South Carolina’s capital not often sees a white Christmas. Regardless of the hefty highs in December, Columbia is a festive metropolis in the course of the winter holidays. The State Home, personal houses, and native companies spare no expense on occasions and lights.
Columbia is a simple place to go to in the course of the holidays. On the convergence of a number of interstates, the town is just a few 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 in regards to the native searching for the right present, Christmas occasions and lightweight shows, and one of the best locations you should go to throughout a weekend journey to Columbia for Christmas.
Christmas in Columbia Articles
Browse earlier articles written in regards to 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 among the finest and most enjoyable. Go to the Expertise Columbia web site for a whole, searchable listing of all Christmas occasions.
Vista Lights
The Vista is one in every of 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 stay 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 pictures 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 company whereas meandering the concrete paths by the zoo. Go for a nighttime experience 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 by mid-January. Tickets range 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. Through 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 by the tip of December.
The free occasion begins at 6 p.m.
Sleigh Bell Stroll
Considered one 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, traces the paved street by the park so guests can admire the shows from the consolation of their vehicles.
The Sleigh Bell Stroll is a captivating one-time alternative to see the spectacular lights with none vehicles. Members park on the east entrance close to St. Andrews Street and stroll the 2-mile route by Saluda Shoals Park.
You’ll have two hours to expertise the Christmas mild show in peacefulness. Then, a bus brings everybody again to the car parking zone.
Registration is required by November 20 for this occasion. It prices $7 per grownup and $2 per little one.
Sleigh Bell Stroll
Considered one 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, traces the paved street by the park so guests can admire the shows from the consolation of their vehicles.
The Sleigh Bell Stroll is a captivating one-time alternative to see the spectacular lights with none vehicles. Members park on the east entrance close to St. Andrews Street and stroll the 2-mile route by Saluda Shoals Park.
You’ll have two hours to expertise the Christmas mild show in peacefulness. Then, a bus brings everybody again to the car parking zone.
Registration is required by November 20 for this occasion. It prices $7 per grownup and $2 per little one.
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 massive pond. The market options native arts and crafts distributors, basic vacation music, festive lights, and Glühwein – a German mulled wine.
It’s additionally an awesome probability to strive 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 out there 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 pictures as you want together with your smartphone or digital camera. Then, benefit from the complimentary sizzling 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 Crimson-Nosed Reindeer performs within the 4D Theater. Guests can peek on the stars within the Boeing Observatory. And Santa makes an look for pictures.
The occasion makes use of a “pay-as-you-may” common admission value – you may pay $10 per individual or enter the occasion without spending a dime. 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 12 months. Virtually 200 retailers show arts and crafts, clothes, jewellery, and baked items. It’s a unbelievable alternative to discover a memorable Christmas present.
The four-day occasion is held on the South Carolina State Fairgrounds from Thursday, November 30, till Sunday, December 3. Normal 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. every single day besides Sunday when it’s open from 12 P.M. till 4 p.m.
Girls Night time Out is a particular occasion in the course of the vacation market. Held on Thursday, the occasion for company 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 optionally available occasion options stay music, personal procuring, and cocktails.
Sundaes with Santa is a chance to get pictures with Santa and revel in kids’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” in the course of the Carols Alongside the Riverwalk in Cayce. The occasion begins at 6 p.m. on Friday, December 1, on the Cayce Riverwalk Picnic Shelter. Stay 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 out there at close by Brookland Cayce Excessive Faculty, and a shuttle bus offers 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 Heart 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, do-it-yourself cookies, vocal ensembles, Jap European and American meals, and church excursions.
The pageant is free to attend, however the delicious meals and native arts and crafts may tempt you. All of the earnings from the pageant are donated to native charities. The pageant begins at 10 a.m. on Saturday, December 2, and ends at 4 p.m.
Lake Murray’s Christmas Lights Boat Parade
In case you’ve ever visited Lake Murray in the summertime, 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 right place to observe 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 should be no less than 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 fascinating occasion is over.
Admission to the boat parade is free.
Snowball Pageant Carnival and Film
The Snowball Pageant Carnival and Film is likely one of the finest 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 pictures 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 house owner who by accident turns into the brand new Santa.
Carolina Carillon Vacation Parade
The Christmas vacation isn’t full with no grand parade. And the Carolina Carillon Vacation Parade is likely one of the finest 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 in the course of the annual Cayce Historic Museum’s Christmas Traditions Vacation Open Home. Through 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 out of doors Christmas market, and discover Christmas timber all through the museum.
