Lexington County Lights

Lights at Riverbanks

The Riverbanks Zoo and Garden (500 Wildlife Pkwy.) hosts its annual Christmas light event (known previously as Lights Before Christmas). The zoo will be illuminated by nearly a million lights. You can also take a photo with Santa and roast marshmallows at the Jingle Bell Bonfire. The event continues through Dec. 30 on select dates. Visit riverbanks.org for more information.

Holiday Lights on the River

Enjoy an evening of holiday lights and activities at Saluda Shoals Park East (6071 St Andrews Rd. in Columbia). The park will have three miles of lights featuring colorful, animated light displays of all shapes and sizes. There will also be a tube slide, a hayride train, a laser light show on the Wetland Trail, and kids can write and color a letter to Santa in the Environmental Center. Santa will also be there for photos, and Santa’s Claus’et Gift Shop will be open for holiday shopping. Concessions, beer and wine will be available for purchase. The event recurs nightly through Dec. 31, and admission costs between $25 and $75 (available activities vary on some nights). Visit icrc.net for more information.

Friday — Dec. 30

Zac Kellum (concert)

Country singer-songwriter Zac Kellum performs at Steel Hands Brewing (2350 Foreman St. in Cayce). Kellum will perform a mix of covers and originals from 6 to 10 p.m. The show is free to attend. Visit facebook.com/steelhandsbrewing for more information. 

Sam & Illia (concert)

The musical duo Sam & Illia perform at Savage Craft Ale Works (430 Center St. in West Columbia). They’ll play from 7 to 10 p.m., and the show is free to attend. Visit facebook.com/savagecraftaleworks for more information. 

Saturday — Dec. 31

New Year’s Eve Party

Bill’s Music Shop & Pickin’ Parlor (710 Meeting St. in West Columbia) hosts a New Year’s Eve party and potluck. Bring your favorite dish and enjoy live music courtesy of the country/bluegrass band Haywire. There will also be DJ music by request from 6 to 7 p.m. on Bill’s large hardwood dance floor. Admission is a $10 donation. Visit billsmusicshop.com for more information. 

NYE Cover Show (concert)

New Brookland Tavern (122 State St. in West Columbia) presents its annual New Year’s Eve cover show. There will be an NSYNC drag performance, along with local bands performing cover sets as Britney Spears, Kings Of Leon, The Strokes, and The White Stripes. Showtime is 6 p.m., and tickets cost $15 in advance and $18 at the door. This is an all-ages show. Visit newbrooklandtavern.com for more information. 

New Year’s Eve Party 

Celebrate New Year’s Eve in style at Chayz Lounge (607 Meeting St. in West Columbia) as it hosts “New Year’s Eve Through the Decades.” The Tre’King Band will have you grooving to hot hits from the ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s until the ball drops. Will feature songs by KC & the Sunshine Band, Wild Cherry, Bruno Mars, a touch of reggae and house Music, and more. Showtime is 9 p.m., and tickets cost between $85 and $95. Dressy attire is required. Visit chayzlounge.com for more information. 

New Year’s Eve Bash 

The Skyline Club (100 Lee St.) holds its New Year’s Eve bash, with live music from Maddie Rean and Sabin Sharpe, food and drink specials, door prizes and a balloon drop at midnight. The doors open at 6 p.m., and the music starts at 9 p.m. Admission is $15 in advance, $20 at the door and $20 for VIP seating. Visit facebook.com/skylineclub803 for more information. 

Comedy Countdown

Enjoy a New Year’s Eve of stand-up comedy at Corley Mill House & Gardens (221 Corley Mill Rd.). Award-winning local comedian Jenn Snyder headlines a show that also features Pate Gardner, Lauren Ansley, and The Bustercups. There will also be food and drink specials. Showtime is 9 p.m., and admission is $100. Visit corleymillhouse.com for more information. 

New Year’s Eve Pawty

Join Modern Companion Pet Boutique (508 B Lexington Ave. in Chapin) for its second annual New Year’s Eve Pawty. Pets are more than welcome at this party, and the Mixology Bark Cart will be cranking out drink specials all night long. There will also be catered food, a decked-out photo wall, exclusive VIP in-store deals, treat tasting, and much more. The pawty starts at 8 p.m., and admission is $25. Visit themoderncompanion.com for more information. 

New Year’s Eve Celebration

Head over to The FARM (1127 Corley Mill Rd.) for a New Year’s Eve celebration. There will be oysters, barbecue and country music to help you ring in the New Year. The celebration begins at 7 p.m., and tickets cost between $115 and $150. Visit thefarm1780.com for more information. 

Tuesday — Jan. 3

Music Bingo

Come play Music Bingo every Tuesday night at O’Hara’s Public House (131 E. Main St.). Enjoy an evening of music-related clues and compete for prizes including O’Hara’s Gift Cards. Music Bingo begins at 6:30 p.m. and runs until 8:30 p.m. It is free to attend and play. Visit facebook.com/oharasph for more information.

Detectives and Desserts Book Club

Join the Cayce-West Columbia Branch library (1500 Augusta Rd.) for a meeting of their Detectives and Desserts book club. Read cozy mysteries and fun, light-hearted adventures and share a delectable dessert. The book club runs from 6pm to 7pm and is free to attend. Visit lexcolibrary.com for more information. 

Across the County Line

Capital City Fireworks

The City of Columbia hosts a midnight fireworks display downtown Dec. 31 to ring in 2023: “The best viewing area of the fireworks display will be on the north side of the South Carolina State House along Gervais Street and Main Street.” Meter and city garage parking will be complimentary. 

New Year’s Eve at Market on Main

The Market On Main (1320 Main St. in Columbia) hosts a New Year’s Eve party on Dec. 31. There will be a hand-crafted three-course meal from Chef Howard Stephens, an open bar all night, live music from Radio Source, a complimentary champagne toast with sparklers, and you can watch the ball drop on the big screen. The event begins at 7 p.m., and admission costs between $125 and $150. Visit facebook.com/momcolasc for more information. 

Dueling Pianos New Year's Celebration/The Revue: Drag Brunch Edition

Enjoy a different kind of New Year’s Eve at The Venue (1626 Main St. in Columbia). The Dec. 31 event features the dueling pianos of Clarence and Greg. The Venue’s full dinner menu will be available along with some New Year’s Eve drink and food specials. Showtime is 9:30 p.m. The Venue also hosts a drag brunch Jan. 1 hosted by Paris Lefaris. The brunch goes from noon to 3 p.m. Admission costs $5. Visit thevenuesc.com for more information. 

Y2K 2023

The Senate (1022 Senate St. in Columbia) presents a throwback New Year’s Eve on Dec. 31. Revisit the ’90s and Y2K with a massive block party at both The Senate and the adjoining Tin Roof. This party is for ages 21 and up only, and it begins at 7 p.m. Admission is $32 per four-person table. Visit thesenatecolumbia.com for more information. 

First Thursday on Main

The Columbia Museum of Art (1515 Main St.) hosts First Thursday on Jan. 5. Enjoy free admission courtesy of Dominion Energy and extended hours. Go on a guided tour of the featured exhibition, “The Art of Elizabeth Catlett: From the Collection of Samella Lewis,” at 6 p.m. The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Last gallery entry at 7:30 p.m. Visit columbiamuseum.org for more information.