West Columbia’s Tree Lighting ceremony has become a tradition that ushers in the Christmas season. And there are other city-sponsored features to help you enjoy this special time of year. 

West Columbia’s 19th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting is at 6:30 p.m. Friday (Dec. 1) at the West Columbia City Hall, 200 N. 12th Street, West Columbia. Pastor Dow Welsh of Holland Avenue Baptist Church will be the Master of Ceremonies.

“Every year we hope to put together an event that brings Christmas magic to the start of the holiday season,” said Kelli Ricard, City of West Columbia, Director of Events.  “We are excited to give our community a place to come and celebrate the holiday season.”  

West Columbia Mayor Tem Miles said he is excited about the Tree Lighting ceremony. “Christmas is the most-special time of the year, especially for children,” said Miles. “West Columbia’s Annual Tree Lighting is the way we kick-off the Christmas season. The setting on the grounds of City Hall is magical. The lights, the songs and the Christmas message really get you into the holiday spirit.” The program will include Christmas carols, greetings, and the lighting of the West Columbia Christmas Tree.

Special Guests are:

• Dow Welsh, Holland Avenue Baptist Church – Master of Ceremonies
• Busbee Creative Arts Academy Chorus
• Northside Middle School Chorus
• East Point Academy Elementary Chorus
• East Point Academy Panda Players
• Special Readings from Mrs. Claus

Miles said there is something else that helps spread Christmas cheer at the Tree Lighting, too.  

“We’re surrounded by kids who bring their Christmas joy at the tree lighting,” Miles said. “And that joy is infectious, their love Christmas, the meaning for them. The lights all around City Hall are so well done. The city’s staff and volunteers have done such a wonderful job of making it look so festive for the season.” 

Dr. Chris Stegall is the director of West Columbia’s Northside Middle School Chorus. The choir will perform at the Tree Lighting.

The West Columbia Tree Lighting has become a regular event for Northside students. They are excited about performing and they love the atmosphere at City Hall with all the lights and everyone ready for the season.

The festivities surrounding the Tree Lighting include recognition of elementary school “What Christmas Means to Me” essay contest winners. The winning essays or poems will be read.

In addition to the Christmas Tree Lighting, local elementary school students have written “What Christmas Means to Me” essays. The essay contest winners will be recognized and they will read their winning essays or poems. 

There is also a student artwork contest. The winning artwork entry will be on the cover of the Tree Lighting Ceremony program. And the top three entries will be displayed on the Art on State wall in the Interactive Art Park, 425 Meeting Street. 

Santa’s Mailbox will also be a part of the Tree Lighting ceremony at City Hall. Santa is picking two letters that were mailed by November 22 to be read by Mrs. Claus at the City’s Annual Christmas Tree Lighting on December 1, at 6:30 PM, at City Hall, 200 N. 12th Street.

Santa’s Mailbox is located at Carraway Park, 212 Hudson Street, West Columbia. Children can bring their letters or use the provided postcards at the Santa Post Office and drop them in Santa’s mailbox. It accepts letters until December 13, 2023, for a response by Christmas. The mailbox will accept letters through December 24, however, if a letter is placed in the box after December 13, a response from Santa might not make it back in time before Christmas Day. All information can be found at www.westcolumbiasc.gov/santasmailbox. 

Make sure to include the child’s name, age, and address. Parents, please help little ones make their information legible. All letters with a return address will receive a letter from Santa.  

The Holiday Parade of Lights is at 5:30 p.m. on Dec. 9

The Greater Cayce-West Columbia Chamber is presenting a holiday festivities on Dec. 9, the day of the Holiday Parade of Lights. It’s  largest holiday nighttime parade in the Midlands. The parade begins at 5:30 p.m. in Cayce and travels along 12th St. for a little over a mile, ending in West Columbia. Bleachers are available near the North Pole at the Chamber Office. Come early, grab a bite to eat at a local restaurant and enjoy the evening. Click for a link to parade info

But before the parade, the Chamber is encouraging visitors to spend parade day supporting local businesses. 