Santa Saturday on the South Carolina State Museum
Santa will get round in the course of the Holidays. However he’s assured to seem on the South Carolina State Museum each Saturday in December.
Throughout Santa Saturday, guests who pay the overall admission price to the museum can get pleasure from a meet-and-greet with Santa Claus, watch Rudolph the Crimson-Nosed Reindeer on the 4D Theater (further 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. Normal admission is required, and present tickets are additional.
The Columbia Christmas Extravaganza Vacation Market is an appropriately named two-day Christmas occasion. The vacation market options over 150 native distributors, contemporary fudge, photos with Santa, and Christmas crafts. The occasion organizers boast that it’s “the right method to skip out on huge field shops this vacation season and select to help small.”
The indoor occasion is held on the Columbia Conference Heart 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 out there on the conference heart’s car 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 by the South Carolina State Fairgrounds.
Concessions midway by the present promote chocolate chip cookies, milk, water, and soda. However one of the simplest ways 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 by December 24, aside 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. Through 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 stay 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
Take pleasure in 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 Heart 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 a captivating probability to expertise a Christmas of the previous on the distinctive out of doors museum campus. Guests can discover most of the 30 historic constructions in the course of the occasion and see interval Christmas decorations.
Sizzling apple cider and gingerbread cookies can be found for a lightweight snack in the course of the occasion. Stay 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 novel occasion in the course of 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 Heart for the Arts on the College of South Carolina.
The one-night occasion begins at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, December 20, 2023.
Residence for the Holidays
Settle into a snug seat on the Koger Heart for the Arts for Residence for the Holidays, a particular efficiency by the South Carolina Philharmonic, The Columbia Repertory Dance Co., and a number of other solo artists. Even Santa Claus makes an look in the course of 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 here are among the finest Christmas mild shows in Columbia.
Vista Lights
The Vista is one in every of 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 stay 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 – residence of the Columbia Fireflies Minor League Baseball workforce – 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 area. Shows cowl the diamond, fill the seats, and wrap across the stadium.
Though guests usually are not allowed onto the baseball area, it’s a uncommon alternative to stroll alongside the warning monitor surrounding the sphere. However one of the simplest ways 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 – aside 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 pictures 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 company whereas meandering the concrete paths by the zoo. Go for a nighttime experience 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 by mid-January. Tickets range 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. Through 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 by the tip of December.
The free occasion begins at 6 p.m.
Sleigh Bell Stroll
Considered one 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, traces the paved street by the park so guests can admire the shows from the consolation of their vehicles.
The Sleigh Bell Stroll is a captivating one-time alternative to see the spectacular lights with none vehicles. Members park on the east entrance close to St. Andrews Street and stroll the 2-mile route by Saluda Shoals Park.
You’ll have two hours to expertise the Christmas mild show in peacefulness. Then, a bus brings everybody again to the car parking zone.
Registration is required by November 20 for this occasion. It prices $7 per grownup and $2 per little one.
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 by the South Carolina State Fairgrounds.
Concessions midway by the present promote chocolate chip cookies, milk, water, and soda. However one of the simplest ways 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 by December 24, aside 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 probability to take a seat on Santa’s lap, expose your whole want listing, and seize a photograph treasure. Listed here are among the finest, and most fascinating, 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 pictures 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 company whereas meandering the concrete paths by the zoo. Go for a nighttime experience 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 by mid-January. Tickets range in value from $20-$25 for adults and $15-$20 for kids.
Sleigh Bell Stroll
Considered one 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, traces the paved street by the park so guests can admire the shows from the consolation of their vehicles.
The Sleigh Bell Stroll is a captivating one-time alternative to see the spectacular lights with none vehicles. Members park on the east entrance close to St. Andrews Street and stroll the 2-mile route by Saluda Shoals Park.
You’ll have two hours to expertise the Christmas mild show in peacefulness. Then, a bus brings everybody again to the car parking zone.
Registration is required by November 20 for this occasion. It prices $7 per grownup and $2 per little one.
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 pictures as you want together with your smartphone or digital camera. Then, benefit from the complimentary sizzling 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 12 months. Virtually 200 retailers show arts and crafts, clothes, jewellery, and baked items. It’s a unbelievable alternative to discover a memorable Christmas present.
The four-day occasion is held on the South Carolina State Fairgrounds from Thursday, November 30, till Sunday, December 3. Normal 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. every single day besides Sunday when it’s open from 12 P.M. till 4 p.m.
Girls Night time Out is a particular occasion in the course of the vacation market. Held on Thursday, the occasion for company 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 optionally available occasion options stay music, personal procuring, and cocktails.
