Plus, Wild Lights at Riverbanks Zoo.
 
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76º | Mostly cloudy | 10% chance of rain | Sunrise 6:58 a.m. | Sunset 5:19 p.m.
 
Holiday markets yule love
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NoMa Warehouse turns into Santa’s Workshop with local vendors. | Photo by COLAtoday

Ready to spruce up your gift giving this season? From traditional German Christmas markets to local artisan showcases, the holiday spirit is in the air in the Soda City.

Shop small and discover unique finds at these 10 holiday markets coming soon:

Curiosity Coffee Bar’s Holiday Markets | Wednesday, Nov. 22, Dec. 9, Dec. 20 | Curiosity Coffee, 2327 Main St. | Free | Starting before Thanksgiving, these markets feature free wine tasting, food by Kusina Filipina, and a festive atmosphere with local vendors and music.

Bierkeller Weihnachtsmarkt (Christmas Market) | Weekends, Nov. 25-Dec. 17 | Saturdays 12-10 p.m., Sundays 11 a.m.-6 p.m. | Canalside Plaza, 383 Taylor St. | Free | Delight in the charm of a traditional German Christmas market along the Congaree River. Featuring local vendors, festive lights, seasonal treats, Glühwein, hot chocolate, and beer. Keep an eye out for Santa’s visit.

NoMa Warehouse Holiday Weekend Market | Friday, Dec. 15-Sunday, Dec. 17 | 3 p.m. | NoMa Warehouse, 2222 Sumter St. | Free | The market will host a Holiday Weekend Market with tasty treats and hot chocolate and a visit from Santa.

Junior League of Columbia Holiday Market | Thursday, Nov. 30-Monday, Dec. 3 | Times vary | SC State Fairgrounds | $10 general admission | Enjoy a variety of activities, including a Ladies Night Out, Holiday Ball, and Sundaes with Santa.

Midlands Clay Arts Society Annual Holiday Sale | Thursday, Nov. 30-Sunday, Dec. 3 | 3 p.m. | Storm Water Studios, 413 Pendleton St. | Discover the charm of handmade pottery at the 22nd annual Midlands Clay Arts Society Holiday Sale. It’s a perfect opportunity to find unique, crafted gifts.

Azalea Coffee Bar Holiday Market | Sunday, Dec. 10 | 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | Azaelea Coffee Bar, 2700 Devine St. | Free | Join the festive celebration at Azalea Coffee Bar featuring women-owned businesses, a beloved food truck, and a DJ.
 
Asked
 
Say what?
It’s a Thanksgiving staple, but there’s debate on the pronunciation. We want to hear from you on the right way to say pecan pie.

A. Pee-can pie
B. Puh-con pie
 
 
Events
 
Friday, Nov. 17
  • Mission Lexington Oyster Roast for a Reason | Friday, Nov. 17 | 6-9:30 p.m. | Icehouse Amphitheater, 107 West Main St., Lexington | $50 | Get ready to indulge in delicious oysters, southern sides, live music, and a whole lot of fun.
  • Marshgrass Mamas with Admiral Radio | Friday, Nov. 17 | 7-10 p.m. | Central Energy, 2030 Gregg St., Columbia | $15-$20 | The Marshgrass Mamas are a Johns Island “slow grass” band led by Shovels and Rope front women Cary Ann Hearst.
  • Rejectioneers, Crenshaw Pentecostal, Hillmouse, Kimberly Walsh | Friday, Nov. 17 | 6-11 p.m. | New Brookland Tavern, 122 State St., West Columbia | $15 | Watch these beloved local bands in their farewell performances at the original New Brookland Tavern.
Saturday, Nov. 18
  • USC Gamecocks Football vs. Kentucky Wildcats Football | Saturday, Nov. 18 | 7:30 p.m. | Williams-Brice Stadium, 1125 George Rogers Blvd., Columbia | $75-$130 | Watch the Gamecocks work their way towards a bowl appearance with a win against Kentucky.
  • Sergio Hudson: Conversation with the Designer | Saturday, Nov. 18 | 1:30-3 p.m. | Columbia Museum of Art, 1515 Main St., Columbia | $100 / $75 for members | On opening day of “Sergio Hudson: Focused on the Fit,” join Community Curator Megan Pinckney Rutherford for an intimate conversation with this acclaimed, Ridgeway-born designer.
Sunday, Nov. 19
  • Santa and Me | Sunday, Nov. 19 | 12-4 p.m. | EdVenture Children’s Museum, 211 Gervais St., Columbia | $20-$50 | Kids can take a pic with Santa, tell him their wish list, make a special plate with help from The Mad Platter team, and make an ornament for children who will spend their holidays at Prisma Health Children’s Hospital.
Thursday, Nov. 30
  • Holiday Planetarium Lighting | Thursday, Nov. 30 | 4-7 p.m. | South Carolina State Museum, 301 Gervais St., Columbia | Free | Kick off the holiday season with an after-hours event featuring special shows, shopping time in the museum store, and more.*
Click here to have your event featured.
 
