Through December, we will run a list of community holiday events each Thursday in Metro.
Find an online holiday events list, updated daily, under local news at thestate.com. Look for Community Events.
KENSINGTON MANSION TOURS: Guided, holiday-themed tours will be held Thursdays-Saturdays through Jan. 12. Times are 9:30 and 11 a.m., 1 and 2:30 p.m. Adult tickets are $5.50; seniors, $4.50, children, $2.50. Groups of 10 or more are asked to make a reservation. (803) 968-4129
HOME WORKS CHRISTMAS VILLAGE: 1-4 p.m. Sundays through Dec. 23 at the Home Works warehouse, 2812 William H. Tuller Drive. Pictures with Santa, Starbucks coffee and candy canes. (803) 206-6974
GOVERNOR’S MANSION CHRISTMAS GUIDED TOURS: 10, 10:30 and 11 a.m. today and Dec. 18-20. Call for reservations, (803) 737-1710.
HOLIDAY COFFEE: 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. today in the Ernest F. Hollings Special Collections Library, Thomas Cooper Library on the University of South Carolina Campus. The program features presentations and a tour. Free. library.sc.edu
A DEVINE NIGHT OUT: 5-8 p.m. tonight at 51 stores and restaurants on Devine Street. A free after party follows the shopping from 8-10 p.m. at Burger Tavern 77, 2631 Devine St. Live entertainment and free food and beverages. devinestreetcolumbiasc.com
CHRISTMASTIME IN IRELAND: 3 and 8 p.m. Friday at the Newberry Opera House. A performance of Christmas songs and hymns. (803) 276-6264.
LIVE NATIVITY AND CHRISTMAS PUPPET SHOW: 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday in the parking lot at Sandhill Heights Baptist Church, 2992 Bowen St., Elgin. Outdoor event, bring blankets and dress for the weather. (803) 600-2086
NIGHTS OF WONDER: 6-10 p.m. Friday through Dec. 23 at Saluda Shoals Park, 5605 Bush River Road. Red-Nose Express Hayride, Saluda Shoals Choo-Choo, Winter Wonder Ride (downhill tubing without the snow), holiday crafts, marshmallow roast and visit with Santa. Part of the park’s Holiday Lights on the River, which runs through Dec. 31, admission is $10 per car; 15-passenger vans, $20; buses, $35. (803) 772-3903; www.icrc.net
COLUMBIA CHORAL SOCIETY WINTER CONCERT: 7:30 pm. Friday at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, 1529 Assembly St. $12; seniors, $10; students, $5. www.columbiachoralsociety.org
TRAIN RIDES WITH SANTA: 9:30, 11:30 a.m., 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. Saturday 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; www.scrm.org
ELGIN LIGHTS: 6-9 p.m. Saturday through Dec. 24 at 2433 Charlie Horse Circle, Elgin. Lights display, toy trains, tractors, antiques and hayrides. Free, but donations will be accepted for Camp Kemo in memory of Cole Sawyer and Jeannie Schmidt. (803) 408-0131; www.elginlights.com
BOYKIN CHRISTMAS PARADE: 2-4 p.m. Sunday. There’s always something different at the crossroads. Looking for an adventurous couple who want to be married during the parade. A gospel concert will follow at the historic Swift Creek Baptist Church. (803) 432-5714 or email rw_belger@bellsouth.com
CANDLELIGHT TOURS AND CARRIAGE RIDES: 5:30-8:30 p.m. Dec. 20-21. Guided tours of the Robert Mills House and Hampton-Preston Mansion, $6; children, $3. Carriage rides through the Robert Mills Historic District, $5. (803) 252-7742; www.historiccolumbia.org
SANDLAPPER SINGERS: “Silver Bells, Golden Harps, Brass Magic,” 7 p.m. Dec. 20, Harbison Theatre at Midlands Technical College, 7300 College St., Irmo. Guests will be Palmetto Brass, Southern Bronze Handbell ensemble and the Young Sandlapper Singers. $20; military, $18; students, $10. (803) 381-5481; www.sandlappersingers.org
BREAKFAST WITH VICTORIAN SANTA: 8-11 a.m. Dec. 23. Start off the day with a continental breakfast at the Historic Columbia Foundation’s Carriage House, 1616 Blanding St. Then tour the decorated halls of the Hampton-Preston Mansion, make a holiday craft and pose for a picture with Santa Claus. Reservations required. $10; ages 4-12, $5; HCF members, $8/$3; free for all children age 3 and younger. (803) 252-7742; www.historiccolumbia.org
