South Carolina’s capital rarely sees a white Christmas. Despite the hefty highs in December, Columbia is a festive city during the winter holidays. The State House, private homes, and local businesses spare no expense on events and lights.
Columbia is an easy place to visit during the holidays. At the convergence of several interstates, the city is only a few hours’ drive from many East Coast cities. There are plenty of quality hotels as the home of the University of South Carolina and Fort Jackson.
Find out about the local shopping for the perfect gift, Christmas events and light displays, and the best places you must visit during a weekend trip to Columbia for Christmas.
Christmas in Columbia Articles
Browse previous articles written about the events, light displays, and things to do during Christmas in Columbia.
Christmas Events in
Columbia
This is far from a comprehensive list of all the Christmas events in Columbia, but these are some of the best and most exciting. Visit the Experience Columbia website for a complete, searchable list of all Christmas events.
READ MORE: 20+ Spectacular Christmas Events in Columbia, SC
Vista Lights
The Vista is one of Columbia’s charming neighborhoods. The 48-block neighborhood around Gervais and Huger Streets is an official South Carolina Cultural District because of its cultural, architectural, and historical heritage.
Vista Lights is an annual celebration kicking off the Christmas holiday season in the capital city. Celebrated for 38 years, the event is an open house introduction to more than 60 local retail shops, art galleries, and restaurants. It’s an excellent opportunity to find Christmas gifts made by local artisans and discover a new favorite restaurant.
The event starts at 6 p.m. with live music and Santa Claus on Lincoln Street. A tree lighting ceremony at 7 p.m. keeps the evening going.
The event is free, but you’ll be tempted to spend money at the retail shops and restaurants.
Wild Lights at Riverbanks Zoo & Garden
Long after the animals go to sleep, things get wild at the Riverbanks Zoo & Garden. Wild Lights is an annual Christmas holiday light display featuring more than 60 larger-than-life 3D displays, bonfires, and photos with Santa.
READ MORE: How to Experience the Wild Lights at Riverbanks Zoo & Garden in Columbia, SC
The 3D displays tower over the guests while meandering the concrete paths through the zoo. Go for a nighttime ride on the carousel, take a photo with Santa, and roast marshmallows on the bonfires during this spectacular Columbia event.
Wild Lights is open from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. on select dates from mid-November through mid-January. Tickets vary in price from $20-$25 for adults and $15-$20 for children.
Governor’s Carolighting
South Carolina’s Christmas holiday season begins with the Governor’s Carolighting. During the annual event, Governor Henry McMaster lights the State Christmas Tree on the north side of the State House facing Main Street. The tree remains lit every night through the end of December.
The free event begins at 6 p.m.
Sleigh Bell Stroll
One of Columbia’s hallmarks and most exciting family Christmas events is the Holiday Lights on the River at Saluda Shoals Park. The dazzling display of Christmas lights, from static displays to animated wonderlands, lines the paved road through the park so visitors can admire the displays from the comfort of their cars.
The Sleigh Bell Stroll is a fascinating one-time opportunity to see the spectacular lights without any cars. Participants park at the east entrance near St. Andrews Road and walk the 2-mile route through Saluda Shoals Park.
You’ll have two hours to experience the Christmas light display in peacefulness. Then, a bus brings everyone back to the parking lot.
Registration is required by November 20 for this event. It costs $7 per adult and $2 per child.
Sleigh Bell Stroll
One of Columbia’s hallmarks and most exciting family Christmas events is the Holiday Lights on the River at Saluda Shoals Park. The dazzling display of Christmas lights, from static displays to animated wonderlands, lines the paved road through the park so visitors can admire the displays from the comfort of their cars.
The Sleigh Bell Stroll is a fascinating one-time opportunity to see the spectacular lights without any cars. Participants park at the east entrance near St. Andrews Road and walk the 2-mile route through Saluda Shoals Park.
READ MORE: How to See the Holiday Lights on the River at Saluda Shoals Park in Columbia, SC
You’ll have two hours to experience the Christmas light display in peacefulness. Then, a bus brings everyone back to the parking lot.
Registration is required by November 20 for this event. It costs $7 per adult and $2 per child.
