Sponsored Content

Light up your holidays at the South Carolina State Museum

From an immersive Northern Lights experience to the lighting of a giant snow globe, you won’t want to miss these holiday events.

Sponsored by
A couple sitting in a planetarium watching the Northern Lights show, SCSM decorated for the holidays, and the Museum Store.

See the Northern Lights, find the perfect gift, and visit a winter wonderland, all at the SCSM.

Photo provided by the South Carolina State Museum

The holidays at the South Carolina State Museum will be very merry and extra bright this year. Mark your calendar for these upcoming festivities:

✨ Behold the Northern Lights

Immerse yourself in the wonders of the mystical Northern Lights during “Áróra,” a cinematic journey through remote Icelandic landscapes and outer space. This planetarium experience is showing for a limited time — and tickets are included with general admission.

🎁 Find the perfect gift

From linens and jewelry to decorative items and gourmet food, the Museum Store has countless unique gifts representing the Palmetto State. Psst.. members get an extra 10% off on Saturday, Nov. 23 + Saturday, Dec. 14.

❄️ See it snow in Soda City

On Thursday, Dec. 5, the museum’s 55-ft planetarium dome will transform into a giant snow globe. During the Holiday Planetarium Lighting (4-7 p.m.), guests can also enjoy visits with Santa, live jazz, a light-up reindeer hat activity, night-sky observing, and more.

🛷 Fly with Rudolph

“Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer 4D” — a 10-minute take on the classic story with 3D visuals and interactive effects — is playing now through Tuesday, Dec. 31.

Plan your visit

More from COLAtoday
Pack your reusable shopping bags, because we’ve rounded up 10 farmers markets around Columbia, SC.
If you recently retired and are looking for things to do, this guide will help you make the most of retirement in Columbia.
Does pollen season have you wiping your eyes and nose? Blame the hidden tree pollen as spring allergies kick into high gear.
Explore group volunteer opportunities, from hands-on projects to custom experiences, that let your team give back to the Columbia community.
Developers break ground on a mixed-use Vista project, with Mashburn relocating its headquarters during its 50th year.
Fresh fruits make the spring season even sweeter.
Whether you’re a weekend warrior or the next Scottie Scheffler, these 22 golf courses in Cola are sure to make for a good round.
Put your money where your community is and help us create a guide to small businesses by submitting your favorite local spots and sharing this page with a friend.
Enter the lottery for a chance to experience Congaree National Park’s synchronous firefly display.