South Carolina’s capital hardly ever sees a white Christmas. Regardless of the hefty highs in December, Columbia is a festive metropolis throughout the winter holidays. The State Home, personal properties, and native companies spare no expense on occasions and lights.
Columbia is a straightforward place to go to throughout the holidays. On the convergence of a number of interstates, the town is only some hours’ drive from many East Coast cities. There are many high quality lodges as the house of the College of South Carolina and Fort Jackson.
Discover out concerning the native searching for the proper reward, Christmas occasions and lightweight shows, and the very best locations you have to go to throughout a weekend journey to Columbia for Christmas.
Christmas in Columbia Articles
Browse earlier articles written concerning the occasions, mild shows, and issues to do throughout Christmas in Columbia.
Christmas Occasions in
Columbia
That is removed from a complete listing of all of the Christmas occasions in Columbia, however these are a number of the greatest and most enjoyable. Go to the Expertise Columbia web site for a whole, searchable listing of all Christmas occasions.
READ MORE: 20+ Spectacular Christmas Occasions in Columbia, SC
Vista Lights
The Vista is one among Columbia’s charming neighborhoods. The 48-block neighborhood round Gervais and Huger Streets is an official South Carolina Cultural District due to its cultural, architectural, and historic heritage.
Vista Lights is an annual celebration kicking off the Christmas vacation season within the capital metropolis. Celebrated for 38 years, the occasion is an open home introduction to greater than 60 native retail retailers, artwork galleries, and eating places. It’s a superb alternative to search out Christmas presents made by native artisans and uncover a brand new favourite restaurant.
The occasion begins at 6 p.m. with reside music and Santa Claus on Lincoln Avenue. A tree lighting ceremony at 7 p.m. retains the night going.
The occasion is free, however you’ll be tempted to spend cash on the retail retailers and eating places.
Wild Lights at Riverbanks Zoo & Backyard
Lengthy after the animals fall asleep, issues get wild on the Riverbanks Zoo & Backyard. Wild Lights is an annual Christmas vacation mild show that includes greater than 60 larger-than-life 3D shows, bonfires, and photographs with Santa.
READ MORE: The best way to Expertise the Wild Lights at Riverbanks Zoo & Backyard in Columbia, SC
The 3D shows tower over the friends whereas meandering the concrete paths via the zoo. Go for a nighttime trip on the carousel, take a photograph with Santa, and roast marshmallows on the bonfires throughout this spectacular Columbia occasion.
Wild Lights is open from 5 p.m. till 9 p.m. on choose dates from mid-November via mid-January. Tickets fluctuate in value from $20-$25 for adults and $15-$20 for kids.
Governor’s Carolighting
South Carolina’s Christmas vacation season begins with the Governor’s Carolighting. In the course of the annual occasion, Governor Henry McMaster lights the State Christmas Tree on the north facet of the State Home going through Most important Avenue. The tree stays lit each evening via the tip of December.
The free occasion begins at 6 p.m.
Sleigh Bell Stroll
One in every of Columbia’s hallmarks and most enjoyable household Christmas occasions is the Vacation Lights on the River at Saluda Shoals Park. The dazzling show of Christmas lights, from static shows to animated wonderlands, strains the paved street via the park so guests can admire the shows from the consolation of their vehicles.
The Sleigh Bell Stroll is an interesting one-time alternative to see the spectacular lights with none vehicles. Individuals park on the east entrance close to St. Andrews Highway and stroll the 2-mile route via Saluda Shoals Park.
You’ll have two hours to expertise the Christmas mild show in peacefulness. Then, a bus brings everybody again to the parking zone.
Registration is required by November 20 for this occasion. It prices $7 per grownup and $2 per youngster.
Sleigh Bell Stroll
One in every of Columbia’s hallmarks and most enjoyable household Christmas occasions is the Vacation Lights on the River at Saluda Shoals Park. The dazzling show of Christmas lights, from static shows to animated wonderlands, strains the paved street via the park so guests can admire the shows from the consolation of their vehicles.
