A printed list of holiday events will run in The State on Fridays.
TODAY
McHAPPY DAY: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. today at the Elmwood Avenue, Garners Ferry Road, Gervais Street and Broad River Road McDonald’s in Columbia and the Columbia Avenue store in Lexington. Volunteers will be accepting donations for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Columbia.
WREATH-LAYING CEREMONY: 10 a.m. today at the U.S. Army Chaplain Center and School, Fort Jackson. Seven soldiers (one chaplain and six chaplain assistants) will be honored at the U.S. Army Chaplain Corps Memorial. (803) 729-6532
GEM, MINERAL AND JEWELRY SHOW: Today through Sunday at the Jamil Temple, 206 Jamil Road (I-20, exit 106). Sponsored by the Columbia Gem & Mineral Society, the show will feature jewelry, beads, loose stones, fossils, minerals, gold, silver and tools for sale; rock collection displays and lapidary demonstrations. Hours will be 10 a.m.-7 p.m. today, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and noon-5 p.m. Sunday. Admission, $4; ages 12 and younger and all military and dependents, free. (803) 736-9317; http://www.cgams.org
“THE COLOR PURPLE: THE MUSICAL ABOUT LOVE”: 7 tonight; 3:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday in the Henry Ponder Fine Arts/Humanities Center at Benedict College; $5. http://www.benedict.edu
“ARSENIC AND OLD LACE”: 7:30 tonight, Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday at Shandon Presbyterian Church, 607 Woodrow St. Arts at Shandon presentation; $5 suggested donation. (803) 771-4408
THE SENSATIONAL EPICS: Dance to beach music and more, 7:30-11 tonight at the Capital Senior Center, 1650 Park Circle (Maxcy Gregg Park). $15; $20 at the door. Age 21 and older, BYOB and snacks (snacks and sodas will be available for sale). (803) 779-1971
COMEDIAN JAMES GREGORY: 8 tonight at the Harbison Theatre at Midlands Technical College, 7300 College St., Irmo. $28-$35. http://www.harbisontheatre.org
“COMPLEAT FEMALE STAGE BEAUTY”: USC Theatre Department production, 8 tonight and 7 p.m. Saturday at Longstreet Theatre, 1300 Greene St. $18; USC faculty and staff, military and seniors, $16; students, $12. (803) 777-2551
“THE ROSE TATTOO”: 8 tonight through Sunday at the USC Lab Theatre, 1400 Wheat St. Department of Theatre and Dance production. Tickets are $5; available at the door only. (803) 777-9353
USC VS. CLEMSON HOCKEY: 9:15 tonight at Plex Indoor Ice and Sports, 1019 Broad Stone Road, Irmo. $6; students, $3. Bring a new, unwrapped toy to be donated to the Marines’ Toys for Tots program. (803) 732-1900
SATURDAY
CPR: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday at Midlands Technical College Airport Campus, 1260 Lexington Drive, West Columbia; $85. BLS Healthcare Provider CPR/AED for adults, children and infants, qualification is good for two years. (803) 732-0432; http://www.mtctraining.com
HOLIDAY BAZAAR: 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday in the Dent Middle School gym, 2721 Decker Blvd. Vendor spaces available, $20 (includes table). (803) 699-2750 or email jreed@richland2.org
ELECTRONICS RECYCLING EVENT: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday at CrossRoads Middle School, 6949 St. Andrews Road. Lexington County residents may drop off computers (and accessories), TVs, DVD players, VCRs, fax machines, printers, copiers, gaming systems and more. (803) 733-1139; http://www.keepthemidlandsbeautiful.org
COINS, CURRENCY AND COLLECTIBLES SHOW: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday at the American Legion Post 6, 200 Pickens St. (Pickens and Whaley streets). Admission to the Midlands Coin Club show is free. (803) 781-0065
GEM, MINERAL AND JEWELRY SHOW: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday at the Jamil Temple, 206 Jamil Road (I-20, exit 106). Sponsored by the Columbia Gem & Mineral Society, the show will feature jewelry, beads, loose stones, fossils, minerals, gold, silver and tools for sale; rock collection displays and lapidary demonstrations. Admission, $4; ages 12 and younger and all military and dependents, free. (803) 736-9317; http://www.cgams.org
CHEF MARION FOLK HOLIDAY APPETIZER CLASS: 10 a.m. Saturday at the Ballentine Community Center, 1009 Bickley Road, Irmo. $20, includes all supplies. Space is limited, call (803) 781-2031 to register.
