Things to do, Dec. 16-22

Closing

“The 701 CCA South Carolina Biennial 2011 Part II” runs through Wednesday at 701 Center for Contemporary Art. This part of the exhibition, featuring work by 11 artists and one artistic duo, will complete the first overview of statewide contemporary art since the South Carolina Triennial in 2004. From painting to collage to prints, the exhibition has some of the state’s best contemporary art. 701 CCA is at 701 Whaley St.; www.701cca.org

Friday, Dec. 16

At 20, Brandon Wagster is already a masterful magician. He will perform four shows of “A Christmas Dream,” a holiday-themed magic show, through Sunday at Workshop Theatre. Wagster will be joined by his assistant Hannah Lynne for the show that will mix magic with holiday music. Showtimes: 8 tonight, 3 and 8 p.m. Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday. The theater is 1136 Bull St. $12; (803) 799-4876

The Columbia City Ballet ends its two-weekend run of “The Nutcracker” at the Koger Center with four performances. Showtimes: 7:30 tonight, 3 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday. The Koger Center is at 1051 Greene St. $11 to $36; (803) 251-2222 or www.capitoltickets.com

The Columbia City Jazz Dance Company will present "The Two Claras," the company’s contemporary take on "The Nutcracker," for two shows at Drayton Hall Theatre. Showtimes: 7 tonight and Saturday. Drayton Hall is at 911 Sumter St. $10; www.columbiacityjazz.com

The Columbia Community Concert Band will perform at 7:30 tonight at Riverland Hills Baptist Church. The church is at 201 Lake Murray Blvd, Irmo; cccb.bandlink.org

’Tis the season for holiday songs and the Palmetto Mastersingers will warm hearts at the group’s “Christmas Gala” at 7:30 tonight at Harbison Theatre at Midlands Technical College. The Mastersingers will perform selections ranging from Beethoven to country. The theater is at 7300 College St., Irmo. $10 to $18; www.palmettomastersingers.org

Nights of Wonders at Saluda Shoals Park is an eight-night ride through the park for the entire family. It runs through Dec. 23. You can ride on the Red-Nose Express Hayride, the Saluda Shoals Choo-Choo or go through Holiday Lights on the River in a horse-drawn carriage. Don’t forget about Winter Wonder Ride, which includes downhill tubing. There will be concessions, crafts to make and take home, roasting marshmallows and a visit from Santa. The park is at 5605 Old Bush River Road. Activities cost $1 to $5; (803) 731-5208

Saturday, Dec. 17

You can go to the mall and wait in line for your children to sit in Santa’s lap or you can do something cool like enjoying breakfast with a Victorian Santa at the Hampton-Preston Mansion & Gardens. Historic Columbia is hosting the event from 8 to 11 a.m. It will feature breakfast in the Carriage House before touring the decorated Hampton-Preston Mansion and making crafts. The event is at 1615 Blanding St. $4 to $10 and reservations are required; (803) 252-1770, ext. 24. There is also a free Toy Roadshow from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. where children and adults can have their vintage toys and other keepsakes looked at by experts.

Tim Zimmerman and the King’s Brass will perform a Christmas show at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church. The nine-piece band will be accompanied by the church’s choir. The shows are at 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The church is at 6952 St. Andrews Road. Free, but an offering will be collected; (803) 732-2273, ext. 210

Columbia will host its first marathon in March. On Saturday, it’s the third annual Columbia Half Marathon, which starts at 7:30 a.m. There’s also a 5K run/walk and a 1 Mile fun run/walk. The race begins and ends at Brookland-Cayce High School, 1300 State St., Cayce. For more, visit www.usrahalf.com/Events/columbia.htm.

Sunday, Dec. 18

“Messiah” will be performed at 4 p.m. at Trinity Cathedral. Performers include members of the South Carolina Philharmonic as well as the church’s choirs. Trinity is at 1100 Sumter St. $12 to $45; (803) 771-7300, ext. 235 or www.trinitysc.org/music

The Charleston Silver Lady will be in town for a holiday tea at the South Carolina State Museum. Learn about the history of afternoon tea with antique china and porcelain. There will be tea sandwiches, tea cakes and a selection of hot and cold teas. Reservations are encouraged. The museum is at 301 Gervais St. $35 and $40; (803) 898-4952

Monday, Dec. 19

The ninth annual Columbia Sing-along Messiah will be held at 7 p.m. Dec. 19 at Washington Street United Methodist Church. Vocal scores will be provided, so you can sing along with singers in the combined choir representing Columbia Choral Society, The Sandlapper Singers, Eastminster Presbyterian Church, Mt. Hebron United Methodist Church, Shandon Presbyterian Church, Trenholm Road United Methodist Church and Washington Street United Methodist Church. Lillian Quackenbush will conduct the orchestra, and soloists include Jacquelyn Stucker, Ginger Jones, Marcus Shields and Wesley Brax. The church is at 1401 Washington St. Free; (803) 256-2417 or www.singalongmessiah.org

The South Carolina State Museum begins its two-week celebration of winter when “Winter Fest” opens. With the weather so warm into November and this month, some of us probably need to be reminded what season we’re in. “Winter Fest” includes movie screenings, performances, seasonal labs, holiday crafts and several visits from Santa. The festivities end Jan. 1. The museum is at 301 Gervais St. Free with museum admission; (803) 898-4952