Gathering point and parade route

Workshops and lantern-making

• First Thursday on Main Street | Thursday, Dec. 7 | 6 p.m. | Main Street, Columbia | Free | Celebrate 50 years of hip hop at the December First Thursday event.
• Paisley and the Birdwalkers | Thursday, Dec. 7 | 6:30-11 p.m. | New Brookland Tavern, 122 State St., West Columbia | $10 | Local rock act Paisley and the Birdwalkers are joined by Charleston indie band The Simplicity.

• Samantha Fish - Shake Em’ On Down Tour | Friday, Dec. 8 | 8 p.m. | The Senate, 1022B Senate St., Columbia | $32.50 | Guitar virtuoso Samantha Fish, renowned for her eclectic blend of rock, blues, soul, and pop, brings the Shake ‘em Down Tour to town with outlaw country artist Jesse Dayton.

• Candlelight Tours at the Robert Mills House and Hampton-Preston Mansion | Saturday, Dec. 9 | 6-9 p.m. | Robert Mills House, 1616 Blanding St., Columbia | $20 | Tickets include entry to both house museums and our Holiday Vendor’s Market, as well as a children’s activity area with free, takeaway crafts for your tree and home.
• Bierkeller Weihnachtsmarkt (Christmas Market) | Saturday, Dec. 9-Sunday, Dec. 10 | Times vary | Bierkeller Columbia, 600 Canalside St., Columbia | Free | Delight in the charm of a traditional German Christmas market along the Congaree River.
• Santa Saturdays | Saturday, Dec. 9 | 11 a.m.-3 p.m. | South Carolina State Museum, 301 Gervais St., Columbia | $6.95-$8.95 | Meet Santa at the South Carolina State Museum, see holiday shows, explore four floors of exhibitions and shop in the museum store every Saturday leading up to Christmas.*

• 1989 Taylor’s Version Drag Brunch | Sunday, Dec. 10 | 11 a.m.-3 p.m. | The Hideout in WeCo, 118 State St., West Columbia | $10 | Join Columbia Kings n’ Things for a drag tribute to 1989 Taylor’s Version.

• Icon on Taylor: Filled with trendy clothes + accessories for the fashionista on your list.
• Mast General Store: Looking for gifts for an outdoor enthusiast? Mast General Store has you covered with outerwear, shoes, camping gear, and more.
• Uptown Gifts: Showcase SC and collegiate pride with tea towels, drinkware, bags, and more for the USC and Clemson fans on your list.
• Soda City Market: Head downtown on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., where hundreds of unique vendors line the street with art, jewelry, vintage clothing, fresh flowers + more.

• After a decade of serving craft beer near Williams-Brice Stadium, River Rat Brewery announced its closure, effective Saturday, Dec. 30. A farewell sale is underway offering 25% off beer + merchandise.

• Carlton Thompson, affectionately known as “Gamecock Jesus,” a devoted fan of Gamecock athletics and alumnus of the nursing school, passed away at age 70. Diagnosed with cancer last year, Thompson was a familiar presence at USC basketball and volleyball games, beloved by fans for his enthusiastic support since 1968. (WIS)

• TMC Transportation — a manufacturer of flatbeds for tractor trailers — is expanding its Richland County headquarters with a $38 million investment, creating 185 jobs. Consolidating into a 44-acre campus by May 2025, the trucking company aims to enhance its operational efficiency. (WIS)

• Lexington anticipates a spring completion for two major amenities: a new walking path around Old Mill Pond and the renovation of Virginia Hylton Park. The $3 million path will enhance downtown connectivity, while the expanded park will feature inclusive playgrounds, a koi pond, and more. (The Lexington Chronicle)

• Richland County Council voted 8-3 in favor of the $80 million bond, supporting Riverbanks Zoo’s expansion. The ‘Bridge to the Wild’ project includes a new orangutan exhibit and riverfront amenities. Several more votes have to go through before the project is fully approved.
  (WLTX)

• This evening marks the beginning of Hanukkah — the Jewish Festival of Lights. Celebrate with the annual menorah lighting at Riverbanks Zoo on Sunday, Dec. 10 at 5 p.m. or at the State House, on Monday, Dec. 11, at 6 p.m.

• You’ve got a holiday party on Saturday, and you’ve been tasked with bringing an appetizer. We’d recommend slow cooker party nuts or spinach and cheese spirals. Both recipes are low prep, high reward, and are sure to impress.*

• Did you know? 37% of all frozen pipe failures happen in the basement. Pro tip from Cool Care Heating, Air, Plumbing & Refrigeration: Prevent frozen pipes by letting your hot and cold faucets drip overnight + opening cabinet doors to let in heat to warm uninsulated pipes under sinks.*

• Step one of your dog’s wellness journey: Nom Nom. The vet nutritionist-developed meals are perfectly portioned for a vibrant, joyful life. Get 50% off your first order.*