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Amazing Vacation Rental Homes for the Best Family Vacations

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Are you looking for the perfect vacation home to rent for your next family vacation? No matter where you’re headed, whether it’s the mountains, the beach or somewhere in between, we’ve found some truly unique and stellar vacation homes you’ll want to check out. We have lists of homes that feature amenities we know families want. So get planning, and enjoy your next vacation!

Vacation homes throughout the Southeast

Fun Family Vacation Rentals

Whether you’re looking for a unique themed vacation rental or the perfect jumping-off spot for an epic adventure-filled vacation, these lists of family vacation rentals will have something awesome for you. We have rentals in beautiful scenery, rentals near theme parks and attractions, rentals with great hiking, amazing kid-friendly rentals, and lots more. So, make sure to grab a rental with plenty of bunk beds, and load up the kids, you’re going on an adventure!

Check out our vacation rental content below.

It’s Winter! 20+ Things to Do in Columbia, SC

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You’re looking for things to do this winter in Columbia, SC? The holidays have come to an end, and January and February stretch out in front of you long and cold-ish and boring.

But, there’s so much to look forward to! The winter season offers lots of unique opportunities and things to do in Columbia. Plus, there are some seriously epic winter day trips nearby. You can read that as “Yes, there are day trips for snow tubing near Columbia, SC.” So, have no fear. We have loads of ideas to keep your winter lively and put a bounce in your step that’ll last all the way to Spring. The only thing you’ll have to do is figure out which Columbia, SC winter activity you want to do first!

Winter Activities to Do in Columbia, SC

Winter Planetarium Shows at SC State Museum

We love the South Carolina State Museum for its huge amount of exhibits and hands-on learning. In the winter, they offer a live sky planetarium show where your family can learn about the constellations, stars, and planets that make up Columbia’s winter sky. How cool is that!? Shows are about 30 minutes and should run through all of the cold months. Book your planetarium tickets Live Sky Tour online in advance if you want to be sure to get in at your chosen time!

Additional shows currently available at the Planetarium are Arora, Mars, James Webb Space Telescope and We Are Stars. You can book your tickets at the link above.

Dine-Out, Literally: Heated Outdoor Dining in Columbia, SC

We have ideas for great family restaurants in Columbia, and we also have a huge kids eat free list, but what restaurants let us dine outdoors no matter the weather?

Who has a heated outdoor dining space in Columbia, SC?

Restaurants with outdoor dining in Columbia, SC

Check out this list of heated outdoor dining options we found, or, if you’re bringing the kids along, here are a couple of restaurants and breweries from our big Columbia family restaurant list that also have heated outdoor dining!

