✨ Let us know where to go | Nominate your neighborhoods, share your holiday light-seeing traditions, or even brag about your own house if you decorate at level 10. We’re looking for reader recommendations on where the best holiday light displays are in the Midlands.
✈️ Fly with ease | This spring, Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) will add two new nonstop routes to Florida thanks to one of the largest service expansions in Allegiant Air’s history.
🅿️ Parking changes for Cola | On Tuesday, the City Council approved the first reading of a sweeping parking overhaul, expected to generate $17 million over five years. Proposed changes could affect garage parking, on-street parking, and violation prices.
Asked
Asked
What do you envision for the historic 17-acre campus of the former Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary on North Main Street?
In case you missed it earlier this week — A historic opportunity awaits on North Main Street: with the Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary relocating to Hickory, NC, its 17-acre campus is ready for its next chapter. Established in 1830 and a fixture in Columbia since 1911, the campus is just a five-minute drive from downtown Columbia.
Read the full article and let us know what you envision for the historic 17-acre campus at the button below.
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
Santa at Hotel Trundle | 2-4 p.m. | Hotel Trundle | Free | Get your wish lists ready because the jolly man himself is making a stop at Hotel Trundle.
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.
Monday, Nov. 25
Paw Print Turkey Making | Monday, Nov. 25-Wednesday, Nov. 27 | 11 a.m.-6 p.m. | Modern Companion, Chapin | $5 | Stamp your pet’s paw using a mess-free method and draw an adorable turkey on the print.
Tuesday, Nov. 26
Sleigh Bell Stroll | 6-8 p.m. | Saluda Shoals Park EAST | $2+ | Look forward to walking along a route illuminated by vibrant, colorful lights.
Happy holidays from COLAtoday. | Photo by COLAtoday team.
Get your fuzzy socks and hot cocoa ready, Cola. From light displays to holiday performances and festive parties, winter is where the Soda City thrives — and is just around the corner — so mark your calendars for these events.
Holiday pop-up bars
Sparkle on Main | Thursday, Dec. 12 to Saturday, Dec. 14 | 5-11 p.m. | The Pastor’s Study | Enjoy live entertainment and festive cocktails.
Holiday parades, markets + events
Shandon Turkey Trot and Burn 5K | Friday, Nov. 29 | 10 a.m. | Trot through the historic neighborhood + finish near Craft and Draft where the awards ceremony will be held. Prizes will be awarded to those with the most creative Thanksgiving-themed outfits.
Holiday performances
A Magical Cirque Christmas | Tuesday, Dec. 10 | 7:30 p.m. | Koger Center for the Arts | $39+ | Experience high-flying performances and holiday music.
Click the link below to see our full guide filled to the brim with festive markets, family-friendly events, light displays, and more.
The newly formed Uptown Columbia Business Association is hosting its Uptown Holiday Hop on Saturday, Dec. 7, from 4-8 p.m. Stop by War Mouth for an oyster roast and pig picking, or visit Curiosity Coffee for wine tastings, local artisan booths, and live music (Sitar Christmas and Charlie Brown jazz). It’s a great way to celebrate community and shop local this holiday season.
