The Columbia, SC area has 13 Christmas events for kids we could confirm for the 2026 season, from Vista Lights Kid's Zone in Columbia on November 19 to Wild Lights in Columbia, which runs through January 10. 11 of them are free, and every listing links straight to the host. It is one stop on our guide to Christmas events for kids in South Carolina, part of our guide for every state.
The short version
- 13 kids’ Christmas events confirmed in Columbia, SC for 2026, in Columbia, Lexington, West Columbia and Chapin
- First: Vista Lights Kid's Zone, Columbia, November 19. Runs latest: Wild Lights, Columbia, through January 10
- Free: Vista Lights Kid's Zone, Family Palooza: Grinchy Claus Day, Kid Zone: Orna-Make-It, Holly's Festive Fiasco, Holly's Festive Fiasco, Homeschool Hub: Island of Misfit Toys, Family Palooza: Visit With Santa, Christmas Cookie Decorating, Watch Freely: Polar Express and Pajamas, Holly's Festive Fiasco and Family Palooza: Holiday Cookie Party
- Checked on each host’s own page; each listing links straight to it
Below is every event we could confirm, grouped by city, with the date, time, cost and the small things parents ask about (sign-ups, ages, what is included). Looking for a Santa train instead? Those are on our South Carolina Christmas train rides page.
Columbia, SC Christmas events for kids at a glance
- Kids’ Christmas events
- 13 confirmed for 2026
- Cities
- Columbia, Lexington, West Columbia and Chapin
- Season
- November 19, 2026 to January 10, 2027
- Free events
- 11
- Kinds of events
- holiday crafts, Santa visit, holiday show and tree lighting
- Last checked
Plan your December
When each Columbia, SC Christmas event for kids happens
The first is Vista Lights Kid's Zone in Columbia on November 19; the last runs to January 10. Each bar spans an event’s dates, not every hour in them, so check the host’s page for times.
- Vista Lights Kid's ZoneColumbia · Nov 19
- Wild LightsColumbia · Nov 20 to Jan 10
- Santa SaturdaysColumbia · Nov 28 to Dec 19
- Family Palooza: Grinchy Claus DayChapin · Dec 3
- Kid Zone: Orna-Make-ItLexington · Dec 3
- Holly's Festive FiascoColumbia · Dec 5
- Holly's Festive FiascoWest Columbia · Dec 6
- Homeschool Hub: Island of Misfit ToysLexington · Dec 10
- Family Palooza: Visit With SantaWest Columbia · Dec 11
- Christmas Cookie DecoratingColumbia · Dec 12
- Watch Freely: Polar Express and PajamasColumbia · Dec 18
- Holly's Festive FiascoLexington · Dec 19
- Family Palooza: Holiday Cookie PartyLexington · Dec 21
Look inside the book
Story time with Santa in Columbia, SC? Bring Rally home.
Rally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolor. It makes a cozy bedtime story after a big day with Santa. Turn a few pages here.
Rally Takes the Train
Eight pages from the book
Turn the page
That's 8 of 25 pages
See who’s waiting at the station
Grandmommy and Papa are at the last stop. Get the full hand-painted book, $16.99 on Amazon.
See the full bookPage 1 of 8
Like it so far? See the full book
25 hand-painted pages, paperback, $16.99 with fast shipping from Amazon.
Every page is real watercolor on paper, painted by hand by Leslie Dunn. Nothing in this book was made with AI.
Christmas events for kids in Columbia
6 confirmed events for kids in Columbia, soonest first.
Columbia: Vista Lights Kid's Zone
Tree lightingFreeEdVenture Children's Museum · Columbia
- Host
- EdVenture Children's Museum (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Lincoln Street in the Congaree Vista, Lincoln Street at Gervais Street, Columbia, SC 29201
- When
- Thursday, November 19, 2026, 6 to 10 pm
- Cost
- Free Kid's Zone
- Ages
- Children
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Vista Lights is the Congaree Vista neighborhood's signature open house, which has ushered in the holidays in Columbia for 40 years. More than 60 galleries, shops and restaurants open their doors, and the evening includes the lighting of the Vista tree near the corner of Lincoln and Gervais Streets.
For kids, the free Kid's Zone presented by 94.3 The Dude takes over Lincoln Street with EdVenture, activities for children, face painting, balloon art, reindeer snacks and visits with Santa. Parents who would rather shop on their own can book EdVenture's Kids Night Out that evening, which includes free parking in the museum lot and a shuttle to Vista Lights. Other activities and businesses along the Vista set their own hours, but the Kid's Zone runs during the main event window from 6 to 10 pm.
