15 Ways to Enjoy Christmas in Downtown Columbia, SC

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 12, 2025 until January 4, 2026
Wednesday – Saturday at 10:30 am and 12:00 pm
Sundays at 1:30 pm and 3:00 pm 
*There are certain days/times that may not offer tours due to conflicts. Be sure to check out their website before heading out to ensure your date and purchase tickets.
Cost: $20/adult, $16/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 23, 2025 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. See Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer 4D and experience the new planetarium show, Áróra.
Where: SC State Museum – 301 Gervais Street
When: December 4th, 2025, 4 to 7 pm 
Cost: “Pay as you may” – donation-based admission 
4D and Planetarium shows are an additional cost.
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 5th at 7:30 pm
    • December 6th at 2:00 pm and 7:30 pm
    • December 7th at 2:00 pm
  • Cost: From $20 to $42

• South Carolina Ballet – The Nutcracker
  • When:
    • December 13th at 3:00 pm and 7:30 pm 
    • December 14th at 3:00 pm 
    • December 20th at 3:00 pm and 7:30 pm
    • December 21st at 3:00 pm 
  • Cost: From $42 to $84

Palmetto Concert Band Concert

About: Come enjoy a night of fun with your family while listening to some great music!
Where: Koger Center
When: November 23, 2025 at 4:00 pm 
Cost: FREE
Koger Center for the Arts: Palmetto Concert Band Concert

Santa’s 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. Lots of changes have been happening at the North Pole this year. Some people are wanting to take over the North Pole. Will Rudolph and his buddies be able to save it? 
Where: Columbia Marionette Theater – 401 Laurel Street
When: November 29th, December 6th, and December 13th, 2025 at 11:00 am and 3:00 pm; December 15th, 2025 at 10:00 am, and December 20th, 2025 at 11:00 am
Cost: $15/person ages 2 and older (Tickets are available at the door. Seating is general admission.)
Santa’s Christmas Party

Enjoy the Christmas Carillon Parade

About: Carolina Carillon Holiday Parade is back for the 70th 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 6, 2025 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 13, 2025 at 8:30 am
Cost: From $15 to $70 depending on race and sign-up date (includes T-shirt and Santa hat)
Santa Claus Run

Know of an event we’re missing? Let us know in the comments!