The sun is setting on $0.75 hourly parking rates in Columbia. | Photo by COLAtoday
Parking rates in Columbia are on the rise. City Council approved major updates to parking rates and policies taking affect on Saturday, March 1 and marking the first rate increase in 18 years.
Hourly rates: On-street parking will double from $0.75 to $1.50.
Fines: Meter violations increase from $8 to $25
Extended hours: Enforcement runs 9 a.m.–7 p.m., Monday through Friday, with Saturdays enforced in Five Points only.
First-hour free: City-owned parking decks will introduce free parking for the first hour, followed by $3 for the second hour.
Cash is still king — when it’s accepted. Using the Passport app currently incurs a $0.40 convenience fee, and other forms of electronic payment may include additional fees.
Modernization and revenue
The changes aim to generate $12 million over five years for parking upgrades, including new kiosks, maintenance, and improved security.
Making Spirits Bright Holiday Pop-Up Experience | 5:30 p.m.-9 p.m. | Williams-Brice Stadium (Traditions Club) | $10 | Fans can expect new light shows, more decorations, and additional activities for kids.
Fireflies Holiday Lights | Thursday, Dec. 5-Saturday, Jan. 4 | 6-9 p.m. | Segra Park | $12 | Enjoy falling snow, visits with Santa, a scavenger hunt, arts + crafts, and over 1.5 million dazzling holiday lights.*
Friday, Dec. 6
Midlands Clay Arts Society Holiday Sale | 11 a.m.-8 p.m. | Stormwater Studios | Free | Local ceramic artists will showcase their sculptural, functional, and whimsical wheel-thrown and hand-built ceramic art.
Saturday, Dec. 7
SC Gingerbread House Competition and Exhibition | 9 a.m.-1 p.m. | AIA Columbia | Free | The second annual competition will showcase hand-crafted gingerbread creations from teams in the design/build community and professional bakers.
“A Christmas Carol” | Saturday, Dec. 7, Saturday, Dec. 7 | Times vary | Harbison Theatre, Irmo | $15 | Columbia Children’s Theatre presents the classic story of Ebenezer Scrooge, a miserly old man whose heart is as cold as a winter’s night.
WECO Bottle and Biergarten 5th Anniversary | 11 a.m.-10 p.m. | WECO Bottle and Biergarten, West Columbia | Free | Celebrate with a collab beer with Columbia Craft, food by La Dolce Vita Pizza and Tacos Oink Oink, and live music.
Sunday, Dec. 8
Christmas On The Mount | 6:30 p.m. | Mt. Tabor Lutheran Church, West Columbia | Free | The 19th annual event features traditional and not-so-traditional Christmas music from local and regional musicians.
The gluten-free Tacos de Pollo features Peruvian Pico, cilantro, queso fresco, radish, and Hot Ratio sauce on hand made corn tortillas. | Photo via @ratiorestaurant
When it comes to pairing health with indulgence, Ratio serves up the perfect balance — just like its name suggests.
Known for its Peruvian-inspired tapas (small savory dishes) and creative desserts, this local gem is a favorite for foodies and wellness enthusiasts alike.
“The ingredients are lean, nutritious, and flavorful without being overly heavy — plus, it’s a great option for pregnant women avoiding foods that might cause indigestion.”
To wrap up your meal, try the Crema Catalan.
“With the nutritional benefits of apples and just the right touch of caramel and sea salt, it’s a sweet treat that won’t weigh you down.”
Want to know why an apple a day keeps the doctor away?
USC is set to hire TCU’s Jeremiah Donati as athletic director, replacing Ray Tanner. Donati, who oversaw $500 million in facility upgrades at TCU, will sign a six-year deal. Official confirmation expected after Thursday’s board meeting. (The State)
Open
The Golden Spur Grill is now open at 700 Lincoln St., near Colonial Life Arena in the former 1801 Grille location. Stop in or order online from the menu that offers brunch, burgers, steaks, and pizza.
Plan Ahead
Columbia Food and Wine Festival returns Tuesday, April 22, and runs through Sunday, April 27, celebrating its eighth anniversary with a six-day culinary showcase celebrating the Soda City food scene. A limited-time holiday pre-sale for Grand Tasting tickets is happening through Wednesday, Dec. 11.
Sports
Gamecocks men’s basketball defeated Boston College, 73-51, in the SEC/ACC Challenge, with Cola native Collin Murray-Boyles leading with 16 points and 14 rebounds. Next up the team takes on East Carolina at Colonial Life Arena on Saturday at 2 p.m.
Cause
Did your furry friend make the cut? The Coalition’s Paws for Preservation 2025 Calendar is here. Proceeds support preservation workshops for historic homes. Pick one up at Melrose Art in the Yard, Sunday, Dec. 8, 1-5 p.m. or order yours online.
Try This
Explore Modernist architecture at USC with MidModSC on Saturday, Dec. 14 at 2 p.m. The walking tour highlights iconic buildings like the Thomas Cooper Library, Cornell Arms, and the SC State Archives. Space is limited, so reserve your ticket today.
Listen
Clemson Tigers’ ACC Championship bid: a must-win scenario. Go beyond the scoreboard and behind the scenes of the Clemson Tigers with Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Seasonal
You and the fam can make some sweet memories at “Sundaes with Santa,” hosted by the Junior League of Columbia. This Sunday, Dec. 8, bring the kids to the South Carolina State Fairgrounds for games, crafts, and a delicious ice cream sundae bar.*
Holiday
The season just got sweeter. Stroll charming Downtown Laurens tasting wines + chocolates in local specialty shops during the Holiday Wine & Chocolate Tasting on Friday, Dec. 13 from 6-9 p.m. Plus, stop by the historic Courthouse Square to see Santa’s Village and vote for your favorite window display. Buy tickets.*
Seasonal
The holidays are here, and Cayce, SC is full of festive cheer. From Thursday, Dec. 5-Saturday, Dec. 7, enjoy a fun lineup of events including the Cayce Christmas Tree Lighting, Carols along the Riverwalk, and Christmas Traditions: Olde & New. See the full schedule.*
Category
Community
🏮 Light up the Riverwalk
Soda Citizens build all kinds of fun lanterns for the winter solstice event. | Photo via One Columbia
‘Tis the season for holiday lights, but these unique lanterns will soon be the center of attention.
The Winter Solstice Lantern Parade returns to Riverfront Park on Saturday, Dec. 21, with a creatively captivating parade of lights adding a special glow to the holiday season.
Taking place on the shortest and darkest day of the year, the annual event celebrates the turn of the season and the longer days and sunlight hours to come.
Gathering point and parade route
Gather at 5 p.m. at Riverfront Park South (312 Laurel St.) with your handmade LED lanterns. Park rangers and volunteers will be on hand to assist with lights and lantern setups for the parade that begins at 6 p.m.
Workshops and lantern making
Find inspiration from this lantern-making tutorial or this video of the 2017 parade. Workshops are available at the Columbia Art Center on Wednesday, Dec. 11, and Saturday, Dec. 14, and Wednesday, Dec. 18.
The Buy
The Buy
Champagne bottle savers. They fit all standard bottle necks to keep your sparkling wine from going flat — the perfect hack for upcoming holiday events and New Year’s Eve parties.
Colatown Bike Collective is hosting a ride Sunday, Dec. 8 to celebrate Columbia’s first buffered bike lane on River Drive. Meet at Earlewood Park Baseball Fields at 1 p.m. for the five-mile ride. Part of the Walk Bike Columbia plan, this lane links neighborhoods to future routes like the Three Rivers and Vista Greenways.
