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. 8

Ward Davis (concert)
Nashville singer-songwriter Ward Davis plays at New Brookland Tavern (122 State St. in West Columbia). Davis, a prolific writer whose songs have been recorded by Trace Adkins, Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, Sammy Kershaw and many more. Show starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. Visit newbrooklandtavern.com for more information.

“It’s A Wonderful Life”
The Chapin Theatre (830 Columbia Ave.) showcases an American holiday classic in a different light. The Theatre performs a “live radio play” edition of “It’s A Wonderful Life.” Actors portray numerous characters, and sound effects are done through old-school tricks. And the family will enjoy the story of George Bailey and his guardian angel. Showtime tonight is 7:30 p.m. Production continues through Dec. 17. Tickets cost between $15 and $20. Visit chapintheatre.org for more information.

Saturday — Dec. 9

5th Anniversary Party
Steel Hands Brewing (2350 Foreman St. in Cayce) celebrates their fifth anniversary in style. There will be live music all day on two different stages from a variety of bands, including Prettier Than Matt, Civil Remedy, Mel Washington and headliners Paul McDonald & The Mourning Doves. Steel Hands also features five new beer releases, cocktails, food specials and more. Event runs from noon to 11 p.m., and admission is $75. Visit facebook.com/steelhandsbrewing for more information.

Meeting Street Artisan Holiday Market
The City of West Columbia’s regular artisan market presents special holiday editions this Saturday and next: “Stroll through a winter wonderland of artisan booths showcasing everything from handcrafted jewelry and art pieces to delicious homemade treats.” Market goes from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the city’s market pavilion (425 Meeting St.) Find more info at facebook.com/meetingstreetartisanmarket.

Old Timey Christmas
The Town of Chapin’s signature holiday event is back for a third year: “This night of holiday cheer includes the tree lighting at 6:30 p.m., visits from Santa & Mrs. Claus, and special readings from some of our favorite people in Chapin. You can also visit with our fun volunteers at the children’s activities, sing along with our carolers, and listen to live music while shopping with our hand-picked Christmas vendors.” The event centered on Beaufort and Clark streets goes from 5 until 8 p.m. Find more info at chapinsc.com.

Holiday Parade of Lights
The annual holiday parade lights up the night as it rolls along 12th Street at 5 p.m., through the cities served by the Greater Cayce-West Columbia Chamber of Commerce. But the day’s festivities get going at noon, with “the North Pole” at 1006 12th St. offering an opportunity to “check out local businesses, enjoy family activities, shopping and more. Hop on and off the Holiday Business Shuttle as it travels around the Cayce-West Columbia community, highlighting businesses offering holiday specials, activities and more.” Find more info at cwcchamber.com.

Craft Market
The Jamil Shrine Temple (206 Jamil Rd. in Columbia) presents a holiday-themed craft market. Shop for homemade and retail Items for your home and hobbies and enjoy live Christmas music from Scarred Worship. The market runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and admission is $2 for ages 13 and over. Children under 13 are free. Visit jamilcraftshow.com for more information.

Town of Gaston Christmas Parade
The Town of Gaston celebrates the holidays with their annual Christmas parade. The parade lineup will be on Gaston Street in front of Francis Mack Intermediate School (161 Gaston St.) at 9:00 a.m. The parade begins at 10:00 a.m. The parade route is from Gaston Street onto Mack Street, crossing Hwy 321 continuing onto Carlisle St. and ending in front of Town Hall. This event is free to attend and fun for the whole family. Head to gastonsc.org for more.

Mark Ware (concert)
Rising country singer/songwriter Mark Ware performs at the Skyline Club (100 Lee St. in West Columbia). Ware, who is also a firefighter and EMT, performs at 10 p.m. Doors open at 6pm, and tickets are $10 in advance, $15 on the day of the show and $25 for VIP seating. Visit facebook.com/skylineclub803 for more information.

Run Hard Columbia Kids Run
Looking for a way to get your kids outdoors and get some exercise? Run Hard Columbia hosts the Run Hard Columbia Kids Run at Saluda Shoals Park (5605 Bush River Rd.) This 5k run will build endurance and confidence in the kids. The run begins at 8:30 a.m. and registration is $75. Visit runsignup.com for more information.

Brittany Turnipseed (concert)
Chayz Lounge (607 Meeting St. in West Columbia) and vocalist Brittany Turnipseed present “The Songs Of The Holidays.” Turnipseed, backed by Chayz regulars Rod Foster & Company, performs holiday classics and favorites by Anita Baker, Sarah Vaughan, Jill Scott, Nancy Wilson and more. Showtime is 8 p.m., admission is $35, and dressy attire is required. Visit chayzlounge.com for more information.

Sunday — Dec. 10

Dutch Fork Choral Society Winter Concert
Friday at Lake Murray Presbyterian Church (2721 Dutch Fork Rd. in Chapin) and Sunday at Mt. Horeb Lutheran Church (101 E. Boundary St. in Chapin), the Dutch Fork Choral Society presents its annual Winter Concert. The show is a mix of familiar Christmas carols, excerpts from Handel’s “Messiah,” and other holiday favorites. Showtime is 4 p.m., and the performances are free to attend. Visit dutchforkchoralsociety.com for more information.

Christmas Open House
The Lexington County Museum (244 Fox St.) presents its annual Christmas Open House, decking its historic structures in period decorations, providing light refreshments that were eaten by Lexington residents in the 19th century (including apple cider and gingerbread), and presenting performances and cooking and craft demonstrations, among other programming. The event goes from 1 to 4 p.m. Find more info at facebook.com/lexingtoncountymuseum.

Logan Thomas (concert)
Savannah singer, songwriter and guitarist Logan Thomas performs soulful pop songs at Stone River (121 Alexander Rd. in West Columbia). Showtime is 3 p.m. and this show is free to attend. Visit stonerivercolumbia.com for more information.

‘Tis the Season Holiday Market
Flora & Fauna Marketplace (4773 Sunset Blvd.) hosts its second annual ‘Tis the Season Holiday Market. A host of local artisans will be selling arts, crafts and holiday items, and it’s a chance to shop local and support small businesses. There will also be food trucks on site and live music. The outdoor Holiday Market runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is free to attend. Visit facebook.com/floraandfaunamarketplace for more information.