Ready to celebrate Thanksgiving in Columbia, SC? This guide brings you all the information you need, whether you’re looking for a place to dine out, some suggestions on sides and pies you can order and serve at home, or things to do to keep your family and guests busy and having fun over Thanksgiving break.
Columbia’s Thanksgiving Restaurant Guide offers places open on Thanksgiving Day for dining out, catering options, and even places where you can just pick up a side to add to your table.
Thanksgiving dinner is in the bag, literally. So load up on the sweet potatoes, corn casserole, green beans, and all your favorite sides and desserts.
Stay busy and spend some quality time with family and friends. This list is full of ideas about things to do over the Thanksgiving break and holiday in Columbia,
Are you on the hunt for restaurants offering Thanksgiving dinner in Columbia, SC? With Thanksgiving just around the corner, you might be looking for ways to make your day a bit more manageable.
At Kidding Around Columbia, we know that cooking up a big meal can be both overwhelming and time-consuming. So whether you’re looking for a restaurant with dine-in options on Thanksgiving Day or even if you just need to pick up an already prepared turkey and/or extra sides we’ve got you covered!
Here’s where to get that roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, cornbread stuffing, and pumpkin pie for your Thanksgiving dinner.
Please be aware that reservations for dining-in and catering orders should be made well in advance. To make things easier, we have provided phone numbers for each of the following restaurants. Be sure to give them a call!
Some restaurants have not yet released their 2025 Thanksgiving menus. We will be updating this piece with menu information as it is announced! Check back soon!
What Restaurants are Open on Thanksgiving Day in Columbia, SC?
Cola’s
Address: 1215 Assembly Street Phone number: 803.451.0051 Thanksgiving Details: Cola’s is offering a wide variety of menu entree options for this year’s Thanksgiving meal, including the traditional turkey dinner. They will also have several appetizers and salads to choose from. Cola’s
Columbo’s at Doubletree by Hilton
Address: 2100 Bush River Road Phone number: 803.744.2200 Thanksgiving Details: Columbo’s will be offering a buffet-style Thanksgiving dinner. Complete with all of your family’s favorites from seafood to turkey with traditional sides and everything in between. Columbo’s at Doubletree by Hilton
Hall’s Chophouse
Address: 1221 Main Street #150 Phone number: 803.563.5066 Thanksgiving Details: Hall’s Chophouse offers a to-go Thanksgiving dinner option. You can order a Turkey or Prime Rib dinner. Orders must be placed by 5 pm on November 19th, 2025. You may pick up your items on November 26th or Thanksgiving Day. Enjoy a delicious meal with no prep! Hall’s Chophouse
Hampton Street Vineyard
Address: 1207 Hampton Street Phone number: 803.252.0850 Thanksgiving Details: At Hampton Street Vineyard you will have your choice of starters, salads, soups, main entrees, and extra sides. This is a French-influenced cuisine and the restaurant has won the Wine Spectator award. Check back soon for more details regarding their Thanksgiving Day meal. Hampton Street Vineyard
Chain Restaurants Open for Dine-In on Thanksgiving Day
California Dreaming
Address: 401 Main Street Phone number: 803.254.6767 Thanksgiving Details: California Dreaming will open at 10:30 am on Thanksgiving Day! They will be serving from a HUGE list with all of the traditional favorites – turkey, ham, veggies, casseroles, stuffing, gravy, your choice between pumpkin or pecan pie, and more! Adult meals are $30.95 and kids meals are $15.95. California Dreaming
Denny’s
Addresses & Phone Numbers: 5901 Fairfield Road – 803.714.1545 342 Harbison Boulevard – 803.781.7422 2415 Sunset Boulevard – 803.939.0528 Thanksgiving Details: This year for Thanksgiving, Denny’s will have Ready-to-Serve Thanksgiving & Dressing Dinners. These will include all the classic Thanksgiving options – turkey, gravy, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and more. The dinner will serve up to 4 people. Check back soon for more details.
IHop
Thanksgiving Details: Don’t forget about breakfast this Thanksgiving! Select IHop locations will be open for Thanksgiving and serve pancakes, seasonal treats, and more. There are several locations all throughout the Columbia area – be sure to call ahead to your closest IHop and verify they will be open.
Lizard’s Thicket
Address: Multiple Lizard’s Thicket locations in Columbia Thanksgiving Details: Open Thanksgiving Day from 6 am to 5 pm! They will be serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert options from their normal menu. There are several Lizard’s Thicket restaurants all throughout Columbia. Check back soon for additional details regarding Thanksgiving 2025.
Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse
Address: 294-A Senate Street – within Hilton Hotel Phone number: 803.212.6666 Thanksgiving Details: Ruth’s Chris is serving a three course Thanksgiving feast this year (2025) along with all the trimmings. They also are offering to-go bundles starting at $195. Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse
Where to Get Catered Thanksgiving Meals in Columbia, SC
The following restaurants are offering full meals as well as individual items to add to what you may already have planned. This is a fantastic option that combines the best of both worlds – enjoying Thanksgiving in the comfort of your own home while also taking advantage of convenience and being able to save on time.
Cracker Barrel
Addresses & Phone Numbers: 2300 Legrand Road – 803.699.5389 253 Forum Drive – 803.788.2052 2208 Bush River Road – 803.731.0672 1140 Kinley Road – 803.732.2835 Thanksgiving Details: They’ve done all the preparations, all you’ll have to do is heat it and serve. At Cracker Barrel you can order complete feasts that serve up to 10 people as well as individual holiday pies. Get your orders in now! Cracker Barrel
Golden Corral
Address: 5300 Forest Drive, Columbia Phone number: 803.787.4446 Thanksgiving Details: This year at Golden Corral you can order a holiday meal to go to enjoy at home with the family. Enjoy a roasted turkey, glazed ham, or holiday pork roast, plus all the traditional sides. Ordering must be done 72 hours in advance. Pick up days begin November 3rd. Golden Corral holiday menu
Lizard’s Thicket
Address: Multiple Lizard’s Thicket locations in Columbia Thanksgiving Details: Last year (2024), you could order pans of Lizard’s Thicket’s vegetables, sides, and desserts for your Thanksgiving table! You could get mashed potatoes, cobblers, mac and cheese, cole slaw, yams and lots more! Check back soon for what they will be offering for this year’s 2025 Thanksgiving meal.
Midwood Smokehouse
Address: 702 Crosshill Road Phone number: 803.764.1231 Thanksgiving Details: Midwood is offering a variety of smoked meats along with all of the delicious sides that make up a true Thanksgiving meal. Midwood Smokehouse
Spotted Salamander Cafe & Catering
Address: 1531 Richland Street Phone number: 803.556.2197 Thanksgiving Details: At Spotted Salamander, you will be able to choose from several takeout options. They’ve got ham, turkey, delicious deviled eggs, and so much more! Spotted Salamander Cafe & Catering
What about pies and desserts?
Order your Thanksgiving pies and desserts from Columbia area bakeries.
Did your favorite Thanksgiving meal restaurant make the list? Know of anything we left off? Let us know in the comments!
Don’t Be Bored! Thanksgiving Break Things to Do
While you’re planning the food, here are some things to keep the family and guests busy and having fun this Thanksgiving. Check out our ideas for Thanksgiving Break Things to Do in Columbia.
Are you looking for holiday pies in Columbia, SC? Whether you need a delicious dessert for your holiday gathering or just want a scrumptious slice as a special treat for yourself, you can find the perfect pie at these local bakeries.
Many of the bakeries below sell pie throughout the year but take special preorders for holidays and special events. Reach out to them through their contact information before heading to their shop to ensure they have the pie you need!
930 Gervais Street, Columbia | 803.550.9979 If you are looking to purchase a whole pie or by the slice, then the pie selection at Kaminsky’s Dessert Cafe is just what you need. Whole pies start at $32 each, and there are currently several options on the menu. You can order classic pies like apple, cherry, and coconut cream in addition to more decadent options like chocolate mousse and tollhouse pie. If you are in need of a holiday pie, bourbon pecan may be the perfect fit. You can preorder for pick up, or head into the shop for a slice of your favorite pie for $6.50. Preorders require a 48-hour notice.
9704 Two Notch Road, Columbia | 803.736.2253 If you have a preference for the pie you want, Tiffany’s Sweets, Eats, and Meeting Place can make it! They pride themselves on creating their pies with original recipes. A few of the options that Tiffany’s has are apple, boysenberry, key lime, and pecan. They even offer quiches, so you can experience the savory side of the pie world while complimenting your holiday meal!
501 Meeting Street, Columbia | 803.977.0034 The menu at Always Original Bakery is constantly changing, but consistently offers pies! They can create anything that you need, including gluten-free, eggless, vegetarian, vegan, dairy-free, and sugar-free options upon request. It is best to contact them ahead of time if you are looking for a specific type of pie or need it for a special occasion.
3307 North Main Street, Columbia | 803.563.5009 This small, family-owned bakery sells lots of delicious treats, including pie! Main Street Bakery currently has three pie choices listed on its website – coconut pie, pecan pie, and sweet potato pie. These pies can be ordered here at their online ordering system.