Parent tip: Arrive early, since the event draws big crowds. EdVenture's lot offers free parking with Kids Night Out registration.
See dates and details from EdVenture Children's Museum (opens in a new tab)Columbia: Wild Lights
Holiday lightsRiverbanks Zoo & Garden · Columbia
- Host
- Riverbanks Zoo & Garden (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Riverbanks Zoo & Garden, 500 Wildlife Parkway, Columbia, SC 29210
- When
- Friday, November 20, 2026 to Sunday, January 10, 2027 (select nights; Santa through Dec 23), 5 to 9 pm
- Cost
- Ticketed; children under 2 free; optional $8 Twinkle Rides Pass
- Ages
- All ages; children younger than 2 free
- Sign-up
- Recommended
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Wild Lights transforms Riverbanks Zoo & Garden after dark with more than 60 larger-than-life handcrafted lanterns shaped like animals and scenes from nature. Families stroll the zoo paths among the glowing displays, catch the nightly snowfall, and find activities and photo ops along the way. Santa visits through December 23.
New for 2026, you can add a Twinkle Rides Pass for $8 at checkout for unlimited rides on the zoo's train and carousel during your visit. Children younger than 2 get in free, and buying online saves money. For a special night, private heated igloos with hot chocolate and s'mores can be reserved, and the Peppermint Lane igloos include a private photo visit with Santa.
Parent tip: Capacity is limited, so buy tickets online in advance and check the zoo's calendar for which nights are open.
See dates and details from Riverbanks Zoo & Garden (opens in a new tab)Columbia: Santa Saturdays
Santa visitSouth Carolina State Museum · Columbia
- Host
- South Carolina State Museum (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- South Carolina State Museum, 301 Gervais St, Columbia, SC 29201
- When
- Sat November 28, Sat December 5, Sat December 12 and Sat December 19, 2026, 11 am to 3 pm
- Cost
- Included with admission: $13 adults, $10 ages 3 to 12, under 3 free
- Ages
- Suitable for all ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The South Carolina State Museum hosts a meet and greet with Santa Claus on Saturdays, November 28 and December 5, 12 and 19, from 11 am to 3 pm. The visit is included with general admission, and families can spend the rest of the day exploring four floors of exhibits.
The museum is also showing Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer 4D and a Northern Lights planetarium show called Aurora, which carry an additional ticket charge. General admission is $13 for adults, $11 for seniors, $10 for children 3 to 12, and free for children 2 and under and members. The event is wheelchair accessible. Plan extra time for the exhibits. The museum is at 301 Gervais Street, along the Congaree riverfront in downtown Columbia.
Parent tip: Santa is included with admission, but the Rudolph 4D film and planetarium show cost extra. Children 2 and under are free.
See dates and details from South Carolina State Museum (opens in a new tab)Columbia: Holly's Festive Fiasco
Holiday showFreeLexington County Public Library · Columbia
- Host
- Lexington County Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Irmo Branch Library, 6251 St Andrews Rd, Columbia, SC 29212
- When
- Saturday, December 5, 2026, 3 to 4 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- Grades K to 5
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Holly the Elf has a problem: toys are vanishing from Santa's Workshop and she has to catch the toy thief fast. This hour long holiday show from Porkchop Productions promises big laughs, silly costumes and a message about believing in yourself, and it is aimed at children in kindergarten through fifth grade.
Lexington County Public Library is touring the show to many of its branches this December, so families can pick the date and location that fits best. The library calendar lists it as a live performance with no registration step, and it is a library program, so there is no ticket to buy. Arrive a few minutes early to get a good seat, since popular branch shows can fill the room. This listing is for the Irmo Branch on St. Andrews Road, a Saturday afternoon show.
Parent tip: The show runs about an hour and is aimed at grades K to 5. Arrive a little early for seats.
See dates and details from Lexington County Public Library (opens in a new tab)Columbia: Christmas Cookie Decorating
Holiday craftsFreeRichland Library · Columbia
- Host
- Richland Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Richland Library Edgewood, 2101 Oak St, Columbia, SC 29204
- When
- Saturday, December 12, 2026, 2:30 to 4:30 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- Families
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Richland Library Edgewood hosts a Saturday afternoon of Christmas cookie decorating. Participants decorate sugar and gingerbread cookies while a classic holiday film plays, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, which the library lists as rated PG and about an hour and 45 minutes long.
