While the weather outside is still trying to figure itself out, the holiday season in the Midlands is warming up. From holiday parades to tree lightings, craft fairs and more – expect to find many opportunities to make memories with these holiday events.
Here’s a glimpse at some of the festive fun coming up in the weeks to come.
Christmas Lights in the Vista
Dates: Friday, Nov. 20, 2025
Location: Vista Community, Downtown Columbia
Details: This is the neighborhood’s signature open house which has ushered in the holidays in Columbia for 40 years. More than 60 galleries, shops, and restaurants open their doors to showcase their holiday treasures and delicious dishes. Make your plans and reservations now!
Fireflies Holiday Lights
Dates: Nov. 21, 2025 – Jan. 3, 2026
Time: Daily, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. | Excludes holidays and days the lights are closed.
Location: Segra Park, 1640 Freed Street, Columbia 29201
Cost: $10 per person in November and $12 per person in December and January. Children 2 years of age and younger are free, and do not require a ticket for entry. Military members will receive $2 off their ticket with valid ID. All tickets will increase $2 in price on the day of the event.
Details: 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 Fireflies Express presented by Thermal Technologies.
Wild Lights at Riverbanks Zoo
Dates: Nov. 21, 2025 – Jan. 11, 2026 (select days)
Time: 5-9 p.m.
Location: Riverbanks Zoo, 500 Wildlife Parkway, Columbia 29210
Cost: $15.99/$20.99 Children (ages 2-12 years), $20.99/$25.99 Adults, younger than 2 free. Members get a discounted rate. (Price varies based on date of attendance.)
Details: 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 illuminations around every turn. Plus, enjoy interactive activities, fun photo ops, and seasonal favorites including nightly snowfall and visits with Santa (through Dec. 23).
Governor’s Carolighting at the State House
Date: Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: SC State House, 1100 Gervais Street, Columbia 29201
Cost: Free
Details: The program will feature a mix of traditional carols, performances by local artists, and the lighting of South Carolina’s official Christmas tree.
Sleigh Bell Trot
Date: Monday, Nov. 24, 2025
Time: 7 p.m.-9 p.m.
Location: Saluda Shoals Park East, 6071 St. Andrews Road, Columbia 29212
Cost: Trot Early Bird by Nov. 3: $30 per person | Nov. 4-23: $35 per person | Nov. 24: $45 per person
Details: Lace up your running shoes and kick off the holiday season with the Sleigh Bell Trot — a magical four-mile timed race through the dazzling displays of Holiday Lights on the River at Saluda Shoals Park! Dash through a wonderland of over a million twinkling lights in this unique nighttime race that’s as festive as it is fun.
Sleigh Bell Stroll
Date: Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025
Time: 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Location: Saluda Shoals Park East, 6071 St. Andrews Road, Columbia 29212
Cost: $7/Per Person (age 3 and above), $2/Per Child (2 and under)
Details: Kick off the holiday season with a magical evening stroll through the shimmering displays of Holiday Lights on the River during the Sleigh Bell Stroll! This two-mile family fun walk is perfect for all ages — enjoy the lights, take photos, and make holiday memories together.
Ann Brodie’s The Nutcracker
Date: Nov. 25 – 30, 2025
Time: Nov. 25-26, 10 a.m. | Nov. 28, 7:30 p.m. | Nov. 30, 3 p.m.
Location: Township Auditorium, 1703 Taylor Street, Columbia 29201
Cost: $23.50, $18.50, $17.50
Details: Join Ann Brodie’s Carolina Ballet for the magical performance of “The Nutcracker.” Watch this glittering holiday classic come to life with spectacular talent and special guest artists. As the only Ballet Company in the Midlands with a full live orchestra and chorus, it is the perfect way to kick off your holiday season! Excitement for all ages. See the stars of tomorrow with the stars of today on The Township stage in this magnificent production!
Holiday Lights on the River at Saluda Shoals Park
Dates: Nov. 26 – Dec. 31, 2025
Time: 6 – 10 p.m.
Location: Saluda Shoals Park East, 6071 St. Andrews Road, Columbia 29212
Cost: Ticket prices vary based on the night, check their website for pricing information
Details: Experience the magic as Saluda Shoals Park comes alive in millions of sparkling lights. Journey through more than three miles of lights featuring colorful, animated light displays of all shapes and sizes! Create lasting family memories this year at Holiday Lights on the River.
