December in Columbia is full of fun – from holiday events, storytimes, art activities, and more! Get out your calendars and make a note of all there is to do.
Don’t forget to check out our local guides – where to see Santa, holiday lights, parks & playgrounds, indoor play areas, birthday parties, kids eat free, and more!
*Please note – While we make every effort to crosscheck current links and event details on our guides, we always encourage you to do the same before making final plans. If details are missing or incorrect, please let us know so that we can correct them.
Dec
1
The Nutcracker Ballet
Discounted student, senior, military tickets are available at The Township box office only. Children 6 & under are free bust must have a ticket (available at the box office) Sale
Dec
1
Wild Lights at Riverbanks Zoo
Select Nights November 15 – January 12 | 5:00 – 9:00PM Come experience the magic of Wild Lights at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden! Stroll through the Zoo and discover over 60 larger-than-life handcrafted
Dec
1
Christmas Tree Lighting
The Town of Blythewood would love to have you and your families join us for our annual Christmas Tree Lighting this year! The ceremony will begin at 5:00pm on December
Dec
1
Holiday Lights on the River
Holiday Lights will be open nightly November 27-December 31, 2024, from 6-10 p.m. Experience the Magic of Holiday Lights at Saluda Shoals Park! As the holiday season approaches, Saluda Shoals
Dec
1
Christmas Concert
Don’t forget to stick around for our Christmas Concert in the Doko Meadows Park amphitheater that will begin immediately after our Christmas Tree Lighting around 6:00pm in front of Town
Dec
2
Monday Morning Makers
Make your Mondays less stressful and start your week on a creative note! Audience(s): Adults, Parents, Families, School age children (6-12 years), Teens (12-18 years)
Dec
2
Wild Lights at Riverbanks Zoo
Select Nights November 15 – January 12 | 5:00 – 9:00PM Come experience the magic of Wild Lights at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden! Stroll through the Zoo and discover over 60 larger-than-life handcrafted
Dec
2
Holiday Lights on the River
Holiday Lights will be open nightly November 27-December 31, 2024, from 6-10 p.m. Experience the Magic of Holiday Lights at Saluda Shoals Park! As the holiday season approaches, Saluda Shoals
Dec
3
Toddler Time
Looking for a safe, fun outlet for your toddler’s energy? Or maybe you just want to make sure that your little one has a particularly restful afternoon nap. Either way,
Dec
3
Toddler Storytime
Help your toddler discover the alphabet, numbers and other concepts while building social skills and learning about our world. This storytime is designed for active toddlers and 2-year-olds. If you
Dec
3
Family Storytime
Share stories, songs, and much more while building early literacy skills with fun for the whole family.
Dec
3
Wild Lights at Riverbanks Zoo
Select Nights November 15 – January 12 | 5:00 – 9:00PM Come experience the magic of Wild Lights at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden! Stroll through the Zoo and discover over 60 larger-than-life handcrafted
Dec
3
Sweet Seasons
Join us for Sweet Seasons presented by Lexington Medical Center and The City of Forest Acres!FREE entry and FREE kids fun!Take Pictures with Santa and the Grinch!Face painting + balloon
Dec
3
Holiday Lights on the River
Holiday Lights will be open nightly November 27-December 31, 2024, from 6-10 p.m. Experience the Magic of Holiday Lights at Saluda Shoals Park! As the holiday season approaches, Saluda Shoals
Dec
3
NEON Joy in Five Points
The Five Points Association invites you to our newest seasonal celebration…NEON Joy ~ Presented by A Little Happy! Join us in the Five Points district for a free spectacular Holiday
Dec
4
The Market
The Market is back at Richland Library and we’re excited to bring you farmers, bakers, artists, creators and local authors all in one place!
Dec
4
Lego Club
Suggested Ages are 2-12. Swing by and enjoy a free build with bricks of varying sizes. Have fun and embrace your inner engineer.