The event runs from 2:30 to 4:30 pm on Saturday, December 12, in the Edgewood Meeting Room, and the library lists it for adults, parents and families. No registration is shown. Families who need an accommodation can use the library's ADA request form at least two weeks ahead, and branch staff can answer questions at 803.509.8355. Edgewood is a central Columbia branch on Oak Street, which makes this an easy Saturday stop for families in the city.
Parent tip: The movie is rated PG, so it suits school age kids best. Call the Edgewood branch at 803.509.8355 with questions.
See dates and details from Richland Library (opens in a new tab)Columbia: Watch Freely: Polar Express and Pajamas
Holiday craftsFreeRichland Library · Columbia
- Host
- Richland Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Richland Library North Main, 5306 North Main St, Columbia, SC 29203
- When
- Friday, December 18, 2026, 2 to 4:30 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Richland Library North Main invites families to wear their coziest pajamas for a showing of The Polar Express, the animated holiday film about a boy's trip to the North Pole. The library lists the movie as rated G with a run time of about one hour and 40 minutes, so it works for younger viewers.
Along with the movie there will be crafts and snacks to get everyone in the spirit of the season. It runs from 2 to 4:30 pm on Friday, December 18, in the North Main Large Meeting Room, and no registration is listed. The branch can be reached at 803.754.7734 with questions. Pajamas are welcome for all ages. The branch sits on North Main Street just north of downtown Columbia.
Parent tip: Come in pajamas. The film is rated G and runs about 1 hour 40 minutes.
See dates and details from Richland Library (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Lexington
4 confirmed events for kids in Lexington, soonest first.
Lexington: Kid Zone: Orna-Make-It
Holiday craftsFreeLexington County Public Library · Lexington
- Host
- Lexington County Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Lexington Main Library, 5440 Augusta Rd, Lexington, SC 29072 (near Columbia)
- When
- Thursday, December 3, 2026, 4 to 5 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- Grades K to 5
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Kid Zone at Lexington Main Library invites children in kindergarten through fifth grade to make festive ornaments in a hands on session that mixes holiday crafting with a bit of design thinking. Kids create their own ornaments to take home for the tree or to give as gifts.
The program runs from 4 to 5 pm on Thursday, December 3. No registration is listed on the library calendar, and it is a free library program. It pairs well with the other December family events at the main library, including the Holly's Festive Fiasco show on December 19 and the holiday cookie party on December 21. The library is at 5440 Augusta Road in Lexington, and the hour fits right after the school day ends. Families with younger or older siblings can check the calendar for other ornament sessions at nearby branches.
Parent tip: Aimed at grades K to 5. Kids take their ornaments home.
See dates and details from Lexington County Public Library (opens in a new tab)Lexington: Homeschool Hub: Island of Misfit Toys
Holiday craftsFreeLexington County Public Library · Lexington
- Host
- Lexington County Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Lexington Main Library, 5440 Augusta Rd, Lexington, SC 29072 (near Columbia)
- When
- Thursday, December 10, 2026, 6 to 7 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- Families with children
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Lexington Main Library's Homeschool Hub series hosts an Island of Misfit Toys evening for families with children. Everyone is encouraged to wear their ugliest holiday sweater, and kids get to celebrate creativity by making their own toys inspired by a classic holiday story.
The program runs from 6 to 7 pm on Thursday, December 10. Although it sits in the homeschool series, the library lists it for families with children in general, and no registration is shown on the calendar. The evening time makes it workable for school families too. Ugly sweaters are optional. The library is at 5440 Augusta Road in Lexington, and families who enjoy crafty evenings will find several more holiday programs at the main library this month.
Parent tip: Wear an ugly sweater if you have one. Open to all families, not only homeschoolers.
See dates and details from Lexington County Public Library (opens in a new tab)Lexington: Holly's Festive Fiasco
Holiday showFreeLexington County Public Library · Lexington
- Host
- Lexington County Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Lexington Main Library, 5440 Augusta Rd, Lexington, SC 29072 (near Columbia)
- When
- Saturday, December 19, 2026, 2 to 3 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- Grades K to 5
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Holly the Elf has a problem: toys are vanishing from Santa's Workshop and she has to catch the toy thief fast. This hour long holiday show from Porkchop Productions promises big laughs, silly costumes and a message about believing in yourself, and it is aimed at children in kindergarten through fifth grade.