Family-Friendly Heated Outdoor Dining in Columbia, SC

  • Home Team BBQ Classic BBQ with a kids’ menu, plus a patio with panels that keep it toasty.
    • Location: 700 Harden Street, Columbia, SC 29205 – 803.724.3900
    • Hours: Sunday through Friday from 11 am – 12 am (midnight)
      Saturday from 11 am to 2 am
  • Cantina 76  The Devine Street location offers a heated outdoor dining space and all the delicious Mexican-inspired cuisine you could hope for.
    • Location: 2901 Devine Street, Columbia, SC 29205 – 803.708.6004
    • Hours: Sunday from 11 am – 9 pm, Monday – Wednesday from 11 am – 9:30 pm, Thursday – Saturday from 11 am – 10 pm
  • Steel Hands Brewing Co. Load up the kids for pretzels, sandwiches, and nachos around the fire pits outdoors at Steel Hands Brewing Co.
    • Location: 2350 Foreman Street, Cayce, SC 29033 – 803.708.9864
    • Hours: Monday – Closed, Tuesday and Wednesday from 3 pm – 8 pm, Thursday from 3 pm – 10 pm, Friday and Saturday from 12 pm – 11 pm, Sunday from 10 am – 8 pm 
  • Upper Crust The Gourmet wood-fired pizza place is in the process of setting up dome dining for these cold winter months. The domes will be heated in the winter and cooled in the summer. They also serve brunch and offer “take and bake” pizzas if you prefer dining at home. Check back for official dome completion update!
    • Location: 843-4 Polo Road, Columbia
    • Hours: Monday – Closed, Tuesday and Wednesday from 10 am – 3 pm, Thursday from 10 am – 8:30 pm, Friday from 10 am – 9 pm, Saturday from 10 am – 8:30 pm and Sunday 10 am – 2:30 pm
  • Backstreets Grill of Columbia Enjoy the beautiful outdoor atmosphere here while dining on soup, salad, choice meats and seafood!
    • Location: 2400 Devine Street, Columbia
    • Hours: Monday – Friday 11 am – 10 pm, Saturday and Sunday 11:30 am – 10 pm
  • Publico Kitchen + Tap Located in Five Points, Publico serves Latin-Asian inspired cuisine, craft beer, margaritas, tacos and Sunday Brunch. They have heaters on the patio as well as heated dome dining available for reservation. They also offer an extensive and festive mocktail menu, vegan menu and most uniquely, a VIP (Very Important Puppy) Menu – Yes, puppy menu! They have a menu specially for dining with your dog! The puppy portion sizes are served based on weight and all profit from the VIP menu go to help a local rescue.
    • Location: 2013 Greene Street, Columbia
    • Hours: Monday through Saturday 11 am – 10 pm
  • Publico at Bullstreet Features Latin-Asian inspired dishes including tacos, ramen, salads and sandwiches. They also offer a vegan and brunch menu plus the VIP Menu (Very Important Puppy) incorporates your dog as part of your family while dining here! They have heaters on their patio to keep you warm in these cold winter months!
    • Location: 2180 Boyce Street Suite A, Columbia
    • Hours: Sunday through Thursday 11 am – 11 pm, Friday & Saturday 11 am – 12 am
  • BOKU Kitchen & Saloon Serves Pan-Asian cuisine and uses locally sourced ingredients. They have heaters on their outdoor patio to warm you up while you enjoy outdoor dining.
    • Location: 916 Gervais Street, Columbia
    • Hours: Monday-Wednesday 11 am – 10 pm Kitchen, 11 pm Bar
      Thursday & Friday 11 am – 11 pm Kitchen, 1 am Bar
      Saturday Brunch 11 am – 3 pm, Dinner 4 pm – 11 pm Kitchen, 1 am Bar
      Sunday Brunch 11 am to 3 pm, Dinner 4 pm – 10 pm, Kitchen, 11 pm Bar
  • Market on Main Voted 2023’s Best Place to Dine Outdoors, they have a Jumbotron TV outside, live music and offer dome dining on their outdoor patio! They allow your dog to dine with you on the outdoor patio and offer a variety of family friendly events throughout the year. Specializing in gourmet Americana cuisine, this restaurant provides an atmosphere the whole family, even Fido, will enjoy!
    • Location: 1320 Main Street #150, Columbia
    • Hours: Monday – Closed, Tuesday & Wednesday 11 am – 10:30 pm, Thursday through Saturday 11 am – 12 am, Sunday 10:30 am to 9 pm

Parents: don’t forget to keep a close eye on kids around outdoor heaters and fireplaces. Both can get very hot and accidents can happen quickly!

Chase the Snow: Day Trips Snow Tubing and More

I know. We aren’t likely to see many snowflakes in Columbia. But, that doesn’t mean you can’t head out on one (or two) totally epic winter day trips and chase after that snow.

Snow Tubing Near Columbia, SC

Go skiing, go snowboarding, go snow tubing. You can do it all just a couple of hours away in Western North Carolina. You’ll want to start here: 13+ Places to Ski, Snowboard, and Snow Tube: North Carolina & Beyond

If snow tubing is your aim, check out Black Bear Snow Tubing in Hendersonville, NC. We just visited and had a blast. It makes an amazing family day trip!

Sliding down in a tube at Black Bear Tubing
Black Bear Snow Tubing

Sledding: Where is there snow?

Last but not least, if you’d rather just go see some snow and maybe find a good hill to sled down, you are in luck. Load up that sled. Here are spots in Western North Carolina where you can sled and go play in the snow! from our sister site, Kidding Around Greenville.

Outdoor Ice Skating

Head up to the Whitewater Center in Charlotte for epic outdoor ice skating. They have several skating spaces and ice trails, it’s much more than an oval rink! Skating is open through mid-February. Find out all about it in our Whitewater Ice Skating Review!

Ice skating at Whitewater Center

Things to Do Inside

Have you seen our Indoor Guide to Columbia? It has all the ideas for family fun indoors.