The Sleigh Bell Stroll is an interesting one-time alternative to see the spectacular lights with none vehicles. Individuals park on the east entrance close to St. Andrews Highway and stroll the 2-mile route via Saluda Shoals Park.
READ MORE: The best way to See the Vacation Lights on the River at Saluda Shoals Park in Columbia, SC
You’ll have two hours to expertise the Christmas mild show in peacefulness. Then, a bus brings everybody again to the parking zone.
Registration is required by November 20 for this occasion. It prices $7 per grownup and $2 per youngster.
Bierkeller Weihnachtsmarkt
“Bierkeller Weihnachtsmarkt” is German for “beer cellar Christmas market.” The particular occasion is hosted by Bierkeller Brewing Firm, the one genuine German brewery in Columbia.
The Christmas market is modeled after the spectacular Bavarian markets, permitting guests to expertise the distinctive festive ambiance with out flying throughout the large pond. The market options native arts and crafts distributors, basic vacation music, festive lights, and Glühwein – a German mulled wine.
It’s additionally an important likelihood to attempt genuine German beer, Bavarian pretzels with beer cheese, and Bratwursts.
The free occasion is at The Esplanade at CanalSide, a waterfront public park overlooking the Columbia Canal and Congaree River. Parking is accessible on the close by parking storage.
The occasion runs every weekend from November 25 till December 17. The market is open from 12 p.m. till 10 p.m. on Saturdays and from 11 a.m. till 6 p.m. on Sundays.
Photographs with Santa at Ho-Ho-Lodge Trundle
Expertise a Nineteen Twenties Artwork Deco Christmas on the 41-room boutique Lodge Trundle with the particular Photographs with Santa on the Ho-Ho-Lodge Trundle occasion. Guests arrive on a first-come, first-served foundation for 10-minute picture classes with Santa. Seize as many photographs as you want together with your smartphone or digicam. Then, benefit from the complimentary scorching chocolate and vacation actions!
The one-day occasion is from 1 p.m. till 3 p.m. on Sunday, November 27, 2023.
Vacation Planetarium Lighting
The South Carolina State Museum begins Christmas with the Vacation Planetarium Lighting. The one-night occasion options prolonged hours so guests can discover the exhibition galleries. Rudolph the Pink-Nosed Reindeer performs within the 4D Theater. Guests can peek on the stars within the Boeing Observatory. And Santa makes an look for photographs.
The occasion makes use of a “pay-as-you-may” basic admission value – you’ll be able to pay $10 per individual or enter the occasion without cost. Nevertheless, the 4D Theater and Planetarium reveals are $5 per individual.
Junior League of Columbia Vacation Market
Every year, the Junior League of Columbia organizes the Vacation Market as their largest fundraiser of the yr. Nearly 200 retailers show arts and crafts, clothes, jewellery, and baked items. It’s a unbelievable alternative to discover a memorable Christmas reward.
The four-day occasion is held on the South Carolina State Fairgrounds from Thursday, November 30, till Sunday, December 3. Basic admission to the marketplace for all 4 days is $10 per individual. The vacation market is open from 9:30 a.m. till 5 p.m. daily besides Sunday when it’s open from 12 P.M. till 4 p.m.
Girls Night time Out is a particular occasion throughout the vacation market. Held on Thursday, the occasion for friends 21 and up is a chance to “deliver your girlfriends and store the evening away.”
The Vacation Ball is 6:30 p.m. till 11 p.m. on Friday. The black-tie elective occasion options reside music, personal buying, and cocktails.
Sundaes with Santa is a chance to get photographs with Santa and revel in youngsters’s crafts and video games. The occasion is held from 12 p.m. till 4 p.m. on Sunday.
Carols Alongside the Riverwalk
Expertise a “reverse caroling occasion” throughout the Carols Alongside the Riverwalk in Cayce. The occasion begins at 6 p.m. on Friday, December 1, on the Cayce Riverwalk Picnic Shelter. Reside music and treats begin the night. However you’ll have to stroll about half a mile on the riverwalk alongside the Congaree River to search out the assorted highschool and church choirs caroling within the forest.
The occasion is free to attend. Parking is accessible at close by Brookland Cayce Excessive College, and a shuttle bus supplies transport to the riverwalk.