Bierkeller Weihnachtsmarkt
“Bierkeller Weihnachtsmarkt” is German for “beer cellar Christmas market.” The special event is hosted by Bierkeller Brewing Company, the only authentic German brewery in Columbia.
The Christmas market is modeled after the spectacular Bavarian markets, allowing visitors to experience the unique festive atmosphere without flying across the big pond. The market features local arts and crafts vendors, classic holiday music, festive lights, and Glühwein – a German mulled wine.
It’s also a great chance to try authentic German beer, Bavarian pretzels with beer cheese, and Bratwursts.
The free event is at The Esplanade at CanalSide, a waterfront public park overlooking the Columbia Canal and Congaree River. Parking is available at the nearby parking garage.
The event runs each weekend from November 25 until December 17. The market is open from 12 p.m. until 10 p.m. on Saturdays and from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. on Sundays.
Photos with Santa at Ho-Ho-Hotel Trundle
Experience a 1920s Art Deco Christmas at the 41-room boutique Hotel Trundle with the special Photos with Santa at the Ho-Ho-Hotel Trundle event. Visitors arrive on a first-come, first-served basis for 10-minute photo sessions with Santa. Capture as many photos as you like with your smartphone or camera. Then, enjoy the complimentary hot chocolate and holiday activities!
The one-day event is from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. on Sunday, November 27, 2023.
Holiday Planetarium Lighting
The South Carolina State Museum starts Christmas with the Holiday Planetarium Lighting. The one-night event features extended hours so visitors can explore the exhibition galleries. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer plays in the 4D Theater. Visitors can peek at the stars in the Boeing Observatory. And Santa makes an appearance for photos.
The event uses a “pay-as-you-may” general admission price – you can pay $10 per person or enter the event for free. However, the 4D Theater and Planetarium shows are $5 per person.
Junior League of Columbia Holiday Market
Each year, the Junior League of Columbia organizes the Holiday Market as their biggest fundraiser of the year. Almost 200 merchants display arts and crafts, clothing, jewelry, and baked goods. It’s a fantastic opportunity to find a memorable Christmas gift.
The four-day event is held at the South Carolina State Fairgrounds from Thursday, November 30, until Sunday, December 3. General admission to the market for all four days is $10 per person. The holiday market is open from 9:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. every day except Sunday when it’s open from 12 P.M. until 4 p.m.
Ladies Night Out is a special event during the holiday market. Held on Thursday, the event for guests 21 and up is an opportunity to “bring your girlfriends and shop the night away.”
The Holiday Ball is 6:30 p.m. until 11 p.m. on Friday. The black-tie optional event features live music, private shopping, and cocktails.
Sundaes with Santa is an opportunity to get photos with Santa and enjoy children’s crafts and games. The event is held from 12 p.m. until 4 p.m. on Sunday.
Carols Along the Riverwalk
Experience a “reverse caroling event” during the Carols Along the Riverwalk in Cayce. The event begins at 6 p.m. on Friday, December 1, at the Cayce Riverwalk Picnic Shelter. Live music and treats start the evening. But you’ll need to walk about half a mile on the riverwalk along the Congaree River to find the various high school and church choirs caroling in the forest.
The event is free to attend. Parking is available at nearby Brookland Cayce High School, and a shuttle bus provides transport to the riverwalk.
Columbia Classical Ballet Co.’s The Nutcracker
Watch the spectacular Columbia Classical Ballet Co.’s The Nutcracker during Christmas. Directed by Brooklyn Mack, the play is held nightly at the Koger Center for the Arts at the University of South Carolina from Friday, December 1, until Sunday, December 3.
Tickets for the play range from $10-$25.
20th Annual St. Nicholas Festival
The Holy Apostle Orthodox Church hosts the annual St. Nicholas Festival in West Columbia. The one-day event features local craft vendors, homemade cookies, vocal ensembles, Eastern European and American food, and church tours.
The festival is free to attend, but the scrumptious foods and local arts and crafts might tempt you. All the profits from the festival are donated to local charities. The festival begins at 10 a.m. on Saturday, December 2, and ends at 4 p.m.
Lake Murray’s Christmas Lights Boat Parade
If you’ve ever visited Lake Murray in the summer, you know people love boating the 50,000-acre lake. The 1.5-mile-long earthen dam is fascinating to travel across. Lake Murray Public Park is at the south end of the dam – the perfect place to watch Lake Murray’s Christmas Lights Boat Parade.
