FRIDAY, DEC. 27

Wild Lights
The Riverbanks Zoo & Garden (500 Wildlife Pkwy.) invites you and the kids to take one last holiday spin through their Wild Lights display. 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 p.m. 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.) winds up their yearly tradition with the last few dates for the Holiday Lights on the River display. This year, visitors can immerse themselves in a festive atmosphere featuring colorful animated displays that stretch over three magical miles. Admission includes activities like the Winter Wonder Tube Slide, hayrides and train rides, a laser light show and the chance to write a letter to Santa. Holiday Lights on the River runs from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Admission is $25 per car, $50 per 12-passenger van and $75 per bus. Visit icrc.net for more information.

Kyle Dills (concert)
Rock Hill’s own singer-songwriter Kyle Dills performs at Steel Hands Brewing (2350 Foreman St.). Dills plays a mix of his own country music songs and covers starting at 6 p.m. and running until 10 p.m. This show is free to attend. Visit facebook.com/@steelhandsbrewing for more information.

SATURDAY, DEC. 28

Willie Walker & Conversation Piece (concert)
Chayz Lounge (607 Meeting St.) and bandleader Willie Walker present “A Night of Jazzy Grooves.” Expect to hear hits and classics by Kool & the Gang, Beyoncé, Chuck Brown, Stevie Wonder, Gregory Porter, the Crusaders, Roy Hargrove, Kem, Gregory Porter, Kirk Whalum and more. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and showtime is 8 p.m. Tickets are $30. Dressy attire is required. Visit chayzlounge.com for more information.

Sunset Cruise
Hop on board The Spirit of Lake Murray (docked at 216 Shadowood Dr.) for a lovely Sunset Cruise. This history cruise lasts two hours and features open seating and a full bar and menu available for purchase. Seating is first-come, first-served. The cruise will depart promptly at 12 p.m. and return at 2 p.m. Tickets for adults are $49, and tickets for children 10 and under are $40. Visit spiritoflakemurray.com for more information.

SUNDAY, DEC. 29

Joal Rush (concert)
Singer-songwriter Joal Rush performs at Steel Hands Brewing (2350 Foreman St.). Rush plays a mix of covers and originals from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. This show is free to attend. Visit facebook.com/steelhandsbrewing for more information.

TUESDAY, DEC. 31

New Year’s Eve Noir & Neon
Savage Craft Ale Works (430 Center St.) rings in the New Year in style with the New Year’s Eve Noir & Neon party. Savage Craft transforms into a dark noir dreamscape with glowing neon and UV lighting. Each space is decorated with luminous, vivid colors, creating an ambiance that enhances the celebration's electricity. Capture the magic with a 360-degree photo booth, and as the countdown to midnight begins, enjoy a celebratory champagne toast. This event kicks off at 5 p.m. Visit facebook.com/savagecraftaleworks for more information.

4th Annual New Year’s Eve Pawty
Modern Companion Pet Boutique (508 B Lexington Ave.) invites you to their 4th Annual New Year’s Eve Pawty. Bring your fur baby and enjoy games, treats for humans and pets, and the chance to capture New Year’s photos of your very good boy or girl in style. This event runs from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., and admission is $25. Visit themoderncompanion.com for more information.

Columbia’s Comedy Countdown
Corley Mill House & Gardens (221 Corley Mill Rd.) throws a bash with some laughs as Columbia’s Comedy Countdown sends you into 2025 with a smile. Join host Dusty Cagle, comedian Shelley Gruenberg and headliner Sean Finnerty, and enjoy a buffet, an open bar, party favors, a champagne toast at midnight and more. This event is for ages 21 and older and is presented by Heroes & Dragons comic book store. The Countdown kicks off at 9 p.m., and tickets are $100. Visit corleymillhouse.com for more information.

Teen Scene: New Year’s Eve Bash
The Gaston Branch Library (214 South Main St.) throws a family-friendly party with their Teen Scene New Year’s Eve Bash. Enjoy a screening of the hit film High School Musical (rated G), grab some tasty snacks and make fun crafts. This event runs from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. and is for teens grades 9–12. It is free to attend. Visit lexcolibrary.com for more information.

New Year’s Eve Cocktail Party
The Bistro (1085 Lake Murray Blvd.) hosts a New Year’s Eve Cocktail Party. Enjoy music by DJ Fire of RC Entertainment, sample delicious hors d’oeuvres, try a curated selection of beer and wine and raise your glass for a midnight champagne toast. This event runs from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m., and admission is $100. Visit bistroontheblvd.com for more information.

Across the county line

Carter & Holmes Orchids (629 Mendenhall Rd.) invites you to their Holiday Plant Fair on Saturday, Dec. 28. This is the final Holiday Plant Fair of the year at Carter & Holmes, which means it’s the last time you’ll get big holiday discounts on whatever plants you buy. This event runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is free to attend. Visit facebook.com/carterandholmesorchids for more information.

Platinum-selling, Grammy-nominated R&B singer Kem performs at Township Auditorium (1703 Taylor St.) on Sunday, Dec. 29. The Motown vocalist, who scored hits with “Love Calls,” “I Can’t Stop Loving You,” “Why Would You Stay” and many more, performs at 8 p.m., following an opening set from special guest J. Brown. Tickets cost between $52.50 and $132.50. Visit thetownship.org for more information.

Bierkeller Columbia (600 Canalside St., Unit 1009) invites you to their annual German New Year’s Party on Tuesday, Dec. 31. Celebrate the turn of the year at 6 p.m., which is midnight in Germany. Enjoy a festive countdown, toasts, delicious food and drinks, and plenty of merriment, all while wrapping up early enough for those with little ones at home. This event runs from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., and admission is $99. Visit bierkellercolumbia.com for more information.

Carolina Western Pub (920 Lady St.) hosts their annual New Year’s Eve County Bash on Tuesday, Dec. 31. Enjoy drink specials, a champagne toast at midnight and live music all night from the popular variety band Bourbon Boulevard. This event runs from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m., and admission is $99. Visit carolinawesternpub.com for more information.

Altitude Trampoline Park (7451 Garners Ferry Rd.) invites you and the kids to their Noon Year’s Eve Party on Tuesday, Dec. 31. Your $25 ticket includes two hours of trampoline jumping, a balloon drop, a sparkling cider toast, games and prizes, noisemakers and a VIP parent/spectator area. This event runs from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Visit ecom.roller.app/altitudecolumbia/noonyearseve for more information.