The 27th annual Vista Lights kicked off the Midlands’ holiday season Thursday.

And other spirited events are coming up soon:

The 59th annual Carolina Carillon Holiday Parade | “A Fairy Tale Christmas” starts at 9:45 a.m. Dec. 1 at Gervais and Bull streets. The parade will proceed west on Gervais, pass in front of the State House and head into the Vista. There will be floats, marching bands, drill teams, live performances and, of course, an appearance by Santa Claus. Info: (803) 799-1216; www.carolinacarillon.com

The 5th annual Festivus - The Art Vandelay Shop-N-Sip Tour | Get a headstart on your holiday shopping from 4-8 p.m. Dec. 1 in Columbia’s Five Points. More than 20 stores will have holiday specials, and local artists will be also be on hand. Info: (803) 748-7373; www.fivepointscolumbia.com

Town of Lexington Snowball Festival 2012 | The two-day event kicks off at 8 a.m. Dec. 1 with a 5K race. The Snow Ball itself follows the race at 6 p.m. in the municipal complex conference center. Tickets are $30 per person. The Cell Phone Walking Tour begins at 2 p.m. Dec. 2, followed by the Christmas Parade on Main Street, Merry Mingle on Main and Craft Corner, a concert on Lexington Square and a tree lighting. Info: (803) 359-4164. For Snow Ball tickets, call (803) 951-4630.

Light Up North Columbia | The 25th annual HolidayFest and Christmas Tree Lighting will be from 2-8 p.m. Dec. 2 at the Eau Claire Town Hall complex at North Main Street and Monticello Road. The event features a HolidayFest gift market, performances by area choirs and the lighting of a 50-foot community tree. Refreshments will be served. Info: (803) 454-0088

The 46th annual Governor’s Carolighting | Join Gov. Nikki Haley and Mayor Steve Benjamin at 6 p.m. Dec. 3 in front of the State House. The event is sponsored by the city of Columbia, the Columbia Breakfast Optimist Club, the Columbia Garden Club and the Garden Club of South Carolina. Info: (803) 545-3779

A Devine Night Out 2012 | More than 40 stores on Columbia’s Devine Street will open their doors from 5-8 p.m. Dec. 13 for shopping and celebrations. The event continues with a free after party at Burger Tavern 77 from 8-10 p.m. There will be live entertainment and a variety of free food and beverages. Free limo services and pedi cabs will be available as well. Info: (803) 608-6161; www.devinestreetcolumbiasc.com

Anne-Kathryn Flanagan