FRIDAY, NOV. 28

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 ages 13 and older ($10.99 for members) and $15.99 for children ($7.99 for members). Visit riverbanks.org/events/wild-lights for more information.

Winter Wine at Holiday Lights on the River
Saluda Shoals Park (6071 St. Andrews Rd.) adds something unique to their Holiday Lights on the River tour. The Winter Wine experience includes a wine tasting featuring eight wines, light refreshments and a tour through the illuminated displays. A souvenir wine glass is included with admission, which is $30. This event is for ages 21 and older only and runs from 6 to 7 p.m. Visit icrc.net/tickets for more information.

Bluegrass & Company (concert)
Bill’s Music Shop & Pickin’ Parlor (710 Meeting St.) welcomes Bluegrass & Company to their weekly Friday night concert. The band plays classic and contemporary bluegrass from 8 to 9 p.m., and the snack bar is open. Admission is a $10 donation. Visit billsmusicshop.com for more information.

SATURDAY, NOV. 29

Sip & Shop
Hollow Creek Distillery (112 Rocky Ridge Rd.) invites you to their annual Small Business Saturday Local Holiday Sip & Shop event. Enjoy shopping with local vendors for clothing, arts and crafts and stocking stuffers, while sampling some delicious adult beverages. Maurice’s Piggie Park will be onsite for lunch. This event is free to attend and runs from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Visit facebook.com/hollowcreekdistillery for more information.

Photos with Santa
Lakewood Tree Farm (196 Sid Bickley Rd.) hosts Santa Claus for photos with the family. Photos with Santa are available from 1 to 4 p.m., and there will also be baked goods, homemade decorations and crafts for sale. This event is free to attend. Visit kiddingaroundcolumbia.com for more information.

TUESDAY, DEC. 3

Music Bingo
Hazelwood Brewing (711 E. Main St.) invites you to their weekly Music Bingo night. Here’s how it works: The host plays music, and players mark off songs that appear on their bingo cards. Players can use a pen to mark off songs or put pieces on the fields. The first player to get five songs in a row wins. This event is free to attend and runs from 7 to 9 p.m. Visit facebook.com/hazelwoodbeer for more information.

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 4

Tokyo Joe (concert)
The popular local rockers Tokyo Joe continue their Wednesday night residency at O’Hara’s Public House (131 E. Main St.). Showtime is 7 p.m., and the show is free to attend. Visit facebook.com/oharasph for more information.

THURSDAY, DEC. 5

Hank Bilal (concert)
Chayz Lounge (607 Meeting St.) and trombonist Hank Bilal present “A Bona Fide Christmas.” Expect an evening of jazzed-up and soulful holiday classics as Bilal is joined by trumpeter Lin Rountree and saxophonist Jackiem Joyner. Doors open at 6 p.m., and showtime is 7 p.m. This event is hosted by Vernessa Pendergrass. Dressy attire is required. Admission is $65. Visit chayzlounge.com for more information.

Snowball Christmas Craft Fair
The Icehouse Amphitheater (107 W. Main St.) presents the Snowball Christmas holiday event. This massive craft fair features dozens of local vendors selling holiday-themed clothing, gifts, decorations, arts and crafts and more. The Snowball Festival runs from 4 to 8 p.m. and is free to attend. Visit icehouseamphitheater.com for more information.

Sahaja Yoga Meditation
The Lexington Main Branch Library (5440 Augusta St.) invites you to a guided Sahaja Yoga meditation. This class includes a guided meditation followed by a Q&A session and discussion. The evening ends with tips on how to continue regular meditation at home. This event is beginner-friendly and begins at 6:30 p.m. Visit lexcolibrary.com for more information.

2024 Holiday Oyster Roast
The Greater Irmo Chamber of Commerce brings back a local favorite with the 2024 Holiday Oyster Roast. The Irmo Chamber House (1235 Columbia Ave.) hosts the roast, which includes live music from Rhythm 54, all-you-can-eat steamed oysters, and beer and wine, all included in the ticket price of $50. The event kicks off at 5:30 p.m., and sponsorships are still available for $200. Visit business.greaterirmochamber.com for more information.

Across the county line

The Koger Center for the Arts
(1051 Greene St.) makes spirits bright with “A Celtic Christmas” on Friday, Nov. 29. This event, presented by A Taste of Ireland, features former World Irish dance champions and stars from Lord of the Dance and Riverdance, mixing Irish wit, traditional tunes and heartfelt ballads alongside classic carols. Showtime is 7:30 p.m., and tickets cost between $39 and $69. Visit kogercenterforthearts.com for more information.

Bierkeller Columbia
(600 Canalside St., Unit 1009) invites you to their annual Weihnachtsmarkt Christmas Market on Saturday, Nov. 30. The market, located on the Canalside Plaza along the banks of the Congaree River, features local vendors, specialty foods, live Christmas 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.

S.C. State Museum
(301 Gervais St.) holds its monthly First Sunday event on Sunday, Dec. 1. For $1 general admission, guests can explore four floors of South Carolina art, cultural history, natural history and science/technology, including the Boeing Observatory and the Robert B. Arial Collection of Historical Astronomy. For an additional fee, visitors can enjoy a planetarium show or a 4D theater movie. The museum is open from noon to 5 p.m. Visit scmuseum.org for more information.

Historic Columbia Holiday House Tour
Join Historic Columbia for a tour of some of the Midlands’ most beautiful homes on Sunday, Dec. 1. The guided tour includes the festively decorated Robert Mills House and Hampton-Preston Mansion. Guests will view artifacts and learn about holiday traditions for Christmas, Hanukkah and New Year celebrations. This event runs from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and tickets cost between $14 and $18. Visit historiccolumbia.org for more information.

The Newberry Opera House
(1201 McKibben St.) brings back a treasured holiday tradition with a performance of The Nutcracker on Sunday, Dec. 1. Presented by Dance Alive National Ballet, this production features an international roster of award-winning dancers. Bring the family and enjoy the beauty of the Sugar Plum Fairy and her dazzling court. Showtime is 4 p.m., and tickets cost between $25 and $75. Visit newberryoperahouse.com for more information.