Celebrate The Season

Happy December to our residents!
It’s a magical time of the year in the capital city, and we know that you’re excited to embrace and celebrate the season with your family and friends. Cheer can be found in the air everywhere that you look. From the twinkling lights that adorn our town to the holiday music playing in the shops on State Street, you don’t have to try hard to find bright holiday spirits.

How do you celebrate the season in Columbia? Here are a few of our favorite ways to enjoy the holidays:

Holiday Lights on the River at Saluda Shoals Park
Take a drive out to Irmo to Saluda Shoals Park where you can drive through over a million twinkling lights and
see over 400 animated light displays throughout the park. There are plenty of activities for the whole family to
enjoy from roasting marshmallows to visiting Santa.

A Starry Night in Five Points on December 7
You’ve seen the trees lit up in the Vista and at the State House, but now’s the time to head to Five Point for
their annual Tree Lighting and kick off to the Five Points Association holiday season. Shops through your
favorite local boutiques as they offer extended hours and sales for you to enjoy.

Arthritis Foundation Jingle Bell Run in Cayce on December 8
If you love to run or walk 5Ks, you love the Timmerman Trail, and you love to support good causes, you can
sign up to participate in a fun holiday 5K in Cayce! The Jingle Bell Run raises money for the National Arthritis
Foundation and takes place along the Timmerman Trail where you’ll find runners decked out in ugly Christmas
sweaters, reindeer antlers, and jingle bells.

Lights Before Christmas at Riverbanks Zoo
Is it even the holiday season without a visit to Columbia’s Riverbanks Zoo for an enchanting evening under
twinkling lights? Meet up with your friends for an evening stroll around the zoo where you can soak in the
sights and sounds of the season as you take in the animated animal light displays, watch the animated story
tree as it plays popular Christmas favorites, and watch Chapin Theater Company perform holiday-themed
skits. There’s so much to do that you’ll want to visit a few times this season!

We hope that everyone has a wonderful holiday season and that it’s full of family, friends, and plenty of cheer!