30 “Murray” Events to Get You in the Holiday Spirit
November 10, 2022
November 10, 2022
Photo: North Pole Nights in Newberry
It’s that magical time of year again; where memories are made, traditions are shared, and anything is possible! From a visit with Santa to seeing over a million twinkling lights, this list of 30 Murray events is sure to get you and your family in the holiday spirit. How many can you check off of your list?
Thursday, November 17 | 5:00 – 9:00 PM
Columbia Downtown Vista
The 37th Annual Vista Lights is the neighborhood’s signature open house which ushers in the holidays in Columbia! More than 60 galleries, shops, and restaurants safely open their doors to showcase their holiday treasures and delicious dishes. Make your plans and reservations now! The Vista Guild also organizes live entertainment and performances to get attendees in the holiday spirit as they light the Vista’s tree at the corner of Gervais and Lincoln Streets.
Friday, November 18 | 6:00 – 8:00 PM
Downtown Newberry
Experience the Joy of the start to the holiday season in Newberry. The show will feature the Victorian Singers leading caroling, special holiday music performed by Newberry school choirs, a special message from the Mayor, and the traditional countdown to light the town! Come out to the front of Community Hall for all the fun! Also, that night, the Newberry Community Players invite you to see the beloved Christmas Classic movie, “The Polar Express”, for FREE at the Ritz Theater at 7:30pm TheRitzOnline.com
November 19 – December 30 (Visit website for available dates)
Riverbanks Zoo & Garden: 500 Wildlife Parkway, Columbia, SC 29210
Each evening from 5 to 9 PM, experience Columbia’s longest running holiday tradition at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden. Explore the Zoo illuminated by nearly one million twinkling lights and more than 350 handcrafted images. Take your photo with Santa, roast marshmallows at the Jingle Bell Bonfire and be sure to wear your hat – it snows nightly at Riverbanks during the Lights Before Christmas. Avoid long holiday lines and purchase your tickets in advance at Riverbanks.org. Please note, Lights are open select evenings in November and December!
November 19, 25, 26, December 2, 3, 9, 10, 16
Segra Park: 1640 Freed Street, Columbia, SC 29201
This holiday season, Segra Park will be decked out with over one million LED lights, featuring 10 themed areas, on 42 nights throughout November and December. Fireflies Holidays Lights will be open daily from Saturday, November 19 through Sunday, December 31, excluding Thanksgiving Day (November 24) and Christmas Day (December 25). Holiday shopping, kids crafts and activities, and incredible holiday-themed food and drinks will take place during the event throughout the season. Santa Claus and Mason, the Fireflies mascot, will be on-hand for select evenings throughout the 42 nights of lights.
Monday, November 21 | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Saluda Shoals Park: 6071 St Andrews Road, Columbia, SC 29212
Experience the Holiday Lights on the River at the Sleigh Bell Trot! Register for this unique, nighttime four-mile run taking place amid the festive light displays of Holiday Lights on the River.
Sunday, November 22 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Saluda Shoals Park: 6071 St Andrews Road, Columbia, SC 29212
Looking for a unique way to see the Holiday Lights on the River? Then the Sleigh Bell Stroll is for you! This two-mile nighttime family fun walk takes place amid the festive light displays of Holiday Lights on the River.
November 23 – December 31 2022 | 6:00 – 10:00 PM
Saluda Shoals Park: 6071 St Andrews Road, Columbia, SC 29212
The Midlands Largest Drive-Through Light Show! Experience the magic as Saluda Shoals Park comes alive in millions of sparkling lights. Journey through more than three miles of lights featuring colorful, animated light displays of all shapes and sizes! Create lasting family memories this year at Holiday Lights on the River.
Sunday, November 27 | 5:00 PM
Doko Meadows Park: 171 Langford Rd, Blythewood, SC 29016
Get in the spirit of the season with food, fun and music at the Town Hall in beautiful Blythewood!
Thursday, December 1 | 6:00 – 8:00 PM
Cayce City Hall: 1800 12th Street, Cayce, SC 29033
Experience thousands of lights, music of local performers and a visit from Santa – all from the warmth of your car, December 1st from 6-8 pm at Cayce City Hall, 1800 12th Street. The event is sponsored by The Woman’s Club of Cayce, who will be collecting canned goods and non-perishable foods for the 20th Annual Cayce Cares project, benefitting God’s Helping Hands and the Scooter Scott Project.
