January in Columbia is full of fun – from outdoor play, 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 – 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.
Jan
2
Free Fridays at Riverbanks Zoo
Every Friday in January and February 2026, residents of Richland and Lexington counties can receive free daytime admission to Riverbanks Zoo and Garden by showing proof of residency (for example,
Jan
2
New Year’s Family Storytime
Ring in the new year with 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
Jan
2
Teen HangTime – Anime
This summer, hang out every Friday with other teens to create, play, and binge anime!
Jan
2
Wild Lights at Riverbanks Zoo
Stroll through the Zoo and discover over 60 larger-than-life handcrafted wildlife lantern displays inspired by nature. This interactive event showcases stunning illuminations sure to dazzle guests of all ages. Enjoy
Jan
2
Fireflies Holiday Lights
Fireflies Holiday Lights presented by Lexington Medical Center will continue to Make Spirits Brighter during the 2025 holiday season with even more lights, more activities and the return of the
Jan
3
Soda City Market
Welcome to Columbia’s original town square. Soda City Market is a producer-only market — vendors must make or grow their own products (including flowers and out of season/exotic fruits and
Jan
3
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)
Jan
3
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,
Jan
3
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz
Join Dorothy on her adventures through Oz. Meet the Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion on their way to visit the Wizard. But Look out for the Wicked Witch, she
Jan
3
Wild Lights at Riverbanks Zoo
Stroll through the Zoo and discover over 60 larger-than-life handcrafted wildlife lantern displays inspired by nature. This interactive event showcases stunning illuminations sure to dazzle guests of all ages. Enjoy
Jan
3
Fireflies Holiday Lights
Fireflies Holiday Lights presented by Lexington Medical Center will continue to Make Spirits Brighter during the 2025 holiday season with even more lights, more activities and the return of the
Jan
4
Wild Lights at Riverbanks Zoo
Stroll through the Zoo and discover over 60 larger-than-life handcrafted wildlife lantern displays inspired by nature. This interactive event showcases stunning illuminations sure to dazzle guests of all ages. Enjoy
Jan
5
Monday Morning Makers – Letter Jewelry
Feed that drive to create and rediscover your sense of wonder and excitement in the Ballentine Library Makerspace. Discover something new with our projects of the week, which are appropriate
Jan
5
Make & Create: New Year’s Resolution Bingo Card
Kick off the new year with a fun and creative activity! Join us to design your very own New Year’s Resolution Bingo card filled with goals and intentions that inspire
Jan
5
Wild Lights at Riverbanks Zoo
Stroll through the Zoo and discover over 60 larger-than-life handcrafted wildlife lantern displays inspired by nature. This interactive event showcases stunning illuminations sure to dazzle guests of all ages. Enjoy
Jan
5
Teen Makers: Diamond Painting
Teens will be able to pick out and create their very own diamond painting. Audience(s): Teens (12-18 years)
Jan
5
Teen Anime and Manga Club
Side effects of attending include manga addiction, burning shonen heart, and blinding shojo sparkles. Audience(s): Teens (12-18 years)
Jan
6
Toddler Storytime
Help your toddler discover the alphabet, numbers and other concepts while building social skills and learning about our world. Audience(s): Families, Young children (0-5 years), Toddlers (19 months-2 years)
Jan
6
Teen Makers: Rosemary Mini Wreaths
Rosemary is for remembrance. The start of a new year is the perfect time to remember things that have passed and celebrate things that are yet to be! Audience(s): Teens
Jan
6
Wild Lights at Riverbanks Zoo
Stroll through the Zoo and discover over 60 larger-than-life handcrafted wildlife lantern displays inspired by nature. This interactive event showcases stunning illuminations sure to dazzle guests of all ages. Enjoy
Jan
7
Homeschool Huddle
Welcome homeschool families! Meet and connect with other homeschoolers and learn more about library resources to help your homeschooling journey
Jan
7
Teen Makers: 2026 Planners and Notebooks
Create a unique personalized 2026 planner or notebook with stickers and embellishments. Audience(s): Teens (12-18 years)
Jan
7
Wild Lights at Riverbanks Zoo
Stroll through the Zoo and discover over 60 larger-than-life handcrafted wildlife lantern displays inspired by nature. This interactive event showcases stunning illuminations sure to dazzle guests of all ages. Enjoy
Jan
8
Hello, Baby!
