!)
December 7, 8, 9, 13, 14, 16, 20, 21, 22, & 23, 2012
Instead of performing Charles Dickens' beloved holiday classic for the umpteenth time, three actors decide to perform every Christmas story ever told. Plus, Christmas traditions from around the world, seasonal icons from ancient times to topical pop-culture, and every carol ever sung. A madcap romp through the holiday season! Call Theatre Rowe Productions at 803-200-2012 for more information.

The Nutcracker
December 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 2012
Columbia City Ballet's Nutcracker dazzles South Carolina audiences each season. Don't miss this year's extraordinary performance. Make it a holiday family tradition! Purchase The Nutcracker tickets today.

Paint With Santa
December 8, 2012 from 1PM - 7PM
Enjoy a fun day painting pottery with Santa himself! Kids can paint 1 Ball Ornament for FREE if they bring a letter to Santa and 3 non-perishable food items. Learn more about this holiday Paint With Santa event and reserve your table today!

Bah, Humbug - Scrooge's Christmas Musical
December 14 - 16, 2012
Share the magic of this wonderful musical adaptation of everyone's favorite Christmas classic! Bill Francoeur's original music beautifully accompanies this uplifting retelling. Ebenezer sings 'Bah, Humbug', dooming himself to visits from three Christmas spirits. Ebenezer's revelation that 'Life Was Meant to Live' brings a heart-warming conclusion to Dickens' beloved tale. Call 803-799-2510 for tickets.

Winter Fest
December 15, 2012 - January 1, 2013
Celebrate the winter season with family activities at the State Museum. This two week long celebration of the winter season features a Family Fiesta, Polar Express Night, scrapbooking for kids, seasonal Star Labs, nature crafts, board games, and several visits from Santa himself. Call 803-898-4952 for more information.

Candlelight Tours and Carriage Rides
December 20 - 21, 2012 from 5:30PM - 8:30PM
Enjoy the decorated halls of the historic Robert Mills House and Hampton Preston Mansion by candlelight on a guided tour. Glimpse into the lives of Columbians in 1860. Musical entertainment, children's activities and interpretation of the houses will reflect the uncertainty of life in the South from the viewpoints of enslaved workers to those of wealthy planters. Before or after your house tour, enjoy carriage rides through the Robert Mills historic district. Call 803-252-1770 ext 24 to make reservations.

Danielle Snyder
Columbia SC Events

Black Friday in Columbia South Carolina

Black Friday Deals are almost here! Join us at Columbia SC stores November 22 - 23, 2012 for the best sales of the season!

Get ready for one of the biggest shopping events of the season! Columbia SC stores including WalMart, Home Depot, Best Buy, Target and more will offer incredible discount rates November 22 - 23, 2012. What is on your shopping list for Black Friday 2012? Check out the Black Friday tips and our favorite Black Friday website so that you can start planning today! Don't forget to check out the Thanksgiving events, dinners, and hotel specials happening this Thanksgiving 2012 in Columbia, SC!

Black Friday Tips:

Plan ahead and start shopping early! Spend some time researching Black Friday ads and compare sale prices before you hit the stores. Make a shopping list and write down which store is offering the best price for each item. Many Columbia, South Carolina stores will offer Black Friday sales Thursday, November 22, 2012. Visit those stores Thanksgiving night so that you do not have to wait in lines early Friday morning.

Black Friday Websites:

Treat yourself to that special item you have been saving up for and then knock out some holiday shopping this Black Friday 2012! Whether you are shopping for yourself, your family, or your friends, you are bound to find a great bargain with Columbia's incredible Black Friday sales. Do some research and plan ahead so that you can get everything on your list before Black Friday sales end. Black Friday websites allow you to compare prices and locate items before you hit the town in search of those incredible discounts. Our personal favorite is www.blackfriday.com. Look up a specific product, search for deals by store, and check out the most anticipated Black Friday sales of the season!

