PARADES

Gaston Christmas Parade

The parade begins at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 11, and goes down Gaston St., makes a right on Mack St. and another right on Carlisle St. to end in front of Town Hall. Find out more at facebook.com/townofgaston.

South Congaree Christmas Parade

The parade rolls at 10 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 12, withe route going down South Congaree’s Main Street. Meet Santa following the parade at the Christmas tree. Trophies will be awarded in three categories. For more info, call 843-680-6956.

Greater CWC Chamber Holiday Parade of Lights

Cayce and West Columbia’s parade rolls at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 11, starting infront of the Cayce Municipal Complex, proceeding down 12th Street and ending at the corner of Highway 1 in West columbia. More info is available at cwchamber.com.

Pelion Festival of Lights Parade

Pelion’s parade begins at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 11, at the intersection in front of the Pelion Senior Center and Pelion Branch Library, heading down Highway 6 and ending at the Community Center across from the Lexington County Fire Station. Call 803- 894-2520 for more info.

THURSDAY — DEC. 9

“Cheaper by the Dozen” (play)

Village Square Theatre opens its new production on Friday, with showtimes continuing through Dec. 19. The offering is an adaptation of the semi-autobiographical novel by Frank Bunker Gilbreth Jr. and Ernistine Gilbreth Carey about a family of 12 children whose father is focused on efficiency. This week, there will be 7:30 p.m. shows on Thursday, Friday. and Saturday, and a 3 p.m. matinee on Sunday. Tickets range from $14 to $18. Find out more at villagesquaretheatre.com.

FRIDAY — DEC. 10

”The Two Claras” (ballet)

There are many “Nutcracker” productions in the Midlands, and here’s another that tries to provide a new wrinkle. The “heartwarming contemporary rendition of ‘The Nutcracker’’ performed by the pre-professional dancers of the Columbia City Jazz Company. The production can be seen at 7 p.m. on Friday and 1 and 7 p.m. on Saturday at the Harbison Theatre at Midlands Tech (7300 College St.). More info is available at harbisontheatre.org.

Tim Elliott (concert)

Country singer Tim Elliott, best known for the humble and earnest ode of devotion “I Got You,” tours through the Skyline Club (100 Lee St. in West Columbia) this week. The concert starts at 9 p.m. Tickets cost $5. Find more info at facebook.com/skylineclub803.

SATURDAY — DEC. 11

2021 Irmo Holiday Market

Lexington County continues to offer options to shop until you drop. The inaugural Irmo Holiday Market at Steve Padgett’s Honda of Lake Murray (750 Western Lane). Local businesses will sell their wares alongside live music, face painting, bounce houses and opportunities to meet Irmo first responders and snag a photo with Santa. The event goes from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Find out more at greaterirmochamber.com.

Authors for Literacy

Once more, The Lexington County Chronicle and Fish Wrapper join with Lexington County Library and Sign It Quick for the Authors for Literacy event. 22 local authors will be on hand from 1 to 3 p.m. at the main branch of the Lexington County Public Library (5440 Augusta Rd.), signing books for people on your Christmas list (including yourself, you deserve it). Call 803-331-6695 for more info.

Brandon Stevens (concert)

Charlotte singer Brandon Stevens returns to the Chayz Lounge (607 Meeting St. in West Columbia) for a night of contemporary R&B, riding engaging but relaxing instrumental with his honey-smooth voice. Concert starts at 8 p.m., and tickets cost $25. More info is available at chayzlounge. com.

SUNDAY — DEC. 12

Lexington County Museum Christmas Open House

Get in the historic holiday spirit at the museum (131 Fox St.) Many of the historic structures on the property will be open and decorated for the holiday. There will be offerings such as a blacksmith demonstrating his craft, a 19th century kitchen demonstration and the Slave Dwelling Project program “inalienable Rigths.” Refreshments including gingerbread and hot apple cider will be served. The event is free to attend and goes from 1 to 4 p.m. Find out more at lexingtoncountymuseum.org.

Holiday Farmers Market

Moving off its regular third Thursday date, the market on The Farm (1127 Corley Mill Road) is back for holiday shopping as well as the regular selection of produce, farm-fresh eggs and other goods. Tiffany Mariano will offer a fireside reading of her book “Green Beans & Tangerines. Scott Hall Catering will serve food and Guy Lip scomb will perform music. The event goes from 1 to 5 p.m. More info is available at thfarm1780.com.

Holiday Pops (concert)

The S.C. Philharmonic make their annual holiday trek into Lexington County for this performance of “classic carols and holiday anthems” in the cozy, acoustically rich Harbison Theatre at Midlands Tech (7300 College St. in Irmo). Tickets are $40 (if they’re still available, they tend to go fast). The concert starts at 3:30 p.m. Find more info at harbisontheatre.org.

Mt. Tabor Christmas Concert

The Mt. Tabor Lutheran Church (1000 B Ave. in West Columbia) choirs perform Christmas music at this event. The concert starts at 5 p.m. Find out more at mttaborluthrean.org.

LEXINGTON COUNTY LIGHTS

Lights Before Christmas

Holidays and animals and lights, oh my! Riverbanks Zoo & Garden (500 Wildlife Pkwy.) holds its annual Lights Before Christmas event on select nights in November and December starting Nov. 20. Hours are 5 to 9 p.m. each night. The festivities include Santa’s Village, an animated LED story tree, the Candy Cane Carousel, the North Pole Express and snacks such as s’mores. Admission is $12 for adults and $10 for children. There are additional fees for some activities. Find out more at riverbanks.org.

Holiday Lights on the River

One of the area’s popular parks will again transform at night with what it says are “millions of sparkling lights.” Holiday Lights on the River at Saluda Shoals Park (6071 St. Andrews Rd.) says it’s “the Midlands’ largest drive-through light show,” and it returns Nov. 25 through Dec. 31, going from 6 to 10 p.m. nightly. In addition to the more than three miles of animated light displays, there will be a “winter wonder tube slide,” a hayride and train that go through the lights, a laser light show on the Wetland Trail and holiday movie screenings. No activities Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve or Christmas night. Santa’s Claus’et Gift Shop (get it?) will offer holiday shopping. Concessions, beer and wine will be available for purchase. Admission for cars is $25. Find more info at icrc.net.

ACROSS THE COUNTY LINE

Edwin McCain

South Carolina’s favorite soft-rocking son is back with a full band at the Newberry Opera House on Dec. 10. The “I’ll Be” singer begins his concert at 8 p.m. Tickets for the intimate show cost $100. Find out more at newberryoperahouse.org.

Gullah Spirit Launch Party

At this event, Charleston artist Jonathan Green, renowned for his depictions of Gullah culture, will sign copies of his new book, “Gullah Spirit,” featuring 179 of his paintings. There will also be a choral performance inspired by his art. Festivite start at 6 p.m. on Dec. 16 at the Koger Center (1051 Greene St. in Columbia). Tickets cost $65. More info is available at kogercenterforthearts.com.