Holiday lights, markets, concerts, parades and other festivities may run the show for most of December, but you’ll still find a few non-yuletide community events peppered in between from now until the ball drops at midnight. Here’s how you can make the most of what’s left of 2024 in the Heart of SC.
NEON Joy at Five Points Fountain | Dec. 3
It’s not in Five Points’ nature to do anything inside the box. In lieu of a typical tree lighting, the district is instead delivering a holiday laser light show presented by local shop, A Little Happy. Carols, cocoa, and a visit from the Clauses round out this seasonal experience that’s anything but cookie-cutter.
Christmas in Cayce at varying locations | Dec. 5 – 7
It shall be a joyous Noel throughout the Cayce community with a festive trifecta of events to include the Cayce Tree Lighting and canned food drive at Cayce City Hall, hot chocolate and harmonizing at Carols Along the Riverwalk and an exploration through the years at Christmas Traditions: Olde & New at the Cayce Historical Museum.
Junior League of Columbia Holiday Market at South Carolina State Fairgrounds | Dec. 5 – 8
So much more than a four-day shopping frenzy (though trust us when we say the shopping does stand well enough on its own!), the weekend also sees special events like the popular Ladies Night Out, a glittering Holiday Ball and Sundaes with Santa featuring sweet treats for the whole family.
Weihnachtsmarkt at Bierkeller | Dec. 7 – 8, Dec. 14 – 15, Dec. 21 – 22
With three of the four weekends of this traditional European-style Christmas market still remaining, there’s ample opportunity to tackle your shopping list or simply kick back with a brew or a gluhwein in the merry atmosphere.
71st Carolina Carillon Parade | Dec. 7
It’s just not the holiday season in Columbia yet until this grand tradition jingles its way through the streets of downtown. With about 125 participants in this year’s event, the holly jolly vibes are unparalleled.
Snowball Festival Carnival & Movie at Icehouse Amphitheater | Dec. 7
Though the forecast is calling for clear skies and sunshine, you can expect flurries of fun for the Town of Lexington’s annual Snowball Festival. Kicking off the marathon of merriment is the Snowball Christmas Craft Fair from Thursday – Friday and Christmas Carolighting Ceremony and screening of The Muppet Christmas Carol Friday evening, Saturday is all about the Snowball Festival Carnival & Movie (The Polar Express) before the Christmas Parade grand finale on Sunday.
WECO Biergarten 5th Anniversary at WECO Bottle & Biergarten | Dec. 7
This West Columbia watering hole is doing it up big as they hit the five-year mark. Featuring food trucks, live music and a special beer brewed in collaboration with Columbia Craft for the occasion, come raise a glass in celebration. Make a day of it and pop over to Steel Hands Brewing’s sixth anniversary party too while you’re at it.
Historic Melrose Art in the Yard at Melrose Heights | Dec. 8
Admire the architecture of the beautiful historic homes in Columbia’s Melrose Heights neighborhood as you meander through artisanal vendor stations showcasing everything from pottery, stained glass and woodworking to accessories, home décor and leather goods. We bet you don’t leave empty-handed.
Greater CWC Parade Day and Holiday Parade of Lights at varying locations | Dec. 13 – 14
Stretching across two days this year, first enjoy a Friday night movie double feature of Dr. Suess’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas and The Nightmare Before Christmas. Saturday is a parade sandwich with the South Congaree Christmas Parade in the morning and the Holiday Parade of Lights at night, with The Greater Cayce-West Columbia Chamber offices transforming into the North Pole and a Holiday Business Shuttle shepherding you through the districts all day long to fill the time in between.
Light Up NOMA & Cookie Crawl at North Main St. | Dec. 14
Now in its fifth year, the NOMA District really said hold my eggnog and is kicking it up a notch to a jam-packed program to last the whole day through. Get an early start and have Breakfast with Santa Claus before staking out a spot to watch the 1-mile Light Up NOMA Parade, perusing the wares at the Holiday Market, casting your vote in the Neighborhood Holiday Showcase, filling your tin (and your heart) along the NOMA Cookie Crawl and finishing it all off with the annual NOMA tree lighting. I don’t know about you, but I think NOMA need a nap after all that!
Holiday Market at Azalea Coffee Bar | Dec. 15
There’s no such thing as shopping fatigue when there’s fantastic local coffee conveniently on hand to fuel you. And you’re going to need it, because this is set to be their largest market yet. Snag you last-minute odds and ends by way of homemade jams and candles, books, baked goods, jewelry and so much more.
Cookies and Cocktails at The Hollow | Dec. 18
Santa can keep the milk – we’ll be making spirits bright over at The Hollow, where Executive Chef Dante Serra’s mother has baked five different cookies primed for pairing (and dunking!) with corresponding cocktails.
SC Philharmonic: Home for the Holidays at Koger Center for the Arts | Dec. 19
Sleigh bells ring, are you listening? If not, consider this your sign to scoop up some tickets to the SC Philharmonic’s annual holiday pops concert complete with singing, dancing and a special visit from Old St. Nick himself.
Live in the Lobby Jazz: Eve of the Eve at Koger Center for the Arts | Dec. 23
Before you get too wrapped up in the goings-on of Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, take a respite and enjoy the smooth sounds of The Mark Rapp Group performing classic holiday tunes with their signature swing.
