At the Joye Law Firm, we are proud of what we do and we are honored to be a part of our community. We established Joye in the Community to give back to our neighbors, support local education, help local charities, and improve the health and well-being of those around us. Joye Law Firm is proud to share this event information with you; however, our firm is not directly affiliated with these events or organizations. Please contact them directly for more information. Check out the local events going on in Columbia, SC in December 2016.
Main Street Ice
Main Street Ice is the City of Columbia’s outdoor ice skating rink. Enjoy a winter wonderland this holiday season! Group reservations will be accepted for parties of 20 people or more. Main Street ICE will have special operating hours December 19-30th and will be closed on Christmas Day and will be open until 12am on New Year’s Eve.
Event at a Glance:
Event: Main Street ICE rink
Date: November 24th – January 16th
Time: times vary according to date
Location: Boyd Plaza, Corner of Main & Hampton Streets, Columbia, SC
Cost: Monday – Wednesday: $8 adults, $5 ages 12 and under
Thursday – Sunday: $10 adults, $8 ages 12 and under
Active Duty Military w/ ID & Seniors: $8
Learn more: 803-545-3100 or visit their website
Holiday Market
Merchants from across the country sell merchandise during the themed shopping extravaganza, which includes a preview party, ladies only shopping event, and a children’s event with Santa. The four-day shopping event raises over $250,000 to support Junior League of Columbia’s mission and programs.
Event at a Glance:
Event: Holiday Market
Dates/times:
November 30th: Holiday market will begin with a preview party. This is an exclusive black-tie optional event where attendees will enjoy a silent auction, live music, private shopping, cocktails and delectable eats. 6:30pm – 11pm.
December 1st: Ladies Night Out is a sellout each year. Bring your girlfriends and shop the night away! Enjoy a silent auction with merchant gifts, music, cocktails, and hors d’oeuvres from 6pm – 10pm. Regular market at 9:30am – 5pm.
December 2nd: Market at 9:30am – 8pm
December 3rd: Market at 9:30am – 6pm
December 4th: Sundaes with Santa is the newest children’s event. Children enjoy a picture opportunity with Santa, games, crafts, and an ice cream sundae bar 10am – 2pm.
Location: Cantey and Goodman Buildings at the South Carolina State Fairgrounds, 1200 Rosewood, Columbia, SC
Cost: $8 per person for all four days at the market; Preview party $55 – $75 per person; $35 Ladies night; $8 child for Sundaes with Santa.
Learn more: for tickets, parking, and event details
50th Annual Governor’s Carolighting
Th2 50th Annual Governor’s Carolighting will be held December 1st and is full of entertainment through a variety of choirs and musical talent across the state. This year’s Carolighting will correspond with First Thursday on Main, creating an entire evening’s worth of holiday activities in the capital city.
Event at a Glance:
Event: 50th Annual Governor’s Carolighting
Date: December 1st
Time: 7pm – 9pm
Location: South Carolina State House, 1100 Gervais Street, Columbia, SC
A Starry Night
Get in the holiday spirit by visiting with Santa, listening to music, enjoying dance and choir performances, and sipping on some complimentary hot chocolate! This signature Columbia event is free admission but will have merchant sales, specials, and more!
Event at a Glance:
Event: A Starry Night
Date: December 1st
Time: 4pm – 8pm
Location: Five Points, 532 Congaree Avenue, Columbia, SC
Learn more: visit the website
St. Nicholas Festival
Enjoy great Russian food, crafts, fun and listen to an amazing Choir Performance but the Holy Apostles Orthodox Choir. Children will have to opportunity to visit with the “Real St. Nicholas”. Holiday crafts, craft ideas, and artwork will be available for purchase.
Event at a Glance:
Event: St. Nicholas Festival
Date: December 3rd
Time: 10am – 4pm
Location: Holy Apostles Orthodox Church, 724 Buff St., West Columbia, SC
Christmas in the Woods
Welcome the holiday season with a southern dinner buffet and bar sponsored by River’s Edge Retreat. Prepare to bid on a variety of gifts through a silent auction; all proceeds will go towards helping River’s Edge Retreat continue to provide for underserved children in the Midlands. VIP Packages are available upon request, and if you are unable to attend, any donations will be greatly appreciated.
Event at a Glance:
Event: Christmas in the Woods
Date: December 9th
Time: 7:30pm – 10:30pm
Location: 1019 Garden Valley Ln., Columbia, SC
Cost: $100
Learn more: tickets can be purchased here.
Columbia City Ballet Presents “Nutcracker”
The Nutcracker is a snow-filled performance that will leave you full of holiday spirit. This Columbia holiday family tradition has the distinction of being Koger Center’s first Nutcracker production and longest consecutively running annual arts event. Special events are offered before the matinee performances, including a sit-down tea, cakes, cookies and lots of surprises. Learn the real story of the Nutcracker as you meet Clara, her Nutcracker Prince, and the Sugar Plum Fairy and other company dancers.
Event at a Glance:
Event: Nutcracker
Date: December 10th – December 18th
Time: starting at 3pm & 7pm
Location: Koger Center for the Arts, 1051 Greene Street, Columbia, SC
Cost: Ticket prices vary
Learn more: visit the website or call 803-777-5112
December Harvest Dinner
Executive Chef Travis Rayle and Rosso Trattoria and Executive Chef Frank Bradley will prepare this family style four-course farm to table dinner from Bourbon. Advintage will be featuring wine pairings and a complimentary cocktail will be prepared by Bourbon on Main Street. The organizer of this event, Farm to Table Event Co’s mission is to bring together the community through agritourism, local food and local chefs who are experts in bringing the freshest ingredients to the table.
Event at a Glance:
Event: December Harvest Dinner
Date: December 5th
Time: 6:30pm – 9:30pm
Location: City Roots, 1005 Airport Boulevard, Columbia, SC
Cost: $75
Learn more: Tickets can be purchases online here.
Holiday Lights on the River
Experience more than a million sparking lights through a journey of over 400 animated light displays of all shapes and sizes! This fun-filled family event offers activities such as: hayrides, rides on the Saluda Shoals train, crafts, laser light shows, Santa’s gift shop and photo opportunities, and roasting marshmallows.
Event at a Glance:
Event: Holiday Lights on the River
Date: December 1st– December 31st
Time: 6pm – 10pm
Location: Saluda Shoals Park, 5605 Old Bush River Road, Columbia, SC
Cost: $15 per car; $25 per 15 passenger van; $40 per bus; nominal fees may apply for activities
Famously Hot New Year
South Carolina’s largest New Year’s Eve celebration is an evening-length concert with the most extravagant NYE fireworks display in the two Carolinas. This event includes music, food vendors, cash bars with beer, wine, and bubbly, a festival atmosphere, and concludes with fireworks. This unforgettable night also offers activities for children such as: carnival rides, games, face painters, and ice rink.
Event at a Glance:
Event: Famously Hot New Year
Date: December 31st
Location: Historic Downtown, Columbia, SC
Cost: free admission