On the hunt for Christmas activities in downtown Columbia, SC? With so many festive and magical things to do all throughout Columbia, we know it can feel overwhelming. So we’ve narrowed this list down to only include really fun downtown events! From tree lightings to holiday ballets and performances, a 5K race, and everything in between we know you’ll find something cheerful to do this season!
Where to Celebrate Christmas in Downtown Columbia, SC
Columbia offers so many fantastic holiday events! Several of the events below are free, however, there are others that require tickets that should be purchased in advance.
Tour the Robert Mills House and Hampton-Preston Mansion
About: Holiday House Tours is a guided tour of both the Robert Mills House and Hampton-Preston Mansion. The homes will be decorated in beautiful holiday decor that showcases specific decades within the 1800’s. Each tour will last about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
When: November 15 until December 30, 2023
Wednesday – Saturday at 12:00 pm and 3:00 pm
Sundays at 1:30 pm and 3:00 pm
Cost: $18/adult, $15/child
Holiday House Tours
Governor’s Carolighting
About: Kick-off Christmas at the SC State House! There will be live music, the Governor’s seasonal message, the lighting of the Christmas tree, and more.
Where: SC State House – 1100 Gervais Street
When: November 19, 2023 at 6:00 pm
Cost: FREE
Governor’s Carolighting
Holiday Planetarium Lighting
About: Head to the SC State Museum and enjoy some holiday fun and celebrations! The museum will be open for extended hours for this event. The planetarium dome will be lit at 6:45 pm to look like a giant snow globe.
Where: SC State Museum – 301 Gervais Street
When: November 30th, 2023, 4 to 7 pm
Cost: “Pay as you may” – donation-based admission
$5/person for 4D and Planetarium shows
Holiday Planetarium Lighting
See a Performance at the Koger Center for the Arts
Nutcracker Performances in Columbia, SC
About: Two different ballet groups will be performing the Nutcracker this year at the Koger Center! This is a lovely story of a girl who befriends a nutcracker that comes alive on Christmas Eve. The opportunities to see it are:
- Columbia Classical Ballet – The Nutcracker
- When:
- December 1 at 7:30 pm
- December 2 at 2:00 pm
- December 3 at 2:00 pm
- Cost: From $10 to $25
- When:
- Columbia City Ballet – The Nutcracker
- When:
- December 9th at 3:00 pm and 7:30 pm
- December 10th at 3:00 pm
- December 16th at 3:00 pm and 7:30 pm
- December 17th at 3:00 pm
- Cost: From $35 to $60
- When:
Celtic Woman: A Christmas Symphony
About: This Broadway in Columbia performance of Celtic Woman: A Chrsitmas Symphony will include a wide variety of seasonal music including the Irish carols Celtic Woman is known for.
Where: Koger Center
When: December 20th, 2023: 7:30 pm
Cost: $29 to $128
Buy Tickets for Celtic Woman in Columbia
Koger Center Jazz: Christmas Eve of the Eve Celebration
About: Get your family ready for Christmas by enjoying a night of beautiful and festive music!
Where: Koger Center
When: December 22, 2023 at 7:30 pm
Cost: $23 general admission
Koger Center for the Arts: Jazz Eve of the Eve Celebration
Drive-Thru the Carolina Lights
About: Drive-thru the fairgrounds to see a magical light display! Halfway through your drive there will be a stop for seasonal treats such as cookies and hot chocolate. You will see several interactive displays, listen to holiday classics, and make great memories with your loved ones!
Where: SC State Fairgrounds – 1200 Rosewood Drive
When: December 8 until December 24, 2023
Cost: $15/car when purchased before December 7; $20/car when purchased after December 3
Kidding Around Mom Review of Carolina Lights
Carolina Lights
See more holiday lights in Columbia, SC
Santa’s Swingin’ Christmas Party
About: Take your family out to a unique holiday event at the Marionette Theater! Join the puppeteers as they create a winter wonderland show. Two elves will be planning a party for Santa, but he gets delayed in a storm. Will he make it in time?
Where: Columbia Marionette Theater – 401 Laurel Street
When: December 2, December 9, December 16 and December 23, 2023 from 11 am to 12 pm and 3 pm to 4 pm
Cost: $10/person ages 2 and older
Santa’s Swingin’ Christmas Party
Enjoy the Christmas Carillon Parade
About: Carolina Carillon Holiday Parade is back for the 69th year! This is a tradition for many families who live in the Midlands. The parade will begin at the intersection of Sumter Street and Laurel Street and end on Senate Street. You will see a variety of floats, high school bands, dance teams, and Santa himself!
Where: Intersection of Sumter Street and Laurel Street
When: December 2, 2023 at 9:45 am
Cost: FREE
Carolina Carillon Holiday Parade
Participate in a Race – Santa Claus Run
About: The Santa Claus Run will have both a 5K option and Rudolph youth run. Be sure to wear your best Santa costume as the “best dressed” winner will receive a $100 prize! You can sign-up for this race anytime between now and the morning of the race!
Where: Strictly Running – 2515 Devine Street
When: December 9, 2023 at 8:30 am
Cost: From $15 to $40 depending on race and sign-up date
Santa Claus Run
Watch a Movie at the Library
About: Join the Richland County Library as they show “Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone”. This is a family-friendly event that your children are sure to love!
Where: Richland Library North Main – 5306 North Main Street
When: December 2, 2023 from 3:30 pm to 5:00 pm
Cost: FREE
Harry Potter – Richland Library North Main
- Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets: December 5th, 2023 at 2:30 pm
- How the Grinch Stole Christmas: December 16th, 2023 at 2:30 pm
COlab, Carols and Cocoa
About: Artist-in-Residence COlab (Columbia Operatic Laboratory) presents a free concert with holiday carols at 7:30 pm. Mingle and meet prior to the show starting at 6:30 pm and enjoy cocoa and treats.
Where: Richland Library Main
When: December 15th, 2023 from 6:30 to 8:30 pm
Cost: Free
COlab, Carols and Cocoa
Know of an event we’re missing? Let us know in the comments!
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