Grow your baby’s vocabulary, listening and motor skills with stories and songs. Audience(s): Babies (0-18 months)
Jan
8
Wild Lights at Riverbanks Zoo
Stroll through the Zoo and discover over 60 larger-than-life handcrafted wildlife lantern displays inspired by nature. This interactive event showcases stunning illuminations sure to dazzle guests of all ages. Enjoy
Jan
9
Free Fridays at Riverbanks Zoo
Every Friday in January and February 2026, residents of Richland and Lexington counties can receive free daytime admission to Riverbanks Zoo and Garden by showing proof of residency (for example,
Jan
9
Teen HangTime – Anime
This summer, hang out every Friday with other teens to create, play, and binge anime!
Jan
9
Wild Lights at Riverbanks Zoo
Stroll through the Zoo and discover over 60 larger-than-life handcrafted wildlife lantern displays inspired by nature. This interactive event showcases stunning illuminations sure to dazzle guests of all ages. Enjoy
Jan
9
Matilda Jr.
Rebellion is nigh in Matilda JR., a witty, high-energy musical celebrating childhood imagination and courage. Brilliant and bold Matilda faces cruel parents and the fearsome Miss Trunchbull, inspiring her fellow students—and
Jan
10
Soda City Market
Welcome to Columbia’s original town square. Soda City Market is a producer-only market — vendors must make or grow their own products (including flowers and out of season/exotic fruits and
Jan
10
Accessibility Morning – The Pigeon from “The Pigeon Has to Go to School”
These mornings are for individuals, families, and groups who would enjoy a more disability-adapted museum experience. Along with a calmer, more sensory-friendly setting, this program includes ASL interpretation and other
Jan
10
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)
Jan
10
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,
Jan
10
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz
Join Dorothy on her adventures through Oz. Meet the Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion on their way to visit the Wizard. But Look out for the Wicked Witch, she
Jan
10
Matilda Jr.
Rebellion is nigh in Matilda JR., a witty, high-energy musical celebrating childhood imagination and courage. Brilliant and bold Matilda faces cruel parents and the fearsome Miss Trunchbull, inspiring her fellow students—and
Jan
10
Wild Lights at Riverbanks Zoo
Stroll through the Zoo and discover over 60 larger-than-life handcrafted wildlife lantern displays inspired by nature. This interactive event showcases stunning illuminations sure to dazzle guests of all ages. Enjoy
Jan
10
Matilda Jr.
Rebellion is nigh in Matilda JR., a witty, high-energy musical celebrating childhood imagination and courage. Brilliant and bold Matilda faces cruel parents and the fearsome Miss Trunchbull, inspiring her fellow students—and
Jan
11
Matilda Jr.
Rebellion is nigh in Matilda JR., a witty, high-energy musical celebrating childhood imagination and courage. Brilliant and bold Matilda faces cruel parents and the fearsome Miss Trunchbull, inspiring her fellow students—and
Jan
11
Wild Lights at Riverbanks Zoo
Stroll through the Zoo and discover over 60 larger-than-life handcrafted wildlife lantern displays inspired by nature. This interactive event showcases stunning illuminations sure to dazzle guests of all ages. Enjoy
Jan
12
Monday Morning Makers – Make Your Own Crayons
Feed that drive to create and rediscover your sense of wonder and excitement in the Ballentine Library Makerspace. Audience(s): Adults, Families, School age children (6-12 years), Teens (12-18 years)
Jan
12
Money Smarts For Teens: Handling Your Money Wisely
Meet Anna Jones, Certified Financial Advisor with Thrivent, to learn more about money moves that will help you in young adulthood. With an expertise in youth outreach, Anna goes beyond
Jan
13
Toddler Storytime
Help your toddler discover the alphabet, numbers and other concepts while building social skills and learning about our world. Audience(s): Families, Young children (0-5 years), Toddlers (19 months-2 years)
Jan
13
Hands on Art: Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Simple art for the very young. Dress for a mess! Audience(s): Young children (0-5 years), Babies (0-18 months), Toddlers (19 months-2 years), Preschoolers (3-5), School age children (6-12 years), 6-8
Jan
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), Toddlers (19 months-2 years), Preschoolers (3-5)
Jan
13
Brain Teasers, Muscle Builders
Crawl, tumble, sing, solve puzzles and hear stories while improving social and cognitive skills and stimulating and strengthening your child’s development. Audience(s): Babies (0-18 months), Toddlers (19 months-2 years), Preschoolers
Jan
13
Hands on Art: Snow
Join us as we read snowy stories and create multimedia, process based art. Audience(s): Toddlers (19 months-2 years), Preschoolers (3-5)
Jan
13
Kids Ariel Yoga
Let your little ones take flight in Kids Aerial Yoga—a fun, imaginative, and safe class designed just for children! Using soft silk hammocks, kids will explore playful poses, gentle stretches,
Jan
14
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),
Jan
14
Hello, Baby!
