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 – ultimate guide to holiday events, 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
10
Columbia City Ballet Nutcracker
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.
Dec
10
FA LA LA LA LA in Five Points
Join us for an afternoon of Holiday cheer in the Five Points District! Horse Drawn Carriage Rides – Sidewalk Sales – Pictures with Santa – Hot Chocolate Bar – USC’s
Dec
10
Wild Lights at Riverbanks Zoo
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
Dec
10
Holiday Lights on the River
Repeats every day until Sun Dec 31 2023. Wednesday, November 22, 2023 – 6:00pm to 10:00pm The Midlands Largest Drive-Through Light Show! Experience the magic as Saluda Shoals Park comes alive in
Dec
10
Firefly Holiday Lights
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
Dec
10
Carolina Lights
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
Dec
11
Holiday Lights on the River
Repeats every day until Sun Dec 31 2023. Wednesday, November 22, 2023 – 6:00pm to 10:00pm The Midlands Largest Drive-Through Light Show! Experience the magic as Saluda Shoals Park comes alive in
Dec
11
Firefly Holiday Lights
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
Dec
12
Holiday Lights on the River
Repeats every day until Sun Dec 31 2023. Wednesday, November 22, 2023 – 6:00pm to 10:00pm The Midlands Largest Drive-Through Light Show! Experience the magic as Saluda Shoals Park comes alive in
Dec
12
Firefly Holiday Lights
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
Dec
12
Carolina Lights
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
Dec
12
Family Storytime: Experience Hanukkah!
Celebrate the sixth night of Hanukkah with stories, songs, treats, and crafts!
Dec
13
Holiday Market
Join us at the Holiday Market at Richland Library. We’re excited to bring you bakers, artists and creators all in one place! Let’s shop for the Holiday Season. Come shop
Dec
13
Wild Lights at Riverbanks Zoo
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
Dec
13
Holiday Lights on the River
Repeats every day until Sun Dec 31 2023. Wednesday, November 22, 2023 – 6:00pm to 10:00pm The Midlands Largest Drive-Through Light Show! Experience the magic as Saluda Shoals Park comes alive in
Dec
13
Firefly Holiday Lights
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
Dec
13
Carolina Lights
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
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
Wild Lights at Riverbanks Zoo
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
Dec
14
Holiday Lights on the River
Repeats every day until Sun Dec 31 2023. Wednesday, November 22, 2023 – 6:00pm to 10:00pm The Midlands Largest Drive-Through Light Show! Experience the magic as Saluda Shoals Park comes alive in
Dec
14
Firefly Holiday Lights
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
Dec
14
Carolina Lights
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
Dec
15
Fun Friday’s at Empire Gymnastics
Playgroups and moms come enjoy our fabulously fun hour of nonstop fun activity for your child! In this hour of (parent) supervised open play, your child can enjoy and explore.
Dec
15
Play Freely: Fun Friday at Wheatley
Come have some fun with us at Richland Library Wheatley. We all need a little fun in our lives, so drop by anytime between 11 – 4 for games, bubbles,
Dec
15
Candy Cane Hunt
Join us for a one-of-a-kind candy cane adventure! Santa and his elves will be hiding candy canes at Crooked Creek Park for kids to find along with some prize candy
Dec
15
Wild Lights at Riverbanks Zoo
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
Dec
15
Holiday Lights on the River
Repeats every day until Sun Dec 31 2023. Wednesday, November 22, 2023 – 6:00pm to 10:00pm The Midlands Largest Drive-Through Light Show! Experience the magic as Saluda Shoals Park comes alive in
Dec
15
Firefly Holiday Lights
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
Dec
15
Carolina Lights
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
Dec
16
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
16
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
16
Santa’s Swingin’ Christmas Party
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
Dec
16
Santa Train
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
Dec
16
Santa’s Swingin’ Christmas Party
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
Dec
16
Columbia City Ballet Nutcracker
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.
Dec
16
Wild Lights at Riverbanks Zoo
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
Dec
16
Holiday Lights on the River
Repeats every day until Sun Dec 31 2023. Wednesday, November 22, 2023 – 6:00pm to 10:00pm The Midlands Largest Drive-Through Light Show! Experience the magic as Saluda Shoals Park comes alive in
Dec
16
Firefly Holiday Lights
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
Dec
16
Carolina Lights
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
Dec
16
Columbia City Ballet Nutcracker
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.
Dec
17
Columbia City Ballet Nutcracker
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.
