ACTIVITIES IN THE COLUMBIA AREA
Wednesday November 28, 2018 through Tuesday December 18, 2018
Sundays – Sensory Sunday at the EdVenture Children’s Museum. On Sundays one hour before opening, the museum will be open for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and sensory processing difference’s to tour the museum and enjoy interactive, hands on activities. For more information call (803) 400-1156 or visit http://www.edventure.org/events/sensory-sunday/?for=04-17-2016.
Second Sundays – Main Street Civil Rights Walking Tour meeting at the African American History Monument of the State House Grounds. This tour will take place every Sunday in February. For more information call (803) 851-5064 or visit http://columbiasc63.com/category/events/.
Second Sundays – Stroll on Arsenal Hill at the Arsenal Hill Park Center on Lincoln Street with the tour beginning at St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church on Calhoun Street. Learn the significance of this neighborhood with its eclectic mix of architecture where the elites use to live during the war and African Americans lived through the 19th and 20th Centuries. For more information call (803) 252-1770 or visit http://www.historiccolumbia.org/events/second-sunday-stroll-arsenal-hill.
Tuesdays – Toddler Tuesdays at the EdVenture Children’s Museum. Bring your toddler for seasonal art activities, music, and our sand tray exploration in the Early Learning Classroom. For more information call (803) 779-3100 or visit http://www.edventure.org/calendar/calendar.aspx.
Tuesdays – Second Shift Twosdays at the South Carolina State Museum. The museum has extended hours with special after hours pricing. For more information call (803) 898-4921 or visit http://scmuseum.org/events/second-shift-twosdays/.
First & Third Wednesdays – Kids Cook at the EdVenture Children’s Museum. Children 6 – 10 years old will have a unique experience taking participants on an exciting journey of culinary arts partaking in food preparation and meal creation, while learning about nutrition. For more information call (803) 400-1156 or visit http://www.edventure.org/events/kids-cook-first-third-wednesdays/?for=04-20-2016.
Thursdays – City Roots Farmers Market at the City Roots Farm. Here’s your chance to search for fresh local produce, fresh eggs, meats, cheese, and more, plus local music and food truck vendors! For more information call (803) 254-2302 or visit http://www.cityroots.org/.
First Thursdays – First Thursdays on Main Street at the 1200-1700 block of Main Street in downtown Columbia. The event lasts from 6 pm to 10 pm and is a collaboration of a number of vendors in the area. For more information call (803) 988-1065 or visit http://firstthursdaysonmain.com/.
Third Thursdays – Vista Nights offered by the Congaree Visit Guild in the Vista area of downtown Columbia. This event is a collaboration of vendors offering extended hours and events such as wine and beer tastings, art classes, and more. For more information call (803) 269-5946 or visit http://www.vistacolumbia.com/vistanights.aspx.
Thursday Nights – Young Adult Shag Dance at Bill’s Music Stop on Meeting Street. Come early and learn how to shag and then dance the night away. For more information call (803) 796-6477 or visit http://www.billsmusicshop.com/calendar.html#.
Fridays – Bluegrass and Acoustic Open Stage and Jam at Bill’s Music Shop and Pickin’ Parlor on Meeting Street. Come out and participate or sit back and enjoy the music. For more information call (803) 796-6477 or visit http://www.billsmusicshop.com/.
Fourth Fridays – Friday Night Laser Lights at the South Carolina State Museum. Through the months of June, July, and August, the Museum will present a laser light show in the Planetarium with each show providing a variety of music. For more information call (803) 898-4921 or visit http://scmuseum.org/events/upcoming-events/.
Saturdays – Nature Discovery Walk at the Congaree National Park. Join a volunteer naturalist for a fun walk along the boardwalk while learning about the diversity of wildlife and plants in the Park. For more information call (803) 776-4396 or visit https://www.nps.gov/cong/planyourvisit/event-details.htm?event=56C296E0-1DD8-B71C-07EB09DD87A17E5F.
Saturdays – State House Tours at the South Carolina State House on Gervais Street. Come tour the most beautiful historic building in the area. For more information call (803) 734-2430 or visit http://www.scstatehouse.gov/visit.php.