Grow your baby’s vocabulary, listening and motor skills with stories and songs. Audience(s): Babies (0-18 months), Toddlers (19 months-2 years)
Jan
14
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)
Jan
14
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)
Jan
14
Dungeons & Dragons for Teens
In this role-playing adventure, fortune and fame are up to a roll of the dice. Improvisation, storytelling, and tactics all come into play for new and skilled players alike. Audience(s):
Jan
14
MidMonth Walk
Join us for a quick walk just fresh air by the river. Conveniently located close to Carraway Park
Jan
14
Teen Makers: Camp Crochet
Join us for teen crochet! All materials are provided and all ability levels are welcome. Audience(s): Teens (12-18 years)
Jan
14
Build-a-thon: Lego
Get hands-on by building towers, robots, creatures and more. Who can build it tallest? Who can build it strongest? Build freely and find out! Audience(s): School age children (6-12 years)
Jan
15
Hello, Baby!
Grow your baby’s vocabulary, listening and motor skills with stories and songs. Audience(s): Babies (0-18 months)
Jan
15
Bilingual Storytime Cuentacuentos Bilingüe
¡Me encanta leer contigo! I love to read with you! Audience(s): Parents, Families, Young children (0-5 years), Babies (0-18 months), Toddlers (19 months-2 years), Preschoolers (3-5), School age children (6-12
Jan
15
A Sensory Friendly Storytime
Join us for this special storytime that stimulates the senses. Audience(s): Parents, Families, Young children (0-5 years), Babies (0-18 months), Toddlers (19 months-2 years), Preschoolers (3-5)
Jan
15
Brain Teasers, Muscle Builders
Crawl, tumble, sing, solve puzzles and hear stories while improving social and cognitive skills and stimulating and strengthening your child’s development. Audience(s): Young children (0-5 years), Babies (0-18 months), Toddlers
Jan
15
Read to a Therapy Dog
Practice reading with a furry friend. Audience(s): School age children (6-12 years), 6-8 years, 9-12 years
Jan
15
Dungeons & Dragons for Teens
In this role-playing adventure, fortune and fame are up to a roll of the dice. Improvisation, storytelling, and tactics all come into play for new and skilled players alike. Audience(s):
Jan
15
Teen Anime and Manga Club
Come to St. Andrews and enjoy fun arts, crafts, discussions and everything in between about Anime and Manga. Embrace your inner Otaku! Audience(s): Teens (12-18 years)
Jan
16
Free Fridays at Riverbanks Zoo
Every Friday in January and February 2026, residents of Richland and Lexington counties can receive free daytime admission to Riverbanks Zoo and Garden by showing proof of residency (for example,
Jan
16
Hello, Baby!
Grow your baby’s vocabulary, listening and motor skills with stories and songs. This storytime is designed for infants and lap babies.
Jan
16
Teen HangTime – Anime
This summer, hang out every Friday with other teens to create, play, and binge anime!
Jan
16
Fun Friday
Join us for a festive Fun Friday! Grades 4-6th $10/person w/ two slices pizza, chips, water 7:00-9:00pm Children will have the opportunity to play basketball, Wii, and more!
Jan
17
Soda City Market
Welcome to Columbia’s original town square. Soda City Market is a producer-only market — vendors must make or grow their own products (including flowers and out of season/exotic fruits and
Jan
17
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)
Jan
17
Meet the Princesses
Come out to our FREE Community Event to meet the Characters! We will have lots of special sales & more! We can’t wait to see everyone. You may
Jan
17
Winter Sensory Bottles
We will be creating winter-themed sensory bottles using water, beads, glitter, and other fun additions. Sensory bottles provide visual and tactile stimulation, and are excellent fidget toys, as well as
Jan
17
Make and Create: Winter Artistry
Join us for a cozy morning of winter-themed crafting at the library. We’ll have everything you need to create colorful, seasonal masterpieces, just bring your creativity and get ready for
Jan
17
Stroller Tour: Radiant Babies
Take a tour of Keith Haring: Radiant Vision with infants in tow! Bring your little ones along for the ride on a stroller-friendly tour for caregivers with babies up to age two.
Jan
17
Sensory Friendly Saturdays
Join us for a morning designed just for you. There is exercise, brunch and crafts. Today is adaptive yoga, with seasoned instructor, Jessica Barnes Smith. Tour Southeast’s Multisensory Room. The Multisensory
Jan
17
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,
Jan
17
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz
Join Dorothy on her adventures through Oz. Meet the Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion on their way to visit the Wizard. But Look out for the Wicked Witch, she
Jan
19
Martin Luther King Jr Day – EdVenture
Join us Monday, January 19 from 10 AM-3PM for a day of engaging activities honoring Dr. King’s message of equality, kindness, and community. Families can enjoy hands-on activities led by
Jan
19
Big Air Lexington is Turning 2!