Columbia Classical Ballet Co.’s The Nutcracker
Watch the spectacular Columbia Classical Ballet Co.’s The Nutcracker throughout Christmas. Directed by Brooklyn Mack, the play is held nightly on the Koger Middle for the Arts on the College of South Carolina from Friday, December 1, till Sunday, December 3.
Tickets for the play vary from $10-$25.
twentieth Annual St. Nicholas Pageant
The Holy Apostle Orthodox Church hosts the annual St. Nicholas Pageant in West Columbia. The one-day occasion options native craft distributors, home made cookies, vocal ensembles, Japanese European and American meals, and church excursions.
The competition is free to attend, however the delicious meals and native arts and crafts may tempt you. All of the income from the competition are donated to native charities. The competition begins at 10 a.m. on Saturday, December 2, and ends at 4 p.m.
Lake Murray’s Christmas Lights Boat Parade
Should you’ve ever visited Lake Murray in the summertime, you realize folks love boating the 50,000-acre lake. The 1.5-mile-long earthen dam is fascinating to journey throughout. Lake Murray Public Park is on the south finish of the dam – the proper place to look at Lake Murray’s Christmas Lights Boat Parade.
The gates to the small public park open at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, December 2. There’s ample room for guests with a 300-vehicle capability, however the gates shut as soon as the parking capability is reached.
The boat parade begins at 6 p.m. Boats have to be at the least 21 ft lengthy, and boat captains comply with kind a single line for the casual parade route previous the general public park. Shortly after the final boat passes the park, fireworks fill the sky, and the attention-grabbing occasion is over.
Admission to the boat parade is free.
Snowball Pageant Carnival and Film
The Snowball Pageant Carnival and Film is without doubt one of the greatest free Christmas occasions within the Columbia space. The carnival is on Saturday, December 2, from 1 p.m. till 5 p.m. on the Icehouse Amphitheater in Lexington.
The occasion begins with face portray, carnival rides, and meals distributors. Santa makes an look for photographs with households. At 5:30 p.m., an out of doors screening of The Santa Clause brings the festive occasion to an finish. The 1 hour, 37-minute comedy film options Tim Allen as a hapless home-owner who by accident turns into the brand new Santa.
Carolina Carillon Vacation Parade
The Christmas vacation isn’t full with out a grand parade. And the Carolina Carillon Vacation Parade is without doubt one of the greatest Christmas parades in South Carolina.
The parade begins at 9:45 a.m. at Sumter and Laurel Streets, proceeds down Sumter Avenue, crosses Gervais Avenue, passes the South Carolina State Home, and ends at Senate Avenue.
The parade options marching bands from native excessive colleges and faculties, particular performers, vacation floats, cloggers, and South Carolina celebrities.
The occasion is free to attend.
Christmas Olde and New
Expertise a historic Christmas throughout the annual Cayce Historic Museum’s Christmas Traditions Vacation Open Home. In the course of the Saturday occasion from 6 p.m. till 9 p.m., guests can take a guided lantern tour by Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus, store on the outside Christmas market, and discover Christmas bushes all through the museum.
Santa Saturday on the South Carolina State Museum
Santa will get round throughout the Holidays. However he’s assured to look on the South Carolina State Museum each Saturday in December.
Throughout Santa Saturday, guests who pay the final admission payment to the museum can get pleasure from a meet-and-greet with Santa Claus, watch Rudolph the Pink-Nosed Reindeer on the 4D Theater (extra value), and store for distinctive vacation presents within the museum’s retailer.
Santa seems on the museum each Saturday from December 2 till December 23 from 11 a.m. till 3 p.m. Basic admission is required, and present tickets are further.
The Columbia Christmas Extravaganza Vacation Market is an appropriately named two-day Christmas occasion. The vacation market options over 150 native distributors, recent fudge, footage with Santa, and Christmas crafts. The occasion organizers boast that it’s “the proper method to skip out on large field shops this vacation season and select to assist small.”
The indoor occasion is held on the Columbia Conference Middle on Saturday, December 2, and Sunday, December 3. Doorways open from 10 a.m. till 4 p.m. every day of the occasion.