2507 Devine Street, Columbia | 803.673.6374 Silver Spoon offers tons of baked goods that are sure to make your holidays extra sweet. They post weekly pre-order menus on Wednesdays at 8 pm. Pickup is on Friday from 3 pm-6 pm. Be sure to check their Facebook or Instagram about special Thanksgiving orders and hours.
902 Sumter Street, Columbia | Purchase a pie Every November, The University of South Carolina’s School of Hotel, Restaurant, and Tourism Management Department annually hosts Pie Day. Students perfectly bake hundreds of McCutchen House Chocolate Walnut Pies or Tomato Pie Kits to sell to the public for their holiday feasts. For 2024, pies can be picked up on Friday, November 22nd, Monday, November 25th, or Tuesday, November 26th in the parking lot of McCutchen House. The pies have to be preordered through a form, and you must bring your receipt to pick them up. All pies are handmade, and can even be frozen if you want to buy multiple ones to enjoy later. Prices are $13 to $15 per pie
Bonus: Thanksgiving Cakes from Kalleigh’s Kakery
Columbia, SC Kalleigh’s Kakery is a locally-owned bakery that offers pies for the holidays. Be sure to get your orders in quickly to reserve your sweet treats. There are several pie flavors and other desserts to choose from!
Are you wondering how you’re going to keep the kids busy this Thanksgiving Break in Columbia, SC? Need ideas on what to do after the big meal? We’ve created a large list of events and activities that your whole family will enjoy – extended relatives included. From Thanksgiving Day races to seasonal shows and lights, ideas for the outdoors, and everything in between, you and your loved ones will have several great ideas on how to enjoy Columbia this Thanksgiving.
Best Things to Do During Thanksgiving Break in Columbia, SC
You’ve double-checked your ingredients, deep-cleaned the baseboards, and made sure there are enough chairs, but now you’ve got to figure out how to keep everyone sane. Finding events that appeal to the whole family can feel overwhelming, but we’re here to help take some of the pressure off.
Keep in mind some of these places might be closed on Thanksgiving Day and/or have different holiday hours. Be sure to call and double-check that they are open before you head out.
Participate in a Turkey Day Race
I don’t consider myself a “runner,” but I did run my first 5K last year, and it just so happened to be a Turkey Day race! It was much more exciting and fun than I ever thought it would or even could be! Lucky for us, Columbia has three Turkey Day races to choose from and one of them even has an option for a kids/fun run. Burn off some calories and get home just in time to begin the festivities!
20th Annual Turkey Day 5K Run & Walk – Boys and Girls Club of the Midlands Time: 5K begins at 9 am, 1-mile fun run begins at 9:10 am, Thanksgiving Day Details: This race will be held at Colonial Life Arena and registration is open from now until the morning of the race. There will be a $100 gift card from Buffalo Wild Wings awarded to the best-dressed turkey costume! 19th Annual Turkey Day 5K Run & Walk
Shandon Turkey Trot & Burn 5K Time: Race begins at 10 am on BLACK FRIDAY Details: Don’t have time on the morning of Thanksgiving for racing? This 5K takes place on Friday, November 29, 2024. Runners are encouraged to wear their best thanksgiving costumes as there will be prizes for the top 3 best-dressed. Strollers and leashed dogs are also welcome to join in on the fun! Shandon Turkey Trot & Burn 5K
Enjoy The Performing Arts: Nutcracker in Columbia, SC
Ready to get into the holiday spirit? Immersing yourself in the sights and sounds of the performing arts is a fun, family-friendly way to kick off the holiday season. Columbia Music Festival Association is presenting Ann Brodie’s Carolina Ballet “The Nutcracker” with Columbia Festival Orchestra at the Township Auditorium with shows running from November 27, 2024 through December 1, 2024. The Nutcracker at Township Auditorium
Kick-Off Christmas by Going to a Light Display
One of my family’s favorite ways to get into the Christmas spirit is by going to a light show. There are A TON of them in Columbia that are very well done and perfect for all ages. Holiday Lights on the River and Carolina Lights are very popular and have been put on for several years. Both of these are drive-thru light displays with stops about halfway through for cookies, s’mores, gifts shops, etc.
Displaying again this year in Columbia is the Fireflies Light Show at Segra Park. Families will be able to walk around the baseball field to see several spectacular displays. There will also be other fun seasonal activities such as crafts, shopping, yummy treats, and more!
The Wild Lights at Riverbanks Zoo is another walk-through display. Zoo members can get into this event for FREE! Keep in mind that because this event is held at night, most of the zoo animals will already be put away.