Saturdays – Classic Country Music Jamboree and Dancing at Bills Music Shop and Pickin’ Parlor on Meeting Street. Come early and learn two step, country dancing, or couples dancing (no partner required) followed by live entertainment. For more information call (803) 796-6477 or visit http://www.billsmusicshop.com/.
Saturdays – Soda City Market on Main Street in downtown Columbia. Shop for local and regional foods, crafts, hot coffee, cold fresh lemonade, and even cooked food. For more information visit http://sodacitysc.com/.
Through December 2 – Polar Express 4-D Experience at the South Carolina State Museum. Enjoy a 4-D ride on the Polar Express! For more information call (803) 898-4921 or visit http://scmuseum.org/explore/4-d-theater/.
Through December 2 – No Time For Nuts 4-D Experience at the South Carolina State Museum. Enjoy a 4-D experience with everyone’s favorite Ice Age character, Scrat! For more information call (803) 898-4921 or visit http://scmuseum.org/explore/4-d-theater/.
Through December 5 – Palmetto Project Open Enrollment at the Tapp’s Art Center. This non-profit insurance agency, only the 2nd in the nation, will help you get set up with the best insurance plan for you. For more information call (803) 988-0013 or visit https://www.tappsartscenter.com/event/palmetto-project-open-enrollment-at-tapps/.
Through December 30 – Holiday House Tours at the Robert Mills House and the Hampton-Preston Mansion. Take a tour of both of these historical homes that will be decorated in historical holiday fashion and learn how they celebrated the holidays in the 19th and early 20th centuries. For more information call (803) 252-1770 ext. 23 or visit https://www.historiccolumbia.org/events/2018/2018-11/holiday-house-tours-begin.
Through December 30 – Lights Before Christmas at the Riverbanks Zoo and Gardens. It is that time of year again to plan to bring the family out to enjoy the beautiful holiday lights at the zoo. For more information call (803) 779-8717 or visit https://www.riverbanks.org/events/lights-before-christmas.
Through December 31 – Gingerbread Jamboree at the EdVenture Children’s Museum. Each weekend through the month, children will have a chance to have a new and different holiday experience, from decorating gingerbread houses to hearing readings of holiday stories, and this year they even have the chance to do some family holiday shopping with the help of Santa’s elves, at Santa’s Secret Workshop offering items at children’s prices, so take the children out for a fun holiday experience! For more information call (803) 779-3100 or visit https://www.edventure.org/events/gingerbread-jamboree/?for=11-25-2018.
Through December 31 – Holiday Lights on the River at Saluda Shoals Park. Spend an evening with the family riding through these amazing lights while enjoying Christmas music on the radio, and be sure to stop for a little hot chocolate and to roast some marshmallows! For more information call (803) 772-1228 or visit https://www.icrc.net/event/holiday-lights-river-49.
Through January 21 – Holiday ICE at the Columbiana Center. It’s back and at a new location, so make plans now to enjoy some fun family time in the outdoors ice skating to create memories of this year’s holiday season! For more information call (803) 545-3100 or visit https://www.columbiasc.gov/parks-recreation/programs-activities/special-events.
November 28 – Cabaret at the Comedy House. This celebrity impersonator show will include America’s Got Talent finalist Dorae Saunders. For more information call (803) 798-9898 or visit https://comedyhouse.us/cabaret/.
November 28 – Tapp’s % Fundraiser at The Whig. Come out and support this wonderful resource we have in the area with great food, beverages and fun! For more information call (803) 988-0013 or visit https://www.tappsartscenter.com/event/tapps-night-fundraiser-at-the-whig/.
November 28 – December 2 – Holiday Market at the South Carolina State Fairgrounds. The Junior League of Columbia is once again offering this chance for you to enjoy some fun shopping, with their preview party and silent auction to start the event, a special ladies night, and even a chance for children to enjoy a visit with Santa to close out the event. For more information call (803) 252-4552 or visit https://www.jlcolumbia.org/support/holiday-market/.
November 29 – December 2 – “Nephew Tommy” at the Comedy House. Spend an evening stepping away from the stressors of life with an evening of laughter with this talented comedian! For more information call (803) 798-9898 or visit https://comedyhouse.us/nephew-tommy/.