Dec
17
Wild Lights at Riverbanks Zoo
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
Dec
17
Holiday Lights on the River
Repeats every day until Sun Dec 31 2023. Wednesday, November 22, 2023 – 6:00pm to 10:00pm The Midlands Largest Drive-Through Light Show! Experience the magic as Saluda Shoals Park comes alive in
Dec
17
Firefly Holiday Lights
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
Dec
17
Carolina Lights
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
Dec
18
Santa’s Swingin’ Christmas Party
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
Dec
18
Wild Lights at Riverbanks Zoo
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
Dec
18
Holiday Lights on the River
Repeats every day until Sun Dec 31 2023. Wednesday, November 22, 2023 – 6:00pm to 10:00pm The Midlands Largest Drive-Through Light Show! Experience the magic as Saluda Shoals Park comes alive in
Dec
18
Firefly Holiday Lights
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
Dec
19
Wild Lights at Riverbanks Zoo
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
Dec
19
Holiday Lights on the River
Repeats every day until Sun Dec 31 2023. Wednesday, November 22, 2023 – 6:00pm to 10:00pm The Midlands Largest Drive-Through Light Show! Experience the magic as Saluda Shoals Park comes alive in
Dec
19
Firefly Holiday Lights
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
Dec
19
Carolina Lights
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
Dec
20
Holiday Market
Join us at the Holiday Market at Richland Library. We’re excited to bring you bakers, artists and creators all in one place! Let’s shop for the Holiday Season. Come shop
Dec
20
Wild Lights at Riverbanks Zoo
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
Dec
20
Holiday Lights on the River
Repeats every day until Sun Dec 31 2023. Wednesday, November 22, 2023 – 6:00pm to 10:00pm The Midlands Largest Drive-Through Light Show! Experience the magic as Saluda Shoals Park comes alive in
Dec
20
Firefly Holiday Lights
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
Dec
20
Carolina Lights
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
Dec
21
Wild Lights at Riverbanks Zoo
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
Dec
21
Holiday Lights on the River
Repeats every day until Sun Dec 31 2023. Wednesday, November 22, 2023 – 6:00pm to 10:00pm The Midlands Largest Drive-Through Light Show! Experience the magic as Saluda Shoals Park comes alive in
Dec
21
Firefly Holiday Lights
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
Dec
21
Carolina Lights
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
Dec
22
Wild Lights at Riverbanks Zoo
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
Dec
22
Holiday Lights on the River
Repeats every day until Sun Dec 31 2023. Wednesday, November 22, 2023 – 6:00pm to 10:00pm The Midlands Largest Drive-Through Light Show! Experience the magic as Saluda Shoals Park comes alive in
Dec
22
Firefly Holiday Lights
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
Dec
22
Carolina Lights
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
Dec
23
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
23
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
23
Santa’s Swingin’ Christmas Party
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
Dec
23
Santa’s Swingin’ Christmas Party
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
Dec
23
Wild Lights at Riverbanks Zoo
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
Dec
23
Holiday Lights on the River
Repeats every day until Sun Dec 31 2023. Wednesday, November 22, 2023 – 6:00pm to 10:00pm The Midlands Largest Drive-Through Light Show! Experience the magic as Saluda Shoals Park comes alive in
Dec
23
Firefly Holiday Lights
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
Dec
23
Carolina Lights
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
Dec
24
Holiday Lights on the River
Repeats every day until Sun Dec 31 2023. Wednesday, November 22, 2023 – 6:00pm to 10:00pm The Midlands Largest Drive-Through Light Show! Experience the magic as Saluda Shoals Park comes alive in
Dec
24
Firefly Holiday Lights
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
Dec
24
Carolina Lights
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
Dec
25
Holiday Lights on the River
Repeats every day until Sun Dec 31 2023. Wednesday, November 22, 2023 – 6:00pm to 10:00pm The Midlands Largest Drive-Through Light Show! Experience the magic as Saluda Shoals Park comes alive in
Dec
26
Wild Lights at Riverbanks Zoo
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
Dec
26
Holiday Lights on the River
Repeats every day until Sun Dec 31 2023. Wednesday, November 22, 2023 – 6:00pm to 10:00pm The Midlands Largest Drive-Through Light Show! Experience the magic as Saluda Shoals Park comes alive in
Dec
26
Firefly Holiday Lights
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
Dec
27
Wild Lights at Riverbanks Zoo
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
Dec
27
Holiday Lights on the River
Repeats every day until Sun Dec 31 2023. Wednesday, November 22, 2023 – 6:00pm to 10:00pm The Midlands Largest Drive-Through Light Show! Experience the magic as Saluda Shoals Park comes alive in
Dec
27
Firefly Holiday Lights
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
Dec
28
Wild Lights at Riverbanks Zoo
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
Dec
28
Holiday Lights on the River
Repeats every day until Sun Dec 31 2023. Wednesday, November 22, 2023 – 6:00pm to 10:00pm The Midlands Largest Drive-Through Light Show! Experience the magic as Saluda Shoals Park comes alive in
Dec
28
Firefly Holiday Lights
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
Dec
29
Family Storytime
Share stories, songs, and much more while building early literacy skills with fun for the whole family.
Dec
29
Wild Lights at Riverbanks Zoo
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
Dec
29
Holiday Lights on the River
Repeats every day until Sun Dec 31 2023. Wednesday, November 22, 2023 – 6:00pm to 10:00pm The Midlands Largest Drive-Through Light Show! Experience the magic as Saluda Shoals Park comes alive in
Dec
29
Firefly Holiday Lights
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
Dec
29
Kids Night In – Frozen Night
$20/child It’s Frozen Night! Everyone will create their own Olaf canvas. Snack is provided.
Dec
30
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
30
Family Storytime
Share stories, songs, and much more while building early literacy skills with fun for the whole family.
Dec
30
Children’s Storytime
Children’s story time every Saturday morning, with different readers selecting books the community will enjoy.
Dec
30
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
30
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
30
Watch Freely: Happy Feet
Set in the strange and beautiful world of penguins, Happy Feet tells the story of Mumble, a tone-deaf Emperor Penguin who is unable to sing his ‘heart song’, the ritual required
Dec
30
Wild Lights at Riverbanks Zoo
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
Dec
30
Holiday Lights on the River
Repeats every day until Sun Dec 31 2023. Wednesday, November 22, 2023 – 6:00pm to 10:00pm The Midlands Largest Drive-Through Light Show! Experience the magic as Saluda Shoals Park comes alive in