The festive and family friendly Sleigh Bell Stroll at Saluda Shoals Park in Irmo is another event to mark on your calendar! Taking place Tuesday, November 26 from 6-8 pm, families will take a 2 mile walk through the Holiday Lights on the River. Pre-registration is required. If timed runs are more your speed, check out the Sleigh Bell Trot on Monday November 25th which is a four-mile timed run through the Holiday Lights on the River complete with awards for several age categories! Registration required.
With cooler temps and less humidity, Thanksgiving break is the perfect time to get outside and enjoy nature! There are plenty of options for paved paths around Columbia that make pushing strollers, riding bikes, or even rollerblading much easier!
West Columbia Riverwalk
My family’s favorite place to go is the West Columbia Riverwalk. We will often load up my son’s balance bike, the wagon for my youngest, and pack lunches; there are great options all around for an outdoor picnic! Once we’re done walking, we like to head right across the street to Carraway Park – one of my son’s absolute favorite playgrounds in Columbia!
Carraway Park
If you’re looking for non-paved hiking paths, Sesquicentennial State Park is a great option. My family and I recently did the loop around the pond and while it starts off paved and open, it quickly becomes more adventurous and makes for a fantastic family hike! Another great option would be Harbison State Forest as there are tons of different trails with a variety of difficulty levels and lengths.
Begin Your Holiday Shopping
It’s that time again! Have you started your holiday shopping? If you’re looking to score some deals on Black Friday we suggest going to either Columbiana Mall or Village at Sandhills as both of these places have a large variety of stores all in one place.
On the hunt for something a little more unique or handcrafted? Try out Soda City Market on Saturday mornings from 9 am to 1 pm. There will be more than 100 vendors selling a variety of great gifts – paintings from local artists, handcrafted jewelry, soaps and lotions, unique clothing items and much more.
If boutique stores are more your thing, Five Points, The Vista, or State Street in West Columbia would be best for you. Along with popular and delicious restaurants, these areas also have antique stores, clothing boutiques, and gift shops that will have a little bit of everything.
Go to a Museum
Columbia is home to many great museums! If you haven’t been to them, you should definitely consider giving one (or all) of these a try!
Edventure Children’s Museum is packed full of hands-on, educational activities for babies and elementary-aged students. They’ve got a space exhibit, pretend play rooms, an area specifically for tots, an outdoor play space, and so much more!
TheSC State Museum sits right across from Edventure and while there isn’t a ton of things for preschool kids, there is still plenty to do and see. Here your kids will be able to dive into South Carolina history and learn about the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, see dinosaur and marine fossils, and visit a planetarium.
SC State Museum
If anyone in your family loves art, the Columbia Museum of Art is the perfect place to go! With sculptures, paintings, photography, and more, you and your family will be fascinated with all of the beautiful work on display.
Have Fun at a Local Family-Friendly Brewery
You may be looking for an option this Thanksgiving where your family can combine the best of both worlds – adult conversations and entertainment for the kiddos! Breweries can be a great option because they have such a welcoming, relaxed atmosphere with food options for everyone. Here are some of the most kid-friendly breweries around Columbia where you can find large outdoor seating areas, live music, and entertainment for kids!
Savage Craft sits right in the heart of West Columbia and offers a HUGE outdoor seating area and green space. Also within eyesight is the West Columbia Interactive Art Walk. If the kiddos get antsy, take them on a quick stroll with huge murals and interactive instruments.
Steel Hands is another kid-friendly brewery that can be found in Cayce. They have a large outdoor area, covered seating, and an outdoor stage where live performers and bands can often be found.
Stay Cozy at Home
Maybe you’re looking to stay a little more low-key this Thanksgiving break. There really is something so refreshing about staying in the comfort of your own home, slowing down, and enjoying family time. Let’s face it, though, if you’ve got littles you still have to have some sort of activities lined up!
Watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade – such a classic and timeless tradition!
Out with the old and in with the new – Have your children help you clean out their toys to prepare for Santa’s deliveries
Ask your kiddos to make their Christmas Lists
Write and mail letters to Santa
Make crafts with your kids to give to relatives throughout the holidays – a few years ago I made handprint ornaments with my son (using just a few ingredients that I already had on hand) and the grandparents LOVED them!
Enjoy a Quick Day-Cation
Sometimes it’s fun to load everyone up for a spontaneous day trip! There are 3 great cities within 2 to 3 hours from Columbia that offer fantastic attractions for kids and families.
Charlotte is a third great option for a quick getaway! In “Queen City” you’ll find endless dining options, the Nascar Hall of Fame, and the Sea Life Aquarium, just to name A FEW.
Play Indoors
We’re hoping for great weather throughout Thanksgiving break, but if Mother Nature decides otherwise, here are some ideas for playing indoors:
