Sponsored Content

✨ Kick off the holidays at Vista Lights

Enjoy an evening of twinkling lights, a towering Christmas tree, and live entertainment for the whole family during this annual holiday tradition.

Sponsored by
A GIF of attendees at the Vista Lights event in Columbia.

Pro tip: Come early to enjoy live performances, shop local, and grab one-of-a-kind holiday gifts for your loved ones.

Photos by Tony Claremont

It’s that time of year again, COLA. The 39th annual Vista Lights event returns on Thursday, Nov. 21 from 6 to 10 p.m. to kick off the holidays.

Presented by Prisma Health, this festive tradition brings together more than 60 galleries, shops, and restaurants to showcase holiday treasures + delicious treats in the Vista. Parts of Gervais, Park, and Lincoln streets will be transformed into a winter wonderland (and closed to traffic).

The Vista has planned an evening full of family fun, featuring:

  • Live music by the Station Seven Band
  • A dazzling tree lighting at the corner of Gervais and Lincoln Streets at 7 p.m.
  • A special appearance by Santa
  • An artisan market
  • And so much more

In the spirit of giving, The Vista is partnering with Blue Marlin to support families in Western North Carolina affected by Hurricane Helene. You can help by donating new, unwrapped toys and dropping them off in the trailer outside Blue Marlin.

More details this way

More from COLAtoday
Dining in Columbia is always a fresh experience, with new restaurants popping up all the time — and more on the way.
Block parties, early ball drops, free games — whatever your vibe, there’s a Columbia-area New Year’s Eve for you.
South Carolina is reshaping its offense with coordinator Kendal Briles and longtime assistants Stan Drayton and Randy Clements joining Shane Beamer’s staff.
Columbia Food & Wine Festival returns with new Tastemakers memberships and a USC hospitality scholarship added to its five-day lineup.
Registration is open for MAI’s spring Audio Engineering Certificate, a six-month program led by Jam Room’s Jay Matheson.
The $80 million LOCAL Columbia development will add new apartments, retail space, parking, and streetscape improvements just one block from the State House.
CF Evans has started building 2222 Main View, a 320-unit luxury apartment project coming to Main Street by 2027.
Our readers have spoken — here are the best local spots our city has to offer, from the best coffee shop to the best apartment complex to the best dentist.
It’s not just your year in music — we’ve also rounded up your year in local news.
A grassroots effort is helping Midlands properties become part of a nationwide habitat network.