Admission to the market is $7 per individual. Free parking is accessible on the conference heart’s parking zone.
Carolina Lights
Expertise the Carolina Lights drive-through vacation mild present from the consolation of your automobile. The drive-through expertise options over 100 LED mild shows alongside a circuitous route via the South Carolina State Fairgrounds.
Concessions midway via the present promote chocolate chip cookies, milk, water, and soda. However the easiest way to get pleasure from this occasion is to deliver your snacks.
Carolina Lights is completely a drive-through expertise with no different occasions. The gates open at 6 p.m. each evening from December 8 via December 24, apart from Mondays. Price is $20 per automobile.
After exiting the sunshine present, guests can request a re-entry move to expertise the drive-through mild present once more on the identical evening.
Candlelight Excursions with Historic Columbia
Discover Christmas of the previous throughout Candlelight Excursions with Historic Columbia. In the course of the particular one-night occasion, guests can discover interval Christmas décor on the historic Hampton-Preston Mansion and Robert Mills Home.
The occasion additionally options interval costumes, Nineteenth-century reside Christmas music, and a vacation market with native distributors.
Admission to the occasion is $20 for adults and $8 for kids. Historic Columbia members get a reduction on admission. The occasion is from 6 p.m. till 9 p.m. on Saturday, December 9, 2023.
South Carolina Ballet’s Nutcracker
Get pleasure from a fascinating night whereas attending the annual efficiency of the South Carolina Ballet’s Nutcracker. Directed by William Starrett, the efficiency options new backdrops and excellent performances.
Catch the present on the Koger Middle for the Arts on the College of South Carolina on Friday and Saturday nights, December 9-10, or on Friday and Saturday nights, December 16-17, 2023. Admission ranges from $35-$60 per individual.
Lexington County Museum Christmas Open Home
The Lexington County Museum Christmas Open Home is an interesting likelihood to expertise a Christmas of the previous on the distinctive outside museum campus. Guests can discover most of the 30 historic constructions throughout the occasion and see interval Christmas decorations.
Scorching apple cider and gingerbread cookies can be found for a light-weight snack throughout the occasion. Reside music performs on the historic Fox Home.
The free occasion is from 1 p.m. till 4 p.m. on Sunday, December 10.
Celtic Girl: A Christmas Symphony
Expertise a singular occasion throughout the Holidays in Columbia with Celtic Girl: A Christmas Symphony. The feminine-led group performs conventional Irish Christmas carols throughout an uplifting night on the Koger Middle for the Arts on the College of South Carolina.
The one-night occasion begins at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, December 20, 2023.
Dwelling for the Holidays
Settle into a cushty seat on the Koger Middle for the Arts for Dwelling for the Holidays, a particular efficiency by the South Carolina Philharmonic, The Columbia Repertory Dance Co., and several other solo artists. Even Santa Claus makes an look throughout the efficiency.
Catch the spectacular occasion at 7 p.m. on Thursday, December 21, 2023.
Christmas Lights in Columbia
I really feel like Columbia makes up for a complete lack of snow on Christmas with spectacular lights. The sunshine shows across the metropolis and at particular occasions will definitely provide you with one thing to admire. Listed below are a number of the greatest Christmas mild shows in Columbia.
READ MORE: 7 Locations to See Christmas Lights in Columbia, SC
Vista Lights
The Vista is one among Columbia’s charming neighborhoods. The 48-block neighborhood round Gervais and Huger Streets is an official South Carolina Cultural District due to its cultural, architectural, and historic heritage.
Vista Lights is an annual celebration kicking off the Christmas vacation season within the capital metropolis. Celebrated for 38 years, the occasion is an open home introduction to greater than 60 native retail retailers, artwork galleries, and eating places. It’s a superb alternative to search out Christmas presents made by native artisans and uncover a brand new favourite restaurant.
The occasion begins at 6 p.m. with reside music and Santa Claus on Lincoln Avenue. A tree lighting ceremony at 7 p.m. retains the night going.
The occasion is free, however you’ll be tempted to spend cash on the retail retailers and eating places.
