Holiday Events in Columbia, SC

The Columbia area is full of exciting holiday events:

• Vista Lights at Congaree Vista
• Holiday Lights on the River at Saluda Shoals
• The Nutcracker Play at The Kroger Center

---

A charming city rich with history,  Columbia has garnered several holiday traditions throughout its 200+ years. These Christmas activities reflect the heart of the community and its centuries-old commitment to advancing the area’s economy, entertainment, and culture. So, as you venture out and across the lakes of Palmetto State, drop anchor in Columbia and fill your sails with holiday cheer.

Vista Lights

Firstly, on November 17, venture into Congaree Vista in downtown Columbia for Vista Lights — a cheerful celebration showcasing the culture of Columbia. An excellent opportunity to sneak in some holiday shopping, the 37th annual Vista Lights features more than 60 local restaurants, shops, and galleries filled with gifts and delicious dishes.

Vista Guild organizes the event every year, and this year’s show features entertainment with live performances from local groups. Musical acts such as Prettier Than Matt and Soda City Brass Band will be at the Vista Stage, in front of River Runner Outdoor Center, starting at 6:00 pm. Then, at 7:00 pm, the town is set aglow with ceremonious tree lighting at the corner of Gervais and Lincoln St.

Holiday Lights on the River

A stone’s throw from Lake Murray, Saluda Shoals Park hosts an annual drive-through light show beside the Saluda River from Nov. 23–Dec. 31. As you ride through the two-mile trail, thousands of shining, shimmering, multi-colored lights reflect in the river between 6:00 pm–10:00 pm. Afterward, the animated journey takes visitors to the Environmental Center, where numerous activities will be available. The light show is open, rain or shine, but some outdoor activities may be closed due to inclement weather.

Santa’s Clauset Gift Shop is one of the many post-show activities and has great gifts for holiday shopping. Other events include sliding down the winter wonder tube, hayrides, train rides, and writing letters to Santa. Also, Santa will be at the park offering visits and photo ops on Nov. 25–27, Dec. 2–3, and Dec. 9–23. Concessions and drinks — including beer and wine — will be available for purchase, and be sure to check out the dynamic laser light show along the Wetland Trail. Concessions and activities will be suspended on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas.

Tickets for the drive-through light show range between $25–$75, depending on the vehicle and number of passengers. The park has an 18 mph speed limit, and visitors should switch from headlights to parking lights while driving through the trail.

The Nutcracker Play

Columbia rounds out the holiday season with a classic Christmas tale: The Nutcracker. The story of Clara, the Nutcracker Prince, and the Mouse King highlights the power of childhood imagination, self-confidence, and the importance of the choices we make in life. Under the tutelage of artistic and executive director William Starrett, the Columbia City Ballet has featured the annual play for 62 years and is the company’s longest-running performance.

From December 10–18, there will be six performances of The Nutcracker at The Kroger Center. On Dec. 10 and 17, separate performances are available at 3:00 pm and 7:30 pm. On Dec. 11 and 18, there are showings at 3:00 pm. Ticket cost ranges between $35–$60 depending on seat location. It is highly recommended to purchase seats in advance.  Tickets can be bought online by calling the box office or by visiting the box office at 1051 Greene Street one hour before show time.

Before showings, annual tea parties are held from 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm. Visitors can meet and greet with the costumed cast and crew before the matinee performances.

The Columbia City Ballet is a troupe of 27 dancers that purvey high-quality recitals and professional dance instruction to audiences in the southeast. Furthermore, the company has held firm to its mission of elevating and advancing the art form both on and off the stage since its founding in 1961.

And now you have all the best holiday events in Columbia, SC, tied up in a nice bow. So, don’t miss out on the area’s best shopping, music, and performances this year. Happy Holidays!