Santa’s Swingin’ Christmas Party
Date: Nov. 29 and Dec. 6, 13, 15, 20, 2005
Time: 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. (Saturday, Nov. 29 and Dec. 6, 13, 20) | 10 a.m. (Monday, Dec. 15)
Location: Columbia Marionette Theatre, 401 Laurel Street, Columbia 29201
Cost: $15
Details: There are lots of changes at the North Pole this year. Santa has modernized! On his rocket powered sleigh, Santa races back home only to find that Madame Freezum and her minions want to take over the North Pole! Will his friends, Young Yeti, Lumpy, and Rudolph, be able to stop the Frozen Empire? Get ready for futuristic fun in a magical land far, far away…
Country Christmas Celebration
Date: Nov. 30, 2025
Time: 1 – 5 p.m.
Location: South Carolina State Farmers Market, 3483 Charleston Hwy West Columbia, SC 29172
Cost: Free
Details: The Country Christmas Celebration offers fun for the entire family. Bring your children out to enjoy a variety of Christmas crafts and activities- and don’t forget you can pick out the perfect Christmas tree!
Monday Morning Makers – Pop Up Holiday Cards
Date: Dec. 1, 2025
Time: 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Location: Richland Library Ballentine, 1200 Dutch Fork Road, Irmo 29063
Cost: Free
Details: 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 for those 6 or more years old. All ages and creative abilities welcome!
Make and Create: Cupcake Ornaments
Date: Dec. 2, 2025
Time: 3 – 4:30 p.m.
Location: Richland Library St Andrews, 2916 St Andrews Road, Columbia 20210
Cost: Free
Details: Using a plastic ornament and a cupcake liner, you can add a yummy touch to the Christmas tree!
Sweet Seasons in Forest Acres
Date: Dec. 2, 2025
Time: 5 – 8 p.m.
Location: Lowe’s Foods Shopping Center, 4711 Forest Drive, Columbia 29206
Cost: Free
Details: 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! Plus, free face painting, balloon animals, and hot chocolate! As always, dinner, drinks, and desserts will be on site for purchase thanks to an array of local vendors.
Holiday Planetarium Lighting
Dates: Dec. 4, 2025
Time: 4 – 7 p.m.
Location: SC State Museum, 301 Gervais Street, Columbia 29201
Cost: $5 gen. public | $4 members
Details: Kick off the holiday season with this special evening event at the State Museum! Be sure to stick around, as at the end of the evening we will be officially “lighting” the planetarium dome with a special holiday display courtesy of our friends at Ambient Media!
Christmas in Cayce – 46th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony
Dates: Dec. 4, 2025
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: Cayce City Hall Complex, 1800 12th Street, Cayce 29033
Cost: Free
Details: City Hall will be aglow with thousands of lights and Christmas displays. Santa and Mrs. Claus will make an appearance while local school choirs and bands perform Christmas carols. Hot chocolate and sweets are free for all during this magical Tree Lighting.
Christmas Olde and New – Cayce Historical Museum
Dates: Dec. 4, 2025
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: Cayce Historical Museum, 1800 12th St, Cayce, SC 29033
Cost: Free
Details: Visitors can take in the sights and sounds of Christmas during the Cayce Historical Museum’s annual Christmas Traditions Holiday Open House. Rooms of the museum will be decorated with Christmas trees and there will be live entertainment and light refreshments. Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus will be there and there will also be a historical lantern tour. This year, for the first time, the event will feature an outdoor Christmas market with local vendors selling gifts, food, and drinks.
2025 Snowball Festival
Dates: Dec. 4 – 7, 2025
Time: See image below
Location: Icehouse Amphitheatre, 107 W Main Street, Lexington 29072
Cost: Free
Details: It’s the most magical weekend of the year in Lexington! Join us for holiday fun – from the Snowball Craft Fair & Christmas Parade to tree lighting, movies, Santa pics, rides, and free hot cocoa + cookies!
Pajama Jam with Santa
Dates: Dec. 5, 2025
Time: 6 – 8 p.m.
Location: ABS Kids, 3740 Fernandina Road, Columbia 29210
Cost: Free
Details: We are excited to host you and your family at our free sensory-friendly Pajama Jam with Santa event on Friday, December 5, 2025, from 6-8 PM in Columbia, SC! An ABS Kids’ Psychologist will be on-site to answer any general questions about autism. We’ll have holiday themed crafts and games, and a chance to take a photo with Santa!
Columbia Classical Ballet presents The Nutcracker
Date: Dec. 5 – Dec. 7, 2025
Time: 7:30 p.m. (Fri-Sat) | 2 p.m. (Sat-Sun)
Location: Koger Center for the Arts, 501 Greene Street, Columbia 29201
Cost: Tickets range from $20 to $42.