The North Pole at the Chamber Headquarters at 1006 !2th St. The North Pole is from noon until 4 p.m. and it features local businesses, family activities, shopping and more.

Also, hop on and off the Holiday Business Shuttle as it travels around the Cayce-West Columbia community, highlighting businesses offering holiday specials, activities and more.

Meeting Street Artisan Market Special Holiday Editions

The City of West Columbia is excited to announce the Meeting Street Artisan Market Special Holiday Editions on December 2, 9, & 16, 2023, from 11 AM to 3 PM, at 425 Meeting Street, West Columbia.

This seasonal celebration will showcase the talents of nearly 25 local vendors offering a diverse array of handmade items, providing residents and visitors with a unique boutique shopping experience and the perfect opportunity for holiday shopping.

You can enjoy another holiday activity. Go to the West Columbia Riverwalk and take a selfie with the kayak tree in the middle of the amphitheater. It will make a great Christmas card photo. 

This is the week to get in the holiday mood and the City of West Columbia is providing you the chance to get out and immerse yourself in the festivities and attractions.

Saturday, December 2, 2023: 11 AM – 3 PM

Add the Facebook Event to Your Calendar: https://fb.me/e/8sxeiomW5

• 22 Memory Lane
• Art by Irma
• Art from the Hollow
• BLU JIM’s Fine Art
• Brickhouse Gourmet Coffee and Tea Company
• Bubba’s Bird Dog Art
• Craig’s Gumbo Churn
• Cute Country Coasters
• David Reichard – Painter
• Emerald’s Artistry
• Entangled Jewelry
• Jennifer Sassani Art
• Laura’s Cookie Jar
• Love You Loaves
• Lynn’s Creation
• Nerd Bear Soap
• One Tribe Designs
• Reveca Camacho Designs
• Sandy’s Pottery Shop
• Sealine Soap Company
• SEC Resin Designs
• Shannon Hogan Art
• The Hope Chest

Saturday, December 9, 2023: 11 AM – 3 PM

(We are a www.CWCChamber.com Parade Day Stop!)

Add the Facebook Event to Your Calendar: https://fb.me/e/SEm2jmL9

• 22 Memory Lane
• Art from the Hollow
• Barefoot Pottery
• BLU JIM’s Fine Art
• Brown Bear Soaps and Naturals
• Craig’s Gumbo Churn
• Creations by Murpho
• Crystallized Flora
• David Reichard – Painter
• Earthwear Jewelry
• Emerald’s Artistry
• Found & Altered
• Kelly Bryant Art
• Luna Rose Custom Cakes
• Lynn’s Creation
• Mrs. K’s Kreations
• Open & Shut Cases
• Q Borough Candle Bar
• Reveca Camacho Designs
• Sealine Soap Company
• SEC Resin Designs
• Symphony of Aromas 
• The Mindful Steps Series
• WalkerStix

Saturday, December 16, 2023: 11 AM – 3 PM

Add the Facebook Event to Your Calendar: https://fb.me/e/1bzrBFXqU

• Art from the Hollow
• Barefoot Pottery
• BLU JIM’s Fine Art
• Brickhouse Gourmet Coffee and Tea Company
• Bubba’s Bird Dog Art
• Cate’s Cookie Jar
• CH Boleyn Photography
• Cindy’s Turn
• CBellDoodles
• Craig’s Gumbo Churn
• Creations by Murpho
• Crystallized Flora
• Emerald’s Artistry
• Entangled Jewelry
• Jennifer Sassani Art
• Love You Loaves
• Luna Rose Custom Cakes
• One Tribe Designs
• SiRS Curio
• Sudsy Dreams
• Symphony of Aromas 
• The Hope Chest
• Verdure Virtue

For more information, visit https://westcolumbiasc.gov/meeting-street-artisan-market/.