NOTE: Please check all venue websites for updated information.
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
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
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 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
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
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 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 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 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.