November 29 – December 8 – “Yes Virginia: The Musical” at the On Stage Production Center. This adaptation of the holiday classic based on the 1897 letter by Virginia O’ Hanlon that includes a homeless Santa, a mean classmate and her cat, a magical librarian and the newspaper editor who answered the letter, to create a holiday show you won’t soon forget. For more information call (803) 351-6751 or visit https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?show=88232.
November 29 – December 9 – “A Charlie Brown Christmas Musical” at the Firehouse Theatre of the American Legion Post 193 in Chapin. For more information call (803) 240-8544 or visit http://www.chapintheatre.org/2018/a-charlie-brown-christmas.html.
November 30 – “Brett Young: The Here Tonight Tour” at the Township Auditorium. You’ll spend an evening enjoying some good country music with this talented artist! For more information call (803) 576-2350 or visit http://www.thetownship.org/events/.
November 30 – Historic Holiday Happy Hour at the Robert Mills Carriage House. Here is a chance for you to enjoy games, trivia, and activities that will introduce you to historic holiday customs with eggnog, wassail, and other beverages that can be traced back to the 1800’s. For more information call (803) 252-1770 ext. 23 or visit https://www.historiccolumbia.org/events/2018/2018-11/historic-holiday-happy-hour.
November 30 – “Joy Resounding” at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church. The Dutch Fork Chorale Society will serenade you with wonderful holiday music that will most certainly get you in the true holiday spirit! For more information call (803) 318-0488 or visit http://www.dutchforkchoralsociety.com/.
November 30 – December 2 – “The Nutcracker” at the Koger Center for the Arts. Presented by the Columbia Classical Ballet, you won’t want to miss this tremendous performance that is an area holiday favorite. For more information call (803) 777-7500 or visit http://kogercenterforthearts.com/event.php?id=621.
November 30 – December 2 – Snowball Festival at Lexington Square Park. Celebrate the opening of the holiday season with the tree lighting, a concert, and a carnival with caricature artists, magicians, balloon artists and more! For more information visit https://www.facebook.com/events/306315343525199/.
November 30 – December 22 – “Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol” at the Trustus Theatre. Here is a chance to see the story of Jacob Marley and how this holiday classic impacted “his life”. For more information call (803) 254-9732 or visit https://trustus.org/event/jacob-marleys-christmas-carol/.
December 1 – Breakfast with Santa at St. Andrews Park. Bring the kids out for a fun morning enjoying breakfast and pictures with Santa, fun activities, and a performance by the Columbia Marionette Theatre. For more information call (803) 741-7272 ext. 143 or visit http://richlandcountyrecreation.com/breakfast-with-santa/.
December 1 – Decorate a Christmas Wreath at Wingard’s Market. Bring some ornaments from home and you’ll receive some help in creating a homemade Frasier Fir wreath to add to your holiday decorations! For more information call (803) 359-9091 or visit https://wingardsmarket.com/product/decorate-a-wreath/.
December 1 – Southern Heat Music Festival at the Colonial Life Arena. This is a rescheduled show but don’t let that deter you, as some who had planned to attend may have had to obtain refunds! For more information call (803) 576-9200 or visit https://www.coloniallifearena.com/events/detail/southern-heat-music-festival-2.
December 1 – Get Crafty This Christmas: Create a Wreath at Wingard’s Nursery. Bring some ornaments from home and learn how to use them to create your own holiday wreath. For more information call (803) 359-9091 or visit https://wingardsmarket.com/product/decorate-a-wreath/.
December 1 – Family Gardening Workshops: Bulbs in the Robert Mills House Gardens. Learn about the art of gardening with bulbs with interactive activities for both adults and children. For more information call (803) 252-1770 ext. 23 or visit https://www.historiccolumbia.org/events/2018/2018-12/family-gardening-workshop-bulbs.
December 1 – Santa’s Market Craft Show at Seven Oaks Park. Here is another chance to find a one of a kind craft or piece of art made locally for that special someone on your holiday shopping list and the children will a chance for children to meet with Santa and participate in other activities. For more information call (803) 772-3336 or visit https://www.icrc.net/event/santas-market-craft-show.
