Scroll to the BOTTOM of this post for multi date events that are going on NOW-some are every day or nightly events. There are events for all ages and budgets on this list.
I will be adding events to this post all season. Check back for updates. If you know of any other Christmas events to share, please let me know and I’ll add them. Please follow us and share this post with family and friends.
I hope you all have a joyful Christmas season with your loved ones.
𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟒
—6pm Town of Edgefield Christmas Tree Lighting. Edgefield Town Square, 106 Courthouse Square, Edgefield, SC. Music from EFBC’s Children’s Choir. Cookies, Hot Cocoa, and snow. Shops will be open. Edgefield is the cutest little Christmas town!
—Free admission to South Carolina State Parks. Come out & play on Black Friday and enjoy a State Park for free #OPTOUTSIDESC
𝐒𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟓
—10am-4pm Christmas in the Backcountry at the Living History Park, 209 W Spring Grove Ave, North Augusta, SC 29841. See how the Colonial villagers would celebrate the holidays. Father Christmas will be there to visit and take pictures with the children. Visitors can make winter feeders to hang in the park for the birds. Children can enjoy free cider and cookies while they listen to stories read by reenactors. This is a free event, but donations will be accepted for pet food for the local animal shelter. Please consider donating to help the animals at the shelter.
𝐒𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟔
—1pm-4pm THANKMAS: A Small Business Affair. Located at Milk & Honey Fine Salon, 561 Whiteford Way, Lexington, SC. Free admission and free parking. Shop and support the Lake Murray area small businesses this holiday season on the lawn at Milk & Honey Fine Salon. 15 plus small business vendors with a collection of art, crafts, food, jewelry, decor, boutique items, and more. Cafe Strudel food truck, music by DJ Stingray 803, complimentary hair services, salon shopping deals, and lots of fun. This event is a fundraiser for Palmetto Place Youth Shelter.
—1pm-5pm Pet Photos with Santa and Mrs Claus at White Knoll Veterinary Hospital & Pet Resort, 518 Kyzer Rd, Lexington, SC 29073. $35 mini session with a professional photographer. You will get 3 high resolution digital photos. No appointment necessary. First come basis. This is a fundraising event for Make A Friend in Animals.
—A Very Krafty Kristmas “Bingo & Shopping Extravaganza, 269 Charter Oak Rd, Lexington, SC. 12 noon-5pm.
Let Krafty Draft Brew Pub put some fun in your Christmas shopping this year by joining them for their inaugural Kraft vendor and bingo event. There will be prizes to win, a full dinner menu, a vast wine selection, and 105 beers on tap.
*12 noon-3:30pm Free face painting
*1-3pm come out and see Santa free of charge—bring your own camera.
*2-4pm Bingo
*12-1:30pm and 4-5pm Gift Wrapping
—4:30pm-6pm Town of Little Mountain Christmas Tree Lighting at Town Hall, 206 Depot Street, Little Mountain, SC. Music, snow, refreshments, and Santa
—1pm-5pm Country Christmas Celebration at the South Carolina State Farmers Market, 3483 Charleston Hwy, West Columbia, SC. Come celebrate. Admission is free. There will be Christmas Trees, Santa, Food Trucks, Games, Crafts, and much more.
—5pm Blythewood Tree Lighting, 171 Langford Rd, Blythewood, SC. Freeway Music students will provide gathering music and the Bethel-Hanberry choir will perform a selection of holiday songs. Following the lighting of the tree, there will be hot chocolate, apple cider, and cookies. Santa will be arriving about this time to visit with the children, so get your cameras out. Post ceremony music will be provided by Freeway Music students.
𝐓𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟖
—6pm Christmas Tree Lighting Irmo Town Park, 7330 Carlisle St, Irmo, SC. Come see Santa and enjoy performances by the students from Nursery Road Elementary School. Enjoy free hot chocolate provided by Dunbar Funeral Home, free cookies provided by Liberty Tax, and free pizza provided by the Town of Irmo.
—4pm-7pm Santa at Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE), 3250 Airport Blvd, West Columbia, SC. This is a free event and open to the public. Join Santa and Mrs. Claus for photos. Photos will be first come, first served. No photographer on site. Bring your own camera and take pictures yourself or staff members will be happy to capture your family photos for you. Stations will also be set up for cookie decorating, ornament making, and hot cocoa. Surface parking is free for the first half hour. After that, you’ll have to pay the listed rate.
—5pm-8pm Sweet Seasons. Lowe’s Food Shopping Center, 4711 Forest Drive, Columbia, SC. Free entry. Forest Acres Annual Christmas Tree Lighting. Free kid fun including face painting, balloon animals, bubble artist, and a magician. Meet Santa and the Grinch. There will be a live performance from The Hot Sauce Band. Dinner, desserts, and drinks will be on site for purchase from local Forest Acres vendors. The venue space has been expanded to make this year the biggest and best yet.
𝐓𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟑𝟎
—7:30pm Irving Berlin’s White Christmas The Musical at Town Theatre, 1012 Sumter St, Columbia, SC. River Bluff Gator Band has secured an exclusive showing prior to the opening to the public. Tickets are $20 for general admission and $30 for VIP seating. 100% of the proceeds support all of the performing ensembles and guard programs.
—4pm-8pm Christmas Craft Fair at Icehouse Amphitheater, 107 W Main St, Lexington, SC. Featuring fresh produce, unique gifts, local vendors, food, and more. The Market will be Thursday, November 30 and Friday, December 1
—6pm Cayce Christmas Tree Lighting at Cayce City Hall, 1800 12th Street, Cayce, SC. Santa and Mrs. Claus will make an appearance while local school choirs and bands perform Christmas carols. Hot chocolate and sweets are free for all during this magical Tree Lighting. Cayce’s Womens Club is collecting canned goods and non-perishable food items as part of the 21st Annual Cayce Cares project.
𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟏
—4pm Town of Lexington Carolighting Ceremony at the Icehouse Amphitheater, 107 W Main St, Lexington, SC. Join the Town of Lexington as they sing Christmas Carols, light the tree, take pictures with Santa, and watch The Grinch movie.
Santa will be at the Icehouse Amphitheater from 4-8pm
The Tree Lighting Ceremony starts at 6:30pm.
This event is Free. Dress for the weather.
—4pm-8pm Christmas Craft Fair at Icehouse Amphitheater, 107 W Main St, Lexington, SC. Featuring fresh produce, unique gifts, local vendors, food, and more. The Market will be Thursday, November 30 and Friday, December 1
—6pm-8pm Carols Along the Riverwalk, 201 N Avenue at the intersection of Axtell and N Avenue), Cayce, SC. Bringing you Holiday Cheer with free live music and treats. The sounds of the holidays will 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.
—6pm Town of Springdale Christmas Tree Lighting
at Felton C. Park, 2915 Platt Springs Road, West Columbia, SC. Join for a Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration. Enjoy family friendly fun and some yummy goodies. Santa loves Springdale and he just might swing by!
—7:30pm Newberry College Singers and Newberry Chamber Orchestra will perform the Christmas portion of G. F. Handel’s sacred oratorio ‘Messiah’ in Wiles Chapel on the Newberry College campus. The community invited.
-4pm-8pm Visit with Santa, Downtown Newberry. Come and see Santa and Mrs. Clause. Walk around Downtown Newberry, take pictures, and give Santa your Christmas list. There will be music, food trucks, crafts, a wine and beer walk, Santa and Mrs. Claus for photos, Mrs. Claus reading, snow in the park, and much more. To purchase Beer and/or Wine tickets visit here https://www.newberrydowntown.com/about-1
—6pm-8pm Aiken’s Christmas Tree Lighting, Newberry St SW, Aiken, SC. Live entertainment, refreshments, and a guest appearance from Santa.
—6pm-9pm Tree Lighting & Visit with Santa at The Village at Woodside, 110 Coach Light Way, Aiken. Hot chocolate and snacks will be available for purchase at the Village Cafe, and guests will receive FREE photos with Santa. The Tree Lighting ceremony will begin at 7pm accompanied by local Cub Scout Pack 26 singing classic carols. There will be a Toys for Tots donation box for anyone wishing to donate. This free event will feature live musical entertainment by Johnny & Darlene - Classic Country & Bluegrass playing a blend of Holiday favorites. Bring a comfortable chair and relax with a toasty beverage and a bite to eat from one of the nearby restaurants.
—5pm-9pm Christmas Festival at Meech House in Mungo Park, 2121 Lake Murray Blvd, Columbia. Vendors and Food Trucks. Visits and pictures with Santa, The Grinch, & Mickey Mouse. Petting Zoo, Face Painting, Live Music, S’mores Pit, and Games.
—6pm-8pm Christmas In Leesville, Main Street, Leesville. Hosted by the Leesville Merchants Association. Come out to the business district and enjoy extended shopping hours, hot chocolate, s’mores, and pictures with Santa.
𝐒𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐
—SCHEDULED RAIN OR SHINE 1pm Newberry Christmas Parade. Location: Downtown Newberry. The theme is A Christmas Story: The Movie. Get there early for a good seat and parking. Bring your own chair.
—CANCELED 6-9pm Christmas Traditions Olde & New at the Cayce Historical Museum, 1800 12th Street, Cayce. Open House, European Style Market, Lantern Tours, Festive Handmade Holiday Treats, Visit with Santa & Mrs. Claus, Christmas Shopping, Local Vendors & Artist. Rooms of the museum will be decorated with Christmas trees and there will be live entertainment and light refreshments. An outdoor Christmas Market will feature local vendors selling gifts, food, and drinks.
—10am-4pm Midlands Gaming Coalition 5th Annual Crumble Rumble at Seven Oaks Park, 200 Leisure Lane, Columbia, SC. Midlands Gaming is back with the annual Holiday Hootenanny, the Crumble Rumble. There will be food, fun, raffles, and more for this Winter Wonderland. This event is free to attend. Entry fee into the Super Smash Bros main tournament is a toy donation to be donated to the MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital in Charleston. The Cheating for Charity tournament is still free to enter, but the cheats are paid. CrumbleRumble.org
—SCHEDULED AS PLANNED 4:30pm-8pm Lake Murray Christmas Light Boat Parade, Lake Murray Public Park, 1797 N Lake Dr, Lexington, SC. Admission is free. Watch as brightly decorated boats parade by decked out for the season, enjoy Christmas carols—have your phone or flashlight ready for Silent Night, and see a fireworks finale. Pack your family, friends, and a picnic. Tune to 93.1 The Lake to hear the Christmas Carols. Gates open at 4:30pm and the parade starts at 6pm. Gates will remain open until the park reaches 300 car capacity. No pets allowed. The park closes after the fireworks finale. This is a huge event. It is recommended that you get there early. Dress for the weather.
—CANCELED DUE TO POTENTIAL BAD WEATHER 4pm Town of Pine Ridge Christmas Parade, Christmas Tree Lighting, and Festivities. Parade begins at 4pm. Immediately after the parade the tree lighting festivities begin. Arts, crafts for all, hot chocolate, BBQ food truck, taco food truck, and photo opportunities with Santa. Performances from the local youth. Sips Hot Chocolate will also be available. Get there early for good seating. Bring your own chair. Dress for the weather. CANCELED
—RESCHEDULED. CHECK 12/16, 12/21, & 12/22 FOR DETAILS 1pm-7:30pm Snowball Festival Carnival & Movie. Located at Icehouse Amphitheater, 107 West Main St, Lexington.