The gates to the small public park open at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, December 2. There’s ample room for visitors with a 300-vehicle capacity, but the gates close once the parking capacity is reached.
The boat parade begins at 6 p.m. Boats must be at least 21 feet long, and boat captains agree to form a single line for the informal parade route past the public park. Shortly after the last boat passes the park, fireworks fill the sky, and the interesting event is over.
Admission to the boat parade is free.
Snowball Festival Carnival and Movie
The Snowball Festival Carnival and Movie is one of the best free Christmas events in the Columbia area. The carnival is on Saturday, December 2, from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. at the Icehouse Amphitheater in Lexington.
The event begins with face painting, carnival rides, and food vendors. Santa makes an appearance for photos with families. At 5:30 p.m., an outdoor screening of The Santa Clause brings the festive event to an end. The 1 hour, 37-minute comedy movie features Tim Allen as a hapless homeowner who accidentally becomes the new Santa.
Carolina Carillon Holiday Parade
The Christmas holiday is not complete without a grand parade. And the Carolina Carillon Holiday Parade is one of the best Christmas parades in South Carolina.
The parade begins at 9:45 a.m. at Sumter and Laurel Streets, proceeds down Sumter Street, crosses Gervais Street, passes the South Carolina State House, and ends at Senate Street.
The parade features marching bands from local high schools and colleges, special performers, holiday floats, cloggers, and South Carolina celebrities.
The event is free to attend.
Christmas Olde and New
Experience a historical Christmas during the annual Cayce Historical Museum’s Christmas Traditions Holiday Open House. During the Saturday event from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m., visitors can take a guided lantern tour by Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus, shop at the outdoor Christmas market, and explore Christmas trees throughout the museum.
Santa Saturday at the South Carolina State Museum
Santa gets around during the Holidays. But he’s guaranteed to appear at the South Carolina State Museum every Saturday in December.
During Santa Saturday, visitors who pay the general admission fee to the museum can enjoy a meet-and-greet with Santa Claus, watch Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer at the 4D Theater (additional cost), and shop for unique holiday gifts in the museum’s store.
Santa appears at the museum every Saturday from December 2 until December 23 from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. General admission is required, and show tickets are extra.
The Columbia Christmas Extravaganza Holiday Market is an appropriately named two-day Christmas event. The holiday market features over 150 local vendors, fresh fudge, pictures with Santa, and Christmas crafts. The event organizers boast that it’s “the perfect way to skip out on big box stores this holiday season and choose to support small.”
The indoor event is held at the Columbia Convention Center on Saturday, December 2, and Sunday, December 3. Doors open from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. each day of the event.
Admission to the market is $7 per person. Free parking is available at the convention center’s parking lot.
Carolina Lights
Experience the Carolina Lights drive-through holiday light show from the comfort of your car. The drive-through experience features over 100 LED light displays along a circuitous route through the South Carolina State Fairgrounds.
Concessions halfway through the show sell chocolate chip cookies, milk, water, and soda. But the best way to enjoy this event is to bring your snacks.
Carolina Lights is exclusively a drive-through experience with no other events. The gates open at 6 p.m. every night from December 8 through December 24, except for Mondays. Cost is $20 per car.
After exiting the light show, visitors can request a re-entry pass to experience the drive-through light show again on the same night.
Candlelight Tours with Historic Columbia
Explore Christmas of the past during Candlelight Tours with Historic Columbia. During the special one-night event, visitors can explore period Christmas décor at the historic Hampton-Preston Mansion and Robert Mills House.
The event also features period costumes, 19th-century live Christmas music, and a holiday market with local vendors.
Admission to the event is $20 for adults and $8 for children. Historic Columbia members get a discount on admission. The event is from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Saturday, December 9, 2023.
South Carolina Ballet’s Nutcracker
Enjoy an enchanting evening while attending the annual performance of the South Carolina Ballet’s Nutcracker. Directed by William Starrett, the performance features new backdrops and outstanding performances.
Catch the show at the Koger Center for the Arts at the University of South Carolina on Friday and Saturday nights, December 9-10, or on Friday and Saturday nights, December 16-17, 2023. Admission ranges from $35-$60 per person.
