On the hunt for family-friendly ways to ring in the New Year? Columbia, SC is home to several spectacular NYE events, and the good news is that several of them are kid-friendly! The majority of these events will be over well before midnight, leaving plenty of time to get home before the bigger celebrations begin. We’ve found events with miniature ball drops, bowling, skating, great prizes, and more!
Happy New Year from the Kidding Around Columbia team!
Family-Friendly New Year’s in Columbia, SC
Cold Winter’s Day 5K and Snowflake Youth Fun Run
Where: 4801 Forest Drive
When: December 27, 2025
Time: 10K Run/Walk at 9:00; 5K Run/Walk at 10 am; Snowflake Youth Fun Run at 10:45 am
Price: From $15 to $80 depending on race and sign-up date
Event Details: Kick-off your celebrations with a 5K, 10K, and/or youth fun run! This is a rain-or-shine event. Runners will receive a t-shirt!
Cold Winter’s Day 5K; 10K and Snowflake Youth Fun Run
Places to go bowling in Columbia, SC with the kids.
Dave & Buster’s New Year Celebration
Where: Dave & Buster’s – 100 Columbiana Circle, Suite 5
Time: Early – 4 pm – 7 pm; Late night – 9 pm
Price: $33.79 – $97.59
Event Details: Celebrate the New Year with your family at Dave & Buster’s. Admission includes an appetizer buffet, unlimited soft drinks, a $15 power card, and more!
Dave & Buster’s New Year Celebration
New Year’s Eve Late Night Skate
Where: Three Fountains Recreation Skating Rink and Mini Golf
Time: 7:30 pm to 1 am
Price: $15
Events Details: There will be special gifts, raffles, and other treats.
New Year’s Eve Late Night Skate at Three Fountains
New Year’s Eve on the Lanes
Where: Lucky Strike – 900 Axtell Drive
Time: 12 pm until 1 am
Price: Depends on package – more info below
Event Details: Start 2026 off with a strike! There are three different packages to choose from:
- Daytime/Sunset Package
- 2 hours of unlimited bowling
- Shoe rental
- Light refreshments
- Sparkling cider and champagne toast
- NYE Ball Drop
- 4 hours of unlimited bowling (9 pm until 1 am)
- Shoe rental
- Yummy food
- Sparkling cider and champagne toast
Fireflies Holiday Lights – NYE Event
Where: Segra Park – 1640 Freed Street
Time: 6 pm – 9 pm
Price: $14+
Event Details: Along with the holiday lights, there will be a fireworks show to end out the season!
We visited! Check out the Kidding Around Review of Fireflies Holiday Lights.
Fireworks: New Year’s Eve in Columbia, SC
Will there be fireworks in Columbia for New Year’s 2026?
2026 Capital City Fireworks
Where: For the best public viewing, be on the north side of the South Carolina State House at Gervais and Main Streets.
Time: Midnight
Price: Free
Start the Year Off Outdoors
Parties and big celebrations not your style? How about starting off the year with some fresh air and exercise? There are several places right in Columbia where you can enjoy a more relaxed New Year’s Day and get in a long walk or a hike.
- Columbia’s Riverwalks are a great option for walking or bike riding with a riverfront view.
- Visit Sesquicentennial State Park for a bit of light hiking around the lake!
- Spend some time at Saluda Shoals Park. Let the kids play at Leo’s Landing or take a stroll.
- Visit Harbison State Forest for a hike.
Day Trip!
Check out the huge, family-friendly CLT NYE event in Charlotte. Find the details for that and more in our Charlotte, NC Guide to Kid-Friendly New Year’s Eve .
Or, head up to the Upstate. Here’s what’s happening near Greenville, SC for New Year’s Eve.
Holiday Lights
New Year’s Eve is often the last night to see holiday light displays. If you haven’t had a chance to drive through our Columbia holiday lights driving routes, New Year’s Eve is the night!
Find More Things to Do!
Still need more ideas? We have them!
- Winter break in Columbia, SC: Here’s our Columbia Winter Break Bucket List
- The Giant List of Things to Do in Columbia, SC: You’ll never be bored again!
- Be ready for winter with our Columbia, SC Guide to Winter. We have great ideas to keep the family busy and having fun, including some snowy day trips!
How will your family ring in the New Year?