Fireflies Vacation Lights
For the second time, Segra Stadium – house of the Columbia Fireflies Minor League Baseball crew – is reworked right into a spectacular Christmas mild show in Columbia.
Fireflies Vacation Lights options multiple million LED lights all through the stadium and baseball discipline. Shows cowl the diamond, fill the seats, and wrap across the stadium.
Though guests usually are not allowed onto the baseball discipline, it’s a uncommon alternative to stroll alongside the warning observe surrounding the sphere. However the easiest way to expertise the spectacular mild present is to stroll the stadium’s perimeter across the outfield seats.
The occasion additionally consists of the Richardson Tree Farm, visits with Santa Claus, and marshmallow roasting on firepits.
Fireflies Vacation Lights is held from Thursday, November 16 till Sunday, December 31 – apart from November 20, November 23, November 27, and December 25. The sunshine show is open from 6 p.m. till 9 p.m.
Tickets to the occasion begin at $10 per individual in November and enhance to $12 in December. Parking is free on the Freed Avenue Parking Storage.
Wild Lights at Riverbanks Zoo & Backyard
Lengthy after the animals fall asleep, issues get wild on the Riverbanks Zoo & Backyard. Wild Lights is an annual Christmas vacation mild show that includes greater than 60 larger-than-life 3D shows, bonfires, and photographs with Santa.
READ MORE: The best way to Expertise the Wild Lights at Riverbanks Zoo & Backyard in Columbia, SC
The 3D shows tower over the friends whereas meandering the concrete paths via the zoo. Go for a nighttime trip on the carousel, take a photograph with Santa, and roast marshmallows on the bonfires throughout this spectacular Columbia occasion.
Wild Lights is open from 5 p.m. till 9 p.m. on choose dates from mid-November via mid-January. Tickets fluctuate in value from $20-$25 for adults and $15-$20 for kids.
Governor’s Carolighting
South Carolina’s Christmas vacation season begins with the Governor’s Carolighting. In the course of the annual occasion, Governor Henry McMaster lights the State Christmas Tree on the north facet of the State Home going through Most important Avenue. The tree stays lit each evening via the tip of December.
The free occasion begins at 6 p.m.
Sleigh Bell Stroll
One in every of Columbia’s hallmarks and most enjoyable household Christmas occasions is the Vacation Lights on the River at Saluda Shoals Park. The dazzling show of Christmas lights, from static shows to animated wonderlands, strains the paved street via the park so guests can admire the shows from the consolation of their vehicles.
The Sleigh Bell Stroll is an interesting one-time alternative to see the spectacular lights with none vehicles. Individuals park on the east entrance close to St. Andrews Highway and stroll the 2-mile route via Saluda Shoals Park.
READ MORE: The best way to See the Vacation Lights on the River at Saluda Shoals Park in Columbia, SC
You’ll have two hours to expertise the Christmas mild show in peacefulness. Then, a bus brings everybody again to the parking zone.
Registration is required by November 20 for this occasion. It prices $7 per grownup and $2 per youngster.
Vacation Lights on the River
The Vacation Lights on the River is Columbia’s longest drive-thru Christmas mild show. The two.5-mile route options dozens of sports-themed mild shows, animated shows, and shows hanging from bushes.
On the Environmental Middle, guests can roast marshmallows on firepits, discover the Santa Claus’et Reward Store, and go for a hayride. Get an expert picture with Santa after which decide up a Tin Can Kettle Corn bag. Go for a brief stroll on the Wetlands Path to expertise a surprising laser mild present.
The Vacation Lights on the River is held nightly from November 23 till December 31, apart from Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day. Admission is $25 per car. It takes about an hour to drive via the sunshine show casually.
Carolina Lights
Expertise the Carolina Lights drive-through vacation mild present from the consolation of your automobile. The drive-through expertise options over 100 LED mild shows alongside a circuitous route via the South Carolina State Fairgrounds.
Concessions midway via the present promote chocolate chip cookies, milk, water, and soda. However the easiest way to get pleasure from this occasion is to deliver your snacks.
