• Celebrate the new year under the lights on the 1600 Block of Main Street as businesses like Hendrix, The Robinson Room, The Grand, and Smoked will come together as the clock strikes midnight. Each one is having parties of its own, so you can pick your vibe for the night.

• The annual fireworks over the State House are best viewed along Gervais Street and Main Street. Several roads will be closed around the State House, so be sure to use the free on-street meter parking or complimentary parking in downtown parking garages.

• Times Square or Segra Park? For the final days of the holiday lights installment, the Fireflies will host a New Year’s Eve celebration, including a ball drop for the kids happening at 7 p.m.

• Hoot hoot. Enjoy performances by Autocorrect, Death Ray Robin, and DJ Viet. The special night includes a select menu until midnight and a complimentary prosecco toast.

• Celebrate at the new Five Points venue with talent from local bands Rex Darling, Hillmouse, Steam Killed Lula, Paisley and the Birdwalkers, and Homemade Haircuts. They’ll perform as Olivia Rodrigo, Cage The Elephant, Nirvana, and The Killers.

• Holiday Market | Wednesday, Dec. 13, Wednesday, Dec. 20 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Richland Library Main, 1431 Assembly St., Columbia | Free | Browse local vendors from your community to get tasty treats, interesting pieces of art, and other holiday gifts.
• The 282d Army Band Holiday Concert | Wednesday, Dec. 13, Wednesday, Dec. 13 | Times vary | Koger Center for the Arts, 1051 Greene St., Columbia | Free | The 282d Army Band presents a festive concert featuring classic and popular holiday favorites.

• John Hollier: Nashville Hits the Roof | Thursday, Dec. 14 | 8 p.m. | Tin Roof, 1022 Senate St., Columbia | Free | The Louisiana-born and Nashville-based singer, songwriter, and guitarist shares honest stories over a backdrop of gruff heartland rock.

• Holiday Weekend Market | Friday, Dec. 15-Sunday, Dec. 17 | Times vary | NoMa Warehouse, 2222 Sumter St., Columbia | Free | Enjoy this three-day holiday market full of local vendors, delicious food, hot chocolate, spirits, live music, and entertainment.

• Santa Saturdays | Saturday, Dec. 16 | 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.
• Gamecocks Women’s Basketball vs. Presbyterian Blue Hose | Saturday, Dec. 16 | 1 p.m. | Colonial Life Arena, 801 Lincoln St, Columbia | $25-$35 | Watch the Gamecocks as they look to stay undefeated.
• Nutcracker | Saturday, Dec. 16, Saturday, Dec. 16, Sunday, Dec. 17 | Times vary | Koger Center for the Arts, 1051 Greene St., Columbia | $35-$60 | Columbia City Ballet brings this beloved classic to life with a captivating twist and new custom backdrops.

• The Columbia Repertory Dance Company
• Singers Kanika Moore, Katie Leitner, Catherine Hunsinger, and Samuel McWhite
• Santa Claus himself (just in time for last-minute requests)

• A 161.81-acre development site at 310 Killian Rd., near the Scout Motors development, has been sold. The sale opens up an opportunity for mixed-use development for Richland County’s growth in the Blythewood area. (Soda City Biz Wire)

• Well, hot dog. Fans attending the next five men’s and women’s home USC basketball games can enjoy free select concession items. Hot dogs, sodas, popcorn, and water are available through the Forever Garnet App.

• West Columbia’s Kinetic Derby Day is set for Saturday, April 20. The annual event features a kinetic sculpture parade, soapbox racing down Meeting Street, and interactive STEAM exhibits. Registration is open for racing or sponsorship opportunities.

• Lexington County Council approved new regulations for “tiny homes,” treating them like mobile homes. This move facilitates the growth of tiny homes in unincorporated areas. Final approval is pending, with a focus on zoning and park rules. (The State)

• Riggs Partners announced its 26th annual CreateAthon event, offering pro bono marketing for Midlands and Upstate-area nonprofits. The 24-hour creative marathon is set for March 7-8, 2024. Applications are open until January 19. Selected nonprofits will be notified in February.

• DSS, DHEC, the National Wildlife Federation’s ECHO, and NC State University have launched “Grow Outdoors South Carolina.” This initiative focuses on creating nature-inspired play areas at childcare centers to encourage outdoor activities among children, addressing issues like childhood obesity and screen time. (ABC Columbia)

• The holidays are a time to celebrate, reflect, and pay special attention to your health. Here are 10 tips to help avoid common holiday health hazards.*

• Looking for a spot to host your next event? Enter: SakiTumi Grill & Sushi Bar with flexible options for both semi-private and full private rentals (think: holiday parties, corporate dinners, and more). The unique space offers food options, a full bar, and more. Learn more.*

FedEx deadlines

• Wednesday, Dec. 13 | Ground economy
• Friday, Dec. 15 | 5-Day shipping
• Monday, Dec. 18 | 4-Day shipping
• Tuesday, Dec. 19 | 3-Day shipping (ground) + express saver
• Wednesday, Dec. 20 | 3-Day shipping (home) + 2-Day shipping (ground)
• Thursday, Dec. 21 | 2-Day shipping (home) + 1-day shipping (ground)
• Friday, Dec. 22 | 1-Day home delivery + same day

UPS deadlines

• Tuesday, Dec. 19 | UPS 3-Day Select
• Wednesday, Dec. 20 | UPS 2nd Day Air
• Thursday, Dec. 21 | UPS Next Day Air

United States Postal Service deadlines

• Saturday, Dec. 16 | USPS Ground Advantage + First-Class Mail
• Monday, Dec. 18 | Priority Mail
• Wednesday, Dec. 20 | Priority Mail Express