From 1pm-5pm Small Carnival Rides, face painting, balloon artist, pictures with Santa, and more. Food available to purchase from vendors.
5:30pm The Santa Clause movie (rated PG). Dress for the weather during this event. RESCHEDULED
—STILL SCHEDULED 9am-1pm Pictures with Santa and Craft Fair. Located at River Bluff High School, 320 Corley Mill Rd, Lexington, SC. Support the Annual Choir Fundraiser Event and have pictures taken with Santa, browse local vendor booths, and be entertained with performances by River Bluff High School Choir.
—9am-2pm Tinsel Town Market at Lake Murray Presbyterian Church, 2721 Dutch Fork Rd, Chapin, SC. An indoor/outdoor market with over 70 crafters and vendors. There will be woodwork, candles, jewelry, clothing, handmade crafts, iron work, quilts, books, and homemade goodies. There will be breakfast, lunch, and food trucks. Proceeds will benefit Girl Scout Troops 760 and 29036. Dress for the weather as some events are outdoors.
—STILL SCHEDULED 9am-3pm Mid-Carolina High School Holiday Market, 377 Cy Schumpert Rd, Prosperity, SC. Come out and shop homemade decor, jewelry, Holiday gifts, crafts, clothing, food, door prizes and more
—10am-11am Candy Cane Hunt Community Family Day at Kennerly Road Baptist Church, 1530 Kennerly Rd, Irmo, SC (across the road from Northwest Irmo YMCA). Come out for a fun and free community day of holiday festivities! Children ages 3-10 will enjoy fun games and activities including a Candy Cane Hunt (think Easter eggs but with Candy Canes), bounce house & slide, crafts, cookies & cocoa, and the story behind the candy cane all about Jesus's birth and the true meaning of the Christmas season! This event will be fun for the whole family to enjoy together. Invite your friends. All are welcome.
—STILL SCHEDULED 10am-6pm Ivy House Lexington Holiday Market, 4211 Augusta Road, Lexington (down the road from Lowe’s on Augusta Rd in West Columbia). 70+ vendors will have their booths overflowing with holiday cheer, gifts galore, collectibles, home decor, art, jewelry, clothing, furniture, and more.
𝐒𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟑
—SCHEDULED RAIN OR SHINE 3pm Prosperity Christmas Parade. A small town Christmas event that is envied by many towns. Floats, bands, clowns, and all the usual parade antics march down Main Street. Come early to get a good seat. Bring your own chair. Roads start blocking off early. I have been to the Prosperity Christmas parade a couple times. It was a fun parade. We laughed and had the best time. The participants and observers were really getting into it. The many different tractors, some antiques, were a favorite of the kids. I sure hope the tractors return this year!
—11-4pm Holiday Market at Hidden Creek Stables, 1122 Rawl Rd, Lexington, SC. Pictures with Santa, horse rides, hayride, bounce house, petting zoo, and more. Food trucks and local vendors will be set up. $20 wristband for one horse ride, one cup of feed, and unlimited bounce houses, hayride, and petting the animals. $5/car admission. Cash only. Pictures with Santa for $35-includes three digital images
—3pm Town of Lexington Snowball Parade, Main St, Lexington, SC. Watch a variety of parade floats and bands make their way down Main Street for the annual Lexington Snowball Parade. Get there early for good seating. Bring your own chair. Dress for the weather.
—5pm South Congaree’s Annual Christmas Tree Lighting, Main St. Entertainment, Special Guests, Food Trucks, and Santa
Dress for the weather.
—3pm Edgefield Bigg 50th Christmas Parade, Downtown Edgefield, SC. Watch the parade and see Santa. Bring your own chair. Dress for the weather.
—2pm Downtown Aiken Christmas Parade. Enjoy a variety of floats, music, and fun. Get there early for a good seat. Bring your own chair and dress for the weather.
—3pm-7pm Holiday Market at PETSinc, 300 Orchard Dr, W Columbia. Pictures with Santa, vendors, food, bake sale, tree lighting, games, and much more.
—5:15pm Batesburg-Leesville Christmas Parade. The parade theme is ‘Coming Home for Christmas’ The route begins at S Hendrix St and Hwy 1 and continues down Main St to Leesville College Park.
The After Parade Christmas Party will immediately follow the parade. Enjoy great performances, snacks, hot chocolate, cookies, pictures with Santa, and festive fun.
𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟒
—5:30pm SC Governor’s Mansion Christmas Open House at the SC Governor’s Mansion, 800 Richland St, Columbia. Governor Henry McMaster and First Lady Peggy McMaster invite South Carolinians and their families to join them for a Christmas Open House. There will be Christmas Carols and light refreshments served. The event is free of charge, open to the public, and no reservations are required. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be outside at the mall area to meet and greet and listen to any special Christmas wishes.
𝐓𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟓
—6pm-8pm Photos with Santa & Mrs. Claus and The Grinch at Century 21, 5599 Sunset Blvd, Lexington
Wednesday, December 6
—5:30pm-8pm Festival of St. Nicholas at Pilgrim Lutheran Church, 1430 N Lake Dr, Lexington. At 5:30pm there will be a brief worship service incorporating St. Nicholas in the sanctuary. All children that come to the service are asked to bring canned goods or canned soup to give to St. Nicholas for the food pantry. St. Nicholas will present each child with a small gift in return.