Details: The Nutcracker Ballet is a worldwide Christmas favorite.
Annual Tree Lighting & Food Truck Festival
Dates: Dec. 5, 2025
Time: 5 – 8 p.m.
Location: Patriot’s Park, Fort Jackson, 9518 Marion Ave, Columbia 29207
Cost: Free
Details: Join us at our annual Holiday Tree Lighting event filled with themed experiences:
• Holiday Market
• Food Trucks
• Victorian Carolers
• Letters to Santa
• Live Music from the 282nd Band
• Live Ice Sculpting
• Visit from Santa and others
The Living Christmas Story
Dates: Dec. 5 – Dec. 7, 2025
Time: 6:30 – 9 p.m.
Location: Union United Methodist Church, 7852 Woodrow Street, Irmo 29063
Cost: Free
Details: Experience Irmo’s beloved drive-through nativity as Union UMC brings Bethlehem to life for the 32nd year! See real people, live animals, and beautiful scenes that tell the story of Jesus’ birth. A meaningful Christmas tradition for families across the Midlands.
Plink, Rattle, Toot! Words Meet Music: Holiday Jazz Quartet Edition
Dates: Dec. 6, 2025
Time: 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Location: Richland Library Main, 1431 Assembly Street, Columbia 29201
Cost: Free
Details: Bring the family for a special holiday jazz quartet edition of Plink, Rattle, Toot! Words Meet Music. Ms. Leslie from the Children’s Room and musicians from Cola Jazz bring together picture books and jazz music for an unforgettable performance especially for the holidays.
Crafternoon: A Holiday Craft Affair
Dates: Dec. 6, 2025
Time: 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Location: Richland Library Southeast, 7421 Garners Ferry Road, Columbia 29209
Cost: Free
Details: It’s a smorgasbord of holiday ideas. Design your homemade holiday gift, make and enjoy easy holiday treats. Button making, gift cards and more.
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
Date: Dec. 6, 2025
Time: 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.
Location: Harbison Theatre, 7300 College Street, Irmo 29063
Cost: $15
Details: The Herdmans are the worst kids in the history of the world – so when they crash Sunday school and demand parts in the Christmas pageant, the whole town panics. There’s not supposed to be biting or cigar-smoking in Bethlehem, and while these kids have never even heard the Christmas story, they definitely have rewrites! Soon, everyone is calling for reluctant director Grace Bradley to cancel the whole thing. It’s up to the Bradleys and the Reverend to help their community see the Christmas story and the Herdmans through new eyes in this buoyant musical adaptation of the funny and touching holiday classic.
Make and Create: Christmas Decorations
Dates: Dec. 6, 2025
Time: 3 – 4:30 p.m.
Location: Richland Library Eastover, 608 Main Street, Eastover 29044
Cost: Free
Details: Join us at the library for a festive Christmas Decor Making program! Participants will create handmade ornaments, and decorations, fostering creativity, holiday cheer, and community engagement in a fun, family-friendly, and inclusive environment.
2nd Annual Uptown Holiday Hop
Date: Dec. 6, 2025
Time: 4 – 8 p.m.
Location: Curiosity Coffee, 2325 Main Steet, Columbia 29201
Cost: Free to attend. Food, beverages and market are an additional expense.
Details: Kick off the holiday season with an evening of local cheer at the Uptown Columbia Holiday Hop! Stroll through our vibrant neighborhood and enjoy a festive mix of holiday markets, live music, wine tasting, food and drink specials, DJ sets, dance performances, cookie decorating, kokedama wrapping, and more!
2nd ‘Annual Christmas Extravaganza
Dates: Dec. 6 – 7, 2025
Time: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Location: Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center, 1035 Lincoln Street, Columbia 29201
Cost: $5 Entry Fee
Details: The perfect way to skip out on big box stores and choose to support SMALL on this holiday season at this two day show at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center!
- 100 + INDOOR VENDORS
- FREE PICTURES WITH SANTA
- PERMANENT JEWELRY
- DELICIOUS HOLIDAY COFFEE
Santa Train
Date: Dec. 6, 13, and 20, 2025
Time: 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 12 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m.
Location: 110 Industrial Park Road Winnsboro, SC 29180
Cost: $17 – $22 (children under age 3 are considered lap infants and do not need tickets unless they need their own seat)
Details: Come visit Santa on our annual holiday ride. Santa walks through the train and comes to you. No lines! The ride lasts about 90 minutes, or until Santa talks to EVERY child on the train. Pajamas are welcome & don’t forget your letters for Santa.
