The City of West Columbia is brimming with holiday cheer this season! From the 20th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting to artisan markets, holiday parades, and festive community events, there’s something for everyone. Start planning to “Head West” and celebrate the season in style.

20th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting

Kick off the holidays with an evening of festive cheer, including holiday carols, a special Christmas message, hot chocolate, cookies, and the lighting of the City’s Christmas tree. Celebrate the creativity of local students as winners of the “What Christmas Means to Me” essay contest share their works. Winning student artwork will also be displayed at the Art on State wall in the Interactive Art Park.

When: Friday, December 6, 2024, at 6:30 PM

Where: City Hall Lawn, 200 N. 12th Street, West Columbia

Special Guests

• Dow Welsh, Holland Avenue Baptist Church – Master of Ceremonies
• Busbee Creative Arts Academy Chorus
• Northside Middle School Chorus
• East Point Academy Cub Chorus
• East Point Academy Panda Performers
• Mrs. Claus

More Info: West Columbia Christmas Tree Lighting

Santa’s Mailbox – Important Dates and Details

Santa will respond to letters received between November 4 and December 16, 2024, ensuring that replies arrive before Christmas. Letters dropped off after December 16 may not receive a response by Christmas Day, but all letters received by December 24 will be delivered to Santa. Parents are encouraged to assist younger children in making their writing legible. All letters with a return address will receive a letter from Santa. Please include the child’s name, age, and return address to ensure a response.

More Info: Santa’s Mailbox

Meeting Street Artisan Markets – Holiday Edition

• When: Saturdays – December 7, 14, and 21, 2024, from 11 AM to 3 PM
• Where: Interactive Art Park – 425 Meeting Street, West Columbia

Celebrate the holiday season at the Meeting Street Artisan Holiday Markets on the first three Saturdays of December: December 7, 14, and 21, from 11 AM to 3 PM at the Interactive Art Park, 425 Meeting Street, West Columbia. Enjoy a festive community celebration featuring:

• Unique, handmade treasures crafted by talented local artisans.
• Artisan booths with handcrafted jewelry, stunning artwork, baked goods, and more.
• Holiday music and delightful treats create a festive atmosphere.
• Opportunities to support local businesses while exploring West Columbia’s vibrant dining scene.

The markets are more than just shopping—they’re a chance to connect with the community, create memories with loved ones, and embrace the holiday spirit. Don’t miss this unforgettable holiday experience!

More Info: Meeting Street Artisan Market

Greater CWC Chamber Parade Weekend Events

Parade Day Festivities kick off on Friday, December 13, with a FREE double-feature movie night at the Brookland-Cayce High School Stadium. Gates open at 5 PM, with showings of Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas at 5:30 PM and The Nightmare Before Christmas at 7:30 PM.

The celebration continues on Saturday, December 14, starting at noon at the North Pole at the Greater CWC Chamber Office. It will feature live entertainment, amusements, family activities, shopping, and more. Visitors can enjoy the Holiday Business Shuttle, a hop-on, hop-off ride connecting 11 festive stops across West Columbia and Cayce, including the Meeting Street Artisan Market, restaurants, breweries, shops, and art along State Street.

As night falls, the North Pole transforms into Parade Headquarters, complete with a performance area, parade judges, and bleachers, for the Holiday Parade of Lights, which starts at 5:30 PM on 12th Street.

Make it a weekend getaway with 18% off hotel rates at TownePlace Suites and Residence Inn in West Columbia. Book your stay and learn more at CWC Parade Day. For vendor inquiries, contact [email protected].

Friday, December 13th

Movie Night – Double Feature

• Dr. Suess’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas at 5:30 pm
• The Nightmare Before Christmas at 7:30 pm
• at the BCHS Football Stadium – Gates open at 5:00 pm

Saturday, December 14th

Holiday Business Shuttle

12:00 pm to 4:00 pm

Hop On, Hop Off – Visit the business districts of Cayce-West Columbia for Parade Day specials and events!

The North Pole opens at the CWC Chamber Office at 12:00 pm –

• Shuttle Stop 1 – The North Pole at the Greater CWC Chamber of Commerce
• Live Entertainment, Kids’ Activities, Vendors & Shopping, Visit with Santa
• Shuttle Stop 2 – Triangle City
• MOTA Business Academy, Scratch & Spin, Creative Sewing & More
• Shuttle Stop 3 – Mt. Tabor Lutheran Church
• Midday Movies, Present Walk, Photos with the Grinch, B Ave Ball Fields, Tennis/Pickle Ball Courts, Playground
• Shuttle Stop 4 – WeCo’s Meeting Street
• Brickhouse Coffee, WECO Bottle & Biergarten, Always Original Bakery, Bill’s Pickin’ Parlor, Local Shops, & More
• Shuttle Stop 5 – WeCo’s State & Meeting Streets
• Meeting Street Artisan Market – Holiday Edition, D’s Wings, Savage Craft Ale Works, The Hideout, Local Shops, & More
• Shuttle Stop 6 – Antiques at B Avenue & State Streets
• The Warehouse, Garden & Relic, Old Mill Antique Mall, Cafe Strudel, Steven Whetstone Fine Art & More
• Shuttle Stop 7 – Parkland Plaza
• Mai Poke, Planet Fitness, East Bay Deli, Five Below & More
• Shuttle Stop 8 – Cayce State St.
• Shuttle Stop 9 – Cayce River Arts District
• State of the Art Pottery, Piecewise Coffee Co., Trini-Lime Caribbean Cafe & More
• Shuttle Stop 10 – Steel Hands Brewing
• Shuttle Stop 11 – Cayce Historical Museum
• Free Admission, Museum Tours, Granby Gardens Park

Saturday, December 14th

Annual CWC Holiday Parade of Lights at 5:30 pm

More info: https://www.cwcchamber.com/cwcparadeday/

City Hall Closings for the Holidays

City Hall will be closed on Wednesday and Thursday, December 25 and 26, 2024, and Wednesday, January 1, 2025.

Don’t miss this festive season in West Columbia! Join us for the holiday traditions that bring our community together. For more information, please visit www.westcolumbiasc.gov.