6pm-8pm there will be food trucks, local vendors, Christmas songs, a kids craft, and caroling.
𝐓𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟕
—6pm-8pm Night of 1,000 Lights in Downtown Aiken. Come out for the most beautiful night of the Holiday Season. Explore Downtown by walking the streets lined by luminaries. Downtown shops will be open late. Join Carolers, Elves, and even Santa himself in enjoying Holiday Festivities in Downtown Aiken.
𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟖
—Parents Night Out Holiday Edition at Ruth Patrick Science Education Center, University Pkwy, Aiken, SC from 6pm-9pm. This is chance for parents to take a break, get some Christmas shopping done, or have a date night while your kids have a blast with the educators. Your mad little scientists will enjoy hours of fun-filled holiday themed activities. The program is open to ages 6-12. The evening will include hands on STEM related activities, crafts, exploration of the Science Center, and a pizza dinner. $30/child. Discounts available for more than one child when registered in a single transaction. Advanced registration is required https://uscaiken.formstack.com/forms/parentsnightout23
—5pm-8pm Gaston Police Department Pictures with Santa, 186 N. Carlisle Street, Gaston. Cookies, light refreshments, and pictures with Santa. Free event.
𝐒𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟗
—9am-9pm White Knoll Band Holiday Extravaganza & Craft Fair. Located at White Knoll High School, 5643 Platt Springs Rd, Lexington, SC. Join White Knoll Band for the annual Holiday Extravaganza featuring a Craft & Vendor Fair, Cookies with Santa, Holiday Crafts, Dinner, and a Raffle Basket Drawing. Entertainment by Civil Remedy. Admission is free.
9am-9pm Craft and Vendor Fair
9am-7pm Raffle Baskets Bonanza
10am-noon Cookies with Santa and Holiday Craft
5pm-7pm Dinner and Raffle Basket Drawing
7pm-9pm Civil Remedy and Dancing
Raffle tickets 1 for $3, 5 for $12, 10 for $21. Learn more at wkhsbands.com
—5pm-7pm Christmas Family Fun Night at Northside Baptist Church, 4347 Sunset Blvd, Lexington. Santa, s’mores, a coffee truck, a family craft, winter hayrides, games, glow in the dark putt-putt, 9 square, a Christmas Photo Booth, popcorn, and a fun-filled family show with magician and story-teller, John Michael Hinton.
—1pm-6pm Free pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus at The Boiling Springs Community Center, 2639 Calks Ferry Rd, Lexington. Bring your camera to take pictures. Staff with also take pictures and email or text them to you. Bring your children, grands, or even your dogs. Donations are welcome and appreciated.
—10am Town of South Congaree Christmas Parade, Main St. Meet Santa. Get there early for good seating. Bring your own chair. Dress for the weather.
—10am-6pm. Little Mountain Unlimited Antiques and Cafe Christmas Open House, 1528 Main St, Little Mountain, SC. Come celebrate with booth sales, door prizes, live music, and great food. Please bring donations for Newberry County Animal Shelter.
—12 noon-4pm The North Pole, 1006 12th St, Cayce, SC. Music, vendors, and holiday activities.
5:30pm Holiday Parade of Lights begins. Located on 12th Street, Cayce, SC. Night time Christmas Parade with lighted floats. This is a very popular event. Arrive early. Bring your own chair. Dress for the weather.
—11am-2pm Heritage Hill Farm, 10259 Broad River Road, Irmo, SC. Visit with Santa and take pictures. Bring your own phone or camera. Fresh produce, raw milk, Holiday gift boxes.
—6pm Pelion’s 3rd Annual Night Time Christmas Parade. The parade will start on Pine Street in front of the Pelion Senior Center. The Pelion Community Friends will be selling baked goods and hot cocoa by the IGA. Get ready to be mesmerized by the beautiful lights at this nighttime parade. Arrive early, bring your own chair, and dress for the weather.
𝐒𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟏𝟎
—SCHEDULED RAIN OR SHINE
1pm-4pm Christmas Open House at the Lexington County Museum, 244 Fox St, Lexington, SC. Come experience Christmas traditions of the past at the museum as it hosts its annual Christmas Open House. Many of the thirty historic structures on the museum complex will be open and will feature period Christmas decorations. The event is free to the public! Light refreshments that would have been eaten by Lexington residents in the 19th century, including hot apple cider and gingerbread, will be served. Friends of the museum member, Constance Caractor Flemming, will be singing and playing live music in the Fox House. A Blacksmith will be on site practicing his craft and educating visitors about smithing and a cooking demonstration will be taking place in our 19th century Ridgell kitchen as well. We will also be featuring the Slave Dwelling Project and their program ‘Inalienable Rights’ again this year. The Christmas Open House is a great way to explore the museum’s structures and collections on your own time, learn about the rich history of the county, and get into the holiday spirit. This event is family friendly and fun.
—4pm-7pm Journey Through Bethlehem at Red Bank Baptist, 1357 South Lake Dr, Lexington. Journey through the Town of Bethlehem and see the types of businesses that would have been in Bethlehem when Christ was born. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the small town where the Savior came to the world.
𝐓𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟏𝟐
—6pm PJ’s At The Park Polar Express Movie Night, 1712 Chadford Rd, Irmo. Cocoa, Cookies, Light Dinner, and Movie in the gym. No cost, but is limited to 75 families. RSVP/info Thedoorhome2019@gmail.com
𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟏𝟓
—3:30pm Check In, Hunt begins at 4:15pm Candy Cane Adventure at Crooked Creek Park, 1098 Old Lexington Hwy, Chapin, SC. Come for a one-of-a-kind Candy Cane Adventure. Santa and his Elves will be hiding candy canes at Crooked Creek Park for kids to find along with some prize candy canes. Bring a basket or bag for candy canes. Bring a new unwrapped toy to donate. $3/child. For ages 1-12.