Blythewood Christmas Parade
Date: Dec. 7, 2025
Time: 2 p.m.
Location: Main Street, Blythewood Road, Boney Road, Blythewood 29016
Cost: Free
Details: The Parade will be rain or shine!
Swingin’ Holidays Presented by SC Jazz Masterworks Ensemble
Date: Dec. 7, 2025
Time: 3:30 p.m.
Location: Harbison Theatre, 7300 College Street, Irmo 29063
Cost: $25 – $50
Details: The SC Jazz Masterworks Ensemble will make your holidays bright with a collection of jazz for the holidays presented with some big band energy and swingin’ sleigh bells.
Crafternoon: Holiday Crafts
Date: Dec. 8, 2025
Time: 3 – 4 p.m.
Location: Richland Library Cooper, 5317 North Trenholm Road, Columbia 29206
Cost: Free
Details: Drop in and create a festive holiday craft! We provide the supplies; you provide the imagination.
Crafternoon: Perler Bead Ornaments
Date: Dec. 8, 2025
Time: 3:30 – 4:30 p.m.
Location: Richland Library Sandhills, 763 Fashion Drive, Columbia 29229
Cost: Free
Details: Join us as we create unique holiday ornaments using fun fuse beads.
Family Night Take Over: It’s Beginning to Look Like the Holidays
Date: Dec. 8, 2025
Time: 6 – 7 p.m.
Location: Richland Library Southeast, 7421 Garners Ferry Road, Columbia 29229
Cost: Free
Details: It’s a night of no computers, so bring the whole family and enjoy holiday carols, music, holiday cookies and milk, a hot chocolate bar and more.
Teen Makers: Cupcake Ornaments
Date: Dec. 8, 2025
Time: 6 – 7:30 p.m.
Location: Richland Library St Andrews, 2916 St Andrews Road, Columbia 20210
Cost: Free
Details: Using a plastic ornament and a cupcake liner, you can add a yummy touch to the Christmas tree!
Watch Freely: The Perfect Holiday
Date: Dec. 9, 2025
Time: 6 – 7:45 p.m.
Location: Richland Library Northeast, 7460 Parklane Road, Columbia 29223
Cost: Free
Details: Celebrate the joy of food, film, and living life to the fullest.
🎬 What to expect:
- A screening of The Perfect Holiday
- Hot chocolate and holiday cookies
- Tips for making cozy, comforting holiday treats at home
- Discussion on mindful indulgence and seasonal meal inspiration
Christmas Ball | Daddy Daughter Dance
Date: Dec. 12, 2025
Time: 6:30 – 8 p.m.
Location: Gateway Kids, 1651 Dutch Fork Road, Irmo 29063
Cost: $5
Details: It’s the most delightful night of the year! Daddies and daughters, come spread the cheer! Dress up bright, come laugh and play, at Gateway’s Christmas Ball — hooray! Hors d’oeuvres, dancing, and memories that twinkle like Christmas lights!
3rd Annual Sleigh Cancer with Santa
Date: Dec. 12, 2025
Time: 6:30 – 11 p.m.
Location: Steel Hands Brewing, 2350 Foreman Street, Cayce 29033
Cost: Free. Drink and food for purchase.
Details: Join us for a festive night of fun, music, and holiday cheer—the 3rd annual Sleigh Cancer with Santa is back at Steel Hands Brewing! Watch live performances by great local bands, enjoy the delicious food and drinks at Steel Hands, and have your yearly photo taken with Santa himself! Santa will be available for photos from 7 – 9. Whether you’re here for the music, the drinks, or the chance to tell Santa what’s on your wishlist this year, come hang out and support a great cause!
The Two Claras
Date: Dec. 12 – 13, 2025
Time: 7 p.m. (Dec. 12) | 11 a.m. (Dec. 13) | 4 p.m. (Dec. 13)
Location: Harbison Theatre, 7300 College Street, Irmo 29063
Cost: $25
Details: CCJ has been delighting audiences for over 15 years with our modern rewrite of the Nutcracker Story! Come see this heartwarming Holiday tale about two friends named Clara and the Christmas adventures they share through the years. Appropriate for your entire family!
Cayce Parade Day and Holiday Festival of Lights
Date: Dec. 13, 2025
Time: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Cost: Free
Location: 1006 12th Street, Cayce 29033
Details: See below
Santa Claus is Coming to Sweet Izzy’s
Date: Dec. 13, 2025
Time: 1 – 4 p.m.