Happy Shopping Everyone!
 
Danielle Snyder
Columbia SC Events 

Craft Fairs and Shows in Columbia South Carolina

Kick off your holiday shopping at craft fairs, art shows, holiday markets, and more right here in Columbia, South Carolina! 

Five weekends of craft fair fun begin TODAY in Columbia, SC. Join us at Jamil Temple, the SC State Fairgrounds, the Lexington Leisure Center, and the Columbia Convention Center over the next five weeks to admire the work of talented artists from all over the country. Find handmade or re-purposed crafts that make thoughtful holiday gifts and unique personal treasures!

Visiting from out of town for these exciting Columbia events? Vendors, merchants, and guests are invited to take advantage of discount hotel rates from our local hotel partners.

2012 Columbia South Carolina Arts & Crafts Shows:

46th Annual Gem, Mineral, and Jewelry Show
November 16 - 18, 2012 
Jewelry, beads, loose stones, fossils, minerals, gold, silver, and tools are for sale at this Columbia SC show. Attend the show and fill out a drawing card for your chance to win a 14K yellow gold and diamond ring. Estimated retail value of this prize is $995.00. Join us at Jamil Temple in Columbia SC for this exciting annual event. Visit www.cgams.org for more information.

2012 Jamil Shriners Craft Show
November 24 - 25, 2012 
Join us at Jamil Temple in Columbia, SC at this Columbia craft show to see all kinds of wooden crafts, jewelry, Carolina & Clemson crafts, Christmas ornaments, dolls, baskets, soaps, paintings, glassware, picture frames, and more. Admission to this Columbia event is only $1.00! Learn more about the Jamil Shriners Craft Show today.

Holiday Market in Columbia SC
November 28 - December 2, 2012
Over 90 merchants will travel from all over the United States to share their unique work at this this Columbia holiday market. The Market is open November 29 - December 2 and admission is $8 for all four days. Children 12 and under are admitted free! Tickets for special events like Ladies Night Out and PJ's with Santa are sold separately. Learn more about the Junior League of Columbia's Holiday Market and purchase your tickets today!

Christmas Craft Show in Lexington SC
December 8, 2012 from 9AM - 2PM
Join us at the Lexington Leisure Center located at 108 Park Road in Lexington, South Carolina for this holiday craft show. Shop for hand made items from local craft makers. Admission is free! Helps support the Meals on Wheels canned food drive. Learn more about the Christmas Sampler Craft Show and make plans to attend with family and friends!

Crafty Feast Independent Craft Fair
December 15, 2012 from 11AM - 6PM
Over 100 crafters from around the Southeast bring unique, experimental, and handmade or re-purposed crafts to this Columbia SC fair. Vendors bring their unique perspective to everyday items including bags made from old record sleeves, glasses using recycled wine bottles, handcrafted jewelry and more! Admission is only $2.00 and children 10 and under are free! Visit www.craftyfeast.com for more information.

Danielle Snyder
Columbia SC Events

Thanksgiving Dinners and Events in Columbia SC

Columbia SC presents incredible Thanksgiving events and delicious Thanksgiving feasts for the upcoming holiday weekend!

Admire the sparkling light displays at Holiday Lights on the River as you make your way through Saluda Shoals Park during the 2012 Sleigh Bell Trot & Stroll. Keep those running shoes close by so that you can build up your holiday appetite on Thanksgiving morning at the Catch the Gobbler 5K Run / Walk. After a delicious Thanksgiving feast with family and friends, spend the afternoon relaxing so that you can be first in line for Black Friday sales! Columbia, South Carolina is looking forward to a week full of exciting Thanksgiving events. Share these Thanksgiving hotel specials with friends and family so that loved ones can join you in Columbia, SC for Thanksgiving 2012!