This winter we recommend:

Children's Area in Richland County Libraries

The Weather is Beautiful: Go Outdoors

So, we may have to travel to see that snow, but that probably means things are looking pretty temperate and sunny out there, perfect for some outdoor winter activities. Columbia, SC has a whole heap. That means you can go for a hike or explore the zoo comfortably and not even break a sweat. Anyone who has been to the zoo in the middle of July knows what we’re talking about.

Free Winter Things to Do in Columbia, SC

Build projects with your kids for free at Home Depot. The Free Kids Workshops at Home Depot are awesome.

February 3rd, 2024: Valentine’s Basket
March 2nd, 2024: Butterfly house

Or, head to Lowe’s Home Improvement Store for their free kids’ kits. Here’s a sneak peek at January’s project. My First DIY Toolbox

Winter Events in Columbia, SC

Check out these winter-themed events happening over the winter months in Columbia. If you’re looking for more activities and events, don’t forget to check out our full Columbia events page.

 
Things to do Columbia, SC

Looking for more?

Don’t miss our huge list of things to do in Columbia, SC

Winter Break from School

Our winter break bucket list will fill that school break with lots of family fun.

Kidding Around® Guides

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Guides: Add Your Information

50+ Things to Do in Columbia, SC: Fun Days Start Here

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What is there to do in Columbia? A lot! If you’re looking for things to do or attractions in Columbia, SC you’ve come to the right spot. When you’re spending time in South Carolina’s capital city with your family and kids, there are a lot of things to do and adventures to fill your days. Here are some great kids’ activities in Columbia and more ideas to keep you busy.

Columbia, SC

Looking for dining and restaurants? If you’re searching for things to eat in Columbia, we have some suggestions here: Favorite Restaurants and Family Dining in Columbia, SC.

(more…)

71+ Christmas Events & Activities in Columbia, SC: Fire Up Your HO HO HO!

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What is there to do in Columbia this holiday season? Where are the holiday events near me? If you’re looking for Christmas events in Columbia, SC, and holiday season activities, you have come to the right place. We’ll be updating this huge list all season long with holiday parades, seasonal live entertainment, theater, live music, crafts, Santa, tree lighting, light displays, Christmas carols, and lots more! Get ready for Christmas Day and celebrate the season with all of these fun, festive holiday events!



So, get that hot cocoa ready and cue up that holiday playlist. Bookmark this list and check back often so you don’t miss out on any of the festive fun this season in the Midlands.

Bonus: Our Special Columbia, SC Christmas Things to Do Lists

Christmas in Columbia, SC: Video

What to see this Christmas in Columbia? Sometimes you just need a sneak peek video at holiday fun to help you decide what to do to celebrate the holiday. Check out some of the cool Christmas lights and things we’ve seen this year!

Holiday events and Christmas events, things to do, Columbia, SC

Season-long Holiday Events in Columbia

South Carolina Railroad Museum Santa Train runs the first 3 Saturdays in December, 2023. Get your tickets online now!

See our HUGE guide to holiday lights in Columbia, with 20+ places to see lights in the Midlands! Including:

  • Wild Lights at Riverbanks Zoo has dates starting November 17th through January 14th, 2023. This is an all-new lights experience at Riverbanks Zoo. The experience will include visits with Santa through December 23rd.


The Biggest List of Christmas Events in Columbia, SC

We will be adding to this list as the holiday events in Columbia heat up. Bookmark this list and check back often!

Back to the top.


Holiday Theater & Performing Arts

Holidays in Columbia wouldn’t be complete without holiday shows and there are so many shows and concerts to choose from! Columbia is fortunate to have the Koger Center for the Arts with a wide variety of shows for Christmas ranging from the traditional ballet The Nutcracker to holiday concerts, and more!

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Where is Santa?

Santa in Columbia, SC

If you’re looking for the big man in red, you’ll want to pop over to our exclusive Santa page. The elves gave us the inside scoop on all of Santa’s visits around Columbia, and we’re passing them on to you. So, go visit Santa in Columbia, SC!


Christmas and Holiday Parades Around Columbia

Is there anything better than a Christmas parade when it comes to free, festive fun? Grab some hot chocolate, pack up some Christmas cookies, bring the kids, and enjoy some holiday season fun!