December 1 – “Twas the Night Before Christmas” at the Icehouse Amphitheater. As part of the Snowball Festival, you’ll enjoy a chance to see this favorite holiday movie! For more information call (803) 358-7275 or visit http://icehouseamphitheater.com/events/.
December 1 – “A Christmas Story” at the Icehouse Amphitheater. As part of the Snowball Festival, here is another favorite holiday movie for the family to enjoy! For more information call (803) 358-7275 or visit http://icehouseamphitheater.com/events/.
December 1 – Fountain Room Follies at the Tapp’s Center for the Art. Learn about a variety of belly dancing forms and traditions for an evening of fun with several belly dancing groups performing. For more information call (803) 988-0013 or visit https://www.tappsartscenter.com/event/fountain-room-folies/.
December 1 – “Kansas: Point of No Return” at the Township Auditorium. This legendary band is coming to town and you won’t want to miss the chance to spend an evening taking a trip down memory lane with their great songs! For more information call (803) 576-2350 or visit http://www.thetownship.org/events/.
December 1 – St. Nicholas Festival at the Holy Apostles Russian Orthodox Church. If you’ve never attended this event, bring the children out for the kid’s activities including a magic show, and their chance to shop at the kid’s only store, while you shop for crafts, foods, tour the church, and more! For more information call (803) 926-8744 or visit https://holyapostles.org/st-nicholas-festival.
December 1 – Carolina Carillon Parade in downtown Columbia. Start your day with the family as you enjoy this wonderful holiday parade that will most certainly get you in the holiday spirit! For more information call (803) 545-3100 or visit http://www.carolinacarillon.com/.
December 1 – AMROC Christmas Show at 1800 Lincoln Street. Presented by the Associated Model Railroads of Columbia, come out and see this amazing show of model trains! For more information call (803) 644-3161 or visit http://www.amroc.org/events.html.
December 1 – Monthly Gospel Singing at the Midland Gospel Center in Gilbert. This month you’ll have the chance to enjoy the Epps Family and Lumber River Quartet. For more information call (803) 719-1289 or visit https://midgsc.com/concerts.
December 1 – 4 – “By the Bogs of Cats” at the Lab Theatre of USC. Set in the bogs of Ireland, you’ll learn the story of Hester as she fights for respect after being abandoned by her husband in a society that views her lineage with contempt. For more information visit https://www.sc.edu/study/colleges_schools/artsandsciences/theatre_and_dance/theatre/productions/lab_theatre/bogofcats.php.
December 1 – 9 – “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: The Musical” at the Columbia Children’s Theatre. Bring the children out for this fun spin on one of their favorite holiday stories. For more information call (803) 691-4548 or visit http://www.columbiachildrenstheatre.com/season-at-a-glance/.
December 1 – 13 – “Heroes of Ancient Greece” at the Columbia Marionette Theatre. Children will learn about three of the most famous stories from Greek Mythology with the help of Pan, Protector of the Forest. For more information call (803) 252-7366 or visit https://cmtpuppet.org/shows/heroes-of-ancient-greece/.
December 2 – “A Christmas Story” at the Nickelodeon Theater. Take the time to see this fun holiday classic movie! For more information call (803) 254-8234 or visit http://nickelodeon.org/films/a-christmas-story/.
December 2 – Lexington Christmas Parade in downtown Lexington. As part of the Snowball Festival spend your Sunday afternoon enjoy this hometown holiday parade! For more information visit https://www.facebook.com/events/2153685928177201/.
December 2 – Holiday Pops at the Harbison Theatre. Join the South Carolina Philharmonics as they perform their special holiday performance just for you! For more information call (803) 407-5011 or visit https://www.harbisontheatre.org/tickets-productions/holiday-pops.
December 2 – Home for the Holidays Tour of Homes in the Shandon/Hollywood-Rose Hill Neighborhoods. You’ll have a chance to visit a variety of homes in these two historic neighborhoods decorated for the holidays. For more information visit https://homesfortheholidays-columbia.com/.
December 3 – December Harvest Dinner at City Roots Farm. Enjoy a fabulous four-course meal with a complimentary cocktail and wine pairings. For more information call (803) 553-2726 or visit http://www.f2tproductions.com/new-events/2018/12/3/december-harvest-dinner.
