Attend the Holiday Planetarium Lighting to see it snow inside the museum. | Photo provided by the South Carolina State Museum
Take out your calendar, grab your day planner, or text all your friends — these are the top events we recommend heading into December. Psst: Don’t forget to bookmark this page and come back; we update our guide monthly. First Thursday | Thursday, Dec. 4 | 6 p.m. | Main Street District | Free | Head to the monthly celebration for local food trucks, shopping, and live music.
“Elf Jr. The Musical” | Friday, Dec. 5-Sunday, Dec. 7 | Times vary | Broad River Arts Center | $10+ | Based on the beloved holiday film, “Elf Jr.” is a laugh-out-loud celebration of the power of connection.
Jazz in the Park | Saturday, Dec. 6 | 4-7 p.m. | Finlay Park | Free | Bring the family, spread out on the lawn, and kick off the first weekend of December with jazz, vendors, fresh air, and family + friends. Steve Ray Ladson Welcome Home Parade | Saturday, Dec. 6 | 10 a.m.-7 p.m. | St John Baptist Church Parking Lot, Hopkins | Free | After the parade, the community will be invited to experience music, food, fun, and games.
Members enjoy discounts on tickets and gift shop purchases, while supporting animal care and conservation efforts. | Photos by Nathan Bell with Richard Bell Photography
Guests can explore the exhibits after dark, surrounded by dazzling holiday lights, festive installations and immersive photo stations that are basically begging to be your next holiday card moment.
Expect delicious refreshments, seasonal surprises and even a visit from Scuba Claus. One insider tip: buy tickets online early — prices go up by $3 the day of each show.
Today is #GivingTuesday — a day that encourages supporting local community organizations. Not sure where to start? There are plenty of great causes in Cola to support.
Opening
Gather COLA opens Friday, Dec. 5 in the BullStreet District with a 10 a.m. ribbon cutting. Explore the new destination that features food stalls, bars, retail, and an event space. The festivities include live music, kids’ activities, and a 6 p.m. tree lighting.
Development
Renovations are underway at Williams-Brice Stadium and will finish by 2027. The project will reduce capacity by about 4,100 and require some fans to reselect seats. Construction will pause during the 2026 season. (The State)
Holiday
Krampusnacht returns to Five Points on Friday, Dec. 5 for the annual Krampusmass. The evening begins with a pre-game at Goats, followed by a costumed march from the Five Points Fountain through local bars.
Community
The Lexington Chamber’s Community Conversations returns Monday, Dec. 15 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Lexington Chamber and Visitors Center. Dr. Lila Anna Sauls of Homeless No More will speak on long-term solutions for family homelessness. Admission is free, but registration is required.
Plan Ahead
Central Carolina Comic Con returns to the SC State Fairgrounds Saturday, Jan. 10 and Sunday, Jan. 11 with celeb guests like Tom Kenny, Holly Marie Combs, and WWE legends. Come in cosplay and explore panels, gaming, photo ops + vendors. Kids 10 and under get in free.
State
The South Carolina Environmental Law Project has protected the places that make our state special since 1987. From preserving the Angel Oak to challenging harmful developments, learn about their work tonight at the SC State Museum’s Book Talk. Can’t make it? Explore more about their impact and how to contribute.*
Finance
AllSouth Federal Credit Union makes car buying easier with 100% financing options, flexible terms, and rates as low as 4.79% APR. Enjoy a smooth borrowing experience with guidance from a local team committed to getting you on the road faster. Federally Insured by NCUA.*
Arts
Arts
Stamp your passport to a night of art and elegance
Presented by Columbia Museum of Art
This year’s gala caps off a year of reflection, innovation, and joy. | Photo by Drew Baron, provided by Columbia Museum of Art
The Columbia Museum of Art is set to light up the night on Friday, Jan.16 with its landmark 75th Anniversary Gala.
This spectacular evening marks a triple celebration: the museum’s 75th anniversary, the culmination of its yearlong gallery lighting project, and the grand unveiling of the newly reinstalled collection galleries — a highlight not to be missed.
Guests will embark on a global journey through the CMA’s Collection, with galleries spanning Asian, American, European, and modern + contemporary art. As they travel from “country” to “country,” attendees can mingle and make memories while enjoying fine dining, drinks, and lively entertainment inspired by the world’s cultures.
This is more than a gala — it’s a chance to experience the museum in a whole new light, celebrate international art, and toast to 75 years of creativity, community, and culture.
The perfect two-piece sweater set for winter. It features a long sleeve crew neck top paired with a split hem midi skirt. We love that it’s cute, comfy, and warm, and can be dressed up or down for any occasion. Bonus: It’s available in some great seasonal colorways like almond white + red white.
When I grabbed coffee at Methodical on Sunday, I noticed a crowd at Gather COLA — so we wandered over to check it out. It turned out to be a “friends and family” soft opening. My friend gave the chicken Caesar gyro from Gryomania a 10/10, and we split some savory tacos from Los Chicanos Jr. Safe to say, this spot is shaping up to be one of Cola’s go-to hangouts.
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