It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas and the annual West Columbia Tree Lighting  is a seasonal tradition that enhances the spirit.

West Columbia’s 18th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting is at 6:30 p.m. Friday (Dec. 2) 2022, 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.

“We’ve been putting a program together in hopes that everyone in West Columbia will enjoy the kick-off to the Christmas season. Christmas is a special time, especially for children, and we want to help put a glow on the faces of all of those who come out for the tree lighting Friday. It’s one of my favorite events of the year. We want to make it special for everyone else, too,” said Kelli Ricard, City of West Columbia  Director of Events and Publications.    

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.

“The Tree Lighting  is the best time of the year in West Columbia,” said West Columbia Mayor Tem Miles. “It’s a great time for everyone to come out and participate in the Christmas celebration and get into the Christmas spirit.”

Also, student artwork contest winners will be featured on the cover of the event program. The top three entries will be displayed on the Art on State wall in the Interactive Art Park, 425 Meeting Street. The program will include Christmas carols.

“These school kids will help everyone enjoy the season,” Miles said. “Christmas is the time when you can see the true magic expressed on the faces of our children.”  

Entertainment includes: Northside Middle School Chorus; Cyril B. Busbee Creative Arts Academy Chorus; East Point Academy Panda Players and Special Readings from Mrs. Claus
In addition to the events of the evening, BrickHouse Gourmet Coffee and Tea Co. will be on hand to serve  Coffee, Tea, Hot Chocolate, and Cookies.

Holiday Parade of Lights is Dec. 10

The Greater Cayce-West Columbia Chamber’s Parade Day with the Finale “Holiday Parade of Lights” is Dec. 10. It’s not just a parade, but a whole day of Christmas-related events. The City of West Columbia’s parade floats will be on display in the Capital Square parking lot, on the backside, across from Savage Craft Ale Works, all day (Dec. 10) on the day of the parade.

The hop-on, hop off United Community Bank Parade Day Business Shuttle from 10 am to 4 pm – visiting over 35 local businesses, restaurants in shops, all offering fun, family friendly activities and holiday specials. The West Columbia businesses included are listed below:

• Carolina Signs and Designs D Avenue in Triangle City
• Beckett Financial Group on Meeting Street
• Pedego Soda City on Meeting Street
• Preserve and Co. on Meeting Street
• Symphony of Aromas on Leaphart Road
• Barbara Jane’s Boutique in Granby Village Shopping Center
• Palms to Palmettos on Leaphart Road
• Old Mill Antique Mall on State Street
• The Warehouse on State Street
• State Street Trading Co. on State Street
• Thrifty Paws Boutique C Ave. – Triangle City
• Brickhouse Gourmet Coffee and Tea
• Ds Wings on Meeting Street
• Always Original Baker on Meeting Street
• Cafe Strudel on State Street
• Black Rooster in the Brookland development

The main stop on the route is at the Peter Boulware Toyota of Columbia– North Pole located at the Chamber Office. Open 12 to 4 pm: Live music, visits from Santa, a Kid’s corner with canvas painting, a “mining” station with the Cayce quarry, face painting and more. We will have over 20 businesses set up with shopping and activities, including a holiday bouquet flower bar.

Parade Day concludes with our finale – the “Holiday Parade of Lights” at 5:30 pm.