Location: Sweet Izzy’s, 504 Lexington Ave, Suite B, Chapin 29036
Cost: Free. Food and drink for purchase.
Details: Enjoy stories and photos with Santa. Sip on cozy hot chocolate. Be part of the first North Pole letter pick-up from our magical “Letters to Santa” mailbox. Explore our festive Sweet Izzy’s Candy Tree. And discover even more surprises in store!
Story Times:
1 – 1:15 p.m.
2 – 2:15 p.m.
3:45 – 4 p.m.
Winter Melodies
Dates: Dec. 13, 2025
Time: 3 – 4 p.m.
Location: Richland Library Blythewood, 218 McNulty Street, Blythewood 29016
Cost: Free
Details: Tis the Season! Join us for an afternoon filled with winter melodies and treats for the whole family. Trinity Howell, violist, will perform some winter holiday favorites while you enjoy hot chocolate!
Family Concert: Festive Music Galore & More!
Dates: Dec. 13, 2025
Time: 3 – 4:30 p.m.
Location: Richland Library Main, 1431 Assembly Street, Columbia 29201
Cost: Free
Details: Enjoy this “music-for-all-ages” concert. Delight in the music, stories, and holiday fun with Palmetto Chamber Orchestra’s Mosaic Wind Quintet, strings and special guests. Enjoy the season with Palmetto Chamber Orchestra’s Mosaic Wind Quintet, strings and special guests. Music, stories, and holiday fun await you in this family-friendly concert–a perfect addition to your winter holiday. Break out your holiday apparel and savor the sounds of the season.
Teen Makers: Holiday Craft and Movie
Dates: Dec. 13, 2025
Time: 3 – 5 p.m.
Location: Richland Library Sandhills, 763 Fashion Drive, 29229
Cost: Free
Details: Tis the season to be crafty! We are inviting teens to come and get cozy with a fun holiday vibe while making your own gingerbread house ornament to take home! We will also be viewing Rise of the Guardians and enjoying some refreshments
Holiday Parade of Lights
Dates: Dec. 13, 2025
Time: 5:30 p.m.
Location: All along 12th St, Cayce, SC 29033
Cost: Free
Details: This annual event is one of the most anticipated holiday parades in the Midlands! This beloved night-time parade is hosted by the Greater Cayce West Columbia Chamber of Commerce.
Columbia City Ballet Nutcracker
Date: Dec. 13 – 14, Dec. 20 – 21, 2025
Time: 3 p.m. (Saturday & Sunday), 7:30 (Saturday)
Location: Koger Center for the Arts, 501 Greene Street, Columbia 29201
Cost: Tickets range from $42 to $74.
Details: 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.
Teen Makers: Scented Candles
Date: Dec. 18, 2025
Time: 3 – 5 p.m.
Cost: Free
Location: Richland Library Main, 1431 Assembly Street, Columbia 29201
Details: Light up the winter night with a handcrafted scented candle. Perfect for a holiday gift or to keep as decor!
Dinner with Santa
Date: Dec. 19, 2025
Time: 5 – 7 p.m.
Cost: Free. Food for purchase.
Location: J’s Corner, 1015 Rosewood Drive, Columbia 29201
Details: Bring the kids and kids at heart for dinner and photos with Santa.
The Christmas Angel
Date: Dec. 19 – 20, 2025
Time: 11:30 a.m. (Dec. 19) | 7 p.m. (Dec. 19 – 20)
Location: Harbison Theatre, 7300 College Street, Irmo 29063
Cost: $16 – $21
Details: Now celebrating its 25th year, “The Christmas Angel” (C), an original ballet, will take you and your family on a magical journey. With unforgettable characters, a heartfelt story, breathtaking scenery, exquisite costumes, and brilliant dancing, this production will captivate audiences of all ages. Experience the magic—and make “The Christmas Angel” your cherished holiday tradition.
Pajama Day
Date: Dec. 20, 2025
Time: 10:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Location: Richland Library Blythewood, 218 McNulty Street, Blythewood 29016
Cost: Free
Details: Wear your pajamas and drop into Blythewood for movies, crafts and more. We will be showing Polar Express, Frozen and other wintery movies throughout the day as well as having holiday themed crafts. This will be a fun day full of holiday cheer.
You’re missing Ann Brodie’s Carolina Ballet The Nutcracker at the Township Auditorium Nov 23, 25, and 27.
Thanks! We will get that added!