NOTE: Please check all venue websites for updated information.
Through December 1
Elf the Musical
Savannah
This comical stage adaptation of the classic Christmas film tells the lovable tale of Buddy the Elf. Multiple showtimes at the Historic Savannah Theatre. savannahtheatre.com
Through December 31
Holiday Festival of Lights
Charleston
Event features 3 miles and more than 700 light displays of all shapes and sizes. Includes sculpture made from 50 tons of sand, reindeer workshop, train rides, climbing wall, Santa’s Sweet Shoppe, Victorian carousel, family activities, shopping, food, entertainment and more. 5:30-10 p.m. James Island County Park. ccprc.com
Through January 4
Fantasy in Lights
Pine Mountain
Rated as one of the world’s Top 10 Places to see holiday lights by National Geographic Traveler. Eight million lights create more than a dozen twinkling scenes for the holidays at Callaway Gardens. Includes a Christmas train and village sweet shop. callawaygardens.com
Through January 12
Wild Lights at Riverbanks Zoo
Columbia
Stroll through the zoo and see more than 60 larger-than-life handcrafted lanterns inspired by nature. Includes nightly snowfall, fun activities, photo ops and visits with Santa (through December 23). riverbanks.org
November 22
Blues is Alright Tour
Charleston
Headliners include Tucka, King George, Pokey Bear, Lenny Williams, West Love and J-Wonn. 8 p.m. North Charleston Coliseum. northcharlestoncoliseumpac.com
Mark Normand
Charleston
The stand-up comedian and actor performs his Ya Don’t Say Tour at 7 p.m. North Charleston Performing Arts Center. northcharlestoncoliseumpac.com
November 23
Kingsland Catfish Festival
Kingsland
Festival includes Southern-fried catfish, catfish cookoff, food vendors, beer tent, turkey trot, live entertainment, arts and crafts and family activities. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Free admission. kingslandcatfishfestival.org
November 24
Desi Banks
Charleston
The comedian and actor performs his Purpose Chaser Tour at 7 p.m. North Charleston Performing Arts Center. northcharlestoncoliseumpac.com
November 25-December 31
Holiday Festival of Lights
Charleston
Event features 3 miles and more than 700 light displays of all shapes and sizes. Includes sculpture made from 50 tons of sand, reindeer workshop, train rides, climbing wall, Santa’s Sweet Shoppe, Victorian carousel, family activities, shopping, food, entertainment and more. 5:30-10 p.m. James Island County Park. ccprc.com
November 25-January 4
Fantasy in Lights
Pine Mountain
Rated as one of the world’s Top 10 Places to see holiday lights by National Geographic Traveler. Eight million lights create more than a dozen twinkling scenes for the holidays at Callaway Gardens. Includes a Christmas train and village sweet shop. callawaygardens.com
November 25-January 5
Stone Mountain Christmas
Atlanta
Attraction includes two million lights, Christmas Drone & Light Show, Journey through the Musical Frosted Forest, Scenic Railroad, 4D movie theater, mini-golf, live performances, nightly snowfall, parade and fireworks. stonemountainpark.com
November 25-January 12
Wild Lights at Riverbanks Zoo
Columbia
Stroll through the zoo and see more than 60 larger-than-life handcrafted lanterns inspired by nature. Includes nightly snowfall, fun activities, photo ops and visits with Santa (through December 23). riverbanks.org
November 29-December 1
Cirque du Soleil
Atlanta
The acrobatic performance artists present ’Twas the Night Before… at Fox Theatre. Times vary. foxtheatre.org
November 29-December 31
Old Fashioned Christmas
Dahlonega
Month-long event includes horse-drawn carriage rides, Christmas high tea, winter wine walks, Christmas market, visits with Santa, Christmas concerts and theater performances, children’s ornament tree and more. dahlonegachristmas.com
November 30
Savannah Harbor Boat Parade of Lights
Savannah
Nearly 50 boats decorated in holiday cheer parade down the riverfront at 7 p.m. Begins at Eastern Wharf Dock. The Captains will continue down the river past River Street and Plant Riverside District, ending back at the Eastern Wharf Dock. savannahboatparadeoflights.com
December 3-24
A Christmas Tradition
Savannah
