The holidays in Columbia shine with good cheer, sunny skies and that laid-back Southern mild weather we’re known for. This time of year, the capital city feels every bit as festive as it does friendly, with tree lightings, winter festivals and delicious flavors tucked around every corner. Whether you’re sipping cocoa at a holiday market, watching a parade roll by or raising a glass at a pop-up bar decked in tinsel, Columbia’s mild-weather magic is proof that winter in the South hits different — in a good way.
Dazzling Light Displays
When it comes to lights, Columbia goes all out. Wild Lights at Riverbanks Zoo & Garden returns on select nights from November 21 through January 11, featuring more than 60 handcrafted wildlife lanterns that glow across the grounds. You’ll find nightly “snowfalls,” twinkling photo ops and meet-and-greets with Santa through December 23.
Over at Segra Park in the BullStreet District, baseball may be on pause, but the glow-up is real. Fireflies Holiday Lights illuminate the ballpark November 21 through January 3, featuring more than one million LEDs, along with shopping, kids’ crafts and holiday eats and drinks. It’s open evenings from 6-9 p.m. except for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day.
At Holiday Lights on the River in Saluda Shoals Park (November 26 through December 31), more than one million lights sparkle along a drive-through trail. Lace up for the Sleigh Bell Trot (November 24) or the Sleigh Bell Stroll (November 25) to run or walk through the display before it opens up to cars. Families looking for sensory-friendly fun can check out the Sensory Santa Visit on November 30, designed with calm lighting and minimal crowds for a magical, low-stress experience. Hoping for a grown-up gathering? You can toast the season during Winter Wine at Holiday Lights on December 5-6.
All across the Midlands, neighborhoods light up in their own creative ways. Whittle away a few hours strolling the lights in the Main Street corridor, gaze at wreath-lined facades or catch the shimmering reflections off the State House Christmas tree’s ornaments.
Joyful Winter Festivals
If you’re looking to dive headfirst into the holiday spirit, Columbia’s got options. Vista Lights is the city’s beloved holiday kickoff — equal parts block party and tree lighting ceremony. With portions of Gervais, Park and Lincoln streets closed to traffic, families can ramble through shops and galleries, take in live performances, and let the kids enjoy face painting, reindeer snacks and a visit from Santa.
In Lexington, the Snowball Festival, taking place December 4-7, fills the weekend with a craft fair, carnival, movie nights and a Christmas parade. Bottom line, it’s a small-town celebration that lives up to the hype.
And don’t miss a local classic, the Carolina Carillon Holiday Parade, on December 6, when marching bands, dancers and Santa himself make their way toward the State House in true festive fashion. That same day, Irmo debuts its first-ever Christmas Parade, proof that the Midlands always find new ways to celebrate together.
Cozy Indoor Attractions
If you’re looking to stay toasty inside, Columbia’s cultural scene serves as the perfect retreat. At the Koger Center for the Arts, seasonal performances range from the timeless Nutcracker ballet to the high-flying fun of Cirque Dreams Holidaze, a Broadway-style production filled with contemporary circus arts.
Over at the South Carolina State Museum, themed shows like the Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer 4D Experience bring the classic story to life with a combination of 3D visuals mixed with real-world effects, like air bursts, seat movement and a few surprises that delight both kids and kids at heart. Plus, catch Santa Saturdays on the four weekends leading up to Christmas for an extra dash of magic.
Looking for a more spirited celebration? Head to Publico Kitchen and Tap in Five Points, which transforms into Santa’s Pub November 12 through January 1. This floor-to-ceiling Christmas pop-up is chockablock with lights, ornaments and over-the-top decor. Cozy up in an outdoor igloo, order a jolly cocktail and snap a pic in your tackiest Christmas sweater surrounded by tinsel and holiday tunes.
Homespun Holiday Markets
’Tis the season for shopping small and local! Start with Devine Night Out on November 13, when Devine Street’s shops and boutiques stay open until 8 p.m. so you can pick up gifts for everyone on your “nice” list.
Still checking off your list? Explore local markets like the Christmas Extravaganza at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center on December 6-7. And you’d be remiss not to stop by the Junior League Holiday Market, taking place December 4-7 at the South Carolina State Fairgrounds, featuring 160+ merchants, a Holiday Ball and a Santa event for kids.
Strike up a conversation with any of the vendors, and they’ll point you in the direction of all of the other holiday markets going on around Columbia. Swing by as many of them as you can, and you’ll find gifts with heart, stories behind every maker and plenty of Columbia’s hometown pride wrapped up with a bow.
From long-loved traditions to new events shaking up the scene, Columbia’s winter events calendar is full of reasons to visit. With mild weather, friendly faces and easy-going charm, it’s the kind of place that turns holiday hustle into genuine joy.
Plan your holiday travel by checking our Events Calendar and scope out our Neighborhood Guides for ideas on where to dine, shop, and stay. Whether you’re here for a weekend or the whole season, you’ll leave feeling that signature Columbia warmth — no heavy winter coats required.