The Columbia Museum of Art

‘Tis the season for Vista Lights ✨

Attend the 38th Vista Lights event in Columbia
Vista lig
Vista Lights brings locals near to share in holiday cheer. | Photo provided by the Vista Guild.
The 38th Vista Lights event — presented by Prisma Health — is returning on Thursday, Nov. 16 from 6-10 p.m.

Parts of Gervais, Park, and Lincoln Streets will be blocked off and filled with festive, family-fun activities — we’re talking 60+ galleries, shops, and restaurants opening their doors to showcase local holiday treasures.

Vista Lights

There’s so much more to enjoy — see a full list of Vista Lights happenings and plan to attend. | Photo provided by AC Public Relations


Here’s what you shouldn’t miss:
  • Before you do anything, plan your trip with this handy map.
  • Gather ‘round the tree in the Vista and attend its yearly lighting happening at 7 p.m.
  • You better watch out, because Santa Claus is making an appearance at the 94.3 The Dude Kids’ Zone on Lincoln Street
  • Heads up parents — the kiddos will likely ask you to hold their new balloon art before climbing into a giant snow globe + showing off their fresh face paint.
  • Live music entertainment will be rocking throughout the night in the Vista — like Prettier than Matt, the Soda City Brass Band, and Palmetto Carolers.
  • Easel Cathedral will be on-site creating a live painting of the event + don’t forget to browse several local galleries.
  • Prisma Health will be providing blood pressure + BMI checks.
Columbia Fireflies

Click here to have your event featured.

Tuesday, Nov. 15
  • Art Show at Irmo Library | Tuesday, Nov. 15-Friday, Nov. 25 | 8:30 a.m.-8 p.m. | Irmo Branch Library, 6251 St Andrews Rd., Columbia | Free | Library patrons will have the opportunity to vote for The People’s Choice Award and most pieces will be available for sale with 10 percent of each sale going to the “Friends” to help with library projects.
  • Lake Murray Country’s Holiday Open House & Gift Shop Sale | Tuesday, Nov. 15 | 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. | Capital City/ Lake Murray Country Visitor Center , 2184 North Lake Dr. Columbia, SC 29212, Columbia | Free | Lake Murray Country’s Holiday Open House & Gift Shop Sale is a great way to get into the spirit of the holiday season.
  • Council Meeting/Zoning Public Hearing | Tuesday, Nov. 15 | 4 p.m. | 1737 Main St. - 2nd Floor, Columbia | Stay up-to-date with all things Columbia by participating in city council meetings.
  • Colonial Life Arena 20th Anniversary Treasure Hunt | Tuesday, Nov. 15-Wednesday, Nov. 30 | Colonial Life Arena, 801 Lincoln St, Columbia | As Colonial Life Arena prepares to commemorate 20 years, fans are encouraged to sign-up for the Treasure Hunt Escape Room for the chance to win a golden ticket.
Wednesday, Nov. 16
  • SVAD Holiday Art Sale | Wednesday, Nov. 16-Thursday, Nov. 17 | 9 a.m.-5 p.m. | McMaster College, 1615 Senate St., Columbia | Free | Find original works of art + engage with a talented community of artists, scholars, and educators.
  • Bingo Night | Wednesday, Nov. 16 | 7 p.m. | Molto Vino, 2822 Devine St, Columbia | Free | Enjoy six rounds of bingo and several chances to win gift cards up to $100.
  • 3rd Annual Colaroo Music Festival | Wednesday, Nov. 16 | 7-10 p.m. | Five Points, Santee Ave. between Harden and Blossom St., Columbia | Free | One University of South Carolina class will be bringing back a student-run evening of entertainment for its third year in a row.
Thursday, Nov. 17
  • Members Bring a Friend Day! | Thursday, Nov. 17 | 10 a.m.-8 p.m. | Columbia Museum of Art, 1515 Main St, Columbia | Free | The evening includes a tour of featured exhibitions at 6:00 p.m., a Baker & Baker concert at 7:00 p.m., and all galleries open until 8:00 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 18
  • The NoMa Flea | Friday, Nov. 18 | 6-9 p.m. | NoMa Warehouse, 2222 Sumter St, Columbia | Free | The Friday market features vintage curators, candle makers, fine artists, herbal healers, fashion designers, local jewelers, and expert collectors with beverages + foods available.