Dec
4
Wild Lights at Riverbanks Zoo
Select Nights November 15 – January 12 | 5:00 – 9:00PM Come experience the magic of Wild Lights at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden! Stroll through the Zoo and discover over 60 larger-than-life handcrafted
Dec
4
Holiday Lights on the River
Holiday Lights will be open nightly November 27-December 31, 2024, from 6-10 p.m. Experience the Magic of Holiday Lights at Saluda Shoals Park! As the holiday season approaches, Saluda Shoals
Dec
5
Toddler Time
Looking for a safe, fun outlet for your toddler’s energy? Or maybe you just want to make sure that your little one has a particularly restful afternoon nap. Either way,
Dec
5
Bilingual Storytime Cuentacuentos Bilingüe
Share stories, songs, and much more while building early literacy skills with fun for the whole family. We will have a craft time after!.This event is free and open to
Dec
5
Hello, Baby!
Grow your baby’s vocabulary, listening and motor skills with stories and songs. This storytime is designed for infants and lap babies. If your child is walking, check out our Toddler
Dec
5
Holiday Planetarium Lighting
Kick off the holiday season with this special evening event at the State Museum! Enjoy extended hours to explore museum exhibition galleries. See Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer 4D and experience the new
Dec
5
Snowball Christmas Craft Fair
Join us at the Icehouse Amphitheater Pavilion for a Christmas Craft Fair featuring fresh produce + unique gifts + local vendors + food + more! The Market will be Thursday,
Dec
5
Wild Lights at Riverbanks Zoo
Select Nights November 15 – January 12 | 5:00 – 9:00PM Come experience the magic of Wild Lights at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden! Stroll through the Zoo and discover over 60 larger-than-life handcrafted
Dec
5
Holiday Lights on the River
Holiday Lights will be open nightly November 27-December 31, 2024, from 6-10 p.m. Experience the Magic of Holiday Lights at Saluda Shoals Park! As the holiday season approaches, Saluda Shoals
Dec
5
Town of Elgin’s Christmas Tree Lighting
The Town of Elgin and Radiate Church will be hosting the community’s annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at Potter Community Park. This is a FREE event open to the public.
Dec
5
Christmas in Cayce
Cayce Tree Lighting, December 5 at 6 PM at Cayce City Hall:As we light the Cayce Christmas Tree, experience thousands of lights, music of local performers and a visit from
Dec
6
Family Storytime
Share stories, songs, and much more while building early literacy skills with fun for the whole family. Audience(s): Families, Young children (0-5 years), Babies (0-18 months), Toddlers (19 months-2 years), Preschoolers (3-...
Dec
6
Snowball Christmas Craft Fair
Join us at the Icehouse Amphitheater Pavilion for a Christmas Craft Fair featuring fresh produce + unique gifts + local vendors + food + more! The Market will be Thursday,
Dec
6
Christmas Carolighting Ceremony
Join the Town of Lexington as we sing Christmas carols, light the tree & take pictures with Santa at Icehouse Amphitheater! Santa will be at Icehouse Amphitheater from 4pm-8pm The
Dec
6
Wild Lights at Riverbanks Zoo
Select Nights November 15 – January 12 | 5:00 – 9:00PM Come experience the magic of Wild Lights at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden! Stroll through the Zoo and discover over 60 larger-than-life handcrafted
Dec
6
Holiday Lights on the River
Holiday Lights will be open nightly November 27-December 31, 2024, from 6-10 p.m. Experience the Magic of Holiday Lights at Saluda Shoals Park! As the holiday season approaches, Saluda Shoals
Dec
6
Christmas in Cayce
Cayce Tree Lighting, December 5 at 6 PM at Cayce City Hall:As we light the Cayce Christmas Tree, experience thousands of lights, music of local performers and a visit from
Dec
6
Lights on Park
Join us for a magical evening of Christmas cheer! Enjoy hot chocolate, ornament decorating, s’mores by the fire, a festive hayride, and a special visit from Santa himself. Make unforgettable
Dec
6
Movies: The Muppet Christmas Carol
Join us at the Icehouse Amphitheater to see The Muppet Christmas Carol! The Muppets’ version of the Dickens holiday classic about a miser who’s visited by three ghosts features Kermit
Dec
7
Santa’s Market Craft Fair
Join us at Santa’s Market Craft Fair, where festive charm meets unique, handcrafted treasures. Browse handmade jewelry, home décor, holiday ornaments, candles, and more!
