In 2024, the City of West Columbia will host its 20th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony on the first Friday in December – Dec. 6 at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall.

“I would like to invite everyone out for West Columbia’s Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony,” said Mayor Tem Miles. “It’s the kickoff for the Christmas season in West Columbia and it’s a magical time of the year, especially for children. The atmosphere at our Tree Lighting ceremony is a tradition and there will be kids from our schools participating. It is a heart-warming, family event, where you’ll see all your friends and neighbors.”

The Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony includes music and art from area school children and a Christmas message from Pastor Dow Welsh of Holland Avenue Baptist Church.

Mrs. Claus stops by to share a few Santa letters from children who have visited our Santa Post Office at Carraway Park. Mayor Miles and essay winners of the “What Christmas Means to Me” contest flip the switch to light the official Christmas tree. The City provides cookies, hot chocolate, and holiday magic to usher in the spirit of the season.

After the Tree Lighting ceremony, move over the Savage Craft Ale Works to extend your evening.

“We welcome those who are out enjoying the holiday spirit,” said Victoria Porter, manager of Savage Craft Ale Works. “We’re working on some special holiday-themed beverages that we’ll introduce in the evening of the Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony.

“Christmas themed beverages this season at Savage Craft include a German-mulled spiced wine, and a peanut butter cup, stout, named Kandahar Candy man,. Savage Craft will also  have its gingerbread-inspired Christmas ale.  

Other night spots that will be open for holiday crowds include Terra at 100 State Street, Ds Wings at 415 Center Street and Black Rooster in the Brookland Development at the corner of Meeting Street and Alexander Road, across from the West Columbia Riverwalk.

There are many other Holiday activities in West Columbia for kids and adults.

Santa’s Mailbox is open to receive letters to Santa at Carraway Park, 212 Hudson St. It’s through Dec. 24. All letters sent before Dec. 24 will receive a response from Santa, but if you submit your letter by Dec. 16, you’ll get a reply before Christmas. (Must have a return address, parents are encouraged to assist younger children in making their writing legible.)

Santa has selected two letters to be read by Mrs. Claus at the 20th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting on December 6 at 6:30, on the City Hall Lawn, 200 N 12th St.
Click here for more info

Experience the magic of Wild Lights at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden from 5 – 9 p.m. until Jan. 12  

Stroll through the Zoo and discover over 60 larger-than-life handcrafted wildlife lantern displays inspired by nature. This interactive event showcases stunning illuminations sure to dazzle guests of all ages. Enjoy nightly snowfall, fun activities, photo ops and visits with Santa (through December 23). Don’t miss this unforgettable experience! Click here for more info

The North Pole and Greater CWC Chamber Holiday Parade of Lights  
The Cayce-West Columbia Holiday Parade of Lights  is Dec. 14. There will also be many Parade Day events in effort to present  a day packed with Family Holiday fun!

It includes The North Pole from Noon until to 4 p.m. at the C-WC Chamber office (1006 12th St.) Fun for the entire family. Also from Noon  until  4 p.m., there will be a  Hop On, Hop Off caravan that will visit  businesses in West Columbia for Parade Day specials and events.

The Holiday Parade of Lights begins at 5:30 p.m. Presented by Lexington Medical Center.

More details and Hotel Codes Visit: www.cwcchamber.com or www.visitcaycewestcolumbia.com

West Columbia is ready for the holiday season. Make sure you get out to enjoy it all, starting with the West Columbia’s Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony on Friday.