See all Columbia Christmas happenings this year!
Columbia welcomes Christmas 2025 around neighborhood hotspots and the Riverfront Park, where plazas shine with festive decor. The lineup includes festive events, holiday entertainment, and winter gatherings from markets and concerts to family light displays and parades.
Find the best Columbia Christmas happenings this year!
Top Christmas Events In and Around Columbia
- Wild Lights at Riverbanks Zoo
- Vista Lights
- Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical
- Trans-Siberian Orchestra: The Lost Christmas Eve
- A Magical Cirque Christmas
- South Carolina Ballet Presents The Nutcracker Tea Party Series
- Carols Along the Riverwalk (Cayce)
- Santa's Swingin' Christmas Party
- Junior League of Columbia Holiday Market 2025
- Boston Brass & the Brass All-Stars Big Band: Christmas Bells are Swingin’!
See even MORE Christmas events below!
Columbia Christmas Events
Columbia Christmas Movies, Theater and Entertainment
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Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical brings the classic holiday tale to life on stage. Follow the Grinch's mischievous plan to steal Christmas from the Whos of Whoville, all narrated by Max the Dog. This spectacular production features stunning sets and costumes directly from Dr. Seuss' iconic illustrations, and includes the unforgettable songs 'You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch' and 'Welcome Christmas'. It's an extraordinary performance that captures the true spirit of the holiday season.
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Prepare for a spectacular holiday journey with the Trans-Siberian Orchestra's 'The Lost Christmas Eve'. This unique rock opera combines the band's signature symphonic rock sound with a heartwarming story, featuring dazzling light shows and special effects. It's an unforgettable festive experience for the whole family.
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Embrace the holiday spirit with A Magical Cirque Christmas, a captivating variety show that blends wonder, magic, and breathtaking performances. World-class entertainers bring the festive season to life with awe-inspiring acts set to favorite holiday tunes, promising an evening filled with joy, love, and dazzling entertainment for all ages.
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Step into a whimsical holiday world with Santa's Swingin' Christmas Party, a delightful collaboration with the Cola Jazz Foundation. This unique variety show features a heartwarming story about Tinkle the elf and his handmade friend Lumpy, brought to life with vibrant blacklight puppetry and the lively sounds of a live jazz quartet. It's a musical celebration of friendship and finding where you belong.
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Get ready for a festive holiday experience as Boston Brass and the Brass All-Stars Big Band present 'Christmas Bells are Swingin’!' This dynamic ensemble, featuring trumpets, horns, trombones, and tubas with a jazz rhythm section, delivers big band arrangements of holiday favorites. Expect a show filled with musical energy and holiday cheer.
Columbia Christmas Markets and Shopping
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The Junior League of Columbia presents its largest fundraiser, the Holiday Market 2025. This four-day shopping extravaganza features nearly 160 merchants from across the country, offering a wide variety of merchandise. Attendees can enjoy exclusive events like Ladies Night Out and the Holiday Ball, both for guests 21 and up. The market also hosts Sundaes with Santa, a delightful children's event with photo opportunities and treats.
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Discover unique, handcrafted treasures at the 23rd Annual Midlands Clay Arts Holiday Sale. Over 35 local artists present a stunning array of ceramic artwork, from intricate sculptures and functional pottery to dazzling jewelry. This is the perfect opportunity to find one-of-a-kind gifts that embody creativity and local artistry.
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Discover the 21st Annual St. Nicholas Festival, a cherished community event offering a delightful blend of food, crafts, and entertainment. Visitors can savor homemade cookies and diverse culinary options, find unique gifts, and enjoy live choral performances and a Nativity Play. Children will delight in special activities, including a gift shop, face painting, and cookie decorating, with a chance to meet St. Nicholas.
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Discover a vibrant collection of local talent at the Meeting Street Artisan Market. Browse unique handmade crafts, stunning artwork, delicious baked goods, and exquisite jewelry created by talented artisans. It's more than just shopping; it's a chance to connect with the community and support local creators in a lively atmosphere.
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Discover unique, handmade treasures at the Lexington County Christmas Craft Show. This festive event brings together local artisans showcasing their crafts and holiday-themed goods. Admission is free with a donation to the Lexington County Meals on Wheels Emergency Food Pantry, making it a perfect opportunity to shop for gifts while supporting a great cause.
Columbia Christmas Light Displays
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Experience the enchantment of Wild Lights at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden. Wander through the zoo after dark to discover over 60 breathtaking, handcrafted wildlife lantern displays that illuminate the night. Enjoy a magical evening with nightly snowfall, engaging activities, and opportunities to capture festive photos. Santa Claus will be present for visits through December 23, adding to the holiday cheer.
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Join the 40th annual Vista Lights celebration presented by Prisma Health on Thursday, November 20, 2025. This beloved event marks the official start of the holiday season in Columbia, transforming the Vista district with festive lights and a joyous atmosphere. More details are expected soon, promising a magical evening for all attendees.
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Step into a festive holiday wonderland with Historic Columbia's Holiday House Tours. Explore the beautifully adorned Robert Mills House and Hampton-Preston Mansion, experiencing holiday traditions from the 1820s and 1850s. Learn about historical celebrations, decorations, and the origins of modern festivities.
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Prepare for a dazzling holiday season at Fireflies Holiday Lights, returning to Segra Park for 2025. This enchanting event features a spectacular array of lights, nightly visits with Santa Claus, and a fun scavenger hunt. Younger guests can unleash their creativity at Santa's Workshop with hands-on crafts and enjoy a magical ride on the Fireflies Express train.
Columbia Other Christmas Activities
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Step into a magical holiday tradition with the South Carolina Ballet's Nutcracker Tea Parties. This enchanting pre-performance celebration invites families to enjoy a charming sit-down tea alongside characters from the beloved Nutcracker ballet. Children can create lasting memories by taking photos with dancers in their exquisite costumes and collecting autographs.
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Immerse yourself in the holiday spirit at Carols Along the Riverwalk, a magical evening event in Cayce. Enjoy free live music from local choirs and musicians as you stroll or ride through thousands of twinkling lights. This festive experience, part of the larger 'Christmas in Cayce' celebration, offers a heartwarming way to embrace the season.
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Lace up for the Cold Winter's Day 5K and 10K races on December 27, 2025. This event offers a flat and fast course perfect for setting personal bests. Younger runners can enjoy the downhill Snowflake Youth Fun Run. All participants receive a finisher medal, and top performers are recognized in multiple age categories. A portion of the proceeds benefits the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
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Experience a special, sensory-friendly morning at the South Carolina State Museum designed for guests who benefit from a quieter, adapted environment. Meet Santa Claus and The Grinch, explore exhibits at your own pace, and enjoy optional activities including a sensory-friendly show. ASL interpretation is available, and a dedicated Sensory Room offers a quiet retreat.
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Experience the vibrant colors of autumn at the Fall on the Farm festivals hosted by the South Carolina Department of Agriculture. These events showcase the area's largest selection of fall plants and decorations, offering a festive atmosphere for all ages. With multiple locations and dates throughout September and October, there's ample opportunity to immerse yourself in the season's bounty.
Christmas Events Near Columbia
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Lexington Christmas Events
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