Carolina Carillon Holiday Parade

The 2023 Carolina Carillon Holiday Parade in Downtown Columbia, SC will be held on December 2nd, 2023. The parade begins at the intersection of Sumter Street and Laurel Street at 9:45 am. The parade route ends at Senate Street.

Christmas parade in Columbia SC

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Tree Lightings Around Columbia, SC

The trees are lit for 2023! Come back next year for more tree-lighting fun.

Back to the top.


After Christmas! Winter Break and New Year’s

Time to celebrate the start of 2023! How will you celebrate with your family in Columbia this year? We have 7 family-friendly celebrations for New Year’s in Columbia, plus a few more ways you can ring in the New Year!

Winter break in Columbia, SC

Stay Busy! Columbia’s Winter Break Bucket List

Don’t be bored over winter break! This bucket list has 20 ways to have fun over winter break in Columbia, SC!

Holiday border

Looking for more this holiday season? Don’t miss the rest of KACOLA’s holiday content!

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19+ Places to See Santa: Columbia, SC (2023)

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Are you looking for places to see Santa in Columbia, SC this holiday season? Wondering where to see Santa near you? Santa is visiting lots of places around Columbia in 2023. His elves at the North Pole are sending us his appearance list as dates are announced, so bookmark this page and check back regularly. We’ll be updating almost as fast as those elves.

See Santa in Columbia, SC

This list includes all kinds of events with Santa on the guest list.
Check back soon for more 2023 events!

  • Santa Brunches and Cookies with Santa
  • Parades where Santa is expected to make an appearance
  • Tree Lightings hosted by Santa in Columbia
  • Places to get a picture with Santa
  • Places to visit with Santa near Columbia, SC
  • Holiday markets with Santa
  • Santa’s visit schedule with stops in Columbia, Lexington, West Columbia, and more across the South Carolina Midlands.
See Santa in Columbia, SC
Santa at Duck Duck Goose, Columbia

Columbia Mall Santa and More Places to Get Pictures with Santa

Where can I take pictures with Santa in Columbia SC?

Ready for photos with Santa? If you’re looking for a place to visit Santa and get some pictures with the big man in red, this is the list you’re looking for. Find places to get professional photos with Santa in the Columbia area here.

Columbiana Centre

100 Columbiana Circle, Columbia
Reserve your appointment for photos with Santa at Columbiana Centre now. Appointments are available beginning November 16th, 2023

Pancakes and PJs with Santa: Photos by Lovejoy Photogrpahy

St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church, 119 N Church St, Lexington
Friday, December 8th from 5:30 to 7 pm
$20 per child (one free adult per child) $10 per additional adult or child.
Enjoy pancakes in your PJs with Santa and get professional photos with Santa taken by Lovejoy Photography. Each child will also get a craft.
Pancakes and PJS with Santa Event

Santa Experience at Beechcreek Farm

The Santa Experience at Beechcreek Farm is a private 30 minute Santa experience with a professional photographer. Cost is $250 and includes 10 professional images. More information at Beechcreek Farm facebook page including how to message them to book a spot. December dates are: December 9, 9 to 4:30, December 10 1 to 4:30, December 11, 12:30 to 4:30, December 16, 9 to 4:30, and December 17, 1 to 4:30.

Free Photos With Santa in Columbia, SC

  • Where can I take my own pictures with Santa in Columbia?
  • Where can I get free pictures with Santa in Columbia, SC?

Santa knows budgets are tight. We so love the totally FREE opportunities to visit with Santa around Columbia, and we love FREE pictures with Santa even more.

Free Photos with Santa at the SC State Farmers MarketNovember 4 & 5, 2023: Bring your camera and take free photos with Santa at the SC State Farmer’s Market from 1 pm to 4 pm.

November 26, 2023 from 8 to 9 am, Breakfast with Santa at Flying Biscuit Cafe: eat breakfast at Flying Biscuit Cafe in Five Points and get a free photo with Santa. (There is no cost for a photo with Santa, breakfast menu is at regular cost. )

November 28, 2023: Pets take pictures with Santa for free, and kids and families are welcome to join in. Sponsored by Make a Friend in Animals. This event is at the White Knoll Veterinary Hospital.

November 28, 2023: Santa arrives at the Columbia Metropolitan Airport. Take free photos with him from 4 pm to 7pm, bring your own camera. There will also be cookie decorating, ornament making and hot cocoa!

