It’s getting colder outside, but we’re feeling nothing but warmth as we reflect on a well-spent year in Columbia SC and look forward to finishing it off strong with new experiences and oodles of festive fun in store.
Heroes & Villains: The Art of the Disney Costume at South Carolina State Museum | Dec. 1 – Jan. 4
The extended run of this magical exhibit is ending in the new year, so add a little extra pixie dust to your holiday season and see the famous frocks that brought so many Disney characters to life on the big screen.
South Carolina Gingerbread Competition at AIA Columbia | Dec. 4 – 6
Either enter your own sugar-and-spice structure into the competition or simply marvel at the expertly decorated dwellings on display. Cast your vote and see who will become the crowned confectioner.
Snowball Festival 2025 at Icehouse Amphitheater | Dec. 4 – 7
The Town of Lexington’s annual four-day holiday extravaganza is back with a flurry of activities including a craft fair, tree lighting, carnival, outdoor festive film screenings and a parade to cap it all off.
Gather COLA Grand Opening at Gather COLA | Dec. 5 - 6
The year may be coming to a close, but the BullStreet District is celebrating the opening of its new outdoor food hall. Come visit with the vendors and see the spaces shaping this culinary destination that’s the first of its kind for Columbia.
Winter Wine at Holiday Lights on the River at Saluda Shoals Park | Dec. 5 – 7
Move over, seven swans a-swimming, because Saluda Shoals has seven wines for sampling during a special wine tasting weekend amidst their spectacular annual holiday lights display.
Weihnachtsmarkt at Bierkeller | Dec. 6 – 7, 13 – 14, 20 – 21
No need to cross an entire ocean this season. Instead, just head to Columbia’s riverfront, where three weekends of German brews, gluhwein and local vendors await to fulfill your European holiday market fantasy.
Chanukah Bazaar at Middleburg Plaza | Dec. 7
Support local Jewish artisans at this shopping event that’ll have you ready for the Festival of Lights’ eight nights of gifting.
6th Annual Light Up NOMA and Cookie Crawl at NOMA District | Dec. 13
That heavenly aroma in the air can only mean one thing – that NOMA merchants have been hard at work whipping up some tasty treats. Stop at each participating business, filling your bag with baked goods along the way, and if you’re feeling generous, maybe save a couple for Santa.
Jazz in the Park: Holiday Vibes at Finlay Park | Dec. 13
Stake out a spot on the Finlay Park lawn and let live jazz provide a spirited soundtrack as the sun sets and the stars come out. Make a weekend of it and kick it off on Friday with Screen on the Green, a special partnership with The Nick, for a viewing of The Polar Express.
Home for the Holidays at Koger Center for the Arts | Dec. 18
All your favorite classic carols get the SC Philharmonic treatment. Cozy up and let the holly jolly harmonies fill you with joy this season.
Candy Cane Hunt at Crooked Creek Park | Dec. 19
Make newly minted memories with your little elves, searching high and low for the season’s signature striped sweets, then pay a visit with the big man in red.
Eve of the Eve at Koger Center for the Arts | Dec. 23
You can count on The Mark Rapp Group to give those sleigh bells some swing as they pay tribute to Louis Armstrong’s legendary holiday tunes this year at this seasonal concert tradition.
New Years Cruise at The Spirit of Lake Murray | Dec. 31
Literally cruise right into 2026 aboard this luxury liner. Enjoy an evening of heavy hors d’oeuvres, dancing, a champagne toast at midnight and a front row view of the fireworks bursting above the glistening waters of Lake Murray.
Merry Marches
December really pumps up the pomp with additional holiday parade programming happening outside some of the featured events above. Line the streets and join in the pageantry of the Carolina Carillon Parade, Town of Irmo Christmas Parade and Cayce’s Parade Day and the Holiday Parade of Lights this month.