Two-hour variety show that features Frosty, dancing reindeer, Santa and his elves, Christmas standards, comedy and audience participation. Multiple showtimes at the Historic Savannah Theatre. savannahtheatre.com
December 4
Pentatonix
Duluth
The a cappella group presents its Hallelujah! It’s a Christmas Tour at 7:30 p.m. Gas South Arena. gassouthdistrict.com
December 5
Derek Hough Dance For The Holidays
Charleston
Hough’s latest dance spectacular brings holiday tunes to life through dance. 7:30 p.m. North Charleston Performing Arts Center. northcharlestoncoliseumpac.com
December 7-26
The Nutcracker
Atlanta
Atlanta Ballet performs its custom version of the Christmas classic set to the iconic Tchaikovsky score. Various times. Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. atlantaballet.com
December 8
Wine Under the Oaks
Mt. Pleasant
Annual holiday event features wine samples and pairings, desserts, oysters, cooking demos, artwork displays, gifts, live music and silent auctions. 1-5 p.m. boonehallplantation.com
December 11
A Gullah Christmas Concert
Charleston
Boone Hall Plantation presents a holiday concert and Gullah storytelling by the Plantation Singers at the Cotton Dock. Complimentary hot chocolate, cider and cookies available before the performance. 7:30 p.m. $15-$30. Limited seating. boonehallplantation.com
December 12
Little Big Town + Sugarland
Duluth
The country music artists perform their 25th Anniversary Take Me Home Tour with special guests The Castellows. 7 p.m. Gas South Arena. gassouthdistrict.com
December 12-13
Victorian Christmas Festival
Thomasville
Downtown festival features live reindeer, St. Nick, carolers, street theater, carriage rides, community sing-alongs, live nativity, train rides for children, chestnut roasting and marshmallow toasting. 6-9 p.m. thomasvillega.com
December 12-14
Grand Illumination and Dinner
Charleston
Join costumed interpreters and trained actors as they take you back to Christmas 1782. Includes dramatic presentations, tours, historic beverages and a traditional holiday buffet dinner. 6-8 p.m. Middleton Place. middletonplace.org
December 12-22
Charleston Christmas Special
Charleston
Two-hour show features holiday musical performances and comedy sketches. 7 p.m., with 2 p.m. matinees Sat. and Sun. Charleston Music Hall. bradandjennifermoranz.com
December 14
Holiday Tour of Homes and Inns
Savannah
Take self-guided tours of select historic inns and private residences in downtown Savannah. Two tours available; advance reservations recommended. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. dnaholidaytour.com
Holiday Parade of Boats
Charleston
Lighted, holiday-themed boats proceed from the Cooper River, through the Charleston Harbor and into the Ashley River. Begins along the shores of Mount Pleasant at 5 p.m., and viewing from the downtown peninsula starts around 7:30 p.m. Free. visit-historic-charleston.com
December 22
Samara Joy
Atlanta
The Grammy-winning jazz singer performs Joyful Holiday Tour with special guests The McLendon Family. 8 p.m. foxtheatre.org
December 27
Straight No Chaser
Atlanta
The professional a cappella group performs its 25th Anniversary Top Shelf Tour at 8 p.m. foxtheatre.org
December 31
New Year’s Eve Flip Flop Drop & Fireworks
Folly Beach
Evening begins with family friendly festivities followed by fireworks over the beach at 7 p.m. Then gather on Center Street to watch the giant pair of huge, sparkly flip-flops descend to mark the stroke of midnight. visitfolly.com
January 1
Tybee Polar Plunge
Tybee Island
Plunge into the Atlantic Ocean on New Year’s Day wearing your wackiest costume. Gang of Goofs costume contest and parade is 10:30 a.m. followed by plunge at noon. Tybee Island Pier. tybeeisland.com
“Bill Murray Look-a-Like” Polar Bear Plunge
Folly Beach
Dress up as your favorite Bill Murray character and plunge into the chilly Atlantic for this wacky
annual New Year’s Day tradition. Prizes awarded. Contest registration 11 a.m., contest at noon, plunge at 1 p.m. from the beach in front of Tides Hotel. visitfolly.com
January 2
Mamma Mia
Charleston
Musical set in Greece features the hits of ABBA. North Charleston Performing Arts Center. northcharlestoncoliseumpac.com
To have your event considered for publication, please submit materials to info@columbiacountymag.com. All listings require a two-month lead time.