Thanksgiving Events in Columbia South Carolina:

2012 Sleigh Bell Trot & Stroll
Stroll: November 19, 2012 at 6:30PM
Trot: November 20, 2012 at 7PM
The Sleigh Bell Trot & Stroll at Saluda Shoals Park is a fun and festive certified 5K race featuring the sparkling light displays of Holiday Lights on the River! See the lights at these unique, nighttime events taking place amid the festive light displays of Holiday Lights on the River. Call 803-772-3336 for more information.

2012 Catch the Gobbler 5K Run / Walk
November 22, 2012 at 8:30AM
The 2012 Catch the Gobbler 5K Run / Walk is USATF Certified and is designed for competitive and recreational athletics. It is paved with low, rolling hills making up the middle third. Join us at Lake Carolina Town Center for this exciting Thanksgiving Day event! Call 803-343-9369 for more information.

Black Friday Sales 
November 23, 2012
Subscribe to our blog and stay in tune for a list of Black Friday sales happening in Columbia, South Carolina. For now, take a sneak peak at Columbia's Black Friday sales featured on www.blackfriday.com. 

Thanksgiving Dinners in Columbia SC: 

Columbia SC restaurants invite you to join them for Thanksgiving dinner on November 22, 2012. Get together with family and friends for a holiday celebration that you will never forget. From a traditional Thanksgiving meal to a fancy Thanksgiving feast, Columbia has it all! Make a Thanksgiving dinner reservation today or reserve a turkey to go and enjoy it in the comfort of your own home:

Cracker Barrel 
2208 Bush River Road, Columbia, SC 29210 | 803-731-0672
1140 Kinley Road, Irmo, SC 29063 | 803-732-2835
Thanksgiving Menu
11AM - Close

Garibaldi Cafe of Columbia
2013 Greene Street, Columbia, SC 29205 | 803-771-8888
Thanksgiving Menu
12PM - 8PM

Harper's 
Thanksgiving Turkeys On The Run!
Let Harper's do the cooking while you take the credit this Thanksgiving 2012. Their annual Turkeys on the Run promotion features Cajun Fried or Southern Roasted Turkeys. Pickup on Thanksgiving from 9AM - 2PM. Great sides also available. Call 803-252-2222 to reserve your Thanksgiving meal.

Ruth's Chris Steak House
924-A Senate Street, Columbia, SC 29201 | 803-212-6666
Thanksgiving Menu

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

Danielle Snyder
Columbia SC Events

USC Gamecock Football

The Carolina Gamecock football team is gearing up for their last home game of the season! Visit Columbia, South Carolina to cheer on the Gamecocks and stay at the Wingate Harbison for as little as $79 per night!

The Gamecock football team is now 8 and 2 after an exciting win against Arkansas. With a home record of 6-0, the Gamecocks have an opportunity to go undefeated at home! Join Cocky at Williams-Brice Stadium on Saturday, November 17th to cheer on the Gamecocks as they challenge Wofford for their final home game of the season. If the Carolina Gamecocks beat Wofford, they will go undefeated at home for the first time since they joined the SEC. Today's win extended the Gamecock's home winning streak to 10 games, which is the third longest home winning streak in school history.

Wingate Harbison Hotel: University of South Carolina Hotel Discounts
800-826-5570 | 217 Lanneau Court, Columbia, SC 29212
Visit Columbia, South Carolina to cheer on the Gamecocks during their last home game of the season and take advantage of excellent hotel discounts. The Wingate Harbison hotel is offering incredible discount rates Friday, November 16 - Saturday, November 17, 2012. Stay 2 nights for only $79 per night or 1 night for only $89 per night. Call 800-826-5570 today to make your reservation! Discount rates include:

• Free hot buffet breakfast featuring eggs, make-your-own waffles, and more!
• Free wired and wireless internet
• Microwave, refrigerator, and coffee maker in each guest room
• Fitness Center, Business Center, and Outdoor Pool on site
• Within walking distance to Bailey's Sports Bar & Grill - Guests receive a 20% discount
• Across the street from Columbiana Mall

Rates are valid November 16 - 17, 2012. Not valid with any other promotions or discounts. Call 800-826-5570 to make your reservations.

