Holiday Historic House Tours
Wednesday Nov 16 – Friday Dec 30
Hosted by Historic Columbia. Guests are invited to see a variety of holiday decorations and experience traditions in both the Robert Mills House and the Hampton-Preston Mansion between Friday, Nov. 16 and Friday, Dec. 30. Tour guides will provide stories of holidays past in Columbia and discuss how families decorated and entertained during the 19th century. More here.
A Very Berry Christmas Main Street Lights
Friday Nov 18
Hosted by the City of Newberry. Experience the joy of the start of the holiday season. The show will feature the Victorian Singers leading caroling, special holiday music performed by Newberry school choirs, a special message from our Mayor, and the traditional countdown to light the town! More.
Polar Express
Saturday and Sunday Nov 19-20
Hosted by the Amentum Center for the Performing Arts in Aiken. Join us as we watch “The Polar Express.” Wear your PJs, and bring your pillows and blankets! Bottled water and popcorn will be served. Reservations must be made in advance, space is limited. Reservations (803) 648-1438.
Sleigh Bell Trot
Monday Nov 21
Hosted by Saluda Shoals Park. Run with your Gnomies and see the lights at the Sleigh Bell Trot! Join us for this unique, nighttime four-mile-timed run taking place amid the festive light displays of Holiday Lights on the River. More here.
Sleigh Bell Stroll
Tuesday Nov 22
Hosted by Saluda Shoals Park. See the lights at the Sleigh Bell Stroll! Join us for this unique two-mile, nighttime family fun walk taking place amid the festive light displays of Holiday Lights on the River. Details here.
18th Annual Turkey Day 5K
Thursday Nov 24
Hosted by Boys and Girls Club of the Midlands. Head to Colonial Life Arena on Thanksgiving Day for a morning 5k or 1k! Get your run in so you can fill up at your feast without guilt! More here.
A Camden Christmas!
Hosted by the City of Camden. Celebrate the holidays in Camden this year, with holiday markets, exciting performances, community events, pop-up shops, and a host of local businesses offering unique gifts! Take some time to explore all that Camden has to offer – Southern hospitality, history, heritage, and all that makes us Classically Carolina! More here.
Blythewood Tree Lighting
Sunday Nov 27
Hosted by the Town of Blythewood. Food, fun, live performances and a chance to meet Santa! More on Facebook. The fun begins at 4pm. More on Facebook.
Carols Along the Riverwalk
Friday Dec 2
Hosted by the City of Cayce. Beginning at the N Avenue Entrance (201 N Avenue at the intersection of Axtell and N Avenue) of the Cayce Riverwalk, the sounds of the holidays flow through the trees during this reverse caroling event, where several local church choirs and musicians will be located throughout the first half mile of the Riverwalk. Parking will be made available at Brookland Cayce High School with free trolley rides provided to and from the entrance of the Riverwalk. More here.
Annual Downtown Tree Lighting
Friday Dec 2
Hosted by the City of Aiken. This free event will take place on Newberry Street in Historic Downtown Aiken. We will kick-off the holiday season with a live musical performance, a special hello from Santa, and a countdown to the lighting of the singing Christmas tree. Details here.
Christmas Carolighting Ceremony
Friday Dec 2
Hosted by the Town of Lexington. Sing Christmas carols, light the tree and take pictures with Santa at the Icehouse Amphitheater. Santa will be there along with food trucks. More here.
18th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting
Friday Dec 2
Hosted by the City of West Columbia. Held at City Hall 200 N. 12th St. Children’s holiday essays read, artwork displayed and choirs singing carols. Coffee, tea, hot chocolate and cookies. More here.
The Living Christmas Story
Friday Dec 2 – Sunday Dec 4
Real people from Union United Methodist Church and the Irmo community, including live animals, bring the town of Bethlehem to life. Villagers, a blacksmith, the innkeeper, Herod’s Court, the marketplace and many more scenes come alive as you drive through and experience the night Christ was born. A drive-through nativity. Free to attend. Nightly 6pm – 9pm. More on Facebook.
Santa Trains
Fridays and Saturdays Dec 2 – 17
Hosted by the South Carolina Railroad Museum. Add some extra spark to the holiday season with an unforgettable ride on the rails at The South Carolina Railroad Museum in Winnsboro. More here.
North Pole Nights
Fridays Dec 2, 9, 16 and 23
Hosted by the Newberry County Chamber of Commerce. Experience the wonders of the North Pole! Enjoy fluttering faux snow in Memorial Park! Before arrival, all children are invited to write letters to Santa, at home, to bring and place in the NEW letters to Santa mailbox. Info here.
Festival of Trees
Friday Dec 2 – Friday Dec 31
Join us for the annual Festival of Trees at the City of Aiken Visitors Center & Train Museum. The Festival kicks off with a tree lighting on December 2 at 4:00 p.m. Don’t forget to vote for your favorite tree by Friday, December 16th. The winner will be announced on Sunday, December 18th. Get the details.
69th Annual Carolina Carillon Holiday Parade
Saturday Dec 3
Hosted by Carolina Carillon. This South Carolina tradition, featuring festive holiday entries from across the state, will begin at 9:45 a.m. at the intersection of Sumter Street and Laurel Street in downtown Columbia. The parade will proceed down Sumter toward the USC Horseshoe and end on Senate Street. More here.
Cooking with Santa
Saturday Dec 3
Hosted by Seven Oaks Park. What better time to grow a child’s love of cooking and baking than the most magical time of the year. Bring your child into the kitchen with Flavored Fork to cook alongside the jolly old elf himself making his favorite snacks and other Santa approved recipes. More here.