December 2nd, 2023: PJs With Santa at Providence Presbyterian Church from 9 am to 11 am. Enjoy a photo station with Santa, plus opportunities for games, crafts and the Nativity story shared at 10 am. FREE

December 2nd and 7th, 2023: Free photos with Santa at the Mast General Store, 12 pm to 3 pm on December 2nd, and 5 pm to 8 pm on December 7th. Bring your own camera!

Devember 2nd, 2023: Free Photos with Santa and His Friends, 4 pm to 7pm with Cayce’s Best Summer Camp & After School, and TNT Martial Arts. 1330 Knox Abbot Drive, Cayce

December 5th, 2023, 6 to 8 pm: Free Photos with Santa and the Grinch at Century 21 803 Realty, RSVP at the Facebook link above.

December 14th, 2023: Santa at Top Dawg Tavern, no cost for photos. Santa will be visiting from 5:30 to 8:30 pm and there will be food and beverage deals in addition to the regular menu. Village at Sandhill

December 15th, 2023: Cookies with Santa 2 pm to 5 pm, get your photo taken with Santa and enjoy cookies at Mingo’s Cookies and Bubble Tea in Lexington.

December 15th, 2023: Visit with Santa at Papa Tony’s Pizza from 6 to 8 pm. Consider bringing a non-perishable food item to donate to Christian Assitance Bridge.

December 18th, 2023: Santa at Bruegger’s Bagels from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm. Bring your camera for free photos.

Free Photos with Santa at Bass Pro Shops/Cabela’s: Includes a FREE Printed 4×6 photo!

Head up to the road to Greenville or Fort Mill, SC to Cabela’s. Visit with Santa and get a totally FREE photo with Santa at Cabela’s. The photo is a professional, quality printed 4×6 photo. There are additional free activities, a letterbox to mail your list to Santa, and you can enjoy the wildlife and aquarium displays throughout the store.
Cabela’s and Bass Pro Shops Free Photos with Santa at Santa’s Wonderland

Events with Santa in and near Columbia, SC

Ready to bring the kids to see the red-suited jolly man and his elves? Here’s where you can see Santa Claus in Columbia, SC in 2023!

Santa’s elves promised to update us as they added new appearances to Santa’s schedule. So, bookmark our list and check back soon.

Santa and Me at EdVenture Children’s Museum benefits the Prisma Health Children’s Hospital. Kids can visit with Santa and take a photo, make a special plate with Mad Platter, decorate ornaments to donate to the children’s hospital and more. The tickets are $20. November 19, 2023 12 pm to 4 pm

Santa will also be at Riverbanks Zoo Wild Lights November 17th through December 23rd, 2023.

Ride a train with Santa the first 3 Saturdays in December at the South Carolina Railroad Museum. There are a number of train rides with tickets still available throughout each Saturday, December 2, 8 and 16th, 2023. Tickets start at $17 for ages 3 and up. Ticket prices will vary based on the car you select. Purchase tickets for SCRM Santa Trains online

Photos with Santa at Wild Lights

We got to check out Wild Lights and it was awesome! Here’s the Wild Lights Review. While we were there we got to visit with Santa, see how it went in the video below!

Track Santa on Christmas Eve

Didn’t see Santa yet this year? Don’t worry! There are a couple of ways for you to track him on his Christmas Eve journey.

NORAD Tracks Santa

In 1955 a young man accidentally called the Continental Air Defense Command asking if they had seen Santa flying through the sky. While the child had meant to call a Santa Hotline, the person who answered the phone that Christmas Eve just happened to be the Commander in Chief, Colonel Harry Shoup. He instructed his team to keep looking for Santa on the radar screens and ever since NORAD has been tracking Santa annually.
The NORAD Santa Tracker

To track Santa on Christmas Eve night, join the team at NORAD, and you will be able to watch them track “Big Red 1” in real-time as he makes his way across the world.

I Heart Radio’s North Pole Radio

The I Heart Radio streaming service has a station dedicated to all things Christmas, It includes 24/7 Christmas music, plus Santa will be checking in with listeners on Christmas Eve with updates!

After Christmas! Winter Break and New Year’s

Once Santa has returned to the North Pole, how will you fill the rest of the holiday season? We have some ideas, of course!

Winter Break is Coming.
Stay busy with activities and camps.
Winter Break Bucket List!