RUNWAY RUN: 10 a.m. Saturday at the Columbia Metropolitan Airport, 3250 Airport Blvd., West Columbia. 5K race and kids fun run to benefit USO South Carolina. Race day registration, $35; military, $25; JROTC, $15; kids fun run (K5 through fifth grade), $10. http://www.runwayrun.com/registration
COMMUNITY HEALTH FAIR: 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Jehovah Baptist Church, 1540 Frye Road. Registration begins at 9:30 a.m., diabetes and blood pressure checks, information on breast cancer awareness, PSA testing, food and nutrition. (803) 786-2112 or email jehovahbaptistch@bellsouth.net
CARILLON CAROLERS: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday at Columbiana Centre, 100 Columbiana Circle.
COMMUNITY HEALTH FAIR: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday at North Springs Park, 1320 Clemson Road. Free blood pressure checks, diabetes tests, body composition tests, pharmacist consultations; sponsored by Chosen 2 Conquer International Ministries. (803) 691-0962
CELEBRATE ART IN LEXINGTON: 5:30-10:30 p.m. Saturday at Cafe Chartier, 711 E. Main St., (lower level, Old Mill) Lexington. Benefit for arts education in Lexington will feature a gathering of artists, musicians, singers, dancers, actors and poets, silent auction and cash bar. $5 at the door or donation of $5-$10 worth of art supplies (see the wish list at http://www.artinlexington.com).
LIGHTS BEFORE CHRISTMAS: 6-9 p.m. Saturday through Dec. 30 at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden (closed Thanksgiving Day and Dec. 24-25). Santa’s Village, giant snow globe, Music in Motion, Jingle Bell Bonfire and snow. $10; ages 3-12, $8 (advance tickets, $8 and $6); one free visit with Riverbanks membership card and picture ID; guest passes not accepted. Parking on the zoo side only. (803) 779-8717; http://www.riverbanks.org
CONTRA DANCE: 6:15-10:30 p.m. Saturday at the Arsenal Hill Park Building, 1800 Lincoln St. Beginners workshop, 6:15-7 p.m.; new dancers workshop, 7-7:30 p.m. No partner necessary; bring clean, soft-soled, non-marking shoes. $8; students with ID, $5. (803) 760-5881; http://www.contracola.org
HEART OF COLUMBIA CHORUS: Musical program and silent auction, 6:30-9:30 p.m. Saturday at the S.C. Department of History and Archives, 8301 Parklane Road. $10; seniors and children, $5. (803) 687-7161; (803) 917-5670
“COMPLEAT FEMALE STAGE BEAUTY”: USC Theatre Department production, 7 p.m. Saturday at Longstreet Theatre, 1300 Greene St. $18; USC faculty and staff, military and seniors, $16; students, $12. (803) 777-2551
“ARSENIC AND OLD LACE”: 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Shandon Presbyterian Church, 607 Woodrow St. Arts at Shandon presentation; $5 suggested donation. (803) 771-4408
NIGHT IN BUENOS AIRES: Argentine tango open house, 8 p.m. Saturday, Vista Balroom, 717 Lady St. Free admission, 30-minute introductory lesson, performance exhibition, refreshments. (803) 546-3705
COMEDIAN GRANDMA LEE: 8 p.m. Saturday, The Comedy Zone at the Clarion Hotel, 1615 Gervais St. Fundraiser for the Animal Mission’s spay and neuter voucher program, tickets are $25. Event will feature refreshments and cash bar. Reserve advance tickets by calling (803) 776-7387.
