David here. The holiday season is in full swing here in the Soda City and there is an abundance of events to get you feeling festive. Whether you’re looking for a Christmas-themed bar, want to take the family on a drive to see holiday lights, or walk through over one million LED lights in Segra Park, Cola has you covered.
Check out nine more things to do in Cola this weekend, Fri., Dec. 2-Sun., Dec. 4.
Friday, Dec. 2
Holiday Market - Junior League of Columbia | Friday, Dec. 2-Sunday, Dec. 4 | 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. | SC State Fair Grounds, 1200 Rosewood Dr., Columbia | Thousands of shoppers head to the South Carolina State Fairgrounds to find the perfect gifts from 150+ merchants.
Midlands Clay Arts Society Annual Holiday Sale | Friday, Dec. 2-Saturday, Dec. 3 | 11 a.m.-7 p.m. | Stormwater Studios, 413 Pendleton St., Columbia | Free | Local ceramic artists will showcase their sculptural, functional, and whimsical wheel thrown and hand built ceramic art at the 21st Annual Midlands Clay Arts Society Holiday Sale.
Stagbriar, Lighthearted, Slow Funeral, Kat Gandy | Friday, Dec. 2 | 7-10 p.m. | New Brookland Tavern, 122 State St., West Columbia | $15 | Columbia Americana band Stagbriar will headline the night and perform new songs off their upcoming album.
Saturday, Dec. 3
Steel Hands Brewing 4 Year Anniversary Party | Saturday, Dec. 3 | 12-10 p.m. | Steel Hands Brewing, 2350 Foreman St., Cayce | $0-$90 | Celebrate with giveaways and live music all day in the outdoor beer garden — VIP tickets include five beer tickets, a logo anniversary glass, a case of Steel Hands Beer + more.
The CMA Gala | Saturday, Dec. 3 | 7-11 p.m. | Columbia Museum of Art, 1515 Main St., Columbia | $150-$175 | Proceeds from the black tie event help fund vital museum programs.
A Christmas Carol | Saturday, Dec. 3 | 2 p.m. | Harbison Theatre, 7300 College St., Irmo | “A Christmas Carol” is the perfect holiday offering to warm even the Scroogiest of hearts.
Sunday, Dec. 4
Homes for the Holidays | Sunday, Dec. 4 | 1-5 p.m. | Hollywood-Rose Hill, 2818 Devine St., Columbia | Join the Shandon Hollywood-Rose Hill neighborhood’s “Homes for the Holidays Tour” of homes to kick off your holiday season.
Carolina Jazz Society Christmas Concert | Sunday, Dec. 4 | 2:30-5 p.m. | Heyward Street United Methodist Church, 2501 Heyward St., Columbia | Free | Carolina Jazz Society’s gift to the community, a free concert of traditional jazz music and holiday favorites.
The Mothers Comedy Group | Sunday, Dec. 4 | 7 p.m. | Trustus Theatre, 520 Lady St, Columbia | Free | Made up of graduates of improv comedy training programs in New York, Chicago, Clemson University, the University of South Carolina, and other institutions across the nation, the improv and sketch comedy group is now in its seventh season.
WLTX + The Salvation Army are collecting unwrapped toys for boys and girls, along with canned foods, for the Stuff-A-Bus campaign. Stop by these Walmart locations around the Midlands on the first and second Fridays this month to drop off your donations. 🧸
Sports
Want to relive the glory of the Gamecocks’ big win last weekend against archrival Clemson? Watch all of the game’s highlight plays in ESPN College Football’s 10-minute highlight reel. 🏈
Arts
Columbia artist Jordan Sheridan’s installation, Illusory Stasis, is showing at 701 CCA (701 Whaley St.) through Jan. 15. Stop by this weekend between 1-5 p.m. and take a walk to the center of the giant labyrinth.
Planning a getaway? Check out Atlanta, GA, a historic city with world-class arts, eats, and experiences.
Why go? The Georgia Aquarium — the largest aquarium in the country and among the largest in the world — is an awe-inspiring spot that’s perfect for the entire family.
Act like a local: Eat your way along Buford Highway, making sure to enjoy the pillowy, budget-friendly Dim Sum at Dim Sum Heaven.
Where to stay: This charming home that’s within walking distance to the Atlanta Zoo and the BeltLine.
Bonus message from our partner: If you’re looking to book this trip, Scott’s Cheap Flights offers all the affordable flight hacks from your home airport. Sign up here.*
SHOP
Seasonal
The perfect gift doesn’t exi — meet our local makers gift guide. Browse unique, handmade gifts crafted right here in Columbia by sellers on Etsy. We’re talking custom-engraved kitchen spoons, wooden bathtub trays, and personalized yoga mats. Get shopping. 🎁
Wellness
It’s officially December. The key to keeping your spirits up and avoiding seasonal affective disorder this time of year? Sunlight. Magic up more sunshineindoors with a light therapy lamp. This glare-free mood light is height and angle adjustable, while this subtly designed lamp lets you adjust light warmth and brightness. ☀️*
Pets
A holiday gift your pet (or your friend’s pet) will love: a monthly BarkBox filled with treatsand toys, all customized to your pup. There’s even monthly themes — we can’t wait to see what cuteness the December box will bring. 👀*
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