Pine Ridge Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting
Saturday Dec 3
Hosted by the Town of Pine Ridge. Enjoy a small town holiday parade and Christmas tree lighting beginning at 4pm. More here.
Santa Saturdays
Saturdays Dec 3, 10 and 17
Hosted by the SC State Museum. Santa will be at the museum to meet with guests and members! Get your wish lists ready and bring your cameras to take a fun picture with our jolly friend. Plus, enjoy the 4D theater holiday show, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer 4D and more when you visit! Details here.
Christmas Traditions Holiday Open House
Saturday Dec 3
Hosted by Cayce Historical Museum. Come to the Museum from 6pm – 9pm and enjoy the sights, sounds, and tastes of Christmas. Each room will be decorated with trees and crafts from the 18th century to the present. The event will also feature live entertainment, docents dressed in period attire, and light refreshments. More here.
Lexington Snowball Festival
Friday – Sunday Dec 2-4
Hosted by the Town of Lexington. Carolighting, Polar Express Movie Night, carnival, Elf Movie Night and Christmas parade. Details here.
Richland County Drop-In
Friday Dec 9
Hosted by Richland County. Join the Richland County Neighborhood Council, Columbia Council of Neighborhoods, the Richland County Neighborhood Improvement Program and your fellow neighbors for a fun evening full of music, food and good times. 6pm – 7:30pm. Facebook.
Breakfast and a Book
Saturday Dec 10
Hosted by Lessie B. Price Senior & Youth Center in Aiken. Fun-filled morning with the Clauses! Come enjoy breakfast and make holiday crafts. Mrs. Claus will read holiday stories to all the children and give away a free book to every family in attendance. Plus Santa is making a special appearance to listen to everyone’s holiday wishes! Pre-registration is required: November 8 – December 7. Call (803) 643-2181.
Frosty Fest 2022
Saturday Dec 10
Hosted by St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, Forest Acres. This is a free family event with bounce house, hot chocolate and s’mores, your favorite Christmas carols being sung by a choir, snow, and a visit from Santa! Cafe Strudel Food truck will be there selling delicious eats and several local vendors will be selling handmade items. Details on Facebook.
Ugly Sweater 5K
Saturday Dec 10
Hosted by SC Dept of Mental Health. Put that UGLY sweater to good use and join Friends of the Met CAC for our 4th Annual Ugly Sweater 5K in Forest Acres, SC! Benefits Friends of the Met CAC, a non-profit organization established to support the mission of the Metropolitan Children’s Advocacy Center (Met CAC), a program of the South Carolina Department of Mental Health (SCDMH). Bring your best-dressed pooch and maybe win a cool prize! Details here.
46th Candlelight Tour of Homes
Saturday Dec 10
Hosted by the Junior Welfare League of Camden. Explore historic homes and landmarks in Camden, SC in all their holiday splendor on this self-guided tour! The Tour celebrates the Southern hospitality that Camden is known for, all to benefit the children of Kershaw County. Pick up your tour program at the Camden Archives and Museum at 3pm and continue on your way – open til 9pm. Purchase tickets here.
Holiday Parade of Lights and Parade Day
Saturday Dec 10
Hosted by the Cayce West Columbia Chamber of Commerce. The parade begins promptly at 5:30pm in front of the Cayce Municipal Complex. Come early and ride the shuttle to businesses along the parade route – free. More here.
Downtown Christmas Parade
Sunday Dec 11
Join the rest of the city for the annual Downtown Christmas Parade in Aiken! Get the details.
Candy Cane Hunt
Thursday Dec 15
Hosted by Crooked Creek Park. Join us for a one-of-a-kind candy cane adventure! Santa and his elves will be hiding candy canes along the trail at Crooked Creek Park for kids to find. Children should bring a basket or bag for their candy canes. There will also be prize candy canes hidden along the trail. Bring a new unwrapped toy to donate! More here.
Storytime with Covey
Saturday Dec 17
Hosted by Covey the Boykin Spaniel. Come join Covey at the Kershaw County Tree to listen to a couple of winter “tails.” Then enjoy some popcorn and a Christmas-themed movie before going home and baking cookies for Santa Claus next week. The movie and books are suitable for all ages. More here.
Hoofbeats & Christmas Carols Parade 2022
Saturday Dec 17
Hosted by The Aiken Rescue and SPCA. The Hoofbeats & Christmas Carols parade started 13 years ago and has grown from a few horses and dogs to almost 300 horses and carriages and almost 100 dogs, everyone in costume including the animals, singing Christmas Carols through the middle of Aiken. Get the details.
A Birthday Party for Jesus – Potluck, Hymn Sing and Ornament Exchange
Saturday Dec 17
Organized by Sallie Sharpe of Sal’s Ole Timey Feed and Seed. Ascension Lutheran Church is an untapped gem in the community. Her old chapel is shaped like an upside down 1700’s ship’s hull. You will never see windows anywhere as beautiful as these! This may be the last year this church is here, so make sure you come down and join us! We will be meeting at Sal’s and then following each other there. This will be a fun event and my church is not one of those that put you on the spot and make you come to the altar. So there is no pressure. Those types of churches scares me lol! I hope you come with us! Bring a dish and an ornament to exchange. RSVP here.
Boykin Christmas Parade
Sunday Dec 18
Hosted by the Boykin Christmas Parade Committee. The world-famous Boykin Christmas Parade returns (finally) on Sunday, December 18th. This much-loved and longed-for extravaganza of joy and rural whacko starts at 2 p. m. As always the parade will be followed by a Gospel Sing at the Historic Swift Creek Church. More here.