Lexington County Public Library is touring the show to many of its branches this December, so families can pick the date and location that fits best. The library calendar lists it as a live performance with no registration step, and it is a library program, so there is no ticket to buy. Arrive a few minutes early to get a good seat, since popular branch shows can fill the room. This listing is for the Lexington Main Library on Augusta Road, the last Saturday show before Christmas.
Parent tip: The show runs about an hour and is aimed at grades K to 5. Arrive a little early for seats.
See dates and details from Lexington County Public Library (opens in a new tab)Lexington: Family Palooza: Holiday Cookie Party
Holiday craftsFreeLexington County Public Library · Lexington
- Host
- Lexington County Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Lexington Main Library, 5440 Augusta Rd, Lexington, SC 29072 (near Columbia)
- When
- Monday, December 21, 2026, 3 to 5 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- Families with children
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
School is out, and Lexington Main Library is celebrating with a drop in holiday cookie party on Monday, December 21. Families can decorate cookies, play games and try other hands on holiday activities at their own pace any time between 3 and 5 pm.
The event is part of the library's Family Palooza series for families with children of all ages, and no registration is listed. Because it is drop in, it works well for families juggling different nap or work schedules during the first week of winter break. Plan for a sugar boost and a bit of mess. The main library is at 5440 Augusta Road in Lexington, and it hosts several other kid friendly holiday programs in December.
Parent tip: It is drop in, so come any time between 3 and 5 pm.
See dates and details from Lexington County Public Library (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in West Columbia
2 confirmed events for kids in West Columbia, soonest first.
West Columbia: Holly's Festive Fiasco
Holiday showFreeLexington County Public Library · West Columbia
- Host
- Lexington County Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Cayce-West Columbia Branch Library, 1500 Augusta Rd, West Columbia, SC 29169 (near Columbia)
- When
- Sunday, December 6, 2026, 3 to 4 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- Grades K to 5
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Holly the Elf has a problem: toys are vanishing from Santa's Workshop and she has to catch the toy thief fast. This hour long holiday show from Porkchop Productions promises big laughs, silly costumes and a message about believing in yourself, and it is aimed at children in kindergarten through fifth grade.
Lexington County Public Library is touring the show to many of its branches this December, so families can pick the date and location that fits best. The library calendar lists it as a live performance with no registration step, and it is a library program, so there is no ticket to buy. Arrive a few minutes early to get a good seat, since popular branch shows can fill the room. This listing is for the Cayce-West Columbia Branch on Augusta Road, a Sunday afternoon show.
Parent tip: The show runs about an hour and is aimed at grades K to 5. Arrive a little early for seats.
See dates and details from Lexington County Public Library (opens in a new tab)West Columbia: Family Palooza: Visit With Santa
Santa visitFreeLexington County Public Library · West Columbia
- Host
- Lexington County Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- South Congaree-Pine Ridge Branch Library, 200 Sunset Dr, West Columbia, SC 29172 (near Columbia)
- When
- Friday, December 11, 2026, 3:30 to 5 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- Families with children
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Santa stops by the South Congaree-Pine Ridge Branch of Lexington County Public Library for a Friday afternoon visit. Families can meet him, share wishes and take photos their own way, so bring a camera or phone and skip the photo package lines found at malls.
The visit runs from 3:30 to 5 pm on Friday, December 11, and is part of the library's Family Palooza series for families with children. No registration is listed, so families can drop in during the window. It is a relaxed option for younger children who do better with a shorter wait in a quieter setting. Families who live in Cayce, West Columbia or Lexington are within a short drive, and this is one of several free Santa visits the county library system offers in December.
Parent tip: Bring your own camera or phone, since families take their own photos with Santa.
See dates and details from Lexington County Public Library (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Chapin
1 confirmed event for kids in Chapin, soonest first.
Chapin: Family Palooza: Grinchy Claus Day
Santa visitFreeLexington County Public Library · Chapin
- Host
- Lexington County Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Chapin Branch Library, 129 NW Columbia Ave, Chapin, SC 29036 (near Columbia)
- When
- Thursday, December 3, 2026, 5:30 to 6:30 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- Families with children
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The Chapin Branch of Lexington County Public Library hosts Grinchy Claus Day, a one hour family evening where children can tell Santa what is on their Christmas wish list and also meet the Grinch. The library suggests bringing a camera, since there will be photo opportunities with both characters.
