FRIDAY, DEC. 19

Candy Cane Hunt
Bring the kids to Crooked Creek Park (1098 Old Lexington Hwy.) for some holiday fun with a candy cane hunt. Santa and his elves are hiding candy canes all around the park for you to find, and some even come with special prizes. Kids ages one to 12 are invited to grab their baskets or bags and join in the fun as they race to find as many candy canes as they can. Check-in for the candy cane hunt begins at 3:30 p.m., and the hunt officially starts at 4:15 p.m. Participants are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate, spreading holiday cheer to families in need. Admission is $3. Visit icrc.net/event/candy-cane-hunt for more information.

Whiskey Run (concert)
Skyline Club (100 Lee St.) is open again and going strong, and popular band Whiskey Run is headlining the show tonight. Whiskey Run, “one of the South’s premiere bands,” plays country hits and originals to get you dancing from 9 p.m. to midnight. Visit facebook.com/skylineclub803 for ticket information.

Deceased Farm Winter Slaying
If you’re looking for a creepier Christmas activity, why not head over to Deceased Farms (382 Olde Farm Rd.) for a scary walk through the Winter Slaying haunted attraction. Brave a self-guided tour if you dare, featuring six terrifying buildings, 11 intense outdoor areas and the infamous creepy corn field. Deceased Farm Winter Slaying runs from 7 to 10 p.m. General admission tickets are $30, fast pass tickets are $45 and VIP tickets are $70. Visit deceasedfarm.com for more information.

SATURDAY, DEC. 20

The Christmas Angel 2025 (ballet)
The Harbison Theatre at Midlands Technical College (7300 College Blvd.) and the Nova Ballet present a breathtaking original program called “The Christmas Angel.” Now celebrating its 25th year, “The Christmas Angel” is a magical journey. With unforgettable characters, a heartfelt story, breathtaking scenery, exquisite costumes and brilliant dancing, this production is captivating fun for all ages. Showtime is 7 p.m. and tickets cost between $16 and $21. Visit harbisontheatre.org for more information.

Willie Walker & Conversation Piece (concert)
Chayz Lounge (607 Meeting St.), and the popular local ensemble Willie Walker & Conversation Piece, invite you to a special presentation called “A Night of Jazzy Grooves.” Enjoy an upscale dinner club experience and expect to hear smooth-jazz and soulful versions of hits and classics by Beyoncé, Stevie Wonder, The Crusaders and Kirk Whalum to the soulful hits of Tevin Campbell, Kem, Gregory Porter, Chuck Brown and many more. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and showtime is 8 p.m. Reserved seating tickets are $45. Dressy attire is required. Visit chayzlounge.com for more information.

Prettier Than Matt (concert)
Popular local pop-rockers Prettier Than Matt performs at O’Hara’s Public House (131 E. Main St.). The group plays a mix of catchy originals and classic covers starting at 7 p.m. This show is free to attend. Visit oharas-public-house.com for more information.

SUNDAY, DEC. 21

Wild Lights
Riverbanks Zoo & Garden (500 Wildlife Pkwy.) invites you and the kids to enjoy Wild Lights. Take a walk through the zoo and check out more than 60 larger-than-life handcrafted wildlife lantern displays inspired by nature. Plus, there’s nightly snowfall, photo ops and visits with Santa. Wild Lights run from 5 to 9 p.m. and admission is $25.99. Visit riverbanks.org for more information.

Trey Duncan (concert)
Savage Craft Ale Works (430 Center St.) hosts singer/songwriter Trey Duncan. Enjoy a set full of country, rock and soul as Duncan plays hits and classics by Stevie Ray Vaughan, Dolly Parton, Tyler Childers and Chris Stapleton, along with his own rough-hewn originals. This event is free to attend and runs from 3 to 6 p.m. Visit facebook.com/savagecraftaleworks for more information.

Holly Saves Christmas
The Batesburg-Leesville Branch Library invites you to a fun holiday children’s play called “Holly Saves Christmas.” This Porkchop Productions presentation is an original holiday tale designed to grow even the Grinchiest heart. “Holly Saves Christmas” runs from 3 to 4 p.m. and is free to attend. Visit lexcolibrary.com for more information.

MONDAY, DEC. 22

Monday Morning Book Club
The Lexington Main Library (5440 Augusta Rd.) welcomes you to its Monday Morning Book Club. The club reads a variety of books and encourages lively discussion in a friendly, casual atmosphere. The Monday Evening Book Club is free to attend and runs from 10 to 11 a.m. Visit lexcolibrary.com for more information.

TUESDAY, DEC. 23

Holiday Lights on the River
Bring the family to Saluda Shoals Park (6071 St. Andrews Rd.) to enjoy Holiday Lights on the River. Take in millions of sparkling lights and colorful displays, enjoy some fun activities, concessions, a laser light show and a visit to Santa Claus’ gift shop! Admission costs between $25-$30 per car, depending on the date, and $50-$75 per bus or van. Activities are included with admission. Visit icrc.net for more information.

Across the county line

The SC State Museum (301 Gervais St.) invites you to experience the Northern Lights in a new way with “Áróra” on Friday, Dec. 19. Created by some of Iceland’s leading scientists, artists and musicians, Áróra is a sweeping, epic presentation projected onto the 55-foot digital dome of the museum’s BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina Planetarium. It takes you across Iceland’s breathtaking landscapes and into outer space to uncover the mystery and science behind the aurora borealis. “Áróra” shows from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and admission costs between $15 and $18. Visit scmuseum.org/explore/astronomy/planetarium/arora for more information.

Historic Columbia invites you to take a Historic Holiday Tour on Friday, Dec. 19. Step back in time and explore two of Columbia’s most iconic homes: The Robert Mills House and the Hampton-Preston Mansion. Each house is decorated for the holidays with an emphasis on 19th-century items and cultural touchstones. You’ll also hear stories about the local customs and unique ways that people of the Midlands celebrated Christmas back in the day. These 75-minute guided tours run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and admission costs between $14 and $20. Visit historiccolumbia.org for more information.

Bierkeller Columbia (600 Canalside St.) invites you to its annual Weihnachtsmarkt Christmas Market on Saturday, Dec. 20. Come experience the unique atmosphere of Germany’s Christmas markets right here in Columbia. The market features local vendors, specialty foods, classical live music, holiday and otherwise festive lights, hot mulled Glühwein, hot chocolate and much more. This event is free to attend and runs from noon til 8 p.m. Visit bierkellercolumbia.com for more information.

The Town Theatre (1012 Sumter St.) invites you to enjoy a classic Dickens tale with a twist on Saturday, Dec. 20, with its production of “A Christmas Carol: The Musical.” This musical adaptation by Broadway legends Alan Menken and Lynn Ahrens brings new life to Charles Dickens’ beloved tale. Follow  Ebenezer Scrooge, a wealthy miser who values riches over relationships, as he’s visited by the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future. Through these encounters, Scrooge discovers the true spirit of the season and the joy of generosity. Showtime is 3 p.m. Visit towntheatre.com for ticket prices and other information.

The Koger Center for the Arts (1051 Greene St.) and the South Carolina Ballet present the holiday classic “The Nutcracker” on Sunday, Dec. 21. This year’s production is thoughtfully updated, drawing inspiration from the rich history of the South. Every scene will be enhanced by brand-new sets and custom-made backdrops, presenting a more vibrant and colorful production than ever before. Showtime is 3 p.m. and tickets cost between $57 and $62. Visit kogercenterforthearts.com for more information.