“THE ROSE TATTOO”: 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the USC Lab Theatre, 1400 Wheat St. Department of Theatre and Dance production. Tickets are $5; available at the door only. (803) 777-9353
SUNDAY
FRIENDS AND FAMILY DAY: 11 a.m. Sunday at Chosen 2 Conquer International Ministries, 1001 Longtown Road (Sandlapper Elementary School). Free Thanksgiving feast to all first time guests and children in grade 5 and younger attending the 11 a.m. service. $5 per person for members and regularly attending guests. RSVP at (803) 691-0962, (803) 397-5072
S.C. OYSTER FESTIVAL: 11 a.m.-6 pm. Sunday at the Robert Mills House and Hampton-Preston Mansion, 1615 Blanding St. Fresh oysters, steamed and fried (other foods and beverages will be available for sale). Live music all day, featuring Tokyo Joe, Black Iron Gathering, Reggie Sullivan Band, Rival Brothers, Tom Hall & the Plowboys; 1 p.m. celebrity shucking contest; children’s rides, arts and crafts vendors; historic house museum tours, noon-2 p.m., $2. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Pawmetto Lifeline. Advance tickets $5; $10 at the gate; ages 12 and younger, free. http://www.scoyster.com
GEM, MINERAL AND JEWELRY SHOW: Noon-5 p.m. Sunday at the Jamil Temple, 206 Jamil Road (I-20, exit 106). Sponsored by the Columbia Gem & Mineral Society, the show will feature jewelry, beads, loose stones, fossils, minerals, gold, silver and tools for sale; rock collection displays and lapidary demonstrations. Admission, $4; ages 12 and younger and all military and dependents, free. (803) 736-9317; http://www.cgams.org
CITY FALL FESTIVAL: 2-5 p.m. Sunday at the North Main Community Garden, 2700 River Drive. Local growers, businesses and community members will exhibit healthy cuisines, holiday treats, food, music and crafts. Sponsored by the City Parks and Recreation department. (803) 545-3100
“ARSENIC AND OLD LACE”: 3 p.m. Sunday at Shandon Presbyterian Church, 607 Woodrow St. Arts at Shandon presentation; $5 suggested donation. (803) 771-4408
VFW POST 4262 LADIES AUXILIARY: Thanksgiving pageant, talent show and community awareness event, 4 p.m. Sunday at the Cecil Tillis Center, 2111 Simpkins Lane. Entertainment, prizes and information on fitness and nutrition. Sponsored by the Cancer and AIDS Research Committee. (803) 728-0545
PALMETTO CONCERT BAND: Fall concert, 4 p.m. Sunday at the Koger Center for the Arts, 1051 Greene St. Free.
LIGHTS BEFORE CHRISTMAS: 6-9 nightly through Dec. 30 at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden (closed Nov. 22, Dec. 24-25). Santa’s Village, giant snow globe, Music in Motion, Jingle Bell Bonfire and snow. $10; ages 3-12, $8 (advance tickets, $8 and $6); one free visit with Riverbanks membership card and picture ID; guest passes not accepted. Parking on the zoo side only. (803) 779-8717; http://www.riverbanks.org
“THE ROSE TATTOO”: 8 p.m. Sunday at the USC Lab Theatre, 1400 Wheat St. Department of Theatre and Dance production. Tickets are $5; available at the door only. (803) 777-9353
MONDAY
AFTERNOON ROBOTICS CLUB: 4-5 p.m. Mondays through Dec. 10 at the State Museum, 301 Gervais St. LEGO Robotics class for grades 3-5; Junior LEGO Robotics for students in kindergarten through second grade. $65; museum members, $60. (803) 574-9198; http://www.engineeringforkids.net
LIGHTS BEFORE CHRISTMAS: 6-9 nightly through Dec. 30 at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden (closed Nov. 22, Dec. 24-25). Santa’s Village, giant snow globe, Music in Motion, Jingle Bell Bonfire and snow. $10; ages 3-12, $8 (advance tickets, $8 and $6); one free visit with Riverbanks membership card and picture ID; guest passes not accepted. Parking on the zoo side only. (803) 779-8717; http://www.riverbanks.org
TUESDAY
HISTORIC COLUMBIA FOUNDATION HOUSE TOURS: The Robert Mills House, Hampton-Preston Mansion and the Mann-Simons Site will be decorated for the holidays and tours will be held 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays and 1-4 p.m. Sundays through Dec. 31 (except Dec. 25). $6; children, $3. (803) 252-7742; http://www.historiccolumbia.org