Wolf Ridge Tubing

Time to celebrate the start of 2024! How will you celebrate with your family in Columbia this year? We have 7 family-friendly celebrations for New Year’s in Columbia, plus a few more ways you can ring in the New Year!

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Holiday border.

20+ Activities & Winter Camps: Columbia, SC (2023) Winter Break Bucket List

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Is your family ready for winter break in Columbia, SC? It’s almost that time. The kids will be home and looking for things to do. After all those Christmas cookies are eaten and the presents have been opened, what will do to make winter break fun and relaxing? We have some ideas, of course! We made this winter break bucket list, full of things to do over winter break in Columbia, SC!

Winter break in Columbia, SC

This article includes:
Columbia’s Winter Break Bucket List
2023 Winter Camps for Kids in Columbia

Things to Do Over Winter Break

  1. Go Bowling. It’s old-fashioned family fun and you can’t go wrong. Try one of these bowling alleys in Columbia, SC.
  2. Do the Zoo. It may sound obvious, but Columbia’s zoo, Riverbanks Zoo, should not be overlooked. It’s full of fun and education any day of the year.
  3. See Christmas Lights, head out on a driving tour of amazing Christmas homes in Columbia. FREE
  4. Jump at a trampoline park.
  5. Take a walk. Pull on your hat and head to Cayce Riverwalk or any of Columbia’s Riverwalks. FREE
  6. Go for a hike! Try one of these hiking trails near Columbia, SC.
  7. Make art! Paint some pottery or paint a picture or sign. Try one of these places to make art in Columbia.
  8. Drive through the lights at Saluda Shoals Holiday Lights on the River.
  9. Visit Leo’s Landing for some playground fun!
  10. Visit the library. Get a book or attend a story time for special event. FREE The Richland County libraries have everything from free family movie nights to teen video game nights and family craft events during winter break.
  11. Get the kids outside! Visit Carraway Park for some fun FREE playground fun! Or try any one of these extra fun parks and playgrounds in Columbia, SC.
  12. Take the kids out for hot chocolate or enjoy a coffee and a treat at one of these fantastic coffee shops in Columbia, SC.
  13. Hit the road for some snow tubing fun. Head up to North Carolina for snow tubing fun!
  14. Try an escape room! Gather the family and see if you can solve the puzzles and escape! Escape Rooms near Columbia
  15. Go ice skating! Where can you ice skate in Columbia? Flight Adventure Park in Irmo offers indoor ice skating year-round!
  16. Safari Time! Visit Eudora Farms for a drive-thru safari, plus a petting zoo and more!
  17. Catch a holiday movie at Regal Cinemas for just $5.
    • December 16th, 2023: National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
    • December 17th, 2023: The Polar Express
    • December 23rd, 2023: The Grinch
  18. Make dinner easy! Grab a family meal deal or check out these kids eat free deals.
  19. Put a bounce house in the yard for the kids! You can stay home and the kids will have a blast. Here’s where you can rent a bounce house in Columbia, SC.
  20. Visit EdVenture Children’s Museum.
  21. Learn something new and awesome at the SC State Museum.
  22. Get some local produce, meats, dairy, jams or baked goods at Columbia’s Farmers Markets.
Cows at Eudora Farm
Cows at Eudora Farms
Winter Activities to Do in Columbia, SC

Find all the winter fun in our Columbia, SC Winter Guide

Winter Break Camps (2023) in Columbia, SC

YMCA Winter Camp

  • December 18- 22, 2023 (Northwest Y), December 26-29, 2023 (Northwest and Jeep Rogers- No care on the 25th), January 2 -5, 2024 (Jeep Rogers)
  • At Northwest (Irmo) and Jeep Rogers (Lake Carolina)
  • Sports, arts and crafts, swimming, and lots more!
  • Register for YMCA Winter Camp Online

Riverbanks Zoo Winter Camp

Tennis Camp

  • December 18-21, 2023
  • Topspin Racquet Club
  • Full-day and half-day options
  • A festive tennis experience
  • Topspin Tennis Camp

Carolina Crossfire Cheer

  • December 20th, 2023 from 8 am to 5 pm
  • Ages 4 and up
  • Cheer, gymnastics, crafts and games
  • Cheer Crossfire Camp

Carolina Gymnastics Winter Wonder Wonderland Camp

  • December 27 – 29, 2023, 9 am to 12 pm
  • Carolina Gymnastics
  • Ages 4 to 12
  • Gymnastics, games, open play
  • Carolina Gymnastics Camp

STEM for Kids Winter Camp

More Things to Do Over Winter Break: Indoor Guide

The weather is blah, and you’re still bored? Check out our HUGE Indoor Guide to Columbia, SC. It’s full of ideas for fun and learning the whole family will enjoy!

