FRIDAY, DEC. 12

The Two Claras (play)
The Harbison Theatre at Midlands Technical College (7300 College Blvd.) and Columbia City Jazz invite you to a delightful re-telling of “The Nutcracker” story with “The Two Claras.” This charming Christmas story follows two friends named Clara as they share magical Christmas adventures across the years. This production has been a festive favorite for the Midlands for more than 15 years, and the production captures the joy and wonder of the holidays for audiences of all ages. Showtime is 7 p.m., and tickets cost $25. Visit harbisontheatre.org for more information.

Coley Williams (concert)
Skyline Club (100 Lee St.) is open again and going strong, and popular singer/songwriter Coley Williams and his band headline the show tonight. Williams and his all-star band play country hits and originals to get you dancing from 9 p.m. to midnight. Visit facebook.com/skylineclub803 for ticket information.

A Seussified Christmas Carol (play)
The Chapin Theatre (830 Columbia Ave.) becomes a chaotic holiday free-for-all with “A Seussified Christmas Carol.” The Chapin Theatre Company presents a playful parody that recasts Dickens’ classic tale with the quirky charm and rhyming style reminiscent of Dr. Seuss. There are zany characters, wacky dialogue and a fast-paced foolishness galore, turning Ebenezer Scrooge’s journey of redemption into a laugh-filled holiday adventure. Showtime is 7:30 p.m. and tickets cost between $18 and $22. Visit chapintheatre.org for more information.

SATURDAY, DEC. 13

Nature Discovery Walk
Head over to Congaree National Park (100 National Park Rd.) for an approximately 2-hour nature walk. Join a volunteer park naturalist for a guided hike on the park’s boardwalk trail to learn about the amazing flora and fauna that call Congaree National Park home. This low-impact walk begins at 9:30 a.m. and is free to attend, but registration is required. Visit nps.gov/cong/index.htm for more information.

Charles Page & Company (concert)
Chayz Lounge (607 Meeting St.), and the popular local ensemble Charles Page & Company invite you to a special presentation called “A Night of Jazzy Grooves.” Enjoy an upscale dinner club experience and expect to hear smooth-jazz and soulful versions of hits and classics by Blackstreet, Santana, Chaka Khan, Frankie Beverly & Maze, Bruno Mars, Guy, Stevie Wonder and many more. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and showtime is 8 p.m. Reserved seating tickets are $45. Dressy attire is required. Visit chayzlounge.com for more information.

South Congaree Christmas Parade
Bring the family to downtown South Congaree to get your upfront spot for the Town of South Congaree Christmas Parade. The parade features colorful floats, marching bands, fun appearances by local organizations and, just maybe, a very special visit from Santa Claus. The parade begins along Main Street at 10 a.m. and is free to attend. Visit facebook.com/TownOfSouthCongaree for more information.

SUNDAY, DEC. 14

Christmas Open House
The Lexington County Museum (231 Fox St.) invites you and your family to its Christmas Open House. Most of the 30+ historic structures on the museum grounds are open and feature period Christmas decorations. 19th-century-style light refreshments will be served, including hot apple cider and gingerbread, and Friends of the Museum member Constance Caractor Flemming will be singing and playing live music in the Fox House. The Christmas Open House runs from 1 to 4 p.m. and is free to attend. Visit lexingtoncountymuseum.org for more information.

Blues Deluxe & Car Show
Steel Hands Brewing (2350 Foreman St.) hosts the Blues Deluxe Band and a classic car show today. Enjoy low-down and dirty blues from the band while you take a look at a full slate of hot rods, sports cars and classic muscle mobiles. This event is free to attend and runs from noon to 4 p.m. Visit facebook.com/steelhandsbrewing for more information.

MONDAY, DEC. 15

Monday Evening Book Club
The Irmo Branch Library (6251 St. Andrews Rd.) welcomes you to its Monday Evening Book Club. Attendees read a variety of books and encourage lively discussion in a friendly, casual atmosphere. The Monday Evening Book Club is free to attend and runs from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Visit lexcolibrary.com for more information.

TUESDAY, DEC. 16

Wild Lights
Riverbanks Zoo & Garden (500 Wildlife Pkwy.) invites you and the kids to enjoy Wild Lights. Take a walk through the zoo and check out more than 60 larger-than-life handcrafted wildlife lantern displays inspired by nature. Plus, there’s nightly snowfall, photo ops and visits with Santa. Wild Lights run from 5 to 9 p.m. and admission is $25.99. Visit riverbanks.org for more information.

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 17

Holiday Lights on the River
Bring the family to Saluda Shoals Park (6071 St. Andrews Rd.) to enjoy Holiday Lights on the River. Take in millions of sparkling lights and colorful displays, enjoy some fun activities, concessions, a laser light show and a visit to Santa Claus’ gift shop! Admission costs between $25-$30 per car, depending on the date, and $50-$75 per bus or van. Activities are included with admission. Visit icrc.net for more information.

Across the county line

Bring the kids to downtown Newberry on Friday, Dec. 12, to celebrate “A Very Berry Christmas” and take in the North Pole Lights. Step into the magic of the North Pole with a festive array of holiday lights, stroll through the fluttering faux snow in Memorial Park and enjoy crafts provided by the Newberry County Chamber of Commerce. And make sure the kids write letters to Santa at home and bring them for Santa’s mailbox. Santa will respond to three letters each week. “A Very Berry Christmas” runs from 6 to 8 p.m. and is free to attend. Visit newberrychristmas.com for more information.

If you’re in town for “A Very Berry Christmas” on Friday, Dec. 12, why not make a day of it and bring the family to Taylor Swift Night at the Newberry Opera House (1201 McKibben St.)? Led by a vocalist known only as Elizabeth,  this premier Taylor Swift tribute show has pitch-perfect vocals, stunning costumes and the same heartfelt storytelling that made Taylor a global icon. Expect to hear everything from the country roots of “Fearless” to the pop anthems of “1989” in this authentic, crowd-pleasing performance. Showtime is 7 p.m. and tickets cost between $32.50 and $55. Visit newberryoperahouse.com for more information.

Looking to stay in shape over the holidays? Columbia’s Strictly Running (2515 Devine St.) has the event for you. On Saturday, Dec. 13, meet up at Strictly Running for the Santa Run and the Rudolph Youth Run. Choose from an adult mile or a 5K and sign the kids up for the Rudolph Youth Run. There are prizes for the Best Dressed Santa Claus, cash prizes for best run times, medals for the kids and more. This event begins at 8:30 a.m., and registration is required. Registration costs between $30 and $70. Visit strictlyrunning.com/santa/index.html for more information.

The SC State Fairgrounds (1200 Rosewood Dr.) and the South Carolina Arms Collectors Association present a Gun & Knife Show on Saturday, Dec. 13. Gather at the fairgrounds and browse through a wide array of historical and modern weaponry while supporting programs that give back to South Carolina communities. Buy, sell or trade firearms, antiques, knives and related items in a safe and lawful environment, in full compliance with all Federal, State and local regulations. The Gun & Knife Show runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and admission costs between $8 and $10. Visit scgunshows.com for more information.

The Trustus Theatre (520 Lady St.) invites you to an enchanting evening on Sunday, Dec. 14, with their production of “Into the Woods.” This Tony Award-winning musical by James Lapine and Stephen Sondheim mixes classic fairytale characters in a story that focuses on a young baker and his wife, who desperately wish for a child. “Into The Woods” begins at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday and admission costs between $37 and $43. Visit trustus.booktix.com for more information.