WEDNESDAY
HOLIDAY LIGHTS ON THE RIVER: 6-10 p.m. Wednesday through Dec. 31 at Saluda Shoals Park, 5605 Bush River Road. Drive-through lights display features Dazzling Dancing Forest, Victorian Village with carolers, hayrides and boardwalk stroll. $10 per car, 15-passenger vans, $20; buses, $35. (803) 772-3903; http://www.icrc.net
LIGHTS BEFORE CHRISTMAS: 6-9 nightly through Dec. 30 at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden (closed Nov. 22, Dec. 24-25). Santa’s Village, giant snow globe, Music in Motion, Jingle Bell Bonfire and snow. $10; ages 3-12, $8 (advance tickets, $8 and $6); one free visit with Riverbanks membership card and picture ID; guest passes not accepted. Parking on the zoo side only. (803) 779-8717; http://www.riverbanks.org
THURSDAY
TURKEY TROT: 7:30 a.m. Thursday at Golden Hills Golf and Country Club, 100 Scotland Drive, Lexington. 5 and 2.5 mile races, 1 mile kids fun run. $30; race day registration $35; fun run, $15. Proceeds benefit the Bodyshop Athletics high school prayer breakfast. http://www.bodyshopathletics.com
5K TURKEY DAY RUN: 8:45 a.m. Thursday, begins and ends at the Colonial Life Arena, 801 Lincoln St. USA Track & Field certified 5K run and 1K walk support Boys & Girls Clubs of the Midlands. $30/$15; $35/$20 race day. Online registration at http://www.strictlyrunning.com; race day registration 8-8:30 a.m.
UPCOMING EVENTS
POTTERY SALE: Potters of Chapin 13th annual sale, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Nov. 23, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 24 and noon-4 p.m. Nov. 25 at the Chapin Chamber of Commerce, 302 Columbia Ave.
DROP AND SHOP: 10 a.m. Nov. 23 at Art Smart Academy, 7320 Broad River Road (Kennerly Crossing), Irmo. Half-day or full-day art marathon for children while parents shop. Printmaking, painting, clay ornaments. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. or 3-6 p.m., $30; includes lunch. 10 a.m.-6 p.m., $50; includes lunch, dinner and a movie. (803) 667-9912; http://www.artsmartacademy.com
“THE CHRISTMAS DOLL”: Columbia Children’s Theatre production, Nov. 23-Dec. 2 at Richland Mall, second level, 3400 Forest Drive. Show times are 7 p.m. Fridays, 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturdays and 3 p.m. Sundays. Special matinees for daycares, schols and homeschool groups are slated for 9:15 and 10:45 a.m. Nov. 29 and 30. $8; http://www.columbiachildrenstheatre.com
TRAIN RIDES WITH SANTA: 9:30, 11:30 a.m., 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. Saturdays, Nov. 24-Dec. 15 at the S.C. Railroad Museum, 110 Industrial Park Road, Winnsboro. First class, $20 (all tickets); coach, $12; children, $9; age 2 and younger, free. Don’t forget to bring your letters to Santa. (803) 712-4135; http://www.scrm.org
USC STUDENT CHOREOGRAPHY SHOWCASE: “Fragments of Light” will feature original works by student dancers, 6 p.m. Nov. 27-30 at Drayton Hall Theatre, 1214 College St. $18; USC faculty, staff, military and seniors, $16; students, $12. (803) 777-5112
WIDEMAN/DAVIS DANCE: “Based on Images,” original work by USC Dance program’s professional dance company in residence, 8 p.m. Nov. 27-30 at Drayton Hall Theatre, 1214 College St. $18; USC faculty, staff, military and seniors, $16; students, $12. (803) 777-5112
MIDLANDS CLAY ARTS SOCIETY HOLIDAY SALE: Noon-8 p.m. Nov. 29, 30; noon-4 p.m. Dec. 1, 2 at Gallery 80808, 808 Lady St. An opening reception will be held 5-8 p.m. Nov. 29. Free admission, cash and checks only. (201) 839-6386; http://www.facebook.com/midlandsclayarts
“IT’S TIME TO GET INVOLVED”: Fundraiser for the Family Resource Center’s abuse prevention and counseling programs, 6-9 p.m. Nov. 29 at the Kershaw County Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center, 607 Broad St., Camden. Tickets for the dinner and silent auction are $25; couples, $40. (803) 425-4357
CARILLON CAROLERS: 4-7 p.m. Nov. 30 at Columbiana Centre, 100 Columbiana Circle.
