Holiday Events: Holiday Lights, Lights Before Christmas & More

Holiday Lights on the River

Where: Saluda Shoals Park, 5605 Bush River Road, Columbia

When: Starts Wednesday through Dec. 31, 6 to 10 p.m. including Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Cost: Cars: $10; 15-passenger vans: $20; Buses: $35

Info: Looking for another awesome lights show? Saluda Shoals Park is offering the "Midlands largest drive-through lights show." Guests can enjoy more than 400 themed, animated light displays. The show is along two miles circling the park. 

 

Riverbanks Zoo’s Lights Before Christmas

Where: 500 Wildlife Parkway, Columbia

When: Now until Dec. 30, from 6 to 9 p.m. (Closed Nov. 22, Dec. 24-25)

Cost: $8 for adults, $6 for children ages 3-12. Kids 2 and under are admitted free. Tickets increase by $2 after 5 p.m. at the gate.

Info: Riverbanks Zoo & Gardens' Lights Before Christmas kicks is back! This family-friendly event features motion lights, animated images, hot cocoa, nightly visits with Santa and more.

 

Holiday House Tours at the Historic Columbia Foundation

Where: Downtown Columbia

When:  Now until Dec. 31; Tues. – Sat., 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Last tour begins at 3 p.m.); Sundays 1 to 5 p.m. (Last tour begins a 4 p.m.); Closed on Mondays, Christmas and New Years

Cost: General admission rates per house are: $6 for adults; $5 for AAA adults over 65, college students with ID and active military personnel; $3 for youth ages 6-17; $2.59 for AAA youth; ages 5 and under are free. Tickets can be purchased at the Robert Mills Museum Shop, 1616 Blanding Street, Columbia.

Info: Take a guided tour of the historic houses in Columbia provided by the Historic Columbia Foundation. The Robert Mills House, Hampton-Preston Mansion, and Mann-Simons Cottage are decorated for the holiday season. Guides will provide stories of past holidays in Columbia and discuss how families decorated and entertained during the 19th and early 20th centuries, according to the foundation's web site. For more information call 803-252-1770 ext. 24 or email reservations@historiccolumbia.org.

 

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