Support Us Button Widget

2020 Edition of Vista Lights Columbia, SC

citymarketvista_74597764_177395800044496_2657441187555386453_n

2019 Vista Lights | Photo via @citymarketvista

Table of Contents

Between the unusually warmer temperatures + looming sense of uncertainty, it can be tough to feel festive right now. But, the return of Vista Lights next week might help peep your holly jolly mood.

Typically, this event closes down Gervais Street for one night where we gather to celebrate + support our local businesses. Like most things in 2020, this too will be a little different.

This is the 35th annual event for The Congaree Vista Guild and this year it will be a week long event from Monday, Nov. 16 – Sunday, Nov. 22.

For those who don’t know, Vista Lights is the annual open house style event where Vista galleries, shops and restaurants will showcase their holiday best. These businesses will follow COVID-19 protocols to help keep all guests safe but don’t just take our word for it, visit their websites + social media pages for updates and event information.

ProTip – The Vista tree, which is outside of River Runner Outdoor Center, will be lit all week for your holiday photos.

Columbia is also getting the gift of new art by the Vista’s Studio Arts District, located at 1001 Huger St. The newest public art piece, titled The Laborer by artist Mike Wsol, will be unveiled during the MASKerade event at Stormwater Studios, One Eared Cow and Lewis+Clark on Nov. 19 from 5-8 p.m.

If that doesn’t give you a sugar plum rush, plan to visit Santa at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center Friday–Sunday for A Holiday to Remember.

Santa! I know him. | Gif via GIPHY

This free event will include a designated kid zone, which will include a letters to Santa activity station, a holiday market, biergarten, performances + holiday concessions.

If you need a photo with the big guy, socially distant photos with Santa will be happening, complete with plexiglass protection. There will be other safety precautions in place, be sure to check them out here.

The holidays are coming and that just means we are that much closer to 2021. Columbia, get ready to support our local businesses next week so we can make sure we will see them in the new year.

Check out a full list of participating businesses here.

Poll

More from COLAtoday
Columbia has seven sister cities worldwide, fostering cultural ties. Explore Cola’s connections to Accra, Ghana; Kaiserslautern, Germany; and Plovdiv, Bulgaria.
If you’re trying to reach new running goals, consider signing up for one of these upcoming races or find ways to get more steps in around Columbia
From snowstorms to memorable snowfalls and winter weather locals can expect to see later this season, we’re recapping the history of snow in Columbia.
It’s the holiday season and a perfect time to help a neighbor. This list of volunteer opportunities in Columbia, SC includes everything from Sistercare to the Columbia Museum of Art.
Nominate your neighborhoods, share your holiday light-seeing traditions, or even brag about your own house if you decorate at level 10. We’re looking for reader recommendations on where the best holiday light displays are in the Midlands.
Discover Columbia’s late-night dining spots, from Tex-Mex and pizza to pub fare and desserts, perfect for post-11 p.m. cravings.
Want to get involved locally but don’t know how? Browse through the City of Columbia’s city boards and commissions that have vacancies and apply.
We’re giving you the 411 on the Cola’s landmarks — from the Gervais Street Bridge to Adluh Flour. Learn about their history, fun facts, and just why Soda Citizens and visitors alike find them so iconic.
Pack your reusable shopping bags, because we’ve rounded up 10 farmers markets around Columbia, SC.