“ONCE UPON A CHRISTMASTIME”: 6 p.m. Nov. 30 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Bull and Blanding streets. Dinner theater performance, $16. Call (803) 779-0030 for reservations. Regular performances at 7 p.m. Dec. 1 and 3 p.m. Dec. 2; general admission tickets, $5; available at the door. Accepting donations for Harvest Hope Food Bank.
LEXINGTON COUNTY CHORAL SOCIETY: Holiday concert, 7:30 p.m. Nov. 30 and Dec. 1 at Saxe Gotha Presbyterian Church, 5503 Sunset Blvd., Lexington. $20; age 65 and older, $15; students, $6. http://www.lexcochoralsoc.org
PASSING THE TORCH AWARDS GALA: 6 p.m. Nov. 30 at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center, 1101 Lincoln St. Renaissance Foundation event will recognize servant leaders under the age of 50 who have made significant contributions by improving the quality of life within the state. Keynote speaker will be film director Anthony Hemingway (“Red Tails”). Tickets are $65; military, $50; students, $25. (803) 733-5634
ABWA HOLIDAY GALA: 8 p.m. Nov. 30 at American Legion Post 6, 200 Pickens St. $25; proceeds will benefit the Midlands Chapter of the American Business Women’s Association scholarship fund and educational activities. (803) 957-6734 or email huggins_melinda@yahoo.com
TOWN OF LEXINGTON SNOWBALL FESTIVAL: Dec. 1-2, downtown Lexington. Inaugural event kicks off with 5K race, 8 a.m. Dec. 1; proceeds will benefit PattyPacks, an organization dedicated to assisting individuals and families with Congenital Heart Disease. http://www.pattypacks.org The Snowball formal dance will be 6 p.m. Dec. 1 at the Lexington Municipal Conference Center; tickets are $30, proceeds benefit the Chris Myers Children’s Place; tickets available at Town Hall or by calling (803) 951-4630. Dec. 2 activities include a cell phone walking tour of historical downtown Lexington, followed by the 3:30 p.m. Christmas Parade on Main Street; check out the Merry Mingle on Main and Craft Corner at 5 p.m.; a 5:30 p.m. concert featuring Tara Scheyer and the Mud Puppy Band will be held at Lexington Square; the day wraps up with a tree lighting at 6:30 p.m., also at Lexington Square.
BREAKFAST WITH SANTA: 9 a.m. Dec. 1 at Columbia Children’s Theatre, Richland Mall, second level, 3400 Forest Drive. Breakfast, photos and holiday activities followed by 10:30 a.m. performance of CCT’S “The Christmas Doll”; $12. (803) 691-4548; http://www.columbiachildrenstheatre.com
SHOP WITHOUT KIDS: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 1 at the Barclay School, 4702 Colonial Drive. $25 per child; siblings, $10 each. Arts and crafts for children while parents shop. Barclay is a private school for students with diverse learning issues so special needs students are welcome. Space is limited, call (803) 629-6318 to register.
BANK OF AMERICA’S "MUSEUMS ON US" WEEKEND: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 1 and noon-5 p.m. Dec. 2 at EdVenture Children’s Museum, 211 Gervais St. Bank of America cardholders enjoy free admission the first full weekend monthly. (803) 779-3100; http://www.edventure.org
CAROLINA CARILLON HOLIDAY PARADE: 9:45 a.m. Dec. 1. Parade will begin at Gervais and Bull streets, proceed west on Gervais, pass in front of the State House and continue into the Vista to Park Street.
