Lexington/Columbia, S.C. Things to do December 24 - 30, 2010

Lexington SC Homes for Sale / Lake Murray Homes for Sale / Search MLS

View the Things to do Archive

December 24 - 30, 2010

If you would like to receive this free list every week via email, click here.

Nights of Wonder

Thursday December 23 from 6:00-10:00 p.m.
Last fun-filled night of activities at Holiday Lights on the River, including: train rides, horse-drawn carriage rides, hay rides, the Winter Wonder Ride, roasting marshmallows, crafts and a visit and photo with Santa. (nominal fees apply with Holiday Lights admission) Saluda Shoals Park. www.icrc.net Holiday Lights of the River continues through January 2, 2011.

Santa at Village at Sandhill

Thursday, December 23, 2010
Today is the last day to see Santa at the Santa House. This year, bring your own camera and snap your own pictures of your little elfs and Santa! No charge as a service to the community. Also, check out the model train display near Rack Room Shoes - a holiday tradition. Village at Sandhill is located off Clemson Road near Two Notch Road in northeast Columbia. http://www.villageatsandhillonline.com/index.php


 

WinterFest

Now - January 2, 2011
A State Museum holiday tradition kicks off Sunday, Dec. 19 with a two-week- long celebration of the winter season. Escape the mall crowds with a variety of family activities. Highlights include special movie screenings, musical performances, seasonal Star Labs, holiday crafts and, of course, several visits from the jolly old elf himself. www.southcarolinastatemuseum.org/events/winter_fest.aspx

Historic Columbia Foundation's Holiday House Tours

Now through January 2, 2011
Enjoy the holiday season with guided tours of of our house museums. The Robert Mills House, Hampton-Preston Mansion, and Mann-Simons Cottage are all decorated for the season. Guides will provide stories of holidays past in Columbia and discuss how families decorated and entertained during the 19th and early 20th centuries. View a variety of holiday decoratons in each house and stunning details of our faux food on display.
Tickets available at the Robert Mills Museum Shop, 1616 Blanding St. Closed on Mondays, Dec. 25 and Jan. 1. Three-house and 90-minute tours available; reservations required. (803) 252-1770, ext. 24; www.historiccolumbia.org

Riverbanks' Lights Before Christmas

Now though January 2, 2011
Bring yourself, your kids and your camera and discover why Lights Before Christmas has continued as a family tradition for more than 20 years - see nearly one million twinkling lights, countless animated images, dazzling Music in Motion Lights Spectacular, and much more. 6-9 p.m. nightly through Jan. 2, 500 Wildlife Parkway. Closed Friday, Dec. 25 and 31. www.riverbanks.org

Pirate, Privateers and Buccaneers!

Now through January 3, 2011
Held over by popular demand, featuring actual artifacts as well as reproductions to illustrate the lives and times of buccaneers during the heyday of piracy (approximately 1600-1718), the exhibit will thrill those who have always been fascinated by these desperadoes of the bounding main. South Carolina State Museum - 301 Gervais St. Closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. http://www.museum.state.sc.us/


 

Christmas at Kensington

Now through Saturday, January 8, 2011
Experience the smells and sounds of a 19th century holiday in Lower Richland County at Kensington Mansion. Continuing a tradition begun more than 20 years ago by International Paper, Kensington Mansion will be decked out in period decorations through January 8, 2011. Holiday tours, 9:30 and 11 a.m., 1 and 2:30 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays (closed Christmas and New Years Day) through Jan. 8, U.S. 601, Eastover. Open house: adults, $5; children, $2.50. Tours: adults, $5.50; seniors, $4.50; children 10 and older, $2.50; younger than 10, free. Reservations required for groups of 10 or more. (803) 353-0456; www.kensingtonmansion.org

Divide Light: A Film

Sunday, December 26, 2010
The culmination of her life's work, New York-based visual artist Lesley Dill's opera "Divide Light" is based on the complete works of poet Emily Dickinson. Composed by Richard Marriott, founder of Club Foot Orchestra, "Divide Light" follows a dramatic and emotional contour, exploring a range of emotions from joy, ecstasy and fear to vulnerability and exhilaration. 80 minutes. 1pm. Columbia Museum of Art on Main St. www.columbiamuseum.org

Winter Break Camp at EdVenture

Monday December 27 - Thursday December 30, 2010
Warm up to some winter fun with the 2010 session of Eddie’s Winter Break Camp.Just like EDDIE®, this camp is designed for BIG fun. Each week features four full days of educational activities that focus on wintertime fun and will keep children entertained and engaged during the school break. This year, sessions for K-1st graders and 2nd-4th graders will be held December 27-30 (Mon.-Thurs.) from 8am-6pm daily. http://www.edventure.org/calendar/detail.aspx?EventID=175

Winter Teen Retreat: Reflections of a Better You

Monday December 27, 2010 - Friday December 31, 2010
Sponsored by the City of Columbia Parks and Recreation Department, this educational yet fun program helps teens to improve decision making skills, problem solving skills, conflict resolution, communication, interpersonal, and team building skills, as well as developing character and self esteem. The program will be conducted at the Katheryn M. Bellfield Booker Washington Heights Cultural Arts Center at 2611 Grant St. To register, contact Kim Mitchell at 545-3117 or email: kcmitchell@columbiasc.net

...........................................................................................................

Premier Events, News and Offers!

Ed's Editions: Have a book-lover on your gift list? Incredible sale going on right now at Greater Columbia's best used bookstore! Take 25% off everything store-wide; 50% off book sets (really nice gifts) and thousands of $1 hard bound books! Located in West Columbia at 406 Meeting Street near the Gervais St. bridge. 803-791-8002 Visit website

Radisson Christmas Buffet & New Year's Eve Package:

Looking for a truly special Christmas dining experience this year? Roast beef, carved ham, Chicken Marsala, Alaskan salmon, fabulous sides and desserts! $29, dear reader, and you are sent to culinary heaven! Are you and your special someone wishing for a truly memorable New Year's Eve? Check out the unbelievable $199 package the Radisson is offering this December 31! Call 803-744-2200 or visit website