Dec
7
Soda City Market
Soda City Market is Columbia’s weekly Main Street event inspired by traditional European street markets. In partnership with Founders Federal Credit Union, we’re open every Saturday morning 9 a.m. –1 p.m.,
Dec
7
Home Depot Kids Workshop
Join us the first Saturday of each month between 9 am – 12 pm for free in-person Kids Workshops. While supplies last.
Dec
7
Family Storytime
Share stories, songs, and much more while building early literacy skills with fun for the whole family
Dec
7
Meeting Street Artisan Market
There are new options for afternoon shopping on Saturdays in West Columbia. The Meeting Street Artisan Market has new hours, 11 AM – 3 PM, beginning this Saturday, August 6,
Dec
7
Family Storytime and Craft
Join us every Saturday! Share stories, songs, a fun craft, and much more while building early literacy skills with fun for the whole family.
Dec
7
Santa Saturdays
It’s time to enjoy fun with family and friends during Santa Saturdays at the South Carolina State Museum this holiday season! Enjoy a meet-and-greet with Santa Claus See the immersive
Dec
7
Snowball Festival Carnival & Movie
Join the Town of Lexington for this year’s Snowball Festival Carnival at the Icehouse Amphitheater! It’s on Saturday, December 7, 2024 from 1pm-5pm and will feature small carnival rides, inflatables,
Dec
7
Teen Volunteer-athon
Meet us in the Teen Center for an opportunity to complete service hours, contribute to your community and connect with other teens. Audience(s): Parents, Teens (12-18 years)
Dec
7
Watch Freely: Wonka
With dreams of opening a shop in a city renowned for its chocolate, a young and poor Willy Wonka discovers that the industry is run by a cartel of greedy
Dec
7
Wild Lights at Riverbanks Zoo
Select Nights November 15 – January 12 | 5:00 – 9:00PM Come experience the magic of Wild Lights at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden! Stroll through the Zoo and discover over 60 larger-than-life handcrafted
Dec
7
Holiday Lights on the River
Holiday Lights will be open nightly November 27-December 31, 2024, from 6-10 p.m. Experience the Magic of Holiday Lights at Saluda Shoals Park! As the holiday season approaches, Saluda Shoals
Dec
7
Christmas in Cayce
Cayce Tree Lighting, December 5 at 6 PM at Cayce City Hall:As we light the Cayce Christmas Tree, experience thousands of lights, music of local performers and a visit from
Dec
8
Sundaes with Santa
Join us for the Junior League of Columbia’s annual Holiday Market. Our four-day shopping event includes special events and raises over $260,000 to support our mission and programs, which include
Dec
8
Christmas Open House
The staff of the Lexington County Museum and the Friends of the Lexington County Museum invite you to come experience Christmas traditions of the past at the Museum as it
Dec
8
Christmas Parade
The Town of Blythewood’s Christmas Parade will be held rain or shine at 2:00pm on Sunday, December 8th, 2024. In case of severe weather, the Christmas Parade will be postponed
Dec
8
Christmas Parade
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
Dec
8
Wild Lights at Riverbanks Zoo
Select Nights November 15 – January 12 | 5:00 – 9:00PM Come experience the magic of Wild Lights at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden! Stroll through the Zoo and discover over 60 larger-than-life handcrafted
Dec
8
Holiday Lights on the River
Holiday Lights will be open nightly November 27-December 31, 2024, from 6-10 p.m. Experience the Magic of Holiday Lights at Saluda Shoals Park! As the holiday season approaches, Saluda Shoals
Dec
9
Monday Morning Makers
Make your Mondays less stressful and start your week on a creative note! Audience(s): Adults, Parents, Families, School age children (6-12 years), Teens (12-18 years)
Dec
9
Wild Lights at Riverbanks Zoo
Select Nights November 15 – January 12 | 5:00 – 9:00PM Come experience the magic of Wild Lights at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden! Stroll through the Zoo and discover over 60 larger-than-life handcrafted
Dec
9
Holiday Lights on the River
Holiday Lights will be open nightly November 27-December 31, 2024, from 6-10 p.m. Experience the Magic of Holiday Lights at Saluda Shoals Park! As the holiday season approaches, Saluda Shoals
Dec
9
Money Smarts: Holiday Edition
‘Tis the season… to budget, save, and give responsibly! Audience(s): Adults, Teens (12-18 years)
Dec
10
Toddler Time
Looking for a safe, fun outlet for your toddler’s energy? Or maybe you just want to make sure that your little one has a particularly restful afternoon nap. Either way,
Dec
10
Toddler Storytime
Help your toddler discover the alphabet, numbers and other concepts while building social skills and learning about our world. This storytime is designed for active toddlers and 2-year-olds. If you
Dec
10
Family Storytime
Share stories, songs, and much more while building early literacy skills with fun for the whole family.