Sundaes with Santa is a chance to get pictures with Santa and revel in kids’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 in the course of the Holidays. However he’s assured to seem on the South Carolina State Museum each Saturday in December.
Throughout Santa Saturday, guests who pay the overall admission price to the museum can get pleasure from a meet-and-greet with Santa Claus, watch Rudolph the Crimson-Nosed Reindeer on the 4D Theater (further 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. Normal admission is required, and present tickets are additional.
The Columbia Christmas Extravaganza Vacation Market is an appropriately named two-day Christmas occasion. The vacation market options over 150 native distributors, contemporary fudge, photos with Santa, and Christmas crafts. The occasion organizers boast that it’s “the right method to skip out on huge field shops this vacation season and select to help small.”
The indoor occasion is held on the Columbia Conference Heart 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 out there on the conference heart’s car parking zone.
Native Purchasing in Columbia
You received’t need to look onerous to search out some nice native procuring all through Columbia. A number of occasions are geared round native artisans however past that there are just a few 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 in every of 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 stay 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 massive pond. The market options native arts and crafts distributors, basic vacation music, festive lights, and Glühwein – a German mulled wine.
It’s additionally an awesome probability to strive 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 out there 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 wonderful regionally owned locations to eat and drink in Columbia. Throughout my week for Christmas in Columbia I found fairly just a few. Here’s a listing of what I discovered that can assist 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 every single day of the week if I may have breakfast at Cafe Strudel. They’ve two places with the identical menu, however I like to recommend the West Columbia location. Every little 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 may eat each on the identical time! Together with ginormous cinnamon rolls baked contemporary every single day they’ve a big menu of bagels, sandwiches, and soups.
The Connoisseur Store Café
This little café in The Connoisseur Store provides brunch and lunch seven days per week. It could actually get a bit hectic with consumers shifting out and in however quickly sufficient you’ll be centered on the scrumptious meals. The Breakfast Panini (panini crammed egg, Parrano cheese, crimson peppers, and turkey sausage) is a good begin. You can even strive their well-known Hen Salad or create your individual sandwich.
Noticed Salamander
This is likely one of the coolest regionally 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 every day specials, salads, and sandwiches.
Za’s on Devine
Formally referred to as Za’s Brick Oven Pizza that is one of the best pizza you’ll discover you Columbia. The fashionable and cozy eating area is the right 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, this can be a excellent place to get lunch or dinner throughout a day of exploring the town.
Grill Marks
Generally all you need is an efficient burger and Grill Marks has among the best within the metropolis. In truth, their whole menu is predicated on burgers stacked so excessive you’ll have to unhinge your jaw (or I suppose you might additionally simply lower it up with the knife and fork they provide you). As an added bonus you merely should strive one in every of their Freakshakes. Oh and so they’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 regionally owned restaurant is likely one of the hottest joints within the metropolis proper now. Seating at Bourbon is snug however restricted, and so they don’t take reservations. Seize a seat on the bourbon bar to get pleasure from unbelievable blended drinks or slide right into a sales space to strive their Cajun-Creole impressed menu. Positioned on Most important Avenue downtown it’s an awesome place for dinner on the finish of an thrilling day exploring and procuring.
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 wonderful night on the Curtiss Wright Hangar location. The house owners have transformed the outdated airplane hangar right into a brewery and restaurant. They usually have stay music enjoying 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) and so they 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 in every of each kind of resort chain). Though a resort is a resort, some lodges are higher and others are in higher places. Listed here are some choices in three particular areas I feel would make an awesome place to remain throughout Christmas in Columbia.
Microtel Inn & Suites The Microtel chain is barebones however all you want for a snug sleep. They’ve just a few connecting rooms, rooms with two beds, and a studio suite with a sleeper couch so you may deliver the household. The placement close to I-77 is on the outskirts of the town however nonetheless an awesome location for attending to all of the Christmas occasions.
La Quinta Inn This resort is likely one of the most inexpensive within the metropolis (and at some point I’d let you know 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 resort chain within the morning, however it’s nonetheless not a nasty begin to the day.
Hyatt Place That is the high beneficial place to remain downtown throughout Christmas in Columbia. The resort is an excellent 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 contemporary resort to comb the nation and so they’re fairly snug for a keep. Positioned 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 resort is in an awesome location beside the interstate to rapidly entry all of the Christmas occasions within the metropolis. They function a number of rooms with a sleeper couch so you may deliver the complete household. The breakfast unfold within the morning is fairly spectacular and can get your day began off proper.