The event is part of the library's Family Palooza series and is open to families with children of all ages, with no registration step listed. It runs from 5:30 to 6:30 pm on Thursday, December 3, which makes it an easy after school or after work stop for families on the Lake Murray side of the Columbia area. The Chapin branch is on NW Columbia Avenue in downtown Chapin, and families from Irmo and Lexington are a short drive away.
Parent tip: Bring your own camera or phone for photos with Santa and the Grinch.
See dates and details from Lexington County Public Library (opens in a new tab)Looking further afield? Our South Carolina Christmas events for kids guide lists every confirmed event in the state, and we have city guides for Greenville, SC and Charleston, SC. The national search sorts every event by distance from your town.
A story for the drive home
A morning with Santa or an evening of holiday stories tends to end the same way: tired kids, a long drive and one more book before bed. Our picture book follows Rally the corgi on his first train ride to see his grand-paw-rents, and every page is painted by hand. If your family is spending December missing someone, it was written for that too. For the car, print our free corgi and train coloring pages.

A bedtime story after seeing SantaRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolor by Leslie Dunn. $16.99 on Amazon, ages 0 to 8.
Buy on AmazonColumbia, SC Christmas events for kids: questions parents ask
What Christmas events for kids are in Columbia, SC in 2026?
We confirmed 13 Christmas events for kids in Columbia, SC for 2026 on each host’s own page: Vista Lights Kid's Zone in Columbia (November 19), Wild Lights in Columbia (November 20), Santa Saturdays in Columbia (November 28), Family Palooza: Grinchy Claus Day in Chapin (December 3), Kid Zone: Orna-Make-It in Lexington (December 3), Holly's Festive Fiasco in Columbia (December 5), Holly's Festive Fiasco in West Columbia (December 6), Homeschool Hub: Island of Misfit Toys in Lexington (December 10), Family Palooza: Visit With Santa in West Columbia (December 11), Christmas Cookie Decorating in Columbia (December 12), Watch Freely: Polar Express and Pajamas in Columbia (December 18), Holly's Festive Fiasco in Lexington (December 19) and Family Palooza: Holiday Cookie Party in Lexington (December 21). Every one is listed below with times, cost and a link to the host.
What Christmas events for kids are in Columbia, South Carolina?
For families in and around Columbia, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Vista Lights Kid's Zone (Thu, Nov 19, 6 to 10 pm, free kid's zone); Wild Lights (Select nights, Nov 20 to Jan 10, 5 to 9 pm, ticketed; children under 2 free; optional $8 twinkle rides pass); Santa Saturdays (Saturdays, Nov 28 to Dec 19, 11 am to 3 pm, included with admission: $13 adults, $10 ages 3 to 12, under 3 free); Holly's Festive Fiasco (Sat, Dec 5, 3 to 4 pm, free); Christmas Cookie Decorating (Sat, Dec 12, 2:30 to 4:30 pm, free); Watch Freely: Polar Express and Pajamas (Fri, Dec 18, 2 to 4:30 pm, free). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Columbia section of this page.
What Christmas events for kids are in Lexington, South Carolina?
For families in and around Lexington, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Kid Zone: Orna-Make-It (Thu, Dec 3, 4 to 5 pm, free); Homeschool Hub: Island of Misfit Toys (Thu, Dec 10, 6 to 7 pm, free); Holly's Festive Fiasco (Sat, Dec 19, 2 to 3 pm, free); Family Palooza: Holiday Cookie Party (Mon, Dec 21, 3 to 5 pm, free). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Lexington section of this page.
What Christmas events for kids are in West Columbia, South Carolina?
For families in and around West Columbia, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Holly's Festive Fiasco (Sun, Dec 6, 3 to 4 pm, free); Family Palooza: Visit With Santa (Fri, Dec 11, 3:30 to 5 pm, free). Details and the host’s link for each are in the West Columbia section of this page.
What Christmas events for kids are in Chapin, South Carolina?
For families in and around Chapin, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Family Palooza: Grinchy Claus Day (Thu, Dec 3, 5:30 to 6:30 pm, free). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Chapin section of this page.
Are there free Christmas events for kids in Columbia, SC?