We’re celebrating another year of BIG AIR fun in Lexington—and you’re invited to an ALL-DAY party! Join us for an action-packed party featuring: $100 OFF Elite PLAYer Pass (one day only!) Birthday
Jan
19
Cave Mine BOGO
**CAVE MINE BOGO ALERT**In celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day and the kids being out of school, we will be having another special on our Simulated Cave Mine! Come
Jan
19
Martin Luther King Jr. Day at the CMA
n honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the CMA is open with free admission and special programming. Join the Friends of African American Art & Culture for A Storytelling Celebration: Continuing Dr.
Jan
19
FAAAC Presents A Storytelling Celebration: Continuing Dr. King’s Dream
Join the Friends of African American Art & Culture at the Columbia Museum of Art for their sixth annual celebration of story, legacy, and community. Held each year on Martin Luther King
Jan
19
Open Paint
Lexington School District 1 does not have school today! Need to get out of the house? Stop by the studio and create with us! noon to 5pm, last seating will
Jan
19
Kids Aerial Yoga
Let your little ones take flight in Kids Aerial Yoga—a fun, imaginative, and safe class designed just for children! Using soft silk hammocks, kids will explore playful poses, gentle stretches,
Jan
20
Toddler Storytime
Help your toddler discover the alphabet, numbers and other concepts while building social skills and learning about our world. Audience(s): Families, Young children (0-5 years), Toddlers (19 months-2 years)
Jan
20
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), Toddlers (19 months-2 years), Preschoolers (3-5)
Jan
20
Crafternoon: Snowflakes
Children will create a special decorated snowflake to celebrate the season. Audience(s): School age children (6-12 years), 6-8 years, 9-12 years
Jan
20
Build-A-Thon: LEGO
Get hands-on by building LEGO towers, robots, creatures and more at the library. Audience(s): Families, School age children (6-12 years), Teens (12-18 years)
Jan
20
B-I-N-G-O
Join us for a fun family night out! Dinner, bingo, prizes, and who knows…maybe some cows! Can’t wait to see you then!
Jan
21
Puppetpalooza
See your favorite shows performed by our puppets. Audience(s): Families, Young children (0-5 years), Babies (0-18 months), Toddlers (19 months-2 years), Preschoolers (3-5)
Jan
21
Gladys’ Gang Preschool Edition: Hop, Skip, and Jump
Keith Haring’s artwork is full of figures who crawl, leap, and dance. Join us as we explore movement with our own bodies and then in the energetic art of featured
Jan
21
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),
Jan
21
Hello, Baby!
Grow your baby’s vocabulary, listening and motor skills with stories and songs. Audience(s): Babies (0-18 months), Toddlers (19 months-2 years)
Jan
21
STEAM Studio: Ice Science
Join us for inventing, building, and creating, using Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math! Audience(s): School age children (6-12 years), 6-8 years, 9-12 years
Jan
22
Hello, Baby!
Grow your baby’s vocabulary, listening and motor skills with stories and songs. Audience(s): Babies (0-18 months)
Jan
22
Bilingual Storytime Cuentacuentos Bilingüe
¡Me encanta leer contigo! I love to read with you! Audience(s): Parents, Families, Young children (0-5 years), Babies (0-18 months), Toddlers (19 months-2 years), Preschoolers (3-5), School age children (6-12
Jan
22
Preliteracy Class for 4 and 5-year-olds
In this teacher-led class for 4- and 5-year-olds, children will explore early literacy skills through stories, hands-on activities, and imaginative play. Designed to foster independence, this class allows children to
Jan
22
Teen Makers: DIY Spa Kit
Embrace the spirit of self-care and rejuvenation in the New Year! Create a shower scrub and toner mist set with simple ingredients and directions. Audience(s): Teens (12-18 years)
Jan
23
Free Fridays at Riverbanks Zoo
Every Friday in January and February 2026, residents of Richland and Lexington counties can receive free daytime admission to Riverbanks Zoo and Garden by showing proof of residency (for example,
Jan
23
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),
Jan
23
Teen HangTime – Anime
This summer, hang out every Friday with other teens to create, play, and binge anime!
Jan
23
Bubbling Ceramics – Kidz Night
Bring your little ones over to Art Smart to learn a very fun glazing technique called bubbling! they will use this technique on a ceramic piece of their choice.