—7pm-10pm Deceased Farms Winter Slaying, 382 Olde Farm Rd, Lexington. $30 cash/person, Fast Pass $45, VIP Pass plus Midway Game tickets and a ‘I Survived’ t-shirt $70. Serving up all the scares! www.deceasedfarms.com
𝐒𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟏𝟔
—9am-11am Breakfast with Santa at the Prosperity Fire Department. Santa and Mrs. Claus invite you to join them for pancakes, sausage, eggs, and milk and orange juice to drink. Santa and Mrs. Claus will also be available to take pictures with your family. There will be no charge for the breakfast or pictures, but donations are welcome.
—2-4pm Vintage Santa at The Newberry Museum, 1300 Friend St, Newberry, SC. Free storytime, kids activities, photos with Vintage Santa, and a free children’s book provided by Newberry County First Steps
—2pm Hoofbeats & Christmas Carols Parade in Downtown Aiken. You can put Park Ave SW in your GPS and it will take you to the parade route (Parade route is in the comments) I’ll update with the map when it’s released. Come out to see the horses, riders, dogs, walkers, elves, and pooper scoopers. Yes, you read that right, it happens. Get here early to get a good seat and bring your own chair. You can get a bite to eat and shop at some of the many stores in Aiken’s Downtown while you wait. This is the CUTEST Christmas parade! I almost want to keep it my little secret. It’s been a family tradition for years. Maybe it’s the animal lovers in us. The horses and dogs definitely have us hooked! Put on those Christmas clothes, you don’t want to miss this festive, unique parade. Last year there was nearly 200 horses and riders and 100+ dogs. And, Christmas Carols were playing while everyone sang along.
—10am-4pm Annual Holiday Market at Brookland Baptist Church, 1066 Sunset Blvd, West Columbia, SC. Come for great food, shopping, gift wrapping station, holiday music, silent auction, Santa, food truck, dessert station, 75 different crafters, vendors, and local businesses. Silent auction to benefit the local food bank and shelter. Free parking and free admission.
—6pm Christmas movie at Wilson Park, 410 Wilson St, Batesburg-Leesville. The Grinch movie will be showing and light refreshments will be available free of charge. Bring your own chairs or blankets to sit on.
—9am-1pm Snowball Festival Carnival at the Icehouse Amphitheater, 107 West Main St, Lexington. Small carnival rides, face painting, balloon artist, pictures with Santa, and more. Food available to purchase from vendors.
—10am-3pm Holiday Market at Horse Sense Tack and Feed, 1407 South Lake Dr, Lexington. Thirty six craft vendors, Santa from 11am-1pm, Cox Family BBQ, The Sippin’ Palmetto, Highland Brew Coffee Company, and Abbott Music Entertainment. Free admission and pet friendly.
—7pm-10pm Deceased Farms Winter Slaying, 382 Olde Farm Rd, Lexington. $30 cash/person, $45 Fast Pass, $70 VIP Pass plus Midway Game tickets and ‘I Survived’ tshirt. Cash Only. www.deceasedfarms.com
𝐒𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟏𝟕
—SCHEDULED RAIN OR SHINE 2pm (roads close at 1pm—get there early) Boykin Christmas Parade, Boykin Town Center, Camden. This is my favorite Christmas parade that I’ve never been to. The rural whacko at this much loved parade looks like a lot of laughs. The parade will be followed by a Gospel Sing at the Historic Swift Creek Church. Get there very early to get parking. Parking will open at 8am. You’re welcome to set up, responsibly tailgate, take a stroll through Boykin, and enjoy the day before the parade begins at 2pm. Local restaurants and Food Vendors will be open. You don’t want to miss this Country Christmas Parade and to find out who is crowned this year’s Fat Back Queen!
You can watch last years parade here https://youtu.be/-ft8I0wpDes?si=djORleMCbKBgTjZi
—SCHEDULED RAIN OR SHINE 4pm-5:30pm Cocoa, Cookies, & Crafts with Santa, Beulah UMC Family Life Center, 161 Beulah Church Rd, Gilbert. Drop in for a visit with Santa before the big day.
𝗠𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝗗𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟭𝟴
—10:30am-12:30pm Bagels with Santa at Bruegger’s Bagels, 945 Lake Murray Blvd, Irmo. Bring your kids and your camera for pictures with Santa and bring letters for Santa’s mailbox
—10am-12 noon Candy Cane Lane with Gray Varsity Cheer, 3833 Leaphart Rd. Join Santa and his friends for cookies, crafts, games, music, and more. $15/child. Reserve your spot at https://square.link/u/7jaScgOu?src=sheet
𝐓𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟏𝟗
—9am-10:30am Breakfast with Mr. Cow at Chick-fil-A, 5560 Sunset Blvd, Lexington. Come and enjoy your favorite breakfast at Chick-fil-A. There will be a special Christmas Craft (Craft available while supplies last) and a chance to get your picture taken with Santa Cow. Drop in anytime between 9am-10:30am.
𝐖𝐞𝐝𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟎
—10:30am-12 noon Christmas Crafts Hands On History Program at the Lexington County Museum, 231 Fox St, Lexington, SC. Enjoy a children’s class on Christmas crafts in the 19th century. The ca. 1832 John Fox House will be decorated with period decorations which the children are shown as they look through the house. After the tour, the children make these same early decorations such as popcorn strings, pomanders, and gum drop trees which they are allowed to take home with them. It’s a great way to get into the Christmas spirit and learn more about Christmas traditions of the past. Visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hands-on-history-christmas-crafts-program-tickets-764067184517?aff=oddtdtcreator to register
𝐓𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟏
—6pm The Grinch movie (rated PG) at the Icehouse Amphitheater, 107 West Main St, Lexington. This event is free. Dress for the weather.
𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟐
—6pm The Santa Clause movie (rated PG) at the Icehouse Amphitheater, 107 West Main St, Lexington. Free event. Dress for the weather.
𝐌𝐔𝐋𝐓𝐈 𝐍𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓 𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐒
—Fireflies Holiday Lights, 6pm-9pm, November 16 to December 31 (Closed 11/20, 11/23, 11/27, 12/25). Segra Park, 1640 Freed Street, Columbia, SC 29201. Last entry into the park is at 8:45pm. Walk through the winter wonderland of lights.
VISITS WITH SANTA nightly November 16 through December 23. Each night he will be available from 6:30pm-8:30pm to hear what is on your list and take photos with your whole family in his sleigh.
SCAVENGER HUNT nightly to find all the hidden gems in the lights
TD BANK TUESDAYS: Every Tuesday night, light attendees who bring a donation for the Salvation Army will receive a free s’mores kit thanks to TD Bank.
SALVATION ARMY RED KETTLE CAMPAIGN: The bells will be ringing every night throughout the campaign in hopes that together the kettle will be filled with cash donations for the Salvation Army.
For more information and to buy tickets visit firefliesholidaylights.com.
—Bee City Zoo Christmas Wonderland of Lights. Open select nights November 16-December 30. Located at 1066 Holly Ridge Ln, Cottageville, SC. Pull through wagon rides. Santa on select days and times. Visit beecityzoo.com for more information and to purchase tickets.
—Hollywild Animal Preserve Holiday Lights Safari. November 17-December 31. Hollywild Animal Preserve, 2325 Hampton Road, Wellford, SC. Magic of Lights is a dazzling, drive-through holiday lights experience. Add the Enchanted Deer Forest to your experience and drive thru and feed herds of animals from your own vehicle. Hollywild opened in the 70s. Some of you probably remember visiting as a kid. I continue the tradition with my own kids. Visit Hollywild.org for more information and to purchase tickets. *Visit The Christmas House along with Hollywild. See below for information on The Christmas House. The locations are 14 minutes apart. You might also want to visit The Beacon Drive-In, a Southern Landmark since 1946, for a bite to eat while in the area. View the menu at beacondrivein.com
—The Christmas House. 5:30pm-10pm nightly, November 23 to December 31. Located at 360 Foster Rd, Inman, SC. This is a free drive through Christmas light event, but donations are welcome. The Montgomery Family started the tradition of decorating their house in 1973 as a way to give back to their community. They now have more than 135,000 lights. It’s mesmerizing to see. For your safety, they ask that you keep your headlights on. When you exit the drive onto Blackwell Rd people need to see you. They also ask that you keep right because this is a public road. *Visit The Christmas House along with Hollywild Animal Preserve Holiday Lights Safari. See above for information on Hollywild. The locations are 14 minutes apart. You might also want to visit The Beacon Drive-In, a Southern Landmark since 1946, for a bite to eat while in the area. View the menu at beacondrivein.com
—Carowinds WinterFest. Select nights November 17, 2023 to January 1, 2024, 5pm-10pm. Holiday light displays complete with millions of shimmering lights, ice skating, family activities, live entertainment, holiday-inspired comfort food and beverages, select attractions, and carolers throughout the park. Children can write letters to Santa. At 9pm after an evening of fun, watch the merry procession of the WinterFest Wonderland Parade, a nightly Christmas parade with lavishly decorated floats, festive music, and performers. Visit https://www.carowinds.com/events/winterfest for more information and to purchase tickets.
**There is currently a deal on Groupon for WinterFest tickets, 4 people for $99.96. Single tickets are a few dollars cheaper too. Price compare kids and senior tickets directly from Carowinds as they might be cheaper. This deal could end at any time https://www.groupon.com/deals/gl-carowinds-winterfest23
—Wild Lights at Riverbanks Zoo. Select nights November 17-January 14, 5pm-9pm. Stroll through the zoo and discover nearly 60 larger-than-life handcrafted lanterns inspired by nature. Guests will be dazzled by awe-inspiring illuminations around every turn. Plus, enjoy interactive activities, fun photo ops, and seasonal favorites including nightly snowfall and visits with Santa (through December 23). Advance reservations are required for all members and guests. Visit https://www.riverbanks.org/events/wild-lights for the days of operation and to purchase tickets.
—Anderson Christmas Lights. Open Thanksgiving Day thru Christmas Day, 5:30pm to 10pm. $10/car. 150 Rose Valley Blvd, Anderson, SC. Main entrance is on Martin Luther King Jr Blvd. This is a charity drive through lights event. You will also find a General Store, the Bakery, the Bank, Wagon Rides, and plenty of entertainment. Duckett Woodcarving is back this year. Jeremy and his chainsaw will carve out bears, pumpkins, specialty pieces and more. The Princess stage is newly decorated and has a fireplace. See who will be on the sofa reading stories, taking pictures, or just talking with the kids. The Main Stage will have lots of entertainment. A few performers will be the Clemson Steel Drum Band, Carolina Christmas Bluegrass, and America’s Got Talent Ansley. Enjoy Hot Chocolate, Coffee, fresh baked cookies, and cakes in The Village. Kettle Corn, from the popping master, Ron Harring will be freshly popping while you wait. Photo ops will be all around the village. Santa and Mrs. Clause will be in the village nightly taking photos, telling stories, and listening to what children want for Christmas. Visit https://www.andersonchristmaslights.org/ for more information. Make sure to click on ‘About Us’ for the story on how this event started.
