Columbia may be known for their famously hot Christmas and New Year, but that doesn’t mean the city lacks in Christmas decor. Each year the city, local attractions, restaurants, and businesses deck the halls with lights, trees, and wreaths. Here are some of my favorite travel photos I captured of Christmas in Columbia.
Christmas in Columbia
This article is part of the Christmas in Columbia series, a travel guide I wrote after spending a week in December in Columbia, SC. The travel guide will help you discover Christmas in Columbia during a weekend visit for the events, light displays, local shopping, dining, and lodging.
The horse drawn carriage tour in a Christmas-themed carriage is one of the highlights of Historic Columbia’s Candlelight Tour event.
1800s-era Santa and Mrs. Claus posed for a modern-day photo in front of the Robert Mills House during the exciting event with Historic Columbia.
The towering state Christmas tree in front of the State House is lit up during the Governor’s Carolighting Event.
Lots of the local restaurants put up some amazing Christmas displays to compliment the savory food.
The Holiday Lights on the River at Saluda Shoals Park is a great way to see Christmas lights from the comfort of your vehicle.
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Lights Before Christmas at the Riverbanks Zoo is one of the most popular and amazing Christmas events in Columbia.
Fire pits are scattered around the zoo to keep your hands warm or, even better, make s’mores! Thousands of Christmas lights decorate the trees, shrubs, and sidewalks throughout the zoo.
At the Hampton-Preston Mansion the Christmas Tree is decorated with candles, an old German tradition.
The State House is decorated from top to bottom. Visitors can tour freely on their own and take a free guided tour.