Yes. 11 of the 13 events here are free: Vista Lights Kid's Zone in Columbia, Family Palooza: Grinchy Claus Day in Chapin, Kid Zone: Orna-Make-It in Lexington, Holly's Festive Fiasco in Columbia, Holly's Festive Fiasco in West Columbia, Homeschool Hub: Island of Misfit Toys in Lexington, Family Palooza: Visit With Santa in West Columbia, Christmas Cookie Decorating in Columbia, Watch Freely: Polar Express and Pajamas in Columbia, Holly's Festive Fiasco in Lexington and Family Palooza: Holiday Cookie Party in Lexington. Some free events still ask you to register, so check each listing.
Where can kids see Santa in Columbia, SC this December?
Santa appears at Vista Lights Kid's Zone in Columbia (November 19), Wild Lights in Columbia (November 20), Santa Saturdays in Columbia (November 28), Family Palooza: Grinchy Claus Day in Chapin (December 3) and Family Palooza: Visit With Santa in West Columbia (December 11). Times and booking rules are in each event’s listing above.
Are there kids' Christmas events in Columbia, SC on Christmas Eve or after Christmas?
Yes: Wild Lights in Columbia (through January 10).
How much is Vista Lights Kid's Zone in Columbia?
Free Kid's Zone. Vista Lights Kid's Zone is on Thursday, November 19, 2026, 6 to 10 pm at Lincoln Street in the Congaree Vista. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Wild Lights in Columbia?
Ticketed; children under 2 free; optional $8 Twinkle Rides Pass. Wild Lights is on Friday, November 20, 2026 to Sunday, January 10, 2027 (select nights; Santa through Dec 23), 5 to 9 pm at Riverbanks Zoo & Garden. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Santa Saturdays in Columbia?
Included with admission: $13 adults, $10 ages 3 to 12, under 3 free. Santa Saturdays is on Sat November 28, Sat December 5, Sat December 12 and Sat December 19, 2026, 11 am to 3 pm at South Carolina State Museum. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Family Palooza: Grinchy Claus Day in Chapin?
Free. Family Palooza: Grinchy Claus Day is on Thursday, December 3, 2026, 5:30 to 6:30 pm at Chapin Branch Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Kid Zone: Orna-Make-It in Lexington?
Free. Kid Zone: Orna-Make-It is on Thursday, December 3, 2026, 4 to 5 pm at Lexington Main Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Holly's Festive Fiasco in Columbia?
Free. Holly's Festive Fiasco is on Saturday, December 5, 2026, 3 to 4 pm at Irmo Branch Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Holly's Festive Fiasco in West Columbia?
Free. Holly's Festive Fiasco is on Sunday, December 6, 2026, 3 to 4 pm at Cayce-West Columbia Branch Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Homeschool Hub: Island of Misfit Toys in Lexington?
Free. Homeschool Hub: Island of Misfit Toys is on Thursday, December 10, 2026, 6 to 7 pm at Lexington Main Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Family Palooza: Visit With Santa in West Columbia?
Free. Family Palooza: Visit With Santa is on Friday, December 11, 2026, 3:30 to 5 pm at South Congaree-Pine Ridge Branch Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Christmas Cookie Decorating in Columbia?
Free. Christmas Cookie Decorating is on Saturday, December 12, 2026, 2:30 to 4:30 pm at Richland Library Edgewood. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Watch Freely: Polar Express and Pajamas in Columbia?
Free. Watch Freely: Polar Express and Pajamas is on Friday, December 18, 2026, 2 to 4:30 pm at Richland Library North Main. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Holly's Festive Fiasco in Lexington?
Free. Holly's Festive Fiasco is on Saturday, December 19, 2026, 2 to 3 pm at Lexington Main Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Family Palooza: Holiday Cookie Party in Lexington?
Free. Family Palooza: Holiday Cookie Party is on Monday, December 21, 2026, 3 to 5 pm at Lexington Main Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
Are there Christmas train rides for kids in Columbia, SC?
Yes, but they have their own guide. Santa trains and holiday train rides are listed in our Columbia, SC Christmas train rides guide, so this page sticks to story times, Santa visits and other events off the rails.
How do you confirm these events?
We list an event only after we find this season’s date on the host’s own website or an official city or tourism calendar. We last checked every listing on November 2, 2026. Hosts change details, so always confirm on the host’s page before you go.
Event names belong to their hosts. Rally Takes the Train is a family picture book and is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by any host listed here. Confirm dates, times and prices on each host’s own site before you go.