USC vs Wofford

November 17, 2012 at 1:00PM ET

We look forward to seeing you at Williams-Brice Stadium!

Danielle Snyder
Columbia SC Events

Thanksgiving in Columbia South Carolina

Columbia SC Events presents four incredible Thanksgiving hotel deals to share with family and friends this November 2012!

Loved ones will enjoy Thanksgiving activities and Black Friday sales happening right here in Columbia, South Carolina. Prepare a delicious Thanksgiving feast at home or make Thanksgiving dinner reservations at one of Columbia's favorite restaurants. After the turkey, stuffing, and apple pie, curl up on the couch for Thanksgiving Day football or explore exciting local attractions.

Don't forget to rest up after a long day of holiday fun so that you can be the first in line for Black Friday deals at Best Buy, Target, Columbiana Centre Mall, and more. Give thanks and make memories with the people that you care about most this Thanksgiving 2012. Out of town guests will enjoy the comforts of home at these premier Columbia hotels. Check out the Thanksgiving specials listed below and call these Columbia hotels today to make your Thanksgiving holiday hotel reservations. These specials are available Thursday, November 22, 2012 through Sunday, November 25, 2012. Availability is limited, so make reservations now to guarantee these low rates!

Staybridge Suites Downtown Columbia - King Studio Only $93.00 per night

866-406-4650 | 1913 Huger St. Columbia, SC | www.staycolumbiasc.com
Discover the best of  Southern charm and hospitality along with your favorite modern amenities at this newly constructed, residential hotel. Just minutes away from downtown Columbia shops and Black Friday sales!

• Spacious guest rooms feature fully equipped, upscale kitchens and flat screen TV's
• Free breakfast, free Wi-Fi, and free parking
• Indoor Pool, Business Center, Fitness Center
• Convenience Mart located on site

Just call 866-406-4650 and ask for the Thanksgiving Special to make your reservations!

Wingate by Wyndham Harbison - Only $69.00 per night

800-826-5570 | 217 Lanneau Court, Columbia, SC | www.columbiawi.com
Superior accommodations and deluxe features incorporate the personal comforts of home. Perfect location for Black Friday sales. Columbiana Centre Mall is located across the street and Walmart, Target, Best Buy and more are located nearby.

• Spacious guest rooms feature a microwave, refrigerator, and coffee maker
• Free breakfast including eggs & make-your-own waffles, free Wi-Fi, and free parking
• Fitness Center and Business Center located on site, plus free access to Gold's Gym
• Located directly next door to Bailey's Sports Bar - 20% discount for hotel guests

Just call 800-826-5570 and ask for the Thanksgiving Special to make your reservations!

Hampton Inn Lexington - Only $79.00 per night

800-872-9671 | 601 Columbia Ave, Lexington, SC | www.lexingtonhi.com
The Hampton Inn provides a small-town feel within reach of Columbia. Just minutes away from the beautiful Lake Murray, downtown Columbia, and Riverbanks Zoo, the Hampton Inn is an ideal location for Thanksgiving reservations.

• Spacious guest rooms feature a microwave, refrigerator, and coffee maker
• Free hot buffet breakfast, free Wi-Fi, free parking
• Business Center on site and free access to Gold's Gym for your entire stay
• Restaurants and shopping nearby 

Just call 800-872-9671 and ask for the Thanksgiving Special to make your holiday reservations!

Holiday Inn Express Harbison - Only $84.00 per night

877-354-7344 | 211 Lanneau Court, Columbia, SC | www.columbiahie.com
The Holiday Inn Express Harbison is a state of the art hotel featuring luxurious accommodations and upscale amenities. This hotel is conveniently located near favorite Columbia stores making it a perfect location for Black Friday deals!