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Biz
 
🚢 Did you know? 1 in 9 SC jobs are tied to our ports.
A boat on the water.
South Carolina’s ports provide the state with a unique economic advantage. | Photo provided by SC Ports
Shipping crates and cargo ships are a common sight along the South Carolina coast, but did you know shipping creates a massive economic impact for our state? That economic impact is to the tune of $86.7 billion annually — and $1.5 billion in tax revenue generated for the state, according to the South Carolina Ports Authority’s annual report.

The ports also create a lot of jobs. As of 2023, 1 in 9 SC jobs depend on the ports — and the jobs it creates pay 23% higher than the average state wage.

That’s huge — and the impact isn’t just along the coast. Every region of the state benefits economically from port operations connecting SC to global markets. The entire southeastern region benefits too, with billions of dollars generated from South Carolina’s ports positively impacting six neighboring states.
 
News Notes
 
Sports
  • SC State’s football coach, Buddy Pough, is preparing for his final game after a storied 22-season career. The State caught up with Buddy, where he reflected on his achievements, lasting impact, and what his retirement life might look like.
Seasonal
  • The Columbia Fireflies launched their second “Weekends of Giving” Charity Drives at Segra Park, part of the 2023 Fireflies Holiday Lights happening through Sunday, Dec. 31. Each weekend, a different local non-profit will benefit, starting with Toys for Tots this weekend.
Biz
  • Tyson Foods announced the closure of its Columbia plant on Bluff Road. The company aims to reallocate resources for efficiency, offering affected employees opportunities at other locations. (The Post and Courier)
Award
  • WNBA champ and Gamecocks basketball legend A’ja Wilson was honored with the key to Columbia recently. Mayor Daniel Rickenmann recognized her achievements, including the 2017 Gamecocks Women’s Basketball national championship, and her contributions to the community.
Community
  • Richland One, in partnership with Columbia NAACP, is hosting a free housing clinic for families on Saturday, Dec. 2, 9 a.m.-12 p.m., at Forest Heights Elementary (2500 Blue Ridge Terrace). Assistance with housing is offered to those with a child in a Richland One school.
Cause
  • Join Serve and Connect and Lexington Police for the 7th Annual Bountiful Harvest on Tuesday, Nov. 21 at the Icehouse Amphitheater. From 10-11 a.m., volunteers can help pack holiday food boxes. From 11 a.m.-4 p.m., families in need can receive these boxes and enjoy a catered meal.
Shop
  • Need the perfect holiday gift for your dad, brother, husband, or boyfriend? This brand has you covered with all the gifts and stocking stuffers that men will actually use. (Plus, they’re all 25% off during the Black Friday Sale, happening now.)*
Biz
  • Nephron Pharmaceuticals Corporation recently announced the hiring of six new key executives. Meet the group, described by CEO Lou Kennedy as unmatched in regard to their industry knowledge and experience.*
Featured Deal
 
 
Eat
 
A pie from the sky
Pecans
Pecans | Photo via Unsplash
We see a slice of pie, or two, in your not-so-distant future. As Thanksgiving approaches, we want to make sure you’re getting the freshest ingredients. Top of the list? Local pecans.

These sweet and buttery tree nuts have been falling over the place in the Midlands, so grab yours from one of these local farms that will shell ‘em and sell ‘em.

Now that you’ve got your nuts, here are a few local pecan pie recipes to try out this holiday season.
  • Here’s one from the Women’s Club of Columbia’s 1947 cookbook.
  • Here’s one from the Time for Action cookbook from 1970.
  • Here’s one from the classic Piggly Wiggly book of Lowcountry recipes.
  • Here’s one if you want to make that pecan pie mobile from the classic Heavenly Southern Recipes from the Miller Cemetery Project.
 
The Buy
 
A great deal from Amazon’s Black Friday sales, which officially start today. Get 40% off Adidas running shoes or 20% off Martha Stewart cotton sheets.
 
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The Wrap
 
David Stringer wearing a dark button-down shirt Today’s edition by:
David
From the editor
My favorite seasonal display of lights kicks off tonight at Riverbanks Zoo. Wild Lights is open through Sunday, Jan. 14, and opens each day at 5 p.m. Explore 60 larger-than-life handcrafted lanterns inspired by nature while you see the animals in their evening routines.
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