Next year’s lights display could top 2 million. | Photo by COLAtoday
1.75 million — that’s the number of lights glowing in Segra Park for this year’s Fireflies Holiday Lights.
With so much to see, we don’t want you to miss a thing. Here’s everything you’ll want to hit once you step inside.
Take a ride
Kids 12 and under can hop on the Fireflies Express, a train that chugs all the way around the stadium, and take a spin on the carousel’s tractors.
Follow the scavenger route
This year’s selfie-station scavenger hunt winds through the displays with themed backdrops and hidden surprises.
See Santa (and send him mail)
Santa will be there every night, except Christmas Eve (we hear he’s busy that day), and there’s a mailbox so you can mail him letters.
Don’t miss this snowy photo op. | Photo by COLAtoday
Grab a treat
From warm churros to cheesecake bites, there are snacks scattered throughout the concourse, but we suggest relaxing at the fire pit with a s’mores kit.
Walk in a winter wonderland
It might be the closest thing to snowfall we see all season, so snag a photo at the “snow” machine located on the centerfield concourse.
It’s time for Christmas in Cayce 2025. | Photo provided by the City of Cayce
Mark your calendars for:
The Cayce Tree Lighting | Thursday, Dec. 4 | 6 p.m. | Cayce City Hall | Feel the glow of the lights while sipping hot chocolate, listening to carols from local musicians, and helping contribute to the 21st annual Cayce Cares project.
Christmas Traditions: Olde and New | Saturday, Dec. 6 | 6-9 p.m. | Cayce Historical Museum | Experience trees and crafts from the 18th century to the present, complete with docents dressed in period attire — plus live entertainment, a holiday market, and more.
Chapin leaders are eyeing a redevelopment of the old high school site on Columbia Avenue. A recent study proposes a town center with shops, restaurants, housing, trails, and a performance space. (The State)
Coming Soon
You can now enjoy beach vibes year-round with this new spot in the Vista. Downtown Beach Bar and Grill will open soon, replacing the former Social Bar and Lounge. The family-friendly concept features beach sand for the kids, foods from around the world, and tropical drinks. (Free Times)
Throwback alert. Nine years after going dark, Vine has made a comeback. The short-form video platform just relaunched as diVine, bringing 100,000 archived videos from before the app’s shutdown with it. Prefer punchlines in person? Check out these upcoming comedy shows in Columbia. (TechCrunch)
Community
Columbia will celebrate SC Arbor Day on Friday, Dec. 5 at Rosewood Elementary with a TreeCircus presentation and planting two Tulip Poplar trees. Now in its 46th year as a Tree City USA, the annual tradition educates students and promotes the expansion of green spaces.
Feel Good
When Batman showed up on a Milan subway, acts of kindness like giving up a seat doubled. Researchers say unexpected moments help people break routine and act with empathy. No need for a cape in Cola, here are six small gestures that can make someone’s day. (Neuroscience News)
Featured Deal
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Amazon’s Black Friday Week sale features thousands of deals. Don’t spend hours sorting through them — we already did that for you. Here are three you can’t miss:
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
Last Saturday morning, we did two things in Columbia we couldn’t do at this time last year: grab a latte and pastry from Methodical Coffee and enjoy it in Finlay Park. It was great to see a crowd back at the park, from disc golfers to pickleballers. One day when the playground’s not as crowded, I want to take a slide down the hill myself.
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