• Spacious guest rooms feature a microwave, refrigerator, and coffee maker
• Free hot buffet breakfast, free Wi-Fi, free parking
• Free access to Gold's Gym for your entire stay
• Columbia Centre Mall located directly across the street. Walmart, Target, Best Buy and more nearby.

Just call 877-354-7344 and ask for the Thanksgiving Special to make your holiday reservations!

Subscribe to our blog and stay in tune for more information on Thanksgiving events, Thanksgiving dinners, and Black Friday sales happening in Columbia, South Carolina!

Danielle Snyder
Columbia SC Events

November 2012 Columbia SC Events

Columbia SC November 2012 events including concerts, festivals, outdoor adventures, live entertainment, and more promise to entertain people of all ages and interests. Check out this list of November 2012 events and start making plans with family and friends today! Visiting from out of town? Enjoy special discount hotel rates from our local hotel partners. We look forward to seeing you at Columbia's upcoming November events!

Live Music in Columbia SC November 2012
11/2/12 - Weekend Bender playing at Jillian's
11/3/12 - Drunk With Guns playing at Tin Roof
11/8/12 - Bad Veins playing at New Brookland Tavern
11/9/12 - Modern Disruption playing at Jillian's
11/16/12 - The Jacob Reynolds Band playing at Tin Roof
11/16/12 - Funky Junk Band playing at Jillian's
11/20/12 - Title Fight and Pianos Become The Teeth playing at New Brookland Tavern
11/23/12 - Cydetrax playing at Jillian's
11/30/12 - Chris Weaver Band playing at Tin Roof
11/30/12 - Alter Ego playing at Jillian's

18th Annual Columbia Blues Festival
November 3, 2012
Enjoy a FREE concert in Five Points featuring The Cedar Creek Boys, The D.B. Bryant Band, Reggie Sullivan, Swamp Cabbage, and more! Food and beverage vendors will be available throughout the day. Call 803-733-8452 for more information.

Healthy Hands Cooking Class
Every Wednesday, Thursday, & Saturday in November
Healthy Hands Cooking is a national company that offers nutrition and healthy cooking programs for kids. The 8 Hour Core Program teaches kids how to make healthy snacks, breakfasts, lunches and dinners for themselves. A great starter program for any child aged 6-13 who is looking to spearhead a family meal or just learn some important kitchen skills. Register today! 

Hansel & Gretel
November 3, 10, 17, & 24, 2012
The Columbia Marionette Theatre presents a brand new production, Hansel & Gretel. This unique adaptation of the classic Grimms fairy tale is based on a look inspired by early animation, with tall, gangly black and white puppets reminiscent of early cartoons. The puppets, coupled with projected computer animation, appear to be moving through a deep, dark and dimensional forest. Purchase your Hansel & Gretel tickets today.

3rd Annual Children's Chance Wine Tasting & Silent Auction
November 8, 2012 from 7PM - 9:30PM
Join us at the 3rd Annual Wine Tasting & Silent Auction benefiting Children's Chance. The evening features 50-100 wines to sample, food vendors including Sakitumi, Travinia, Bi-Lo, Blue Marlin Signature Catering, desserts by TLC Confections and more. Enjoy a fabulous array of silent auction items including trips, gift certificates to local restaurants, jewlery, local artwork, spa packages, health and wellness items, sports items and more. Call 803-254-5996 for more information.

Gun and Knife Show - South Carolina's Arms Collectors Association
November 10, 2012 from 9AM - 5PM | November 11, 2012 from 10AM - 4PM
The SCACA Gun & Knife Show returns to Jamil Shrine Center this November 2012. Enjoy teh area's largest collection of guns, knives, and militaria for sale. Join NRA and admission is free! Call 803-772-9380 for more information.

USC Gamecocks vs. Arkansas Football
November 10, 2012
Join Cocky at Williams-Brice Stadium to cheer on the South Carolina Gamecocks football team as they take on Arkansas. Tailgate with family and friends at the South Carolina State Fairgrounds before the game. Visit our USC Gamecock Football blog entry for more information.