—Hite Christmas Lightshow, 213 Meetze Ave, Lexington, SC. Park in the parking lot across the street. Begins Thanksgiving Day until New Years Day, 6pm-10pm Sunday-Thursday and 6pm-11pm Friday-Saturday. Tune your radio to 90.3 and watch the lights dance to music. This is a free event for your families enjoyment. But, donations are also accepted for the SC Chapter of the Make A Wish Foundation. 100% of the donations go directly to making wishes come true for children with life threatening illnesses. A link to make direct and secure donations is coming soon.
—Holiday Lights on the River. Use the Saluda Shoals entrance at 6071 St Andrews Rd, Columbia. Open nightly November 22-December 31, 6pm-10pm, including Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day. Admission $25/car; $50/12+ passenger van, trucks with trailers, limos; $75/bus. Large drive through light event. Activities included with admission: Tube slide, hayride, train ride, walking trail/laser light show, letter to Santa—nightly except Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas. Santa visits on select nights. Please turn headlights off and use parking lights while driving through the lights. Don’t forget to turn headlights back on when exiting the park. Visit https://www.icrc.net/event/holiday-lights-river-0 to purchase tickets.
—Residential Light Display at 142 Carriage Hill Dr, Lexington. This is one of my favorite residential lights set to music. If you’re in the area, stop by to see it. It pairs well with Holiday Lights on the River at Saluda Shoals.
—South Carolina Railroad Museum Santa Train Rides, 110 Industrial Park Rd, Winnsboro, SC. Daytime Santa Train rides are on Saturdays, December 2nd, 9th, and 16th. The Twilight Santa Train rides are on Fridays and Saturdays, December 1st, 2nd, 8th, 9th, 15th, and 16th. Come visit Santa on the annual holiday ride. Santa walks through the train and comes to you. No lines. The ride lasts about an hour and forty minutes or until Santa talks to every child on the train. Pajamas are welcome. Lap babies and children under 2 have to be in a regular seat on the Dining Car and must pay full fare due to safety issues. Don’t forget your letters for Santa. There are no restrooms on the train. Please use the restroom before boarding. The trains must leave the depot on time, so arrive 15-20 minutes prior to the departure time. This event is not wheelchair accessible. The museum gallery, display train, ticket office, and gift shop will be open at 9:30am. Visit scrm.org to purchase tickets, you’ll need to do that in advance.
—CANCELED DECEMBER 10 DUE TO RAIN Little Bethlehem, 403 Peach Festival Road, Gilbert, SC. Open nightly December 1, 2, 3 and December 8, 9, 10 from 6:30pm-8:30pm. Free Admission. This is a unique, live, outdoor drama. Come walk through the streets of the re-created Town of Bethlehem on the night our Savior was born. Freshly baked flatbread and refreshment will be available. Dress for the weather. You can view some of the reenactment here https://youtu.be/Th0iW2fWTjA?si=CyKQW9TUlaeHdvEP
—Christmas On Breezy Hill, 612 Ascauga Lake Rd, Graniteville, SC. Nightly December 6th-9th, 6:30pm-9pm. The camp lodge and fire pit areas will be available for refreshments. Hosts will be there providing hot dogs, hot chocolate, coffee, cider, and treats. You can gather around the fire pits to roast your own hot dog. Hayrides will be available. One of the cabins will have face painting for the kids. After enjoying the hayride, food, and family fun, follow the exit signs through the Christmas Light trail exit and see various sites decorated with thousands of lights.
**When you arrive at the event, you will be directed to your parking space. Parking is available on both sides of the road in the lighted parking areas. Dress for the weather. Most activities will be outside.
—Mystery of the Christmas Star at DuPont Planetarium, 427 Scholar Loop, Aiken, SC. December 2nd, 9th, 12th, 16th, 19th, 23rd, 26th, and 30th at 6pm, 7pm, and 8pm. Journey back over 2000 years as we seek to discover a scientific explanation for the star the wise men followed to Bethlehem. See incredible images of supernovae, comets, planetary conjunctions, and other celestial phenomena. This show won five Telly Awards and is sure to charm and captivate audiences. Reservations recommended usca.edu/planetarium
—Carolina Lights at the South Carolina State Fair. December 8-24 (Closed Mondays) Sunday, Tuesday-Thursday: 6pm-9pm. Friday-Saturday 6pm-10pm. Entry to the light show is at Gate 6 of the fairgrounds, 901 George Rogers Blvd, Columbia, SC. The drive-through light experience will feature more than 100 stunning individual LED light displays along an expanded route in the Lexington Medical Center Fair Park at the SC State Fairgrounds. As you drive through tune your radio to 88.9 FM and enjoy holiday music sync’d with the lights. Cookies, milk, dog biscuits, bottled water, and Pepsi products are available for purchase halfway through the light show. Restrooms are available half way through too. Tickets can be purchased online or at the gate. Cash, credit, or debit is accepted at the gate. December 13 is Military Appreciation Day and December 19 is First Responders Appreciation Day—get in for $10 (cars) with proper ID.
—South Carolina's largest FREE Christmas light display! Located at Swan Lake Iris Gardens, 822 W Liberty Street, Sumter, SC.
Holiday cheer arrives in Sumter with the opening of the annual Swan Lake Fantasy of Lights. For the entire month of December, the gardens come alive with a display of twinkling holiday imagery created by more than one million lights. The Pilot Club's floating Christmas tree is an annual favorite, along with Santa's Village, angels and characters of song and story.
The light display will be open nightly December 1-31.