Lexington County Museum Christmas Open House
The Lexington County Museum Christmas Open House is a fascinating chance to experience a Christmas of the past at the unique outdoor museum campus. Visitors can explore many of the 30 historic structures during the event and see period Christmas decorations.
Hot apple cider and gingerbread cookies are available for a light snack during the event. Live music plays at the historic Fox House.
The free event is from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. on Sunday, December 10.
Celtic Woman: A Christmas Symphony
Experience a unique event during the Holidays in Columbia with Celtic Woman: A Christmas Symphony. The female-led group performs traditional Irish Christmas carols during an uplifting evening at the Koger Center for the Arts at the University of South Carolina.
The one-night event begins at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, December 20, 2023.
Home for the Holidays
Settle into a comfortable seat at the Koger Center for the Arts for Home for the Holidays, a special performance by the South Carolina Philharmonic, The Columbia Repertory Dance Co., and several solo artists. Even Santa Claus makes an appearance during the performance.
Catch the spectacular event at 7 p.m. on Thursday, December 21, 2023.
Christmas Lights in Columbia
I feel like Columbia makes up for a total lack of snow on Christmas with spectacular lights. The light displays around the city and at special events will certainly give you something to admire. Here are some of the best Christmas light displays in Columbia.
READ MORE: 7 Places to See Christmas Lights in Columbia, SC
Vista Lights
The Vista is one of Columbia’s charming neighborhoods. The 48-block neighborhood around Gervais and Huger Streets is an official South Carolina Cultural District because of its cultural, architectural, and historical heritage.
Vista Lights is an annual celebration kicking off the Christmas holiday season in the capital city. Celebrated for 38 years, the event is an open house introduction to more than 60 local retail shops, art galleries, and restaurants. It’s an excellent opportunity to find Christmas gifts made by local artisans and discover a new favorite restaurant.
The event starts at 6 p.m. with live music and Santa Claus on Lincoln Street. A tree lighting ceremony at 7 p.m. keeps the evening going.
The event is free, but you’ll be tempted to spend money at the retail shops and restaurants.
Fireflies Holiday Lights
For the second time, Segra Stadium – home of the Columbia Fireflies Minor League Baseball team – is transformed into a spectacular Christmas light display in Columbia.
Fireflies Holiday Lights features more than one million LED lights throughout the stadium and baseball field. Displays cover the diamond, fill the seats, and wrap around the stadium.
Although visitors are not allowed onto the baseball field, it’s a rare opportunity to walk along the warning track surrounding the field. But the best way to experience the spectacular light show is to walk the stadium’s perimeter around the outfield seats.
The event also includes the Richardson Tree Farm, visits with Santa Claus, and marshmallow roasting on firepits.
Fireflies Holiday Lights is held from Thursday, November 16 until Sunday, December 31 – except for November 20, November 23, November 27, and December 25. The light display is open from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m.
Tickets to the event start at $10 per person in November and increase to $12 in December. Parking is free at the Freed Street Parking Garage.
Wild Lights at Riverbanks Zoo & Garden
Long after the animals go to sleep, things get wild at the Riverbanks Zoo & Garden. Wild Lights is an annual Christmas holiday light display featuring more than 60 larger-than-life 3D displays, bonfires, and photos with Santa.
READ MORE: How to Experience the Wild Lights at Riverbanks Zoo & Garden in Columbia, SC
The 3D displays tower over the guests while meandering the concrete paths through the zoo. Go for a nighttime ride on the carousel, take a photo with Santa, and roast marshmallows on the bonfires during this spectacular Columbia event.
Wild Lights is open from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. on select dates from mid-November through mid-January. Tickets vary in price from $20-$25 for adults and $15-$20 for children.
Governor’s Carolighting
South Carolina’s Christmas holiday season begins with the Governor’s Carolighting. During the annual event, Governor Henry McMaster lights the State Christmas Tree on the north side of the State House facing Main Street. The tree remains lit every night through the end of December.
The free event begins at 6 p.m.
Sleigh Bell Stroll
One of Columbia’s hallmarks and most exciting family Christmas events is the Holiday Lights on the River at Saluda Shoals Park. The dazzling display of Christmas lights, from static displays to animated wonderlands, lines the paved road through the park so visitors can admire the displays from the comfort of their cars.