Dec
10
Teen Makers: Spice Scented Ornaments
Spiced ornaments are a great way to bring the holidays into your home! Audience(s): Teens (12-18 years)
Dec
10
Wild Lights at Riverbanks Zoo
Select Nights November 15 – January 12 | 5:00 – 9:00PM Come experience the magic of Wild Lights at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden! Stroll through the Zoo and discover over 60 larger-than-life handcrafted
Dec
10
Holiday Lights on the River
Holiday Lights will be open nightly November 27-December 31, 2024, from 6-10 p.m. Experience the Magic of Holiday Lights at Saluda Shoals Park! As the holiday season approaches, Saluda Shoals
Dec
11
The Market
The Market is back at Richland Library and we’re excited to bring you farmers, bakers, artists, creators and local authors all in one place!
Dec
11
Lego Club
Suggested Ages are 2-12. Swing by and enjoy a free build with bricks of varying sizes. Have fun and embrace your inner engineer.
Dec
11
Crafternoon
Get your craft on! Let your imagination run wild using a variety of materials provided. Paint, color, collage, or all of the above! Audience(s): Families, School age children (6-12 years)
Dec
11
Wild Lights at Riverbanks Zoo
Select Nights November 15 – January 12 | 5:00 – 9:00PM Come experience the magic of Wild Lights at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden! Stroll through the Zoo and discover over 60 larger-than-life handcrafted
Dec
11
Holiday Lights on the River
Holiday Lights will be open nightly November 27-December 31, 2024, from 6-10 p.m. Experience the Magic of Holiday Lights at Saluda Shoals Park! As the holiday season approaches, Saluda Shoals
Dec
12
Toddler Time
Looking for a safe, fun outlet for your toddler’s energy? Or maybe you just want to make sure that your little one has a particularly restful afternoon nap. Either way,
Dec
12
Bilingual Storytime Cuentacuentos Bilingüe
Share stories, songs, and much more while building early literacy skills with fun for the whole family. We will have a craft time after!.This event is free and open to
Dec
12
Hello, Baby!
Grow your baby’s vocabulary, listening and motor skills with stories and songs. This storytime is designed for infants and lap babies. If your child is walking, check out our Toddler
Dec
12
Meeting Street Artisan Market
There are new options for afternoon shopping on Saturdays in West Columbia. The Meeting Street Artisan Market has new hours, 11 AM – 3 PM, beginning this Saturday, August 6,
Dec
12
Wild Lights at Riverbanks Zoo
Select Nights November 15 – January 12 | 5:00 – 9:00PM Come experience the magic of Wild Lights at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden! Stroll through the Zoo and discover over 60 larger-than-life handcrafted
Dec
12
Santa Claus At Top Dawg Tavern
You better watch out, you better not cry, you better not pout, I’m telling you why…Santa Claus is coming, to town! Yes, you read that right, Santa, the big guy himself,
Dec
12
Holiday Lights on the River
Holiday Lights will be open nightly November 27-December 31, 2024, from 6-10 p.m. Experience the Magic of Holiday Lights at Saluda Shoals Park! As the holiday season approaches, Saluda Shoals
Dec
13
Family Storytime
Share stories, songs, and much more while building early literacy skills with fun for the whole family. Audience(s): Families, Young children (0-5 years), Babies (0-18 months), Toddlers (19 months-2 years), Preschoolers (3-...