Friday, December 2 | 7:30 PM
Icehouse Amphitheater: 107 West Main Street, Lexington, SC 29072
Pack a blanket and head out to the Icehouse Amphitheater in the Town of Lexington for the “Polar Express” (G) under the stars! Part of the Town of Lexington’s Annual Snowfall Festival!
December 2, 9, 16 | 5:00 – 8:00 PM
Downtown Newberry
Experience the wonders of the North Pole! Enjoy fluttering faux snow in Memorial Park, crafts and a special Christmas story from Mrs. Claus, courtesy of the Newberry County Chamber of Commerce. Before arrival, all children are invited to write letters to Santa, at home, to bring and place in the NEW letters to Santa mailbox!
Friday, December 2 | 6:00 – 8:00 PM
Cayce Riverwalk: 201 N Avenue, Cayce, SC 29033
Stroll along the Riverwalk with hot chocolate while listening to holiday music during this beloved caroling event, December 2nd from 6-8 pm at the N. Ave Entrance to Cayce Riverwalk. Parking is available at Brookland-Cayce High School and includes a free trolley ride to and from the Riverwalk entry.
Friday, December 2 | 6:30 – 8:00 PM
Icehouse Amphitheater: 107 West Main Street, Lexington, SC 29072
Join the Town of Lexington as they sing Christmas carols, light the tree & take pictures with Santa at Icehouse Amphitheater. Santa will be at Icehouse Amphitheater from 4 – 8 PM. The Tree Lighting Ceremony starts at 6:30 PM.
Friday, December 2 | 6:30 – 8:30 PM
City of West Columbia City Hall: 200 12th Street, West Columbia, SC 29169
Let the Christmas fun begin in the City of West Columbia as the Mayor and Council light the City’s Christmas Tree at Town Hall!
Saturday, December 3 | 1:00 – 9:00 PM
Icehouse Amphitheater: 107 West Main Street, Lexington, SC 29072
Join the Town of Lexington for this year’s Snowball Festival Carnival at the Icehouse Amphitheater, featuring face painting, balloon artists, letters to Santa, rides + more! Make sure to stay and watch Elf (PG) which will begin at 6 PM.
Saturday, December 3 | 2:00 PM & 6:00 PM
Harbison Theatre at Midlands Technical College: 7300 College St., Irmo, SC 29063
Broadway heavy hitters Alan Menken and Lynn Ahrens breathe fantastic new life into the classic tale, A Christmas Carol. Performed by CCT’s Mainstage company, this performance is a spectacular adaptation of Charles Dickens’ most well-known story. Proving its staying power with a decade-long run at the Theatre at Madison Square Garden, with all the hilarity and quirky comedy of a CCT production, this Christmas Carol is the perfect holiday offering to warm even the Scroogiest of hearts!
Saturday, December 3 | 2:00 – 8:00 pm
Downtown Prosperity
Shop downtown Prosperity merchants and outdoor vendors throughout the afternoon and stay for the Christmas Tree Lighting at 7:30pm! Live entertainment will begin at 3pm and Santa will be visiting Dixie Heartpine from 5 – 7 PM.
December 3 – 26 (Closed Christmas Day)
SC State Fair Grounds: 1200 Rosewood Drive, Columbia, SC 29201
The South Carolina State Fair will usher in the holiday season with its 4th annual downtown drive-through holiday light show. The drive-through light experience will feature more than 100 individual LED light displays along an expanded route in the Lexington Medical Center Fair Park at the S.C. State Fairgrounds. The light display will feature favorites from last year along with several new displays.
Saturday, December 3 | 6:00 – 9:00 PM
Cayce Historic Museum Visitor’s Center: 1800 12th Street, Cayce, SC 29033
The sights, sounds, and tastes of Christmas abound at the Cayce Historical Museum’s Annual Christmas Traditions Holiday Open House, December 3rd from 6 – 9 PM at the Cayce Historical Museum, 1800 12th Street. Each room will be decorated with trees and crafts from the 18th century to the present. The event will also feature live entertainment, docents dressed in period attire, and light refreshments.
Sunday, December 4 | 3:00 PM
Downtown Lexington, Main Street
It’s a Christmas tradition you won’t want to miss! Join the Town of Lexington and the Lexington Jaycees for the annual Christmas Parade down Main Street! Get in the Christmas spirit by watching an array of parade floats make their way through downtown!