Indoor Guide to Columbia, SC

Enjoy Holiday Lights on the River (2023): Columbia, SC

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Looking for an amazing drive-thru light display? Holiday Lights on the River in Columbia, SC may be just what you are looking for. This display features millions of lights along the 3-mile route, with themed sections of the display, lots of animation and family activities like a winter tube slide, hayride and Santa! Here’s everything you need to know about Holiday Lights on the River in Columbia, SC.

Holiday Lights on the River boats
Boats at Holiday Lights on the River, Photo Credit: Jen Husson

Holiday Lights on the River: The Details

The three miles of holiday lights that make up Holiday Lights on the River, make this display one of the largest in the Midlands of South Carolina and well worth the drive from the Upstate. You’ll find creatively themed sections of the display that make this drive-through light experience unique including sports-themed lights to enjoy, plus dinosaurs, trains, fairytales, snowy trees, and armed services.

Here’s a little sneak peek at what you’ll see at Holiday Lights on the River:

It was by far the best drive through display I’ve seen. Lots of movement and animation.

Jen H.
  • Holiday Lights on the River runs from November 23rd through December 31st, 2023.
  • Hours are 6 pm to 10 pm
  • Go early, and plan to wait in line, especially on the weekends
  • The cost is $25 per car / $50 per 12-15 passenger van / $75 for 15+ passenger vans
  • Your ticket includes the additional activities
Holiday Lights on the River
Holiday Lights on the River in Columbia, SC, Photo Credit: Jen Husson

Activities at Holiday Lights on the River

Admission to Holiday Lights on the River includes several activities you can stop and enjoy. However, if you choose not to stop, the lights themselves are still well worth the admission fee.

  • Hayride
  • Winter Wonderland tube slide
  • Laser light show
  • Letter writing station to Santa
  • Santa visits November 24th and 25th, December 1st and 2nd, December 8th and 9th, and December 15th though the 23rd, 2023. Photo packages are an additional cost.
Monster Truck Moose Holiday Lights
Monster Truck Moose at Holiday Lights on the River, Photo Credit: Jen Husson

Want to See Holiday Lights on the River?

Holiday Lights on the River
Saluda Shoals Park
6071 St. Andrews Road
Columbia, SC

Admission: $25 per car, $50 per 12-15 passenger van and limos, $75 per bus, plus a 3% fee for credit cards.

Saluda Shoals Park Holiday Lights
Holiday Lights on the River, Photo Credit: Jen Husson

Ready for more Christmas Lights Near Columbia?

Holiday lights and Christmas lights: Columbia, SC

We have a whole list for you! Really, we did all the work and now you can choose from over 15 Christmas and holiday light displays near Columbia, SC. Our list includes more drive-thru displays, plus free displays, lights you can walk through, and lots more!

Want to visit another of the South’s fabulous Christmas Towns? Here are the Best Christmas Towns of the South.

Regal Cinemas Returns Holiday Classics to the Theater for Just $5 in 2023

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Love watching holiday classic movies on the big screen? Good news! You can watch classic holiday movies at Regal Cinemas this year for just $5. It’s all happening starting the weekend of November 26th, 2023 through December 23rd, 2023! Bring the family for a budget-friendly day out with some of your favorite Christmas movies. We have the schedule and all the details!

Regal Cinemas holiday movies in 2023

Regal Cinemas Holiday Classics Return to the Theater

What Christmas movies will be playing in 2023 at Regal Cinemas?

Here’s the Regal Holiday Classics schedule:

November 26th, 2023: Elf
December 2nd and 3rd 2023: The Polar Express
December 3rd, 2023: National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
December 9th, 2023: Elf
December 10th, 2023: The Grinch
December 16th, 2023: National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
December 17th, 2023: The Polar Express
December 23rd, 2023: The Grinch

Tickets to holiday moves at Regal Cinemas are only $5.

