Wild Lights
The Riverbanks Zoo & Garden (500 Wildlife Pkwy.) invites you and the kids to brighten up your Friday night with Wild Lights. From polar bears to flamingos, explore an illuminated wildlife safari featuring more than 60 brand-new, larger-than-life lantern displays inspired by nature. Along the way, discover engaging interactive displays and fun photo opportunities. Wild Lights runs from 5 to 9 p.m. Admission is $20.99 for adults ages 13 and up ($10.99 for members) and $15.99 for children ($7.99 for members). Visit riverbanks.org/events/wild-lights for more information.

George Freeman (concert)
Chayz Lounge (607 Meeting St.) and keyboardist George Freeman invite you to enjoy “An Evening of Soul Jazz Grooves.” Expect to hear hits and classics by The Gap Band, Stevie Wonder, Joe, Anita Baker and Bruno Mars, along with Freeman’s chart-topping originals. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and showtime is 8 p.m. Admission is $37. Dressy attire is required. Visit chayzlounge.com for more information.

Holiday Lights On The River
Saluda Shoals Park (6071 St. Andrews Rd.) continues its yearly tradition with its Holiday Lights On The River display. This year, visitors can immerse themselves in a festive atmosphere featuring colorful, animated displays that stretch over three magical miles. Admission includes activities like the Winter Wonder Tube Slide, hayrides and train rides, a laser light show and the chance to write a letter to Santa. Holiday Lights On The River runs from 6 to 10 p.m. Admission is $25 per car, $50 per 12-passenger van and $75 per bus. Visit icrc.net for more information.

The Time Pirates (concert)
Popular local acoustic duo The Time Pirates perform at O’Hara’s Public House (131 E. Main St.). The group plays lively hits from yesterday and today from 7 to 10 p.m. This show is free to attend. Visit facebook.com/@oharasph for more information.

SATURDAY, DEC. 21

Poinsettias at The FARM 1780
The Farm 1780 (1127 Corley Mill Rd.) comes alive with poinsettias this weekend. Visit The FARM and get small-potted poinsettia plants for $9.95 and large-potted plants for $19.95. You can even try a poinsettia drink (Prosecco and cranberry juice) or grab a beer. This event runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and is free to attend. Visit thefarm1780.com for more information.

Prettier Than Matt (concert)
The popular local pop-rock band Prettier Than Matt performs at Steel Hands Brewing (2350 Foreman St.). The group plays a mix of covers and originals starting at 5 p.m. and running until 9 p.m. This event is free to attend. Visit facebook.com/@steelhandsbrewing for more information.

Cookie Swap
The Pelion Branch Library (206 Pine St.) hosts a holiday cookie swap. Bring your favorite cookies, the recipe with a list of ingredients, and a container to take cookies home. This event runs from noon to 1 p.m. and is free to attend. Visit lexcolibrary.com for more information.

The Christmas Angel
The Harbison Theatre at Midlands Technical College (7300 College Blvd.) welcomes the Nova Ballet Theatre and its production of “The Christmas Angel.” It’s an inspiring story of forgiveness and love with exciting music, engaging choreography and beautiful staging. Showtime is 7 p.m., and tickets are $21 for adults and $16 for seniors, military and children under 12. Visit harbisontheatre.org for more information.

SUNDAY, DEC. 22

Jeff Pitts (concert)
Local singer, songwriter and guitarist Jeff Pitts plays a solo set at Savage Craft Ale Works (430 Center St.). Pitts plays a mix of covers and originals from 4 to 7 p.m. This show is free to attend. Visit facebook.com/savagecraftaleworks for more information.

TUESDAY, DEC. 24

Music Bingo
Hazelwood Brewing (711 E. Main St.) invites you to its weekly Music Bingo night. Here’s how it works: The host plays music, and players mark off songs that appear on their bingo cards. Players can use a pen to mark songs or put pieces on the fields. The first player to get five songs in a row wins. This event is free to attend and runs from 7 to 9 p.m. Visit facebook.com/hazelwoodbeer for more information.

THURSDAY, DEC. 26

Stephen Mitnaul (concert)
Chayz Lounge (607 Meeting St.) throws a post-Christmas party and welcomes saxophonist Stephen Mitnaul. Expect to hear hits and classics by Grover Washington Jr., The Isley Brothers, Luther Vandross, D’Angelo, Gnarls Barkley and more. Doors open at 6 p.m., and showtime is 7 p.m. Tickets are $30. Dressy attire is required. Visit chayzlounge.com for more information.

Across the county line

The Newberry Opera House (1201 McKibben St.) invites you and the family to a showing of the beloved classic Christmas movie The Polar Express on Friday, Dec. 20. Ride along on the journey of a young boy who embarks on a magical adventure aboard a mysterious train bound for the North Pole. Showtime is 11 a.m., and tickets cost $5 to $10. Visit newberryoperahouse.com for more information.

Congaree National Park (100 National Park Rd.) invites you to its Owl Prowl event on Friday, Dec. 20. On this 1.5-hour guided hike along the Boardwalk and Sims Trail, a guide discusses the unique adaptations owls have made that allow them to be such capable hunters and how they use their senses to thrive in the dark. This event is free to attend and runs from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Registration is required. Visit nps.gov/cong/index.htm for more information.

The SC State Museum (301 Gervais St.) continues its Saturday Santa series on Saturday, Dec. 21. Enjoy a meet-and-greet with Santa Claus, see the immersive Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer 4D show, experience the Northern Lights in the digital dome planetarium show, shop for unique holiday gifts in the museum store and grab a bite from The Crescent Café by The Food Academy. This event runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and costs $10 to $13. Visit scmuseum.org for more information.

The Koger Center for the Arts (1051 Greene St.) and the SC Ballet present a performance of Tchaikovsky’s classic ballet The Nutcracker on Saturday, Dec. 21. This year’s production is inspired by the rich history of the South, and the SC Ballet debuts a new full set of custom-made backdrops. Showtime is 7:30 p.m., and tickets cost $35 to $65. Visit kogercenterforthearts.com for more information.

Bierkeller Columbia (600 Canalside St., Unit 1009) invites you to its annual Weihnachtsmarkt Christmas Market on Sunday, Dec. 22. The market, located on the Canalside Plaza on the banks of the Congaree River, features local vendors, specialty foods, classic Christmas and other live music, festive lights, hot mulled Glühwein, hot chocolate and holiday beers. This event runs from noon to 9 p.m. and is free to attend. Visit bierkellercolumbia.com for more information.