We have a monthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.
100+ MORE EVENTS
6AM City In-house

Weather
  • 54º | Rainy | 70% chance of rain ☔️
Announced
  • Koe Wetzel — a musician that blends rock and country music — is coming to Colonial Life Arena on Sat., March 11 during his The Road to Hell Paso PT. 1 tour. Presale tickets go on sale tomorrow and general tickets will go on sale Fri., Nov. 18 at 10 a.m. 🎟
Closed
  • “This is THAT post.” After 15+ years of service in Columbia, The Whig is closing on Sat., Nov. 19. The kitchen is being cleaned out, so no food will be served, but the bar will remain open. Keep up to date with the beloved restaurant on its social. ♥️
Coming Soon
  • Monster Jam returns to Colonial Life Arena on April 22-23. Celebrating its 30th anniversary, Monster Jam will feature intense competitions of speed and skill. Preferred customers are able to purchase advance tickets today + general public tickets will be available on Tues., Nov. 22. 🚚
Sports
  • The USC women’s soccer team is moving to the second round of the NCAA Women’s Soccer tournament after beating Wake Forest Demon Deacons on Saturday 2-0. Up next, the team will travel to Durham, NC to play against Harvard on Friday, Nov. 18. ⚽️ (Gamecocks Online)
  • The Columbia Fireflies announced their game times for all of the 2023 home games. Weekday games will begin at 7:05 p.m., Saturday games will begin at 6:05 p.m., and Sunday games will commence at 5:05 p.m. Individual game tickets for the 2023 season will go on sale after the new year.
Number
  • 0. That’s the number of games the Benedict College Tigers football team lost this year, rendering them first-time champions for the 2022 Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. The Tigers beat the Tuskegee Golden Tigers 58-21 on Saturday and finished their season 11-0. 🏆 (WIS)
Health
  • Open enrollment is here. If you’re under 65 and looking for quality health coverage, schedule an appointment at your local South Carolina Blue Retail Center. Conveniently located on Bower Parkway, health insurance experts are ready to help you find coverage to fit your needs and budget.*
Learn
  • What is the best way to recognize National Diabetes Month? Learn how to manage — or prevent — the disease by taking a Diabetes or Pre-Diabetes education class, available for free to patients of Palmetto Primary Care Physicians.*
Now Available
  • The First Citizens Center has third and fourth-floor leasing availability. The nine-story building was completed in 2006 and features high-end finishes including floor-to-ceiling windows, an underground parking garage for employees + a surface parking lot for visitors. The ~170,000-sqft building is centrally located in downtown COLA in the Central Business District.*
Featured Deal
  • Cool Care Heating & Air is offering $300 off new HVAC Systems now through Wed., Nov. 30. Soda Citizens get one coupon per service address and cannot combine the coupon with other offers. Coupon must be presented at the time of service. Snag the deal.*
Try This
  • Daunted by a long holiday shopping list? Quick cash idea: List your extra storage spaces on Neighbor. You can rent out anything from closets and sheds to driveways and parking spots. Bonus: Listing your space is free. 💸*
Content marked with an * is brought to you by our advertising partners and helps make this newsletter free.

Culture

What Soda Citizens can’t live without
Columbia S.C. sunrise-photo by Tucker Prescott (1)
Obviously, what we couldn’t live without is you, Soda Citizens. | Photo by Tucker Prescott
About a week ago, we asked you to fill in the blank for the statement: “One local thing I couldn’t live without is ______.” Today we’re sharing a few of your responses (and our own answers) with you.

“Chicken salad from the Gourmet Shop!” — Reader, Jill A.

“Riverfront Park before dawn!” — Reader, Kathryn F.

“A “Strawbwaffle” from The Belgian Waffle Truck!” — Reader, Jean-Louis L.

“One local thing I couldn’t live without is Danos pizza!” — Reader, Tricia S.

“New Brookland Tavern. I need a small, independent music venue anywhere I live.” — City Editor David

“Along with a Zesto chocolate ice cream cone, I couldn’t live without our local coffee shops. It’s the best whenever I run into a friend + catch up while waiting for a coffee at everyone’s mutual watering holes.” — City Editor Sam

If you didn’t have a chance to answer last week but still want your voice to be heard, we’d love to hear your thoughts on what you can’t live without here.
6AM City In-house
THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Sam.

Editor’s pick: We know people can get passionate about seasonal decor, so we’re asking you. When is the best time to transition your fall decor to holiday decor? Let us know your thoughts here.

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? See why Charlotte is a perfect seasonal getaway, here.
Connect with us.

Editorial: Samantha Robertson, David Stringer, Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto, Emily Shea | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

Sales: Lindsey Rhinesmith | Advertise with us.

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