December 4 – “Masterpieces from Paris” at the Koger Center for the Arts. Presented by the USC Symphony Orchestra, will include soprano, Kelly Cae Hogan, violinist, William Terwilliger, and the USC choir. For more information call (803) 777-7500 or visit http://kogercenterforthearts.com/event.php?id=607.
December 4 – 7 – USC Dance Student Choreography Showcase at the Drayton Hall Theatre. See what some of the talented dance choreography students have created in what is sure to be an incredible show! For more information call (803) 777-2551 or visit https://sc.edu/study/colleges_schools/artsandsciences/theatre_and_dance/dance/performances/current_season/index.php.
December 5 – “Darren Fleet” at the Comedy House. Take a mid-week break to enjoy some laughter! For more information call (803) 798-9898 or visit https://comedyhouse.us/comedy-calendar/.
December 5 – Paper Lantern Workshop at the Columbia Art Center. Here is a chance to make your own paper lantern that you can carry in the Winter Solstice Lantern Parade on the 22nd. For more information call (803) 545-3100 or visit https://www.columbiasc.gov/depts/parks-recreation/Paper%20Lantern%20Workshop%202018.pdf.
December 6 – Renovation Rodeo at a location yet to be determined in Columbia. During these tours you’ll have a chance to tour old home or buildings in the area that have been refurbished and renovated but still remaining true to the historic roots. For more information call (803) 252-7742 ext. 15 or visit https://www.historiccolumbia.org/events/2018/2018-12/renovation-rodeo.
December 6 – “if.else” in the Skyline Room of the Tapp’s Art Center. These two talented flutists invite you out to enjoy using electronic instruments to create a sound that they will then use their own talents to respond to creating a fun and interactive show! For more information call (803) 988-0013 or visit https://www.tappsartscenter.com/event/if-else-at-first-thursday/.
December 6 – 8 – Bojangles Basketball Bash at Ridgeview High School. Basketball teams from the Carolinas as well as Virginia, West Virginia, and Kentucky will meet up in this fun basketball competition! For more information call (803) 699-2999 ext. 240 or visit http://bojanglesbash.com/.
December 6 – 9 – “John Morgan” at the Comedy House. This hilarious comedian known as the Rajin Cajun will help you relieve some of that holiday stress with an evening filled with laughter! For more information call (803) 798-9898 or visit https://comedyhouse.us/comedy-calendar/.
December 7 – A Starry Night in Five Points. Spend your Friday evening at this open house holiday event with vendors staying open late and chances for the children to meet with Santa, the family to get caricature pictures, complimentary hot chocolate at several vendors, an Ugly Sweater contest at one vendor, crafts, music, and a whole lot of holiday fun! For more information call (803) 748-7373 or visit https://fivepointscolumbia.com/events/A-Starry-Night.
December 7 – “iamdynamite / Rare Creatures / Orange Doors” in the Space Hall of the Tapp’s Art Center. Enjoy an evening experiencing some of South Carolina’s lesser known talented musicians! For more information call (803) 988-0013 or visit https://www.tappsartscenter.com/event/live-at-space-hall-iamdynamite-rare-creatures-orange-doors/.
December 7 – 15 – Cayce Arts Guild Holiday Market at 1803 State Street (at the corner of State and Poplar Streets) in Cayce. Here is another chance to find locally created one of a kind arts and crafts for your holiday enjoyment! For more information visit https://www.onecolumbiasc.com/event/cayce-arts-guild-holiday-market/.
December 8 – Christmas Sampler Craft Show at the Lexington Leisure Center. Enjoy a day of holiday music, door prizes, and shopping with crafters, artisans, and other vendors, with donations of canned food items accepted to benefit Lexington County Meals on Wheels. For more information call (803) 359-4048 or visit http://www.lcrac.com/Default.aspx?tabid=369225.
December 8 – “The Book of Esther” at the Nickelodeon Theater. This is a rare German silent movie that has been modified for the American market in 1922, about Esther, a Hebrew woman, who became the queen of Persia and prevents a genocide of her people. For more information call (803) 254-8234 or visit http://nickelodeon.org/films/the-book-of-esther/.