The Sleigh Bell Stroll is a fascinating one-time opportunity to see the spectacular lights without any cars. Participants park at the east entrance near St. Andrews Road and walk the 2-mile route through Saluda Shoals Park.
READ MORE: How to See the Holiday Lights on the River at Saluda Shoals Park in Columbia, SC
You’ll have two hours to experience the Christmas light display in peacefulness. Then, a bus brings everyone back to the parking lot.
Registration is required by November 20 for this event. It costs $7 per adult and $2 per child.
Holiday Lights on the River
The Holiday Lights on the River is Columbia’s longest drive-thru Christmas light display. The 2.5-mile route features dozens of sports-themed light displays, animated displays, and displays hanging from trees.
At the Environmental Center, visitors can roast marshmallows on firepits, explore the Santa Claus’et Gift Shop, and go for a hayride. Get a professional photo with Santa and then pick up a Tin Can Kettle Corn bag. Go for a short walk on the Wetlands Trail to experience a stunning laser light show.
READ MORE: How to Drive Through the Holiday Lights on the River at Saluda Shoals Park in Columbia, SC
The Holiday Lights on the River is held nightly from November 23 until December 31, except for Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day. Admission is $25 per vehicle. It takes about an hour to drive through the light display casually.
Carolina Lights
Experience the Carolina Lights drive-through holiday light show from the comfort of your car. The drive-through experience features over 100 LED light displays along a circuitous route through the South Carolina State Fairgrounds.
Concessions halfway through the show sell chocolate chip cookies, milk, water, and soda. But the best way to enjoy this event is to bring your snacks.
Carolina Lights is exclusively a drive-through experience with no other events. The gates open at 6 p.m. every night from December 8 through December 24, except for Mondays. Cost is $20 per car.
After exiting the light show, visitors can request a re-entry pass to experience the drive-through light show again on the same night.
Santa Claus in Columbia
One of the hallmarks of Christmas for children is getting that chance to sit on Santa’s lap, divulge your entire wish list, and capture a photo treasure. Here are some of the best, and most interesting, places to find Santa Claus during Christmas in Columbia.
Wild Lights at Riverbanks Zoo & Garden
Long after the animals go to sleep, things get wild at the Riverbanks Zoo & Garden. Wild Lights is an annual Christmas holiday light display featuring more than 60 larger-than-life 3D displays, bonfires, and photos with Santa.
READ MORE: How to Experience the Wild Lights at Riverbanks Zoo & Garden in Columbia, SC
The 3D displays tower over the guests while meandering the concrete paths through the zoo. Go for a nighttime ride on the carousel, take a photo with Santa, and roast marshmallows on the bonfires during this spectacular Columbia event.
Wild Lights is open from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. on select dates from mid-November through mid-January. Tickets vary in price from $20-$25 for adults and $15-$20 for children.
Sleigh Bell Stroll
One of Columbia’s hallmarks and most exciting family Christmas events is the Holiday Lights on the River at Saluda Shoals Park. The dazzling display of Christmas lights, from static displays to animated wonderlands, lines the paved road through the park so visitors can admire the displays from the comfort of their cars.
The Sleigh Bell Stroll is a fascinating one-time opportunity to see the spectacular lights without any cars. Participants park at the east entrance near St. Andrews Road and walk the 2-mile route through Saluda Shoals Park.
You’ll have two hours to experience the Christmas light display in peacefulness. Then, a bus brings everyone back to the parking lot.
Registration is required by November 20 for this event. It costs $7 per adult and $2 per child.
Photos with Santa at Ho-Ho-Hotel Trundle
Experience a 1920s Art Deco Christmas at the 41-room boutique Hotel Trundle with the special Photos with Santa at the Ho-Ho-Hotel Trundle event. Visitors arrive on a first-come, first-served basis for 10-minute photo sessions with Santa. Capture as many photos as you like with your smartphone or camera. Then, enjoy the complimentary hot chocolate and holiday activities!
The one-day event is from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. on Sunday, November 27, 2023.
Junior League of Columbia Holiday Market
Each year, the Junior League of Columbia organizes the Holiday Market as their biggest fundraiser of the year. Almost 200 merchants display arts and crafts, clothing, jewelry, and baked goods. It’s a fantastic opportunity to find a memorable Christmas gift.
