Holiday Lights

Wild Lights at the Zoo
Grab the kids and head over to the Riverbanks Zoo & Garden (500 Wildlife Pkwy.) for the annual Wild Lights event. Stroll through the Zoo and discover nearly 60 large-scale handcrafted lanterns inspired by nature. There are also interactive activities, photo ops, and seasonal favorites including nightly snowfall and visits with Santa. Begins at 5 p.m., and admission is $19.99 for children ages 2-12 and $24.99 for adults. Children under 2 are free. Event runs through Jan. 14. Visit riverbanks.org for more information.

Holiday Lights on the River
Saluda Shoals Park (5605 Bush River Rd. in Columbia) presents its popular annual drive-through display, promising millions of sparkling lights along two miles, including animated displays of various shapes and sizes. Event also includes activities such as a winter wonder tube slide, a hayride, a laser light show on the Wetland Trail, and Santa’s Claus’et Gift Shop. Concessions, beer and wine available for purchase. Runs nightly 6-10 p.m. through Dec. 31. Admission is $25 per car; $50 per 12-15 passenger van, truck, trailer or limo; and $75 per bus (up to 16 passengers). Find more info at icrc.net.

Friday — Dec. 29

Sequoyah Prep School (concert)
Celebrate the final night of New Brookland Tavern (122 State St. in ) at its West Columbia location with a reunion show by the popular Charleston alternative rockers Sequoyah Prep School. The band headlines the show that starts at 7 p.m. (and again the next night at the club’s new location in Columbia’s Five Points). Visit newbrooklandtavern.com for more information.

Preston Duffie (concert)
Hartsville country singer-songwriter and former “American Idol” contestant Preston Duffie performs at Steel Hands Brewing (2350 Foreman St. in Cayce). Duffie plays a mix of covers and originals from 6 to 10 p.m. This show is free to attend. Visit facebook.com/steelhandsbrewing for more information.

Brandon Stevens (concert)
Chayz Lounge (607 Meeting St. in West Columbia) and vocalist Brandon Stevens present “’70s and ‘90s Soul Hits.” Stevens performs hits and classics by Maxwell, D’Angelo, The Isley Brothers, Al Green, Marvin Gaye and more. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and showtime is 8 p.m. Dressy attire is required. Admission is $30. Visit chayzlounge.com for more information.

Saturday — Dec. 30

Haywire (concert)
Bill’s Music Shop & Pickin’ Parlor (710 Meeting St. in West Columbia) hosts a performance by one of their most popular bands, Haywire. The quintet will play a mix of classic and modern country music starting at 8 p.m. Admission is a $10 donation. Visit billsmusicshop.com for more information.
Sunday — Dec. 31

New Year’s Eve Pawty
The Modern Companion (508B Lexington Ave. in Chapin) hosts a pet-friendly version of saying goodbye to 2023 with their New Year’s Eve Pawty. Welcome the new year by dressing your best with your pet. There will be a Mixology Bark Cart for both humans and pets, a decked-out photo wall, exclusive VIP in-store deals, food, treat tasting, and more. This event runs from 6 to 8 p.m., and admission is $28.52, per PET, not per person. Visit themoderncompanion.com for more information.

A Soulful New Year’s Party (concert)
Chayz Lounge (607 Meeting St. in West Columbia) welcomes the New Year in with ChaVonne Campbell and The Tre’Sounds Band for a night of popular hits and classics by Kool & The Gang, Earth, Wind & Fire, Prince, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Toni Braxton, Beyonce, Bruno Mars, Average White Band, Wild Cherry, Rihanna, Mary J. Blige, Chuck Brown, and more. Doors open at 8 p.m., and showtime is 9 p.m. Dressy attire is required. Admission is $95. Visit chayzlounge.com for more information.

New Year’s Eve Nordic Extravaganza
Savage Craft Ale Works (430 Center St. in West Columbia) hosts a huge party to welcome in 2024. Their New Year’s Eve Nordic Extravaganza features four different DJ’s spinning tunes, and a live performance by Interstate Exiles. The kitchen is open until 10 p.m., and there will be a full bar. This event is free to attend and runs from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. Visit facebook.com/savagecraftaleworks for more information.

New Year’s Rockin Eve (concert)
O’Hara’s Public House (131 E. Main St.) and singer, songwriter and guitarist Brandon Mullis host the New Year’s Rockin’ Eve event. Mullis will play a three-hour set that includes classic rock, ‘90s alternative, outlaw country, Irish folk and much more. From 9 p.m. onward, a DJ spins tunes while you enjoy food and drink specials. This event is free to attend and runs from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. Visit facebook.com/oharasph for more information.

Comedy Countdown (standup)
Ring in the New Year at The Corley Mill House (221 Corley Mill Rd.) and celebrate with some of the funniest comedians the southeast has to offer. Paul Snyder headlines with Melly Kazel, Kaz Sortino, and Pudgee. Admission also includes a buffet, an open bar, party favors, a champagne toast and a midnight dance party. This event is for ages 21 and up and runs from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Admission is $108.55. Visit corleymillhouse.com for more information.

Monday — Jan. 1

Go Leo
If you’re looking to start off your 2024 by challenging yourself, Saluda Shoals Park (6071 St. Andrews Rd. in Columbia) has the perfect event. The Go Leo 5K (presented by Leo’s Pride) is the toughest challenge, but there’s also a one mile walk and a shorter Lion Heart Dash. You can also enjoy prizes, games and face painting following the race. The Go Leo 5K runs from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m., and registration is $30 for adults and $15 for children. Visit runhard.org for more information.

Across the County Line

Santa’s Tour
Christmas might be over, but there’s a little Santa Claus magic left in downtown Newberry. Friday, Dec. 29 is the last night of their Santa’s Tour event. From 5 to 6 p.m., Santa will tour each of the stores in downtown Newberry via his second-favorite mode of transportation: A fire engine. This event is free to attend. Visit newberrychristmas.com for more information.

Festival of Trees
The City of Aiken Visitors Center (406 Park Ave. SE) hosts the sixth annual Festival of Trees daily through Dec. 30. Bring the family and walk through a display of dozens of beautifully decorated Christmas trees. The Festival of Trees runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and is free to attend. Visit visitaikensc.com for more information.

Capital City Fireworks
The City of Columbia bids farewell to 2023 on Dec. 31 with the Capital City Fireworks display. The fireworks display begins right after midnight, and the best public viewing area is on the north side of the South Carolina State House at Gervais and Main Streets. Visit columbiasc.gov for more information.

New Year’s Eve Gala
The Robinson Room (1614A Main St.) celebrates the end of 2023 with their New Year’s Eve Gala on Sunday, Dec. 31st. Dress to impress for a walk down the red carpet, enjoy small bites and drinks from the select open beer and wine bar, and as the clock strikes midnight, get ready for a massive ball drop and a free champagne toast. This event begins at 9 p.m. and runs until 1 a.m. Tickets are $150 per individual and $225 for couples. Visit facebook.com/robinsonroomsc for more information.

New Year’s Eve Party
Head over to The Senate/Tin Roof (1022 Senate St. in Columbia) on Sunday, Dec. 31 for the two venues’ joint New Year’s Eve party. For the price of one cover charge at the door, guests can enjoy access to the entire block, encompassing both Tin Roof and The Senate. There are two stages featuring The Great Reset, a live DJ, and more. There are also three bars to keep the drinks flowing, and a complimentary Champagne Toast at the stroke of midnight. This event starts at 7 p.m., and admission costs between $60 for general admission and $500 for special VIP packages. Visit tinroofcolumbia.com for more information.