December 8 – “Harry Connick, Jr.” at the Township Auditorium. Celebrate New Orleans 300th anniversary and the music that inspired this tremendous artist, and hear some of his holiday favorites. For more information call (803) 576-2350 or visit http://thetownship.org/events/.
December 8 – Jingle Bell Run at the Cayce Tennis and Fitness Center in Cayce. This 5k run/walk will take you along the beautiful Timmerman Trail with proceeds to benefit the Arthritis Foundation. For more information call (980) 729-5763 or visit https://events.arthritis.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.event&eventID=723.
December 8 – Holiday Parade of Lights on 12th Street in West Columbia. Spend this evening enjoying the fun evening parade of lights that will fill you and your little ones with plenty of holiday cheer! For more information call (803) 794-6504 or visit https://www.cwcchamber.com/holiday-parade-of-lights.html.
December 8 – Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl at the Liberty Tap Room. Enjoy an evening out with friends and/or family while having the chance to dress up in your favorite ugly holiday sweater. For more information visit https://www.facebook.com/events/184691915585007/?active_tab=discussion.
December 8 – 9 – Sites and Sounds of the Nativity at the Reformation Lutheran Church. You’ll have the chance to view over 200 different nativity sets, see 12 Stations of the Crèche, and an angel collection, enjoy live music, light refreshments, and fun kids activities. For more information visit http://reformationlutherancolumbiasc.com/.
December 8 – 16 – “The Nutcracker Ballet” at the Koger Center for the Arts. Presented by the Columbia City Ballet, you’ll enjoy a show filled with beauty and plenty of holiday spirit! For more information call (803) 799-7605 or visit http://columbiacityballet.com/production/nutcracker/.
December 9 – An Evening with Sensitive Santa at EdVenture Children’s Museum. Being offered for children with developmental disabilities in mind, they’ll enjoy a calm, serene setting in which to have their photo taken with Santa, tour the museum, and enjoy hands on holiday activities at this free event but tickets must be reserved on-line in advance! For more information call (803) 779-3100 or visit https://www.edventure.org/events/an-evening-with-sensitive-santa/?for=12-09-2018.
December 9 – Second Sunday Stroll on Main Street in Columbia. On this tour you’ll have a chance to see the city’s oldest “skyscraper” and the State Capitol, and take a walk through the cities first indoor shopping mall and learn how an old department store became an art museum, all while enjoying the sights and sounds of the holiday in the downtown area. For more information call (803) 252-1770 ext. 23 or visit https://www.historiccolumbia.org/events/2018/2018-12/second-sunday-stroll-main-street.
December 9 – “Black Nativity” at the Nickelodeon Theater. This contemporary adaptation of the classic story is about a young street wise teenage boy who is sent to his relatives, a Reverend and his wife, in New York for the holidays but doesn’t like their rules so ventures home to Boston to his mother, and his inspirational journey home that leads him to discover the true meaning of Christmas. For more information call (803) 254-8234 or visit http://nickelodeon.org/films/black-nativity/.
December 9 – Freeway Music’s Downtown Super Holiday Showcase at The Senate in the Vista. Students from the area will perform over 30 holiday songs, with face painting and a visit from “someone” from the North Pole. For more information visit https://www.facebook.com/events/332708093952589/.
December 9 – Crafty Feast at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center. This is our areas Indie Craft Fair where you will most certainly find plenty of one of a kind and unique handmade items, including clothing, stationary, candles, jewelry, edibles, and so much more so come find that special gift for those on your holiday list! For more information visit http://www.craftyfeast.com/.
December 9 – Midlands Family Holiday Expo at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center. While at the Convention Center for the Crafty Feast, you’ll also have the chance to shop at this event with fun kid’s activities with a chance to get photos with Santa and the Frozen Sisters, and parents having a chance to get free health screenings and holiday makeovers. For more information visit https://www.facebook.com/events/1010164115857691/.
December 9 – PAALS Team Graduation at 300 Senate Street in downtown Columbia. Meet the individuals and dogs that have been matched up over the year with stories that will warm you heart and how these wonderful dogs will help the individual they’ve been matched with. For more information call (803) 788-7063 or visit https://paals.org/graduation/.
