Don’t let the Grinch of 2020 spoil your holiday mood. There are plenty of ways to get in the spirit and remain socially distant with this list of festive features in Columbia SC.  

Music, Movies + More 

Bring a blanket and plan to snuggle in your socially distanced pod with a Craft & Draft beverage during Historic Columbia’s Movies in the Garden, which will feature National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation at the Hampton-Preston Mansion and Gardens on Friday December 4.  

Columbia Baroque’s online concert series presents Home for the Holidays on December 4 at 7pm.  

Famously Hot New Year (December 31) is going virtual this year, so you can ring in 2021 (and perhaps more importantly, usher out 2020) in your PJs.   

Looking for Lights 

Grab a hot cocoa to go from one of our local coffee shops and take in the dazzling displays from the warmth and comfort of your own car. 

The South Carolina State Fairgrounds shines with Carolina Lights December 5-27.  

 Holiday Lights on the River at Saluda Shoals is the largest holiday lights display in the region to light up your holiday through December 31.  

Drive-through lights and other festivities are featured at Christmas in Cayce on December 3.  

Be sure to drive by the South Carolina State House for a breathtaking look at the 30-foot state Christmas Tree.  

While strolling or driving down Main Street, stop by First Citizens Green’s to see the giant ornament all aglow.  

If you are in the Lexington area, check out the Hite Christmas Lightshow where 100,000 lights twinkle to music across the house and yard.  

Cozy Cocktails + Bites  

Shake up your knowledge of cocktail history with Historic Columbia Virtual Happy Hour featuring holiday cocktails.  

Dining in an igloo in Columbia SC is not only possible, but it’s also the safest way to enjoy a dinner out and about while maintaining your distance (while adding to your collection of pandemic stories for future generations). Reserve an igloo at Publico Kitchen and Tapp.  

Visit our calendar of events for more ways to jingle (with or without the mingle).