The four-day event is held at the South Carolina State Fairgrounds from Thursday, November 30, until Sunday, December 3. General admission to the market for all four days is $10 per person. The holiday market is open from 9:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. every day except Sunday when it’s open from 12 P.M. until 4 p.m.
Ladies Night Out is a special event during the holiday market. Held on Thursday, the event for guests 21 and up is an opportunity to “bring your girlfriends and shop the night away.”
The Holiday Ball is 6:30 p.m. until 11 p.m. on Friday. The black-tie optional event features live music, private shopping, and cocktails.
Sundaes with Santa is an opportunity to get photos with Santa and enjoy children’s crafts and games. The event is held from 12 p.m. until 4 p.m. on Sunday.
Santa Saturday at the South Carolina State Museum
Santa gets around during the Holidays. But he’s guaranteed to appear at the South Carolina State Museum every Saturday in December.
During Santa Saturday, visitors who pay the general admission fee to the museum can enjoy a meet-and-greet with Santa Claus, watch Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer at the 4D Theater (additional cost), and shop for unique holiday gifts in the museum’s store.
Santa appears at the museum every Saturday from December 2 until December 23 from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. General admission is required, and show tickets are extra.
The Columbia Christmas Extravaganza Holiday Market is an appropriately named two-day Christmas event. The holiday market features over 150 local vendors, fresh fudge, pictures with Santa, and Christmas crafts. The event organizers boast that it’s “the perfect way to skip out on big box stores this holiday season and choose to support small.”
The indoor event is held at the Columbia Convention Center on Saturday, December 2, and Sunday, December 3. Doors open from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. each day of the event.
Admission to the market is $7 per person. Free parking is available at the convention center’s parking lot.
Local Shopping in Columbia
You won’t have to look hard to find some great local shopping throughout Columbia. Several events are geared around local artisans but beyond that there are a few specific areas to find great retail shops. Here is a small breakdown of what you’ll find during Christmas in Columbia.
Vista Lights
The Vista is one of Columbia’s charming neighborhoods. The 48-block neighborhood around Gervais and Huger Streets is an official South Carolina Cultural District because of its cultural, architectural, and historical heritage.
Vista Lights is an annual celebration kicking off the Christmas holiday season in the capital city. Celebrated for 38 years, the event is an open house introduction to more than 60 local retail shops, art galleries, and restaurants. It’s an excellent opportunity to find Christmas gifts made by local artisans and discover a new favorite restaurant.
The event starts at 6 p.m. with live music and Santa Claus on Lincoln Street. A tree lighting ceremony at 7 p.m. keeps the evening going.
The event is free, but you’ll be tempted to spend money at the retail shops and restaurants.
Bierkeller Weihnachtsmarkt
“Bierkeller Weihnachtsmarkt” is German for “beer cellar Christmas market.” The special event is hosted by Bierkeller Brewing Company, the only authentic German brewery in Columbia.
The Christmas market is modeled after the spectacular Bavarian markets, allowing visitors to experience the unique festive atmosphere without flying across the big pond. The market features local arts and crafts vendors, classic holiday music, festive lights, and Glühwein – a German mulled wine.
It’s also a great chance to try authentic German beer, Bavarian pretzels with beer cheese, and Bratwursts.
The free event is at The Esplanade at CanalSide, a waterfront public park overlooking the Columbia Canal and Congaree River. Parking is available at the nearby parking garage.
The event runs each weekend from November 25 until December 17. The market is open from 12 p.m. until 10 p.m. on Saturdays and from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. on Sundays.
Where to Eat & Drink
There are so, so many amazing locally owned places to eat and drink in Columbia. During my week for Christmas in Columbia I discovered quite a few. Here is a list of what I found to help you enjoy some great food and drinks during Christmas in Columbia.
Café Strudel
I’m not a morning person by any means but I would get up at sunrise every day of the week if I could have breakfast at Cafe Strudel. They have two locations with the same menu, but I recommend the West Columbia location. Everything on the menu is delicious but I recommend either the Hangover Hashbrowns (hashbrowns, onions, banana peppers, cheddar cheese, topped with 2 eggs) or the Sunrise Burrito (scrambled egg, cheddar cheese, house-made salsa, and black beans).