December 9 – YoungLives Holiday Market at 701 Whaley Street. Work on that holiday shopping list with proceeds from this event benefiting this new organization that works with pregnant and parenting teens. For more information visit https://midlandsyounglives.younglife.org/Home%20Page/Screen%20Shot%202018-11-02%20at%202.28.27%20PM.png.
December 11 – Nature of Winter with Rudy Mancke at the McKissick Museum. In one of his favorite lunchtime lectures, take a tour around the Horseshoe with this former star of the PBS show, Nature Scene. For more information visit https://www.onecolumbiasc.com/event/nature-of-winter-with-rudy-mancke-2/.
December 11 – “Jingle Bell Jazz: A ‘Nawlins Christmas” at the Trustus Theater. This blend of two events in one bringing you the sounds of a New Orleans holiday with music by Soda City Brass Band and Cat Galan & Bert Ligon. For more information call (803) 254-9732 or visit https://trustus.org/event/jingle-bell-jazz-a-nawlins-christmas/.
December 11 – Songversation: “Resurrection of Bob Dead – Three Months After the Hurricane” in the Skyline Room of the Tapp’s Art Center. Since Matthew Altman’s show got cancelled in September, they finally were able to get him on the calendar so don’t miss this talented artist’s show! For more information call (803) 988-0013 or visit https://www.tappsartscenter.com/event/songversation-the-resurrection-of-bob-dead-three-months-after-the-hurricane/.
December 11 – “Matangi/Maya/M.I.A.” at the Nickelodeon Theater. Created by personal video recordings over a 22 year period, the director presents an insightful story of the critically acclaimed artists’ journey from refugee immigrant to a pop star. For more information call (803) 254-8234 or visit http://nickelodeon.org/films/matangi-maya-m-i-a/.
December 12 – “Trans-Siberian Orchestra” at the Colonial Life Arena. If you haven’t had the chance to see this incredible holiday show, you won’t want to miss it, but who doesn’t enjoy seeing it again and again? For more information call (803) 576-9200 or visit https://www.coloniallifearena.com/events/detail/trans-siberian-orchestra.
December 12 – 16 – “Kountry Wayne” at the Comedy House. Create some holiday memories enjoying a fun night out filled with laughter with this extremely talented comedian! For more information call (803) 798-9898 or visit https://comedyhouse.us/comedy-calendar/.
December 14 – “Gremlins” at the Nickelodeon Theater. Be sure to bring those who haven’t seen this fun, fearful and hilarious film about cut little furry creatures and aren’t so cute when their care and feeding is neglected one Christmas. For more information call (803) 254-8234 or visit http://nickelodeon.org/films/gremlins/.
December 14 – Candlelight Tours and Carriage Rides at the Robert Mills House and the Hampton-Preston Mansion. You’ll enjoy live music, children’s activities, hot chocolate, shopping at the gift shop and the chance to tour these two beautiful mansions decorated for the holiday and be sure to sign up to take a carriage ride through the Robert Mills Historic District. For more information call (803) 252-1770 ext. 23 or visit https://www.historiccolumbia.org/events/2018/2018-12/candlelight-tours-carriage-rides.
December 14 – 15 – “The Christmas Angel” at the Harbison Theatre. This tremendous ballet created by local dancer and instructor, Gabrielle Celeste, is one show you must see if you haven’t already, as you will be taken on an amazing journey battling between good and evil to save the Christmas Angel! For more information call (803) 407-5011 or visit https://www.harbisontheatre.org/tickets-productions/christmas-angel-%C2%A9-1.
December 15 – Wingard’s Family Christmas at Wingard’s Market. Bring the family out for a day filled with fun with Mrs. Claus, a Santa Train, hot apple cider and cookies, shopping for plants and gifts, and prime photo opportunities throughout the Garden Center! For more information call (803) 359-9091 or visit https://wingardsmarket.com/christmas-at-wingards/.
December 15 – Candy Cane Hunt at Crooked Creek Park in Chapin. Santa and his elves will be creating an enjoyable event for the children as they’ll be hiding candy canes along the trail for them to find and some will be prize candy canes, so bring a basket for the candy canes, an unwrapped toy for a child in need, and the children will also have a chance to decorate their own cupcake! For more information call (803) 345-6181 or visit https://www.icrc.net/event/candy-cane-hunt.