Sunday, December 4 | 3:00 PM
Downtown Prosperity
The Prosperity Christmas Parade is held annually, on the first Sunday following the first Saturday in December, beginning at 3PM. It is truly a small-town Christmas event that is envied by many towns. Floats, bands, clowns, and all the usual parade antics march down Main Street celebrating the season and the fellowship of each other. Come early to get a good seat, because this event is a favorite. This year’s theme: A Classic Hometown Christmas.
Tuesday, December 6 | 7:30 PM
Koger Center for the Arts: 1051 Greene Street, Columbia, SC 29201
CIRQUE DREAMS HOLIDAZE dazzles with a brilliant and whimsical family holiday spectacular and it’s coming to Columbia, SC this holiday season! This annual tradition wraps a Broadway-style production around an infusion of contemporary circus arts. As lights dim and the music swells, audiences will have visions of sugarplums dancing in their heads as a fantastical cast of holiday storybook characters come to life. Broadway World exclaims, “Lose yourself for 90 minutes and go back to those wonderful dreams you had as a kid.”
Tuesday, December 6 | 6:00 – 8:00 PM
1249 Lexington Avenue, Irmo, SC 29063
Visit the Town of Irmo for their annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on December 6th, from 6pm – 8pm. Let’s celebrate the start of the holiday season together! Each year, the Town of Irmo hosts its Christmas Tree Lighting event to join and celebrate the start of this joyous season. The event includes: State of the Town by Mayor Barry A. Walker, Sr.; Town birthday party celebration (132 years); Hot cocoa and cookies; Pizza; Pictures with Santa (Bring your Camera); Santa’s Candy Canes; Entertainment by our local schools, and more!
Thursday, December 8 | 7:00 PM
Newberry Opera House: 1201 McKibben Street, Newberry, SC 29108
Celebrate the true Spirit of Christmas with this brand new, original production filled with haunting special effects and heartfelt sentiment. “A Christmas Carol” is delightful and thoroughly entertaining, it is the perfect family holiday event. Filled with beloved music of the season, superb staging, and tremendous artistry. Presented by: CMI Entertainment
Friday, December 9 | 8:00 PM
Newberry Opera House: 1201 McKibben Street, Newberry, SC 29108
The perfect combination of ancient Irish carols and dancing, Contemporary Christmas standards, and humor make for a night of amazing performance by Christmas With The Celts. This memorable show brings together young and old to celebrate the holiday season.
Featuring an enchanting story, amazing sets, festive costumes and the timeless classical score. This celebration of the holiday season will delight audiences of all ages! Make plans to attend this holiday classic at the beautiful Koger Center for the Arts.
Saturday, December 10 | 3:00 PM
Newberry Opera House: 1201 McKibben Street, Newberry, SC 29108
The story of idealistic George Bailey unfolds as he considers ending his life one fateful Christmas Eve. This beloved American holiday classic comes to captivating life as a live 1940s radio broadcast with every memorable character, wacky sound effects, and the heartwarming conclusion of the iconic film recreated live before your ears—and eyes!
Saturday, December 10 | 5:30 – 7:30 PM
Greater Cayce West Columbia Chamber of Commerce: 12th Street, Cayce SC 29033
Beginning at 5:30 PM, this Annual event is one of the most anticipated holiday parades in the Midlands! This beloved night-time parade is hosted by the Greater Cayce West Columbia Chamber of Commerce.
Sunday, December 11 | 1:00 – 4:00 PM
Lexington County Museum: 231 Fox Street, Lexington, SC 29072
The staff of the Lexington County Museum and the Friends of the Lexington County Museum invite you to come experience Christmas traditions of the past at the Museum as it hosts its Annual Christmas Open House on December 11th from 1 pm to 4 PM. Many of the thirty historic structures on the Museum complex will be open and will feature period Christmas decorations. The event is free to the public! Light refreshments that would have been eaten by Lexington residents in the 19th century, including hot apple cider and gingerbread, will be served. A blacksmith will be on site practicing his craft and educating visitors about smithing and a cooking demonstration will be taking place in their 19th century Ridgell kitchen as well. The Slave Dwelling Project and their program “Inalienable Rights” will be featured.
Sunday, December 18 | 3:00 PM
Newberry Opera House: 1201 McKibben Street, Newberry, SC 29108
For over 30 years, Dick and his distinguished musicians have entertained folks from the Midlands of South Carolina to worldwide venues. Come out to the Newberry Opera House for a special Christmas concert with the legendary Dick Goodwin Big Band!
Looking for more activities and things to do this holiday season with your friends and family? Visit our events page! There’s snow-place like Lake Murray Country during the holiday season with so much to see and do.