FRIDAY, DEC. 13

Wild Lights
The Riverbanks Zoo & Garden (500 Wildlife Pkwy.) invites you and the kids to brighten up your Friday night with Wild Lights. From polar bears to flamingos, explore an illuminated wildlife safari featuring more than 60 brand-new larger-than-life lantern displays inspired by nature. Along the way, discover engaging interactive displays and fun photo opportunities. Wild Lights runs from 5 to 9 p.m. Admission is $20.99 for adults ages 13 and up ($10.99 for members) and $15.99 for children ($7.99 for members). Visit riverbanks.org/events/wild-lights for more information.

Holiday Lights on the River
Saluda Shoals Park (6071 St. Andrews Rd.) brings their annual Christmas tradition to life once again with Holiday Lights on the River. Bring the kids and tour through three miles of festive lights—more than a million in total. Your ticket also includes access to the Winter Wonder Tube Slide, hayrides and train rides, and the chance to write a letter to Santa. Holiday Lights on the River runs from 6 to 10 p.m., and admission is $25 per car, $50 for a 12-passenger van, and $75 for buses. Visit icrc.net for more information.

The Two Claras 2024
The Harbison Theatre at Midlands Technical College (7300 College Blvd.) and the CCJ Conservatory Dance Company present their modernized version of “The Nutcracker” called “The Two Claras.” CCJ has performed this piece for 15 years. It’s a heartwarming holiday tale about two friends named Clara and the Christmas adventures they share through the years. This family-friendly production kicks off at 7 p.m., and admission is $20. Visit harbisontheatre.org for more information.

SATURDAY, DEC. 14

Old Timey Christmas Festival
The Town of Chapin invites you to their annual Old Timey Christmas Festival at the Chapin Town Hall (157 NW Columbia Ave.). This event features the traditional Christmas tree lighting at 7:30 p.m., visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus, and special holiday readings from some of Chapin’s favorite people. Kids can enjoy activities led by enthusiastic volunteers, and you can sing along with carolers and listen to live music while shopping with hand-picked Christmas vendors. This event begins at 8 a.m. and is free to attend. Visit chapinsc.com/324/Old-Timey-Christmas for more information.

Marcel Anderson (concert)
Chayz Lounge (607 Meeting St.) and internationally known neo-soul singer Marcel Anderson present “An Evening of Soulful Grooves.” Expect to hear hits and classics by Marvin Gaye, Carl Thomas, Anthony Hamilton, John Legend, Stevie Wonder, Bill Withers, Frankie Beverly & Maze and more. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and showtime is 8 p.m. Admission is $30. Dressy attire is required. Visit chayzlounge.com for more information.

Little Bethlehem
In 2007, the First Baptist Church of Gilbert (403 Peach Festival Rd.) began a new Christmas venture: a live, outdoor Christmas drama, with buildings replicating the town of Bethlehem at the time of Christ’s birth. The manger and Christ Child are at the center, and visitors can walk through the main street of the town, interacting with church members dressed as townspeople. The drama, called “Little Bethlehem,” is a free gift to visitors. “Little Bethlehem” runs from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Visit firstbaptistgilbert.org for more information.

SUNDAY, DEC. 15

Southern Sky – A Tribute to the Eagles (concert)
The Icehouse Amphitheater (107 W. Main St.) takes you back to the classic rock era with Southern Sky – A Tribute to the Eagles. This group of local music veterans plays each role, from Don Henley to Joe Walsh, to perfection, performing note-perfect versions of classics like “Hotel California,” “Life in the Fast Lane,” “Take It to the Limit” and many more. Showtime is 3 p.m., and tickets are $22. Visit icehouseamphitheater.com for more information.

Elliott Poston (concert)
Rising S.C. country singer-songwriter Elliott Poston performs at Steel Hands Brewing (2350 Foreman St.). Poston plays a mix of covers and originals from 1 to 4 p.m. This event is free to attend. Visit facebook.com/steelhandsbrewing for more information.

TUESDAY, DEC. 17

Historically Speaking
The Lexington County History Museum’s lecture program, “Historically Speaking,” continues at the Lexington Main Branch Library (5440 Augusta Rd.). Each month, museum staff discuss a different aspect of Lexington County history. This event is free to attend and begins at 6:30 p.m. Visit lexingtoncountymuseum.org for more information.

Winter Band Concert
The Lexington 2 school district and Fulmer Middle School present the school’s Winter Band Concert at the Lexington Two Performing Arts Center (3205 Platt Springs Rd.). Enjoy an evening of classical favorites and maybe even a few holiday tunes. This show is free to attend and begins at 6 p.m. Visit l2pac.lex2.org for more information.

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 18

Family Palooza: Santa Visit
The Gaston Branch Library (214 S. Main St.) unveils a special holiday surprise at their weekly Family Palooza night: Santa Claus. Bring the kids, enjoy a snack, and visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Be sure to bring your camera to capture holiday memories. This event is free to attend and runs from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Visit lexcolibrary.com for more information.

Across the county line

Congaree National Park (100 National Park Rd.) invites you to their Owl Prowl event on Friday, Dec. 13. Owls are mysterious creatures to many, as we often only hear them calling at night outside our homes. On this 1.5-hour guided hike along the Boardwalk and Sims Trail, a guide talks about the unique adaptations owls have made that allow them to be such capable hunters, and how they use their senses to survive and thrive in the dark. This event is free to attend and runs from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Registration is required. Visit nps.gov/cong/index.htm for more information.

Williams Brice Stadium (1125 George Rogers Blvd.) throws a holiday party with their Making Spirits Bright Holiday Pop-Up Experience on Friday, Dec. 13. Meet in the Traditions Club at the stadium, bring the family and enjoy a wide array of festive lights and decorations. This event is presented by Coca-Cola, and admission is $10. Kids 2 and under get in free. Buying tickets in advance is recommended due to high demand. This event runs from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Visit fevo-enterprise.com/group/Makingspiritsbright2024 for more information.

The SC State Museum (301 Gervais St.) continues their Saturday Santa series on Saturday, Dec. 14. Enjoy a meet-and-greet with Santa Claus, see the immersive “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” 4D show, experience the Northern Lights in the digital dome planetarium show, shop for unique holiday gifts in the museum store, and grab a bite from The Crescent Café by The Food Academy. This event runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and admission costs between $10 and $13. Visit scmuseum.org for more information.

Bierkeller Columbia (600 Canalside St. Unit 1009) invites you to their annual Weihnachtsmarkt Christmas Market on Saturday, Dec. 14. The market, located on the Canalside Plaza on the banks of the Congaree River, features local vendors, specialty foods, classic Christmas and other live music, festive lights, hot mulled Glühwein, hot chocolate and holiday beers. This event runs from noon to 9 p.m. and is free to attend. Visit bierkellercolumbia.com for more information.

The South Carolina Ballet and the Koger Center for the Arts (1051 Greene St.) present their annual performance of “The Nutcracker” on Sunday, Dec. 15. This year’s production, inspired by the rich history of the South, is thoughtfully updated for a modern and diverse audience. Every scene is enhanced by the SC Ballet’s new set of custom-made backdrops that make the entire production more vibrant and colorful than ever before. Showtime is 1 p.m., and tickets cost between $35 and $60. Visit kogercenterforthearts.com for more information.