December 15 – German Holiday Market at Riverfront Park. Enjoy your Saturday afternoon and evening in the outdoors with a chance to shop with arts and craft vendors, purchase a star lantern to benefit the Three Rivers Fund (which can then be used in the Winter Solstice parade on the 21st), kids activities, and enjoy refreshments. For more information call (803) 545-3100 or visit https://www.columbiasc.gov/parks-recreation/programs-activities/outdoor.
December 15 – Breakfast with Santa at the Robert Mills Carriage House. Bring the kids out for a continental breakfast with Santa, get pictures, take a tour of the Hampton-Preston Mansion to see how beautifully it is decorated, make holiday crafts, and be sure to take a trip through the gift shop as you just might find another gift for someone on your list! For more information call (803) 252-1770 ext. 23 or visit https://www.historiccolumbia.org/events/2018/2018-12/breakfast-santa.
December 15 – Dancing with the Stars at the Township Auditorium. You’ll enjoy one of Americas favorite TV dance shows live right here at home! For more information call (803) 576-2350 or visit http://thetownship.org/events/.
December 15 – Harborside Lights 5K at the Town Center of Lake Carolina in Northeast Columbia. Enjoy a chance to take a break from the holiday rush for a little exercise with proceeds benefiting the local YMCA. For more information call (803) 748-9622 ext. 130 or visit https://racesonline.com/events/harborside-lights-5k.
December 15 – “Hip Abduction” with “Of Good Nature” at The Senate at the Tin Roof. Spend an evening enjoying some reggae music with these talented groups. For more information visit https://www.ticketweb.com/event/the-hip-abduction-the-senate-tickets/8869405?pl=tinroof.
December 15 – 16 – “Home for the Holidays” at the Town Theatre. Enjoy an evening filled with many of your favorite holiday songs sung by recent and past production performers. For more information call (803) 799-2510 or visit http://towntheatre.com/home-for-the-holidays/.
December 15 – 22 – “Rudolph’s Winter Revue” at the Columbia Marionette Theatre. Bring the kids out for this fun new holiday show that includes holiday songs! For more information 252-7366 or visit https://cmtpuppet.org/shows/rudolphs-winter-revue/.
December 15 – 24 – Elgin Lights at 2433 Charlie Horse Circle in Elgin. This wonderful event was created in memory of children who died too soon, with proceeds to benefit Camp Chemo, so come out and see the thousands of lights, some linked to holiday songs, take a hayride, and see some of the wonderfully collected antiques to include miniature trains! For more information call (803) 408-0131 or visit http://elginlights.com/Elgin_Lights_Christmas_Tractors_and_Trains/Welcome.html.
December 16 – Dollar Sunday: Woodrow Wilson Family Home at its location on Hampton Street. Residents of Richland and Lexington Counties will have a chance to tour this home that is the only one dedicated to the post-Civil War reconstruction period and South Carolina’s only remaining presidential site. For more information call (803) 252-1770 ext. 23 or visit https://www.historiccolumbia.org/events/2018/2018-12/dollar-sunday-woodrow-wilson-family-home.
December 16 – Indie Grits Lab Auction for Education at the Hunter-Gatherer Brewery & Ale House at the Hangar on Jim Hamilton Boulevard at Owens Airport in Rosewood. This is the Nick’s primary fundraiser with funds used to support media education programs, including field trips, adult workshops, after-school programs, and youth summer camps. For more information call (803) 254-8234 or visit http://nickelodeon.org/events/indie-grits-labs-auction-for-education/.
December 16 – 17 – “It’s a Wonderful Life” at the Nickelodeon Theater. This classic story is one movie kids and adults alike should see at least once a year to remind us the true meaning of the holiday season! For more information call (803) 254-8234 or visit http://nickelodeon.org/films/its-a-wonderful-life-3/.
December 18 – “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” at the Township Auditorium. Bring the kids out for what is sure to be an exciting live production of this classic holiday show! For more information call (803) 576-2350 or visit http://thetownship.org/events/.
