2024 was a big year for Cola, to say the least. | Graphic by 6AM City
Your COLAtoday Wrapped is here, and it’s been a big year for the Soda City. Let’s dive into your top stories of 2024, but first, some stats.
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You’ve changed, and so has Columbia. Let’s look at how you felt throughout the year.
In February, Richland County and Forest Acres officials gathered to share plans for the redevelopment of the 32-acre Richland Mall property.
In August, Liverpool F.C. + Manchester United came to town for a match at Williams-Brice Stadium as part of the Rivals in Red Tour for the biggest international sporting event in our state’s history.
A few years after we shared that Crystal Lagoons was coming to Columbia, it was announced that the beach-style lagoon with restaurants, parks, and a hotel, would be developed around Oak Hills Golf Club in north Columbia.
Fireflies Holiday Lights | Monday, Dec. 9-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.
Tuesday, Dec. 10
Wine Tasting: World of Sparkling Wine | 6:30-9:30 p.m. | Sour and Salt Bakery Event Space | $68 | Explore the essentials of sparkling wine with a tasting thoughtfully paired with delicious small bites and dessert to top it off.
Wednesday, Dec. 11
44th Annual Economic Outlook Conference | 11:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. | Pastides Alumni Center at USC | $45-$75 | Hear the experts discuss the future of our economy.
Thursday, Dec. 12
Trans-Siberian Orchestra — The Lost Christmas Eve | 7 p.m. | Colonial Life Arena | $35+ | Hear the band and their elaborate Christmas-themed rock operas, blending heavy metal, classical music, and theatrical storytelling.
Colter Wall and Friends | 7:30 p.m. | The Township Auditorium | $50+ | The Canadian singer-songwriter, known for his deep baritone vocals and storytelling lyrics, brings his signature blend of folk and country.
Friday, Dec. 13
Harlem Globetrotters 2025 World Tour | 7 p.m. | Colonial Life Arena | $25+ | Watch some of the world’s best athletes do some rim-rattling dunks.
Say goodbye to 2024 and hello to new Main Street memories
Presented by LTC Hospitality Services
Cheers to the new year on the 1600 block of Main Street. | Photo provided by The Drop on Main
Ring in 2025 on the 1600 block of Main Street. From exclusive ticketed events to a lively free block party, this is the ultimate destination for New Year’s Eve celebrations.
Say cheese. Gamecock football is headed to Orlando to face Illinois in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl on Tuesday, Dec. 31, at 3 p.m. on ABC. Gamecock Club members will receive ticket request details via email, while tickets are available now on the bowl’s website.
Closing
After 29 years in the shadow of the State House, Hunter-Gatherer Brewery and Alehouse is closing its Main Street location with its last day being Saturday, Dec. 28. Visit this month to enjoy your favorites before the lease ends. The Rosewood Hangar location will remain open.
Comedy
What’s the deal with Soda City? Comedian Jerry Seinfeld will perform a one-night show at the Township Auditorium on Friday, May 16. Tickets go on sale Friday, Dec. 13, at 10 a.m.
Open
Aquarius Spa and Salon in Chapin unveiled its new 5,300-sqft facility on Virginia Street, doubling treatment spaces and adding features like a head spa for scalp treatments, a serenity room for guests to unwind, and a retail area with cosmetics, clothing, and wellness products. (The State)
Sports
Ashlyn Watkins slams it home. Following their 81-70 win over No. 8 Duke in the SEC/ACC Challenge, No. 3 Gamecock women’s basketball won at No. 9 TCU 85-52. The Gamecocks return home to Colonial Life Arena for a match up against USF on Sunday, Dec. 15.
Trending
Mocha mousse. That’s Pantone’s 2025 Color of the Year, which was selected through global research and analysis to reflect “our desire for comfort” and “the indulgence of simple pleasures.” See if you can spy any mocha mousse shades in these 16 murals around Columbia.
Listen
Can the Hornets solve their crunchtime issues without LaMelo Ball? Go beyond the scoreboard and behind the scenes of the Charlotte Hornetswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Seasonal
Stroll through a wonderland of artisan booths showcasing handcrafted jewelry, art pieces, and homemade treats at the Meeting Street Holiday Artisan Market — it’s the perfect place to find one-of-a-kind gifts while supporting local artists. See the full schedule.*
Holiday
Shop, sip, and savor sweets during the Holiday Wine & Chocolate Tasting in Downtown Laurens on Friday, Dec. 13 from 6-9 p.m. During the event — perfect for a date or night out with friends — you’ll stroll through local stores tasting pairings of wine and chocolate (and other goodies). Snag tix.*
Did you know new windows could lead to lower energy bills? Read: Modern windows have better insulation. Renewal by Andersen is offering $400 off per window and $850 per door, so you can start the new year by saving on style upgrades for your home. Get your free quote.*
Ranked
Ranked
Wild Lights is calling
The Wild Lights especially dazzle with a sprinkle of rain. | Photo by COLAtoday
No. 8 — that’s where Riverbanks Zoo and Garden’s Wild Lights ranked in USA Today’s 10Best Zoo Lights. Each night, the paths through the zoo feature over 60 illuminated lanterns showcasing animals, plants, and pollinators, creating a mix of holiday magic along the Saluda River.
“This honor showcases the impact of Riverbanks’ innovation on our plants, animals, and entire community,” said Tommy Stringfellow, Riverbanks’ President and CEO.
Now in its second year, Wild Lights offers nightly snowfall, Santa visits through Monday, Dec. 23, and cozy igloo rentals featuring firepits, s’mores, and games. On Thursday, Jan. 9, the zoo will host a Sensory-Friendly Night for visitors with sensory sensitivities.
Open select nights through Sunday, Jan. 12, Wild Lights is perfect for an outing with the kids, family, or visitors in town for the holidays.
The Buy
The Buy
Slippers that are warm, cozy, and able to be worn indoors and outdoors (so you can run errands in your slippers — score). Try these faux fur-lined houseshoes on Amazon or go for the UGG Tasman slipper that started the trend.
It was hard to hear the news about Hunter Gatherer closing its Main Street location. That haunt is filled with so many good memories for me over the years. Birthday dinners, a first date with my wife, local concerts, craft brews before Gamecock basketball games, and a mural on the side created in honor of a beloved friend. When I scrolled through the Facebook comments, I realized I wasn’t alone in these feelings.
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