We asked. You answered. Who’s ready for a little holiday lights tour around Columbia? | Photo by Lindsey T.
We had a reader write in sharing a love for our historic marker map — which you should add to if you haven’t already — and asked if we would consider doing something similar for local holiday lights. Reader Stanton shared, “Every year we go driving around looking at Christmas lights. It would be nice to have suggestions for all those neighborhoods that decorate at level 10.”
So, we’re looking for you to inform us on this one. Readers and we alike are looking to grab hot cocoa, turn on the seat warmers, crank up the holiday music + go for a drive to explore festivities right in our neighborhoods.
You’re in the driver’s seat. Where are some of Cola’s best (level 10) holiday light displays? Think: neighborhood, public, or residential displays. Submit your favorite place to see holiday lights in Cola to our local map by Thursday, Dec. 5.
Add where to see holiday lights around Cola. | Map via map.proxi.co
We’ll get you started
We added the first points on the map, featuring three light displays around the Midlands you shouldn’t miss.
“The Great American Trailer Park Christmas Musical” | Friday, Nov. 22-Saturday, Dec. 21 8 p.m. | Trustus Theatre | $40 | “Now back for a fourth time, the 2023 cast returns under the direction of Robin Gottlieb.
Music in the Garden | 6-9 p.m. | Gardener’s Outpost | Free | Enjoy live music from Ryan Pellatt of The Third Floor, try new drinks from the bar, and feel part of the local community.
Saturday, Nov. 23
Holiday Market | 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. | Crooked Creek Park, Chapin | Free | Explore an array of vendors showcasing candles, home decor, clothing, jewelry, delicious food items, and more.
Gamecock Football vs. Wofford College Terriers | 4 p.m. | Williams-Brice Stadium | $45+ | Watch as the Gamecocks look to keep their winning streak alive heading into the annual Palmetto Bowl.
Sunday, Nov. 24
The 58th Annual Governor’s Carolighting | 4:30-7 p.m. | The State House | Free | Each year our state’s governor invites residents and visitors to gather on the capitol grounds for the annual lighting of the state Christmas tree.
Exclusive access: Shop 40% off Harlestons site-wide
Presented by Harlestons
Harlestons has opened their 40% site-wide sale exclusively for our readers. | Video by Harlestons
Black Friday came early: Harlestons is giving our readers exclusive access to shop their products at 40% off, site-wide, with code HOLIDAY40.
Treat your husband, kid, or favorite golfing buddy to the quality and craftsmanship Harlestons is known for, from the lightweight performance polos to the stylish layering pieces, wearable throughout every season. (Plus, free shipping and free exchanges on every order.)
Bonus: Spend $150+ to get a free mystery polo, or spend $300+ to get a free mystery pullover.
Gamecock Women’s Basketball set another program record with their 43rd consecutive win by beating Clemson 77-45 for their 14th straight rivalry victory. Next up, the team heads to Los Angeles for a matchup against No. 5 UCLA at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 24.
Closed
YogaSix in Forest Acres will close on Saturday, Nov. 30. Located at Cardinal Crossing, it’s part of Xponential Fitness, which also operates CycleBar, Club Pilates, and StretchLab. (The Post and Courier)
Ranked
South Carolina Gamecock Men’s and Women’s Soccer ranked No. 1 in the NCAA in regular season attendance. The No. 3 seeded women’s team continues its NCAA run tonight in Chapel Hill against Minnesota.
Seasonal
The Optimist Club of St. Andrews-Irmo Christmas Tree Lot opens today at 1 p.m. at McGregor Presbyterian Church in Irmo. Proceeds from Fraser firs and handmade wreaths — which are known to sell out quickly — support local youth programs in the Irmo community.
Biz
Sunbelt Business Brokers facilitated the sale of Columbia’s College HUNKS Hauling Junk and Moving to local investor Andrew Craig. Led by M&A advisor Katherine Harris, the transaction highlights Sunbelt’s role in guiding businesses through ownership transitions.
Asked
What locally-owned business will you be shopping at for Small Business Saturday? Let us know your favorite Cola small business for a chance to be featured in an upcoming newsletter. Bonus points if you share what items you’re excited to buy.
Sports
Can the Carolina Panthers upset the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 12? Go beyond the scoreboard and behind the scenes of the Carolina Pantherswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Older Adults
Is now the right time for senior living? Take this quiz to get personalized results and learn about your options. Psst.. it only takes about four minutes.*
Listen
What happens when you combine German engineering with the world’s most trusted name in hearing care? The biggest breakthrough in hearing technology in more than a decade. Join 400,000+ people hearing better than ever with the Horizon hearing aid. (Did we mention the 45-day no-risk trial?)*
Category
Development
Shop Road connections
The Shop Road extension will eventually ease the connection the Garners Ferry Road. | Photo via Richland County
Richland County is one step closer to connecting Shop Road and Garners Ferry Road, with plans advancing for Phase 2 of the Shop Road Extension.
Pending approval of a $2.57 million service order, the 1.4-mile project will include a bridge over Mill Creek, linking to Montgomery Road. The three-lane extension aims to reduce detours and ease congestion while minimizing disruption to area neighborhoods.
The $24 million phase will cover permitting, stormwater planning, and traffic studies, supporting the long-term vision of enhanced business and truck connectivity. Public input will follow detailed design completion.
The Buy
The Buy
A Furbo 360° dog camera so you can keep an eye on your fur baby from anywhere. Psst — it’s 55% off for a limited time.
Maybe it’s Thanksgiving being a week later this year, but I’m really looking forward to the holidays + can’t wait to start blaring holiday music in my car. Looking for ways to participate in holiday cheer around town? Check out our Winter Events guide, featuring festive pop-up bars, holiday light displays, family-friendly activities, and more.