Passport to Art: Autumn Impressions
November 11, 2012 from 12PM - 3PM
Using the colorful autumn leaves, create a lasting impression of nature's magnificence in this free monthly open studio program for families with children of all ages. Next, enjoy a guided and interactive family tour or take a self-guided tour of the Museum. Discover the Museum in a new way and learn how to talk about art with your children. Pick up a passport in the studios and get it stamped 10 out of 12 months to be eligible to win a free Kids Plus Membership. Free event! Call 803-799-2810 for more information.

Columbia Gem & Mineral Show
November 16 - 18, 2012
Jewelry, beads, loose stones, fossils, minerals, gold, silver, & tools for sale. Geodes are sold & cut. Attend the show and fill out a drawing card for your chance to win a 14K yellow gold and diamond ring. Estimated retail value of this prize is $995.00. Join us at Jamil Temple in Columbia, SC for this exciting annual event. Visit www.cgams.org for more information.

Holiday House Tours
November 16 - December 31, 2012 | Closed on Mondays, Christmas & New Years
Enjoy the holiday season with guided tours of our house museums. The Robert Mills House, Hampton-Preston Mansion, and Mann-Simons Cottage are all decorated for the season. Guides will provide stories of holidays past in Columbia and discuss how families decorated and entertained during the 19th and early 20th centuries. View a variety of holiday decorations in each house and stunning details of our faux food on display. Call 803-252-1770 for more information.

Carolina Gamecocks vs. Wofford
November 17, 2012
Join Cocky at Williams-Brice Stadium to cheer on the South Carolina Gamecocks as they challenge Wofford. Tailgate with family and friends at the South Carolina State Fairgrounds before the game. Check out our USC Football blog entry for more information.

17th Annual South Carolina Oyster Festival
November 18, 2012 from 11AM - 6PM
Get ready for Columbia's largest outdoor oyster roast featuring over 10,000 pounds of fresh oysters served steamed and fried! Live bands including Tokyo Joe, Black Iron Gathering, Reggie Sullivan Band, Rival Brothers and Tom Hall & the Plowboys will play all day long on the grounds of two Historic Columbia mansions. Enjoy a Celebrity Oyster Shucking Contest at 1PM, oysters by the serving, a variety of other foods, beer, wine, and soft drinks. Call 803-252-2128 for more information.

Let's Go Sailing Thanksgiving Weekend
November 23, 24, & 25, 2012
Enjoy a 2 hour sample of sailing with Lanier Sailing Academy for just $30 per person! A sailing instructor will let you try your hand at sailing, with close supervision of course, or you can just sit back and let him guide the boat as your 'personal' Captain. Call Paula at 803-317-9070 for more information and reservations.

A Conversation and Book Signing with Christopher Rothko
November 30, 2012 at Noon
Mark Rothko's son, Christopher, joins exhibition catalogue editor Dr. Brad Collins for a conversation about his father's work, followed by a book signing. Dr. Rothko has lectured extensively on his father's work at museums around the world. He writes and edits numerous pieces on his father's artwork, prepares many of the Rothko exhibitions and was closely involved with the planning of the Rothko Centennial celebrations in Latvia and Russia in 2003. Call 803-799-2810 for more information.

Eric Church Concert in Columbia SC
November 30, 2012
Eric Church is bringing the Blood, Sweat and Beers tour to Columbia, South Carolina this November 2012. Join us at the Colonial Life Arena to see Eric Church and special guests Justin Moore and Kip Moore. Stay in tune for ticket information and show details. Don't forget to grab Eric Church's new album, Chief, which is in stores now.

Subscribe to our blog today so that you will be the first to know about upcoming Thanksgiving deals and events! Don't forget to find us on Facebook and Google Plus. We look forward to seeing you at Columbia's most popular upcoming events!

Danielle Snyder
Columbia SC Events