What Soda Citizens Googled this year | 2024’s Google Year in Search is out — check out what locals were searching most this year (it might surprise you).
Columbia’s 25 questions for 2025 | For the new year, we’re asking readers to submit their top questions about the Soda City for us to answer.
A new pickleball tournament is coming to Columbia | Calling all pickleball players — the Professional Pickleball Association is partnering with local organizations to host a tournament for amateur and aspiring professional pickleball players over the weekend of March 28-30.
Events
Events
Saturday, Dec. 21
Bierkeller Weihnachtsmarkt (Christmas Market) | Through Sunday, Dec. 22 | 12-7 p.m. | Bierkeller Brewing Company | Free | Enjoy a cozy setting, a German-inspired Christmas markets, local vendors, specialty foods, festive lights, and more.
Santa Saturdays | 11 a.m.-3 p.m. | South Carolina State Museum | $10 | Meet Santa at the museum and enjoy holiday fun with friends and family during Santa Saturdays.
Fireflies Holiday Lights | Through Sunday, Dec. 22 | 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.
“Nutcracker” — South Carolina Ballet | 3-5 p.m. | Koger Center for the Arts | $35+ | Enjoy a magical holiday evening filled with ballet, romance, and a festive classic.
Your child won’t forget this playground experience. | Photo by @chelseagiet
We’re not kiddin’ around. From major attractions like the EdVenture Children’s Museum to hidden gems like the spray pool at Lorick Park, there’s something in Soda City for children of all ages. You’ll have no trouble entertaining the youngsters with this list of 25 kid-friendly activities around the 803.
Educational activities
Columbia Fire Museum, 1800 Laurel St. | Free Take your aspiring firefighter to this one-room exhibit which has displays and antiques commemorating the history of Cola’s fire department. Kids will remember the horse-drawn fire engine from 1903.
All about the arts
Columbia Children’s Theatre, Brookland Lakeview Empowerment Center, 1218 Batchelor St., West Columbia | $15 These professional plays allow children to foster their love of the arts up close, plus the theater offers performance opportunities and voice lessons. Kids will remember the audience participation.
Pack a picnic
Virginia Hylton Park, 111 Maiden Ln. | Free This Lexington downtown gem, that reopened in August, features shady picnic spots, colorful gardens, and a brand-new playground. Kids will remember exploring the nature trail and spotting koi in the park’s ponds.
If you’re like me, you’re probably running around Columbia hunting for those last-minute gifts. Beyond the endless options at Soda City Market, Experience Columbia SC has highlighted eight local shops to help you find just the right thing.
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