Carolina Lights is completely a drive-through expertise with no different occasions. The gates open at 6 p.m. each evening from December 8 via December 24, apart from Mondays. Price is $20 per automobile.
After exiting the sunshine present, guests can request a re-entry move to expertise the drive-through mild present once more on the identical evening.
Santa Claus in Columbia
One of many hallmarks of Christmas for kids is getting that likelihood to sit down on Santa’s lap, expose your complete want listing, and seize a photograph treasure. Listed below are a number of the greatest, and most attention-grabbing, locations to search out Santa Claus throughout Christmas in Columbia.
Wild Lights at Riverbanks Zoo & Backyard
Lengthy after the animals fall asleep, issues get wild on the Riverbanks Zoo & Backyard. Wild Lights is an annual Christmas vacation mild show that includes greater than 60 larger-than-life 3D shows, bonfires, and photographs with Santa.
READ MORE: The best way to Expertise the Wild Lights at Riverbanks Zoo & Backyard in Columbia, SC
The 3D shows tower over the friends whereas meandering the concrete paths via the zoo. Go for a nighttime trip on the carousel, take a photograph with Santa, and roast marshmallows on the bonfires throughout this spectacular Columbia occasion.
Wild Lights is open from 5 p.m. till 9 p.m. on choose dates from mid-November via mid-January. Tickets fluctuate in value from $20-$25 for adults and $15-$20 for kids.
Sleigh Bell Stroll
One in every of Columbia’s hallmarks and most enjoyable household Christmas occasions is the Vacation Lights on the River at Saluda Shoals Park. The dazzling show of Christmas lights, from static shows to animated wonderlands, strains the paved street via the park so guests can admire the shows from the consolation of their vehicles.
The Sleigh Bell Stroll is an interesting one-time alternative to see the spectacular lights with none vehicles. Individuals park on the east entrance close to St. Andrews Highway and stroll the 2-mile route via Saluda Shoals Park.
You’ll have two hours to expertise the Christmas mild show in peacefulness. Then, a bus brings everybody again to the parking zone.
Registration is required by November 20 for this occasion. It prices $7 per grownup and $2 per youngster.
Photographs with Santa at Ho-Ho-Lodge Trundle
Expertise a Nineteen Twenties Artwork Deco Christmas on the 41-room boutique Lodge Trundle with the particular Photographs with Santa on the Ho-Ho-Lodge Trundle occasion. Guests arrive on a first-come, first-served foundation for 10-minute picture classes with Santa. Seize as many photographs as you want together with your smartphone or digicam. Then, benefit from the complimentary scorching chocolate and vacation actions!
The one-day occasion is from 1 p.m. till 3 p.m. on Sunday, November 27, 2023.
Junior League of Columbia Vacation Market
Every year, the Junior League of Columbia organizes the Vacation Market as their largest fundraiser of the yr. Nearly 200 retailers show arts and crafts, clothes, jewellery, and baked items. It’s a unbelievable alternative to discover a memorable Christmas reward.
The four-day occasion is held on the South Carolina State Fairgrounds from Thursday, November 30, till Sunday, December 3. Basic admission to the marketplace for all 4 days is $10 per individual. The vacation market is open from 9:30 a.m. till 5 p.m. daily besides Sunday when it’s open from 12 P.M. till 4 p.m.
Girls Night time Out is a particular occasion throughout the vacation market. Held on Thursday, the occasion for friends 21 and up is a chance to “deliver your girlfriends and store the evening away.”
The Vacation Ball is 6:30 p.m. till 11 p.m. on Friday. The black-tie elective occasion options reside music, personal buying, and cocktails.
Sundaes with Santa is a chance to get photographs with Santa and revel in youngsters’s crafts and video games. The occasion is held from 12 p.m. till 4 p.m. on Sunday.
Santa Saturday on the South Carolina State Museum
Santa will get round throughout the Holidays. However he’s assured to look on the South Carolina State Museum each Saturday in December.
Throughout Santa Saturday, guests who pay the final admission payment to the museum can get pleasure from a meet-and-greet with Santa Claus, watch Rudolph the Pink-Nosed Reindeer on the 4D Theater (extra value), and store for distinctive vacation presents within the museum’s retailer.
