See all Columbia Christmas happenings this year!
Columbia welcomes Christmas 2025 around neighborhood hotspots and the Riverfront Park, where plazas shine with festive decor. The lineup includes festive events, holiday entertainment, and winter gatherings from markets and concerts to family light displays and parades.
Find the best Columbia Christmas happenings this year!
Top Christmas Events In and Around Columbia
- Wild Lights at Riverbanks Zoo
- Vista Lights
- Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical
- A Magical Cirque Christmas
- Carols Along the Riverwalk (Cayce)
- Living Nativity Drama
- Santa's Swingin' Christmas Party
- Junior League of Columbia Holiday Market 2025
- Historic Columbia Holiday House Tours
- Midlands Clay Arts Society Holiday Sale
See even MORE Christmas events below!
Columbia Christmas Events
Columbia Christmas Markets and Shopping
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The Junior League of Columbia presents its largest fundraiser, the Holiday Market 2025. This four-day shopping extravaganza features nearly 160 merchants from across the country, offering a wide variety of merchandise. Attendees can enjoy exclusive events like Ladies Night Out and the Holiday Ball, both for guests 21 and up. The market also hosts Sundaes with Santa, a delightful children's event with photo opportunities and treats.
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Discover unique, handcrafted ceramic art at the 24th Annual Midlands Clay Arts Society Holiday Sale. Local artists will showcase their sculptural, functional, and whimsical creations, offering a perfect opportunity to find one-of-a-kind holiday gifts. The event is free and open to the public.
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Discover the 22nd Annual St. Nicholas Festival, a cherished holiday tradition in the Greater Columbia area. This vibrant event offers a delightful mix of festive food, unique crafts, and engaging activities for all ages. Meet St. Nicholas, enjoy captivating choral performances, and explore a variety of family-friendly attractions.
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Discover a vibrant collection of local talent at the Meeting Street Artisan Market. Browse unique handmade crafts, stunning artwork, delicious baked goods, and exquisite jewelry created by talented artisans. It's more than just shopping; it's a chance to connect with the community and support local creators in a lively atmosphere.
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Discover unique, handmade treasures at the Lexington County Christmas Craft Show. This festive event brings together local artisans showcasing their crafts and holiday-themed goods. Admission is free with a donation to the Lexington County Meals on Wheels Emergency Food Pantry, making it a perfect opportunity to shop for gifts while supporting a great cause.
Columbia Christmas Light Displays
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Experience the enchantment of Wild Lights at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden. Wander through the zoo after dark to discover over 60 breathtaking, handcrafted wildlife lantern displays that illuminate the night. Enjoy a magical evening with nightly snowfall, engaging activities, and opportunities to capture festive photos. Santa Claus will be present for visits through December 23, adding to the holiday cheer.
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Join the 40th annual Vista Lights celebration presented by Prisma Health on Thursday, November 20, 2025. This beloved event marks the official start of the holiday season in Columbia, transforming the Vista district with festive lights and a joyous atmosphere. More details are expected soon, promising a magical evening for all attendees.
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Step back in time this holiday season with Historic Columbia's Holiday House Tours. Explore the beautifully decorated Robert Mills House and Hampton-Preston Mansion, experiencing Christmas traditions from the 1820s and 1850s. Discover how families celebrated holidays past, from early decorations to the emergence of Christmas trees and eggnog. Guides will share stories of historical festivities, offering a unique glimpse into Columbia's rich holiday heritage.
Columbia Christmas Movies, Theater and Entertainment
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Journey to Whoville with this record-setting Broadway holiday sensation! Follow the Grinch, whose heart is two sizes too small, as he attempts to steal Christmas. This spectacular musical features the iconic songs 'You're a Mean One Mr. Grinch' and 'Welcome Christmas,' brought to life with magnificent sets and costumes inspired by Dr. Seuss' beloved illustrations. It's an extraordinary performance that reminds everyone of the true meaning of the holiday season.
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Embrace the holiday spirit with A Magical Cirque Christmas, a dazzling variety show that blends wonder, magic, and awe-inspiring performances. World-class entertainers bring the joy of the season to life with high-energy acts set to beloved holiday music, promising an unforgettable experience filled with cheer for all ages.
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Join Santa's Swingin' Christmas Party for a delightful holiday variety show! This unique collaboration features a heartwarming story about Tinkle the elf and his puppet, Lumpy, brought to life with vivid blacklight puppetry and a live jazz quartet. It's a musical celebration perfect for the festive season.
Columbia Other Christmas Activities
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Immerse yourself in the holiday spirit at Carols Along the Riverwalk, a magical evening event in Cayce. Enjoy free live music from local choirs and musicians as you stroll or ride through thousands of twinkling lights. This festive experience, part of the larger 'Christmas in Cayce' celebration, offers a heartwarming way to embrace the season.
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Step back in time and experience the Christmas story come alive at the Living Nativity drama. This powerful reenactment brings the timeless tale of Jesus' birth to life with live actors and immersive storytelling. It's a moving way to connect with the spirit of the season.
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Lace up for the Cold Winter's Day 5K and 10K races on December 27, 2025. This event offers a flat and fast course perfect for setting personal bests. Younger runners can enjoy the downhill Snowflake Youth Fun Run. All participants receive a finisher medal, and top performers are recognized in multiple age categories. A portion of the proceeds benefits the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
Christmas Events Near Columbia
Saint Andrews Christmas Events
Lexington Christmas Events
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