Hello Columbia! Welcome to this week’s list of fun things to do in the Columbia metro area!
Santa Saturdays | 11 am – 3 pm | South Carolina State Museum, 301 Gervais St., Columbia | $6.95 – $8.95 Planetarium and 4D shows are an additional charge | Meet Santa at the South Carolina State Museum, see holiday shows, explore four floors of exhibitions and shop in the museum store every Saturday leading up to Christmas.
Holiday Weekend Market | NoMa Warehouse in Columbia | A 3-day holiday market full of Columbia’s best local vendors, delicious food, hot chocolate, spirits, live music and entertainment, and all of the holiday cheer you can imagine, including visits and photos with Santa | Friday, Dec 15: 6 – 9 pm | Saturday, Dec 16: 3 – 6 pm | Sunday, Dec 17: 12 – 3 pm | This year’s event will be indoor and outdoor and feature live action drama and music | Free to attend!
The Fireflies Holiday Lights at Segra Park has a new addition — the Fireflies Express. The trackless train takes children ages 12 and younger on a ride through the lights + costs $3 per rider (in addition to the event’s entrance fees). The Fireflies Holiday Lights are happening until Sunday, Dec. 31.
Holiday Meeting Street Artisan Market | Saturday, Dec. 16 | 11 am – 3 pm | Interactive Art Park, 425 Meeting St., West Columbia | Free | Stroll through a wonderland of artisan booths showcasing handcrafted jewelry, art pieces, and homemade treats — it’s the perfect place to find one-of-a-kind gifts while supporting local artists.
Holiday Lights on the River at Saluda Shoals Park East in Chapin | The Midlands Largest Drive-Through Light Show! Experience the magic as Saluda Shoals Park comes alive in millions of sparkling lights. Journey through more than two miles of lights featuring colorful, animated light displays of all shapes and sizes! Get details
Bierkeller Weihnachtsmarkt (Christmas Market) | Sunday, Dec. 17 | Times vary | Bierkeller Columbia, 600 Canalside St., Columbia | Free | Delight in the charm of a traditional German Christmas market along the Congaree River.
Winter Wonderland at the 1600 Block of Main Street in Columbia | There’s a forecast for snow every weekend in December! Discover the enchantment of Winter Wonderland on Main Street | From 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, enjoy snow with sparkling lights, and festive cheer | Immerse yourself in this holiday spectacle.
Nutcracker Tea Parties | South Carolina Ballet at Koger Center for the Arts in Columbia on Saturday Dec. 16
Christmas Ice Skating Show – Christmas Movies at Flight Adventure Park in Irmo | Saturday, December 16 | 5 – 7 pm | $7 – $35 | Experience the magic of the holiday season as talented skaters glide across the ice, performing routines inspired by beloved Christmas movies. From classic tales like “Frosty the Snowman” to modern favorites like “Elf” and “Christmas Chronicles,” the show will transport you into a world of wonder and joy.
Starting your search for a new home? Here are this weeks’ new listings in the Columbia SC Metro!
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**Click on each event for more information and pricing and check with venue for any changes or cancellations**
Friday, December 15th
- Food Truck Fridays at Town Theatre in Columbia on Fridays | 11am – 3pm
- Historic Columbia’s Holiday House Tours at Hampton-Preston Manion in Columbia, event dates
- Wild Lights at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden in Columbia
- THE SOUTHERN SOUL RODEO! Free Mechanical Bull rides All Night! At LEGACY Caribbean Bar & Grill in Columbia
Saturday, December 16th
- Holiday Meeting Street Artisan Market | Saturday, Dec. 16 | 11 am – 3 pm | Interactive Art Park, 425 Meeting St., West Columbia | Free | Stroll through a wonderland of artisan booths showcasing handcrafted jewelry, art pieces, and homemade treats — it’s the perfect place to find one-of-a-kind gifts while supporting local artists.
- Cookies with Santa at Jeep Rogers Family YMCA in Columbia
- Cocoa & Candy Canes with Santa at Downtown YMCA in Columbia
- Sip and Paint at 2510 Main Street suite A in Columbia
- University of South Carolina Gamecocks Women’s Basketball vs. Presbyterian Blue Hose Womens Basketball at Colonial Life Arena in Columbia
- Lake Carolina Farmers Market Christmas Festival at Lake Carolina in Columbia
- Colonial Christmas at Historic Camden in Columbia
- Columbia Official Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl at Republic Biergarten & Kitchen in Columbia
- University of South Carolina Gamecocks Mens Basketball vs. Charleston Southern Buccaneers Mens Basketball at Colonial Life Arena in Columbia
- HBCU Christmas Mix & Mingle at Xtreme Venue in Columbia
- Dinner Detective Interactive Murder Mystery Dinner Show! at Cambria Downtown the Vista in Columbia check dates!
Sunday, December 17th
- Free Sundays Presented by Richland County at Modjeska Monteith Simkins House in Columbia
- Main Street Walking Tour at Tour begins at Boyd Plaza in Columbia
Monday, December 18th
- Mommy and Me Dance Class for Ages 0 – 3 at Ann Brodies Center for Dance Education in Columbia on Mondays
- Stargazing at Melton Observatory on Monday nights from 8pm -10pm, weather permitting.
Tuesday, December 19th
- Sip and Plant Workshop: DIY Wreath Workshop at Gardener’s Outpost in Columbia
- University of South Carolina Gamecocks Mens Basketball vs. Winthrop Eagles Mens Basketball at Colonial Life Arena in Columbia
Wednesday, December 20th
- Historic Columbia’s Holiday House Tours at Hampton-Preston Manion in Columbia
- Holiday Market at Richland Library Main in Columbia
Thursday, December 21st
- Winter Solstice Lantern Parade at Riverfront Park South in Columbia
Recurring Events
- Richland Library – Calendar of Events
- Boku Kitchen + Saloon is hosting Titos Tuesday 4-11 pm, every Tuesday. Boku will have $5 Tito’s cocktails open to close on top of their awesome happy hour which includes $4 Sake Bombs, $5 appetizers, $6 wine and $7 cocktails from 4-7 pm
- Nemo/Vino Tuesday Nights! at SakiTumi Grill & Sushi Bar in Columbia on Tuesdays
- Smoked Oyster Series at Smoked in Columbia every other Tuesdays
- SakiTumi Grill & Sushi Bar is hosting Half-Price Select Sushi & Martini Wednesdays 5-10 pm, The sushi rolls and drinks rotate each week so you never get bored with the same selections!
- Boku Kitchen + Saloon is also hosting Whiskey Wednesday 4-11 pm, every Wednesday. Boku offers their large selection of whiskey 1/2 off. Any and every whiskey in-house!
- The NoMa Flea at NoMa Warehouse in Columbia on Fridays
- City of Columbia Food Truck Fridays at Town Theatre in Columbia on Fridays
- Soda City Market at Main Street in Columbia on Saturdays
- Meeting Street Artisan Market at Interactive Art Park in Columbia on Saturdays
Columbia Metro Arts | Crafts
- Beginning Wheel Throwing Friday at Columbia Art Center in Columbia on Fridays from 2 – 4 pm
- Beginning Throwing Saturday at Columbia Art Center in Columbia on Saturdays from 2 – 4 pm
- Morey Weinstein “The Art of Realism” Gallery Opening at City Art in Columbia, Calendar
- Stroller Tour: Rendez-Vous at Columbia Museum of Art in Columbia on Dec. 16
- Pop-Up Artist Holiday Market at Jr. Cultural Arts Center 1510 Laurens Street In Columbia on Dec. 16
- Jazz with Mark Rapp: Swing, Santa, Swing at Columbia Museum of Art in Columbia on Dec. 16
- Gladys’ Gang Preschool Edition: Over the Moon at Columbia Museum of Art in Columbia on Dec. 20
- Introduction to Painting Art Class with Alicia Leeke at City Art in Columbia on Dec. 20
- SC Philharmonic • Home for the Holidays at Koger Center for the Arts on Dec. 21
Columbia Metro Live Music / Performance
- Bill’s Music Shop in West Columbia – Calendar of Events
- Tin Roof in Columbia – Calendar of Events
- New Brookland Tavern in West Columbia – Calendar of Events
- Chayz Lounge in Columbia – Calendar of Events
- Pearlz Oyster and Raw Bar Upstairz Lounge in Columbia – Calendar of Events
- Art Bar in Columbia – Calendar of Events
- Steel Hands Brewing in Cayce – Calendar of Events
- Mimsy’s Kitchen & Jazz Lounge – Calendar of Events
Friday, December 15th
- Friday Night Jazz at The Aristocrat in Columbia on Fridays. Enjoy live jazz, great drinks and food every Friday night! Show starts at 8 | Happy hour 4 – 7 pm.
- Live Music Saturdays at Mimsy’s Kitchen in Columbia on Saturdays | 7 – 10 pm
- aloft Columbia Harbison Karaoke NIGHT at 217 Lanneau Ct in Columbia on Saturdays | 8 pm – 12 am | Food, drinks, music and games
- Binge Karaoke Night at 1130 Kinley Rd in Irmo on Saturdays | 7 pm – 10 pm | Food, Drinks, Music and Games. | $5.00 entry includes unlimited song play.
- Katera Live! Fridays at Esther’s Soul Food + Kitchen in Columbia on Fridays
- Nova Ballet presents “The Christmas Angel” at Harbison Theatre in Irmo
- Live Music by September Campbell at Gardener’s Outpost in Columbia
- White Christmas at Town Theatre in Columbia
- Jazz Is Dead at The Senate in Columbia
- SiriusXM Presents Yacht Rock Revue – Reverse Sunset Tour at The Township Auditorium in Columbia
- THE GREAT AMERICAN TRAILER PARK CHRISTMAS MUSICAL at Trustus Theatre in Columbia on Dec. 1 thru 17
Saturday, December 16th
- aloft Columbia Harbison Karaoke NIGHT at 217 Lanneau Court in Columbia on Saturdays
- Live Music Saturdays at Mimsy’s Kitchen in Columbia on Saturdays
- Sax, Keys & Brunch – Corey Stone at Mimsy’s Kitchen in Columbia on Saturdays
- Nova Ballet presents “The Christmas Angel” at Harbison Theatre in Irmo
- White Christmas at Town Theatre in Columbia
- PartlyCloudy Band at The Venue |1626 on Main in Columbia
- Nutcracker Tea Parties | South Carolina Ballet at Koger Center for the Arts in Columbia
- Celebrate the Music of Vince Guaraldi at The Aristocrat at The Aristocrat in Columbia
- An Evening with Algeron Wright and Friends at The Venue |1626 on Main in Columbia
- Cola’s Christmas Comedy Jam at Bluetile Skateboards in Columbia
- The 18th Annual Taylor Boys Christmas Extravaganza at The Senate in Columbia
- KnT Presents: Starlight – Kings Academy at The Hoot in Columbia
Sunday, December 17th
- White Christmas at Town Theatre in Columbia
- Swingin’ Holidays at Harbison Theatre in Columbia
- A Soulful Christmas with Marcel Anderson at The Venue |1626 on Main in Columbia
- SMOKING & JOKING COMEDY COAT DRIVE at 651 St Andrews Rd in Columbia
Monday, December 18th
- Morey Weinstein “The Art of Realism” Gallery Opening at City Art in Columbia, calendar
Tuesday, December 19th
Wednesday, December 20th
- Historic Columbia’s Holiday House Tours at Hampton-Preston Manion in Columbia
- Broadway in Columbia • Celtic Woman: A Christmas Symphony at Koger Center for the Arts in Columbia
Thursday, December 21st
- Holiday Camp at Camp Discovery in Blythewood
- Soul on the Sofa: Special Edition – featuring The Hamiltones and Katera at Suite Sixty, Two Notch Road in Columbia
- Hank Bilal Presents: A Bona Fide Christmas at The Landing Event Center in Cayce
- A Night with Jenai at The Venue |1626 on Main in Columbia