Santa seems on the museum each Saturday from December 2 till December 23 from 11 a.m. till 3 p.m. Basic admission is required, and present tickets are further.
The Columbia Christmas Extravaganza Vacation Market is an appropriately named two-day Christmas occasion. The vacation market options over 150 native distributors, recent fudge, footage with Santa, and Christmas crafts. The occasion organizers boast that it’s “the proper method to skip out on large field shops this vacation season and select to assist small.”
The indoor occasion is held on the Columbia Conference Middle on Saturday, December 2, and Sunday, December 3. Doorways open from 10 a.m. till 4 p.m. every day of the occasion.
Admission to the market is $7 per individual. Free parking is accessible on the conference heart’s parking zone.
Native Procuring in Columbia
You received’t must look arduous to search out some nice native buying all through Columbia. A number of occasions are geared round native artisans however past that there are a number of particular areas to search out nice retail retailers. Here’s a small breakdown of what you’ll discover throughout Christmas in Columbia.
Vista Lights
The Vista is one among Columbia’s charming neighborhoods. The 48-block neighborhood round Gervais and Huger Streets is an official South Carolina Cultural District due to its cultural, architectural, and historic heritage.
Vista Lights is an annual celebration kicking off the Christmas vacation season within the capital metropolis. Celebrated for 38 years, the occasion is an open home introduction to greater than 60 native retail retailers, artwork galleries, and eating places. It’s a superb alternative to search out Christmas presents made by native artisans and uncover a brand new favourite restaurant.
The occasion begins at 6 p.m. with reside music and Santa Claus on Lincoln Avenue. A tree lighting ceremony at 7 p.m. retains the night going.
The occasion is free, however you’ll be tempted to spend cash on the retail retailers and eating places.
Bierkeller Weihnachtsmarkt
“Bierkeller Weihnachtsmarkt” is German for “beer cellar Christmas market.” The particular occasion is hosted by Bierkeller Brewing Firm, the one genuine German brewery in Columbia.
The Christmas market is modeled after the spectacular Bavarian markets, permitting guests to expertise the distinctive festive ambiance with out flying throughout the large pond. The market options native arts and crafts distributors, basic vacation music, festive lights, and Glühwein – a German mulled wine.
It’s additionally an important likelihood to attempt genuine German beer, Bavarian pretzels with beer cheese, and Bratwursts.
The free occasion is at The Esplanade at CanalSide, a waterfront public park overlooking the Columbia Canal and Congaree River. Parking is accessible on the close by parking storage.
The occasion runs every weekend from November 25 till December 17. The market is open from 12 p.m. till 10 p.m. on Saturdays and from 11 a.m. till 6 p.m. on Sundays.
The place to Eat & Drink
There are so, so many superb domestically owned locations to eat and drink in Columbia. Throughout my week for Christmas in Columbia I found fairly a number of. Here’s a listing of what I discovered that will help you get pleasure from some nice meals and drinks throughout Christmas in Columbia.
Café Strudel
I’m not a morning individual by any means however I might stand up at dawn daily of the week if I may have breakfast at Cafe Strudel. They’ve two areas with the identical menu, however I like to recommend the West Columbia location. Every thing on the menu is scrumptious however I like to recommend both the Hangover Hashbrowns (hashbrowns, onions, banana peppers, cheddar cheese, topped with 2 eggs) or the Dawn Burrito (scrambled egg, cheddar cheese, house-made salsa, and black beans).
The Devine Cinnamon Roll Deli
Keep in mind when mother used to inform us to cease consuming dessert and save room for dinner? At The Devine Cinnamon Roll Deli on Divine Avenue you’ll be able to eat each on the similar time! Together with ginormous cinnamon rolls baked recent daily they’ve a big menu of bagels, sandwiches, and soups.
READ MORE: 10 Sensational Native Locations for Brunch in Columbia, SC
The Gourmand Store Café
This little café in The Gourmand Store gives brunch and lunch seven days per week. It could get a bit hectic with customers transferring out and in however quickly sufficient you’ll be centered on the scrumptious meals. The Breakfast Panini (panini stuffed egg, Parrano cheese, purple peppers, and turkey sausage) is a superb begin. You may as well attempt their well-known Hen Salad or create your individual sandwich.