HEALTH, WELLNESS AND EDUCATION EXPO: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 1 at Bluff Road Park, 148 Carswell Drive. (803) 776-8698
CHRISTMAS AND HOLIDAY CELEBRATION: 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Dec. 1 at Our Lady of the Hills Catholic Church, 120 Marydale Lane. Games, holiday foods, cultural activities, silent auction, entertainment and family activities, $3. A dinner will cap off the day, tickets are $7. (803) 772-7400
HOLIDAY TASTE & TOUR: Noon-4 p.m. Dec. 1 at the Village of Hopkins, 214 Hopkins Road (Hopkins Road at Lower Richland Boulevard). Norfolk Southern Exhibit Car tours, carriage rides, miniature train rides, food samplings, farmers market, vendors and live entertainment. Sponsored by the South East Rural Community Outreach and the Richland County Hospitality Tax Revenue Fund. (803) 788-7185; http://www.serco.org
CARILLON CAROLERS: 1-4 p.m. Dec. 1 at Columbiana Centre, 100 Columbiana Circle.
DECK THE TRAIL: Kickoff to the Holiday Walking Tour of Lights, 5-7 p.m. Dec. 1 at Riverfront Park, 312 Laurel St. Enjoy holiday music, hot chocolate and stroll along the Columbia Canal decorated for the season.
GALA FOR A GREENER MIDLANDS: 6 p.m. Dec. 1 at the Holiday Inn, 110 McSwain Drive, West Columbia. Black-tie optional fundraiser to benefit Keep the Midlands Beautiful will feature a silent auction, dinner and awards program followed by dancing; $75 (table sponsorships available). (803) 733-2526; http://www.keepthemidlandsbeautiful.org
BREAKFAST WITH ST. NICHOLAS: 9 and 11 a.m. Dec. 2 at Our Lady of the Hills Catholic Church, 120 Marydale Lane. $5; (803) 772-7400
HOMES FOR THE HOLIDAYS TOUR: 2-6 p.m. Dec. 2 at A.C. Moore Elementary School, 333 Etiwan Ave. Six homes, Doors of Sims Alley and St. John’s Episcopal Church. Advance tickets, $15; available at Piggly Wiggly (Devine Street and Forest Drive stores), Revente, Edwin Watts Golf, Just the Thing, Gibson’s on Devine and at http://www.ticketleap.com. At the door, $20. Sponsored by the Shandon Neighborhood Council and the Hollywood-Rose Hill Neighborhood Association, proceeds will benefit A.C. Moore and Rosewood Elementary, Hand Middle and Dreher High as well as neighborhood projects.
“THIS MAN CALLED JESUS”: 2:30 p.m. Dec. 2, special needs performance of Christmas drama at Lake Murray Baptist Church, 1001 U.S. 378 West, Lexington. ASL interpreters for the hearing impaired will be available this performance only. Free. (803) 356-4304; http://www.thismancalledjesus.org
HOLIDAY LIGHTS, A CELEBRATION OF THE MUSICAL TRADITIONS OF CHRISTMAS AND HANUKKAH: 3:30 p.m. Dec. 2 at Chapin United Methodist Church, 415 Old Lexington Highway, Chapin. Dutch Fork Choral Society holiday concert is free, but donations will be accepted at the door.
USC CONCERT CHOIR CHRISTMAS CONCERT: 6 p.m. Dec. 2 at Shandon United Methodist Church, 3407 Devine St. Sacred works and Christmas songs; free.
“ SING NOEL, SING HALLELUJAH”: Christmas concert, 7 p.m. Dec. 2 and 3 at Riverland Hills Baptist Church, 201 Lake Murray Blvd., Irmo. Free; doors open at 6:15 p.m. http://www.riverlandhills.org
GOVERNOR’S CAROLIGHTING: 6 p.m. Dec. 3 on the north side of the State House (Gervais Street). Sponsored by the City of Columbia, Columbia Breakfast Optimist Club, Columbia Garden Club and the Garden Club of South Carolina.
WOODROW WILSON FAMILY HOME HARD HAT TOURS: 11 a.m. Dec. 4 at 1705 Hampton St.; $6. (803) 252-1770, ext. 24 or email reservations@historiccolumbia.org
YOUNG SANDLAPPER SINGERS: “Silver Bells, Golden Harps, Brass Magic,” 7 p.m. Dec. 4 at the Dreher High School Performing Arts Center, 3317 Millwood Ave. $20; military, $18; students, $10. (803) 381-5481; http://www.sandlappersingers.org
USC WIND ENSEMBLE: “Mail from Mozart,” 7:30 p.m. Dec. 4 at the Koger Center for the Arts, 1051 Greene St.; free.