Sweeten the Deal: Regal Christmas Concession Deals

What’s a trip to the movies without popcorn and other treats? Good news, you can get a free $10 gift card for concessions when you purchase a $50 Regal gift card. While you can’t use the concession gift card right away, because it’s only valid from January 1st through February 28th, 2024, you can buy your $50 gift card and use it for a gift or even your tickets and snacks now. Then come January you can grab tickets to a new release and enjoy your free popcorn.

Note that gift cards must be purchased in-store for the promotion.

Find a Regal Cinemas Location Near You

Is there a Regal Cinemas with $5 holiday movies near me? Here are all the Regal Cinemas locations.

Regal Cinemas Near Greenville, SC with $5 holiday movies

Regal Cinemas Near Columbia, SC with $5 holiday movies

Regal Cinemas Near Charlotte, NC with $5 holiday movies

Don’t Miss Christmas in Columbia, SC: Find Your (2023) Fa La La!

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What are you doing for the holidays in Columbia? Are you looking for holiday events and things to do, places to shop, or maybe a place to visit with Santa? How about a parade, cookie decorating class, or Christmas light show? You’ve found the Kidding Around Holiday Guide to Columbia and it is packed with holiday fun and Christmas things to do around Columbia.

Holiday and Christmas in Columbia, SC

Holiday Events and Things to Do Around Columbia

We have a huge event guide for the holidays around Columbia and it’s full of family-friendly things to do over the Christmas and Holiday Season including parades, tree-lightings, craft events, and more. There’s no reason to be bored this time of year!

Holiday events and Christmas events, things to do, Columbia, SC

Here’s our huge guide to Holiday Events in Columbia, SC

And, there’s more:

A festive day in Downtown Columbia

Or, head to Downtown Columbia for festive Christmas things to do, decorations, and shopping.

Holiday Treats

Visit one of the locally owned coffee shops in Columbia for delicious coffee and holiday treats. There’s nothing cozier as the weather cools down than the perfect cup of coffee and peppermint treat, or maybe a gingerbread muffin. Yum.


Visit Santa! Places to See Santa Around Columbia, SC

Whether you’re looking for a place to get a photo with Santa or just a place to wave at the jolly man in red, this is the list for you! We have a bit of an elf connection and know Santa’s appearance schedule in Columbia.


Where to See Christmas Lights Displays in Columbia

Driving through elaborate displays of holiday lights is a time-honored family tradition for celebrating the season. Columbia has some amazing drive-thru light displays, plus some cool walk-through displays and even some free options. Holiday lights don’t get much better than this.

Holiday lights in Columbia, SC

Holiday Lights Displays Around Columbia, SC

  • Drive-thru displays
  • Decked out homes to check out
  • Walk-through lights
  • FREE places to see amazing lights

Columbia’s Ultimate Gift Guide

Find the perfect gift for everyone on your list with Columbia’s Ultimate Gift Guide.

Where to buy gifts in Columbia, SC

Find the Perfect Christmas Tree

Where do you get your family’s Christmas Tree? Not sure? Wondering where you can go to cut-your-own tree or visit with Santa? Maybe you’re looking for a place to just quickly pick out a wreath and skip the crowds?

Christmas Trees in Columbia, SC

Either way, you’ll want to check out our Columbia, SC Christmas Tree Farms and Lots list.


Free Things to Do at Christmas Time in Columbia

Free Things to Do at Christmas, Columbia, SC

It’s here!

Columbia’s list of totally free things to do at Christmas time in Columbia, SC.

We have 20+ ideas for completely free, family holiday fun in Columbia. Then, we threw in a few cheap options under $5 per person. To top it all off we added a couple of totally free holiday things to do in nearby cities so you can head out on a whole day trip full of free fun!


Restaurants Open for Christmas in Columbia, SC

These restaurants are open on Christmas in Columbia, SC

What restaurants are open on Christmas Day and Christmas Eve in Columbia, SC?

This list has 17 Restaurants open on Christmas in Columbia, SC.

They are serving meals this holiday season with both dine-in and take-out options. We have everything from steakhouse restaurants open on Christmas to great places to grab a festive dessert. Eat well this holiday season!


❄️Winter Break is Coming❄️

Stay busy with activities and camps.

Columbia’s Winter Break Bucket List!

Wolf Ridge Tubing