Noticed Salamander
This is without doubt one of the coolest domestically owned eating places within the metropolis. The house owners at Noticed Salamander started with a catering enterprise however when that enterprise grew in leaps and bounds they arrange a restaurant in a cute home. They serve lunch 5 days per week with day by day specials, salads, and sandwiches.
Za’s on Devine
Formally referred to as Za’s Brick Oven Pizza that is the very best pizza you’ll discover you Columbia. The fashionable and cozy eating area is the proper place to take a look at their lengthy menu of specialty pizzas or construct your individual from scratch. Together with pastas, wood-fired appetizers, and a full-service bar, it is a excellent place to get lunch or dinner throughout a day of exploring the town.
Grill Marks
Generally all you need is an effective burger and Grill Marks has the most effective within the metropolis. In reality, their complete menu is predicated on burgers stacked so excessive you’ll have to unhinge your jaw (or I assume you could possibly additionally simply lower it up with the knife and fork they offer you). As an added bonus you merely should attempt one among their Freakshakes. Oh they usually’re not a lot for adorning for Christmas however they did have the leg lamp from A Christmas Film sitting on the bar!
Bourbon
This domestically owned restaurant is without doubt one of the hottest joints within the metropolis proper now. Seating at Bourbon is snug however restricted, they usually don’t take reservations. Seize a seat on the bourbon bar to get pleasure from unbelievable combined drinks or slide right into a sales space to attempt their Cajun-Creole impressed menu. Situated on Most important Avenue downtown it’s an important place for dinner on the finish of an thrilling day exploring and buying.
Hunter Gatherer Brewery at Curtiss Wright Hangar
I’ve but to go to Hunter-Gatherer’s first location on Most important Avenue and I simply may by no means go after my superb night on the Curtiss Wright Hangar location. The house owners have transformed the outdated airplane hangar right into a brewery and restaurant. They sometimes have reside music taking part in within the nook with loads of cubicles and seats on the bar. The menu right here is proscribed to “bar meals” like pretzels, dips, and pizzas (however actually good pretzels, dips, and pizzas) they usually have their full line of craft beer on faucet.
The place to Keep
Columbia is a giant metropolis and has loads of choices for lodging (I’m fairly certain the town has one among each kind of lodge chain). Though a lodge is a lodge, some lodges are higher and others are in higher areas. Listed below are some choices in three particular areas I believe would make an important place to remain throughout Christmas in Columbia.
Microtel Inn & Suites The Microtel chain is barebones however all you want for a cushty sleep. They’ve a number of connecting rooms, rooms with two beds, and a studio suite with a sleeper couch so you’ll be able to deliver the household. The situation close to I-77 is on the outskirts of the town however nonetheless an important location for attending to all of the Christmas occasions.
La Quinta Inn This lodge is without doubt one of the most inexpensive within the metropolis (and at some point I’d inform you about how I stayed right here when my camper van broke down). They’ve connecting rooms and a Deluxe Suite with a sleeper couch for the households. The breakfast is typical of a lodge chain within the morning, nevertheless it’s nonetheless not a nasty begin to the day.
Hyatt Place That is the prime really useful place to remain downtown throughout Christmas in Columbia. The lodge is a brilliant snug and handy location for exploring downtown, The Vista, and 5 Factors throughout all of the Christmas occasions. A full-service bar and restaurant within the foyer provide an opportunity to get a meal with out having to decorate up and exit.
Aloft s a comparatively new chain of recent lodge to brush the nation they usually’re fairly snug for a keep. Situated throughout the road from Hyatt Place it’s inside strolling distance of Most important Avenue so that you received’t have to fret about discovering parking or driving again after eating at Bourbon.
Hampton Inn This lodge is in an important location beside the interstate to shortly entry all of the Christmas occasions within the metropolis. They function a number of rooms with a sleeper couch so you’ll be able to deliver your complete household. The breakfast unfold within the morning is fairly spectacular and can get your day began off proper.