(ALMOST) LIVE FROM THE 92nd STREET Y: Lecture by former U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, 8 p.m. Dec. 5 at the Jewish Community Center, 306 Flora Drive. Suitable for age 16 and older. $8 in advance; $10 at the door. (803) 787-2023
COLUMBIA CHRISTMAS PAGEANT: Dec. 6-9 at First Baptist Church, 1306 Hampton St. Performances at 7 p.m. Dec. 6, 7; 2 and 5 p.m. Dec. 8 and 4 p.m. Dec. 9. Free, but tickets are required. (803) 217-3250; http://www.columbiachristmaspageant.com
TOWN OF IRMO TREE-LIGHTING CEREMONY: 6 p.m. Dec. 7 at Irmo Town Park (Columbia Avenue and Carlisle Street, two blocks of Lake Murray Boulevard). Entertainment by the Irmo Elementary 4th Grade Singing Bees, refreshments and Santa will arrive on a fire truck. (803) 781-7050
SANTA VISITS LUGOFF: 6:30-9 p.m. Dec. 7 at Lugoff-Elgin High School, U.S. Refreshments, stockings filled with goodies for the kids, photos with Santa (take your own or let the professionals do it). (803) 438-2553
“THIS MAN CALLED JESUS”: 7:30 p.m. Fridays, Dec. 7 and 14; 2:30 and 6:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 8-16. Christmas drama at Lake Murray Baptist Church, 1001 U.S. 378 West, Lexington. Free. (803) 356-4304; http://www.thismancalledjesus.org
CAPITAL CITY/LAKE MURRAY VISITORS CENTER HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 8 and noon-3 p.m. Dec. 9 at the Historic Lorick Plantation House, 2184 N. Lake Drive (S.C. 6), Columbia. Refreshments, book signings — Ollie Moye (“North to Prosperity”), Dec. 8 and 9 and Rachel Haynie (“Cornfield to Airfield: A History of Columbia Army Air Base”), Dec. 9. (803) 781-5940, ext. 2.
FAMILY DAY: 10 a.m.-noon Dec. 8 at the Robert Mills House, 1616 Blanding St. Holiday crafts and activities for children. $6 for the first child, $3 for each additional child, HCF members, free. (803) 252-7742; http://www.historiccolumbia.org
FALL NATURE WALK: 10 a.m. Dec. 8 at Sesquicentennial State Park, 9564 Two Notch Road. Hour-long casual stroll for age 5 and older. $5; seniors and age 15 and younger, $3. Adults must accompany children 15 and younger. Preregistration required, deadline is Dec. 7. (803) 788-2706 or email sesqui@scprt.com
CITY OF COLUMBIA PARKS AND RECREATION ART CENTER: Holiday open house, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Dec. 8 at 1932 Calhoun St. Orginal works by City of Columbia art studio members will be available for sale through Dec. 24. Hours are 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Fridays and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays. (803) 545-3100
CHOIR SHOWCASE: Local elementary school choruses will perform noon-4 p.m. Dec. 8 in front of the Robert Mills House, 1616 Blanding St. Optional house tours, $1. (803) 252-7742; http://www.historiccolumbia.org
COLUMBIA CLASSIC CHEVY CLUB CRUISE-IN: Noon-4 p.m. Dec. 8 at Woodberry Plaza, 3254 Augusta Road, West Columbia. Bring a new, unwrapped toy to be distributed to the needy by the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department.
PAINT WITH SANTA: 1-7 p.m. Dec. 8 at Art Smart Academy, 7320 Broad River Road. Bring three non-perishable food items and paint one free ornament (don’t forget to bring kids’ letters to Santa). For $50, a group of four can enjoy lunch, paint four ornaments during a 90-minute session and pose for a picture with Santa; call for reservations. (803) 667-9912; http://www.artsmartacademy.com
LIGHTS OF LUGOFF CHRISTMAS PARADE: 6:30 p.m. Dec. 8. Parade will begin at the BP station, 742 U.S. 1, proceed down U.S. 1 South and turn right onto S.C. 34. Both lanes of U.S. 1 will be closed beginning at 6 p.m. Sponsored by the Lugoff Optimist Club. http://www.lightsoflugoff.com
