We attended the tree-lighting ceremony at Vista Lights last year. | Photo by COLAtoday team
The holidays are around the corner + a way to usher them in is by attending local tree or menorah lighting ceremonies, showcasing bright lights, a cozy, communal atmosphere, and family-friendly activities. So invite your blockhead friends, and gather ‘round with locals to see the Midlands light up.
Holiday lighting ceremonies
39th Annual Vista Lights | Thursday, Nov. 21 | 6-10 p.m. | This event features a tree lighting ceremony in the Vista District. Look forward to 60+ galleries, shops, and restaurants, live music by the Station Seven Band, special appearances by Santa, and more.
58th Annual Governor’s Carolighting | Sunday, Nov. 24 | 4:30-7 p.m. | Gather on the capitol grounds for the annual lighting of the state Christmas tree. Look forward to visits from Santa + live music from regional artists.
Tuesday, Nov. 12 Wine Class: Explore Tuscany in Fall | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Sour & Salt Bakery | $68 | This class offers a delightful blend of education and indulgence, perfect for beginners and enthusiasts alike.
Hands On Art: Dinovember | 10-11 a.m. | Richland Library Cooper | Free | Ages five and under can enjoy creative dinosaur art activities while learning about the prehistoric creatures.
Wednesday, Nov. 13
Jazzkeller: Rodney Foster & Co. | 6-8:30 p.m. | Bierkeller Brewing Company | Free | Wine Wednesday tastings and food pairings start at 4 p.m.
Carolina Alive Performance | 7:30-9:30 p.m. | USC School of Music Recital Hall | Free | The vocal jazz ensemble will perform both classical jazz and popular hits — hear everything from a cappella to keyboards.
Thursday, Nov. 14
USC Women’s Basketball vs. Coppin State | 7 p.m. | Colonial Life Arena | $20+ | Basketball season is back — it’s time to wear your Gamecocks gear and root for the women’s squad.
Student Night at The CMA | 4:30-7:30 p.m. | Columbia Museum of Art | Free | Enjoy the collection and current exhibition French Moderns, plus art activities, scavenger hunts, and the chance to win some CMA swag.
Candlelight: A Tribute to Coldplay on Strings | 8:45-10 p.m. | Junction 800 | $31 | Enjoy this multi-sensory musical experience as Coldplay’s biggest hits are played on string instruments in the candlelit environment.
The Blood Connection supplies blood for hospitals across South Carolina. |Photo by The Blood Connection
What’s even better than beating the Tigers? Saving lives.
The 40th annual Clemson-Carolina Blood Battle is happening from Monday, Nov. 18 to Friday, Nov. 22. Multiple blood drives facilitated by The Blood Connection will pop up around USC’s campus for donors to help our neighbors in need — and beat Clemson. Whichever school donates the most blood by the end of the week wins.
Bonus: Participants will receive an exclusive rivalry sweatshirt and TBC Rewards.
No. 23 — that’s the ranking of the Gamecock football team in the AP polls after their win over Vanderbilt. This game also made USC bowl game eligible, and ESPN predicted a slim chance (0.3%) of winning the college football playoff national championship. So, you’re saying there’s a chance. (AP News + ESPN)
Civic
It looks like parking rates are about to increase from $0.75 to $2 an hour within busy downtown districts. The City of Columbia passed the plan at the first reading + the meeting agenda for Tuesday, Nov. 19 includes a second reading. If passed, the changes will go into effect at the beginning of the year. (Cola Daily)
Community
The Congaree Riverkeeper shared that volunteers picked up ~1,000 lbs of trash out of Rocky Branch Creek over the weekend. Thanks to community members, 295 plastic bags, 170 pieces of styrofoam, 123 plastic food wrappers, 118 plastic bottles, a skateboard, and some safety goggles are no longer in a local waterway. Sign up for notifications about upcoming cleanups.
Seasonal
Between Thursday, Nov. 14, and Sunday, Jan. 5, walk through two historic homes — Robert Mills House and Hampton-Preston Mansion — decorated for the holidays. Historic Columbia tour guides will provide stories of holidays past in Cola and share about holiday traditions during the 19th century.
Sports
South Carolina dominated Vandy + nobody wants to play USC right now. Go beyond the scoreboard and behind the scenes of the South Carolina Gamecockswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Plan Ahead
Grab tickets to see Hey, Johnny Park, the local cover band for the Foo Fighters, performing at the Koger Center for the Arts on Sunday, Feb. 23 at 4 p.m. Tickets are $18 + the band will play hits like “Everlong” and “Best of You.”
Edu
Did you know? When you play the SC Education Lottery, you’re supporting students in our state. Lottery proceeds — we’re talking billions of dollars — have helped fund higher education scholarships, school buses, new technology, classroom updates, and more. Now that’s winning.*
Pets
Furniture gets scratched, shoes get chewed, toys go missing. These are regular occurrences in life with pets. But a $10,000 emergency surgery? That’s a whole other ball game. Fetch Pet Insurance could help you offset some of these nightmare scenarios by providing comprehensive coverage and up to 90% reimbursement.*
Seasonal
Get into the holiday spirit at the 39th annual Vista Lights on Thursday, Nov. 21 from 6-10 p.m. Presented by Prisma Health, this event features a dazzling tree lighting ceremony, live music by the Station Seven Band, special appearances by Santa, and family fun for all. Learn more.*
Category
Answered
🛍️ We asked, and you answered
Browse this 11,000 sqft antique mall located at 763 Meeting St. | Photo by COLAtoday team
Last week, we asked our readers “Where’s your favorite place to thrift, antique, and buy, sell + trade in Columbia?” after running our Happy Hauling City Guide, featuring ~30 ways to shop for treasures around town. Here’s what a few of our readers said. Thanks for adding to our list or sharing your favorite with us.
“St. Francis Community Thrift Shop; 114 Courtland Rd., Chapin SC. This 10,000 sq ft Thrift Shop is a local favorite. 100% of our profits go to local, national, and international charities.” — Susan L.
A one-year Costco membership — because for a limited time, you can get a $45 Digital Costco Shop Card when you sign up. Snag the deal and get ready to load up your cart with Kirkland’s finest.
In case you missed it in the newsletter last week — the official South Carolina Christmas Tree will arrive at the State House between 9:15-9:30 a.m. today. Get there early. A press conference will precede the tree’s arrival and take place at 8:45 a.m.
