This annual event brings the party outdoors in the Main Street District. | Photo via The Drop on Main
Columbia is ready to ring in the New Year with style, sparkle, and plenty of Champagne. Here’s where to count down to 2026.
Boho’s NYE Early Ball Drop | Boho Pizza & Brew
Skip the late-night out and try this family-friendly celebration with live music, food, and drinks, plus an early ball drop.
The Drop on Main NYE Block Party | 1600 Block of Main Street
Ring in the new year under the downtown lights with live music and a ball drop at midnight.
New Year’s Eve at Market on Main
Located just one block from the State House, this ticketed event includes an open bar, heavy hors d’oeuvres, and live music.
German New Year’s Celebration | Bierkeller Columbia
Enjoy a four-course Franconian feast with two drinks and a Sekt toast at 6 p.m. (midnight in Germany), so you can be home early.
Transmission Arcade NYE
Game the night away and fill your belly with the multi-course buffet featuring charcuterie, oysters, pork belly bites, collard dolmas, tuna ceviche, and a gourmet taco bar.
Events
Events
Wednesday, Dec. 17
Holiday Market | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Richland Library Main | Price of purchase
Black Dog Pizza plans to open Friday, Jan 3 in the space below Hendrix (formerly The Woody), bringing “high-end Neapolitan pizza” with a neighborhood bar feel. The team is currently hiring for various positions.
Ranked
SC Attorney General Alan Wilson landed at No. 1 on The Post and Courier Columbia’s 2025 Power List, a roundup of Midlands power players + movers and shakers. See who else made the list. (The Post and Courier)
Transit
If you feel the squeeze driving over the Gervais Street Bridge, you’re not imagining it. Built in 1928, the bridge’s lanes are about 8 to 9 ft wide — roughly 4 ft narrower than what’s recommended for bridges built today. (The State)
Eat
Food trucks are rolling into Finlay Park starting today, Dec. 17 through Sunday, Dec. 21, serving daily from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Each day features one truck, but Friday features three.
Concert
The Sound of Freedom Joyfest will bring a gospel lineup to Colonial Life Arena on Sunday, March 1 as the finale of Black Legacy Weekend. It also marks the 50th anniversary of radio station 101.3 The Big DM (WWDM), with performances by Kierra Sheard, the Clark Sisters, Jonathan McReynolds, Zacardi Cortez, and Le’Andria Johnson.
Kids
Laurie Berkner will play her first-ever solo show in Columbia at the Koger Center for the Arts, featuring favorites like “We Are the Dinosaurs” and “Victor Vito.” The concert is free but ticketed with RSVPs opening on Monday, April 13.
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Our favorite way to stay warm in the winter? With a little added heat. We love this heated vest that provides up to 12 hours of continuous heat with a battery that doubles as a power bank. We pair it with these top-rated rechargeable hand warmers on extra chilly days.
If you’re headed to Riverbanks Zoo soon, you’ll get to see two new cubs. Brothers, Pesho (Pesh-O) and Sidai (Seed-Eye) are the grandcubs of Riverbanks’ former residents Zuri and Thabisa, and have officially joined the zoo after completing their quarantine period. The pair is settling into their habitat, so stop by and give them a roar.
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