The Devine Cinnamon Roll Deli
Remember when mom used to tell us to stop eating dessert and save room for dinner? At The Devine Cinnamon Roll Deli on Divine Street you can eat both at the same time! Along with ginormous cinnamon rolls baked fresh every day they have a large menu of bagels, sandwiches, and soups.
READ MORE: 10 Sensational Local Places for Brunch in Columbia, SC
The Gourmet Shop Café
This little café in The Gourmet Shop offers brunch and lunch seven days a week. It can get a bit hectic with shoppers moving in and out but soon enough you’ll be focused on the delicious food. The Breakfast Panini (panini filled egg, Parrano cheese, red peppers, and turkey sausage) is a great start. You can also try their famous Chicken Salad or create your own sandwich.
Spotted Salamander
This is one of the coolest locally owned restaurants in the city. The owners at Spotted Salamander began with a catering business but when that business grew in leaps and bounds they set up a restaurant in a cute house. They serve lunch five days a week with daily specials, salads, and sandwiches.
Za’s on Devine
Officially called Za’s Brick Oven Pizza this is the best pizza you’ll find you Columbia. The modern and comfortable dining space is the perfect place to check out their long menu of specialty pizzas or build your own from scratch. Along with pastas, wood-fired appetizers, and a full-service bar, this is a great place to get lunch or dinner during a day of exploring the city.
Grill Marks
Sometimes all you want is a good burger and Grill Marks has one of the best in the city. In fact, their entire menu is based on burgers stacked so high you’ll need to unhinge your jaw (or I guess you could also just cut it up with the knife and fork they give you). As an added bonus you simply must try one of their Freakshakes. Oh and they’re not much for decorating for Christmas but they did have the leg lamp from A Christmas Movie sitting on the bar!
Bourbon
This locally owned restaurant is one of the hottest joints in the city right now. Seating at Bourbon is comfortable but limited, and they don’t take reservations. Grab a seat at the bourbon bar to enjoy fantastic mixed drinks or slide into a booth to try their Cajun-Creole inspired menu. Located on Main Street downtown it’s a great place for dinner at the end of an exciting day exploring and shopping.
Hunter Gatherer Brewery at Curtiss Wright Hangar
I have yet to visit Hunter-Gatherer’s first location on Main Street and I just might never go after my amazing evening at the Curtiss Wright Hangar location. The owners have converted the old airplane hangar into a brewery and restaurant. They typically have live music playing in the corner with plenty of booths and seats at the bar. The menu here is limited to “bar food” like pretzels, dips, and pizzas (but really good pretzels, dips, and pizzas) and they have their full line of craft beer on tap.
Where to Stay
Columbia is a big city and has plenty of options for lodging (I’m pretty sure the city has one of every type of hotel chain). Although a hotel is a hotel, some hotels are better and others are in better locations. Here are some options in three specific areas I think would make a great place to stay during Christmas in Columbia.
Microtel Inn & Suites The Microtel chain is barebones but all you need for a comfortable sleep. They have a few connecting rooms, rooms with two beds, and a studio suite with a sleeper sofa so you can bring the family. The location near I-77 is on the outskirts of the city but still a great location for getting to all the Christmas events.
La Quinta Inn This hotel is one of the most affordable in the city (and one day I might tell you about how I stayed here when my camper van broke down). They have connecting rooms and a Deluxe Suite with a sleeper sofa for the families. The breakfast is typical of a hotel chain in the morning, but it’s still not a bad start to the day.
Hyatt Place This is the top recommended place to stay downtown during Christmas in Columbia. The hotel is a super comfortable and convenient location for exploring downtown, The Vista, and Five Points during all the Christmas events. A full-service bar and restaurant in the lobby offer a chance to get a meal without having to dress up and go out.
Aloft s a relatively new chain of modern hotel to sweep the country and they’re pretty comfortable for a stay. Located across the street from Hyatt Place it is within walking distance of Main Street so you won’t have to worry about finding parking or driving back after dining at Bourbon.
Hampton Inn This hotel is in a great location beside the interstate to quickly access all the Christmas events in the city. They feature several rooms with a sleeper sofa so you can bring the entire family. The breakfast spread in the morning is pretty impressive and will get your day started off right.