Dec
13
Taylor Swift Night at Newberry Opera House
Date: December 13 Time: 3:00 pm Newberry Opera House 1201 McKibben Street Newberry, SC 29108 United States Event Details Celebrate the music of Taylor Swift at the Newberry Opera House!
Dec
13
Wild Lights at Riverbanks Zoo
Select Nights November 15 – January 12 | 5:00 – 9:00PM Come experience the magic of Wild Lights at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden! Stroll through the Zoo and discover over 60 larger-than-life handcrafted
Dec
13
Greater CWC Parade Day and Holiday Parade of Lights
Parade Day will kick off on Friday, December 13th with a FREE double feature movie night at the Brookland-Cayce High School Stadium. Gates open at 5 pm with movies beginning
Dec
13
Holiday Lights on the River
Holiday Lights will be open nightly November 27-December 31, 2024, from 6-10 p.m. Experience the Magic of Holiday Lights at Saluda Shoals Park! As the holiday season approaches, Saluda Shoals
Dec
13
Sensory-Friendly Fridays for families
Experience the Children’s Room and Teen Center with a low sensory environment for children, teens and their families. Cuddle up and get cozy as we travel back in time for
Dec
14
Light Up NOMA & Cookie Crawl
About Light Up NOMA and Cookie Crawl Presented by Peak Drift Brewing Company:Light Up NOMA is an annual event that celebrates the rich tradition of the holidays and diverse businesses
Dec
14
Soda City Market
Soda City Market is Columbia’s weekly Main Street event inspired by traditional European street markets. In partnership with Founders Federal Credit Union, we’re open every Saturday morning 9 a.m. –1 p.m.,
Dec
14
Family Storytime
Share stories, songs, and much more while building early literacy skills with fun for the whole family
Dec
14
Meeting Street Artisan Market
There are new options for afternoon shopping on Saturdays in West Columbia. The Meeting Street Artisan Market has new hours, 11 AM – 3 PM, beginning this Saturday, August 6,
Dec
14
Family Storytime and Craft
Join us every Saturday! Share stories, songs, a fun craft, and much more while building early literacy skills with fun for the whole family.
Dec
14
Santa Saturdays
It’s time to enjoy fun with family and friends during Santa Saturdays at the South Carolina State Museum this holiday season! Enjoy a meet-and-greet with Santa Claus See the immersive
Dec
14
Greater CWC Parade Day and Holiday Parade of Lights
Parade Day will kick off on Friday, December 13th with a FREE double feature movie night at the Brookland-Cayce High School Stadium. Gates open at 5 pm with movies beginning
Dec
14
Holiday Market
Join us for our 3rd annual holiday market! Santa, hayrides, inflatables, sweets & food trucks, horse encounters, feed the animals, vendors, and more!
Dec
14
Bierkeller’s Annual Weihnachtsmarkt Christmas Market
Now in its 2nd year, Bierkeller’s Annual Weihnachtsmarkt Christmas Market will be open every advent weekend, from the end of November until the weekend before Christmas. Come experience the unique
Dec
14
Wild Lights at Riverbanks Zoo
Select Nights November 15 – January 12 | 5:00 – 9:00PM Come experience the magic of Wild Lights at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden! Stroll through the Zoo and discover over 60 larger-than-life handcrafted
Dec
14
Holiday Lights on the River
Holiday Lights will be open nightly November 27-December 31, 2024, from 6-10 p.m. Experience the Magic of Holiday Lights at Saluda Shoals Park! As the holiday season approaches, Saluda Shoals