Sunday - Thursday 6PM-9 PM
Friday & Saturday 6PM-10 PM
This event is designed to be a drive-through, but visitors are allowed to park to take pictures with the lights. Access into the walking trails is closed after dusk. Lights are all along the main parking lot area to Swan Lake Iris Gardens, along Liberty Street and along Garden Street (enter at Liberty Street and exit onto Oakland Avenue). No parking allowed along Garden Street; however, parking will be available in the lot across from the Heath Pavilion.
Located at the Swan Lake Iris Gardens Heath Pavilion, Santa's Village is a celebration of the holiday. Kids can write letters to Santa and take pictures with Santa (bring your own camera) and the entire family can enjoy a variety of holiday music and entertainment each night - all activities are free.
Hot cocoa and holiday treats will be available for sale on-site.
Santa's Village is open from 6-8 PM on the following days:
Saturday, December 2, 2023, 6-8 PM
Friday, December 8, 2023, 6-8 PM
Saturday, December 9, 2023, 6-8 PM
Friday, December 15, 2023, 6-8 PM
Saturday, December 16, 2023, 6-8 PM
Admission to both Fantasy of Lights and Santa's Village is free.
—The Singing Christmas Tree presented by Abilene Baptist Church, 3917 Washington Rd, Martinez, GA (one hour from Lexington, SC). Thursday, December 7 at 6:30pm, Friday, December 8 at 6:30pm, Saturday, December 9 at 2:30pm and 6:30pm, Sunday, December 10 at 2:30pm. Enjoy uplifting music and lights. A 28 foot tree and nearly 200 singers, musicians, and cast members. You’ll love this singing Christmas Head performance. Tickets for this event are Free ($1 convenience fee if downloaded from iTickets.com) Please bring a new and unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots. Seating is first come basis. Childcare is provided for children thru K-5 so you and others may enjoy the presentation. Get your free tickets here https://www.itickets.com/events/475690
—First Baptist Church 32nd Annual Singing Christmas Tree, 219 Cleland St, Georgetown, SC. Friday, December 8 at 7pm, Saturday, December 9 at 3pm, Sunday, December 10 at 7pm, and Monday, December 11 at 7pm. A tall Christmas Tree filled with Singing Heads. The singers are festively dressed for a delightful performance. You’ll absolutely love this unique Christmas Singing Tree. You may reserve your Free tickets by via email at sct@fbcgeorgetown.org or calling 843-546-5187
—North Pole Nights, Main St, Newberry, SC at Community Hall and Memorial Park. December 1, 8, 15, and 22 from 6pm-8pm. Experience the wonders of the North Pole! Enjoy fluttering faux snow in Memorial Park and crafts courtesy of the Newberry County Chamber of Commerce. Before arrival, all children are invited to write letters to Santa, at home, to bring and place in the NEW letters to Santa mailbox.
On Fridays, December 1, 8, and 15, the Chamber hosts the Santa’s Workshop & Storytime with Mrs. Claus from 5pm-8pm. Located at Newberry Chamber of Commerce, 1209 Caldwell Street in Downtown. Children can complete a free craft and hear a story read by Mrs. Clause.
—The Annual Christmas in Hopelands event will transform Hopelands Gardens in Aiken, South Carolina. Guests can spend time with friends and family as they stroll through Hopelands Gardens, taking in the sights and sounds of the holiday season while sipping hot cocoa or apple cider.
This enchanting walk-through exhibit features over two miles of lighted pathways and illuminated displays. With over 100,000 twinkling lights in the peaceful setting of Hopelands Gardens, this event should be at the top of your holiday bucket list.
Dec. 9 – 22 6:00 – 9:30 pm.
Shuttle departs from Citizens Park: 1060 Banks Mill Rd 5:45-8:45 PM
Handicap parking available: 135 Dupree Place
—The Living Christmas Story: A Drive Thru Nativity at Union UMC, 7582 Woodrow St, Irmo. December 1-3 from 6:30pm-9pm. The Living Christmas Story is a drive-thru ‘living’ story of Jesus’ birth since 1994. Enjoy this free event as you drive along a 1/3 mile route through the church’s parking area, which has been transformed into the City of Bethlehem to re-enact the ‘greatest story ever told.’ Real people from Union 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. Tune in to 90.9 FM for the in car broadcast when you drive through to hear a reading of the nativity story.
—Columbia Marionette Theatre, 401 Laurel St, Columbia, presents Santa’s Swingin’ Christmas Party, December 2nd, 9th, 16th, 18th, and 23rd, 2023
A holiday variety show with live music and puppets!
Santa’s Swingin’ Christmas Party is a unique creative collaboration with Cola Jazz Foundation.
Tinkle the elf is too young to work in Santa’s Workshop (a division of North Pole, Inc.), but that won’t stop him from making his first toy: a Patchwork stuffed animal named Lumpy. When Lumpy doesn’t make it onto Santa’s sleigh, they go on an adventure to find where they belong! Vivid puppets illuminated by blacklight and a live jazz quartet really bring the swing in this musical celebration! Visit cmtpuppet.org for showtimes
—Jesus Is His Name. Performance is at South Congaree Arena, 395 Oak Street, West Columbia. Friday, December 8 & 15 at 7pm. Saturday, December 9 & 16 and Sunday, December 10 & 17 at 2pm and 6pm. The two hour program takes you on a journey through the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. No reservations required. This event is free of charge. The drama takes place under a covered and enclosed area.
We make every effort to verify that all information is correct. Prices, events scheduled, and times can change at any time without notice. And, unfortunately, mistakes can happen on our end. Please, double check and verify all events, times, and prices before heading out.
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