Columbia holiday event will return to normal after COVID changes
The Congaree Vista Guild announced Friday that Vista Lights will be back to normal this year after making changes to last year’s event because of COVID-19.
The annual holiday event held in downtown Columbia is scheduled for Nov. 18. from 5 to 10 p.m.
A stage will be set up near the corner of Gervais and Lincoln streets. Beginning at 6:15 p.m., event goers will be able to see performances by local groups. At 7 p.m., the Vista tree will be lit, and later Prettier Than Matt and the Soda City Brass Band will perform.
From 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., Santa Claus will be at the kid’s area on Lincoln Street.
Event attendees can also expect to see the Carillon Carolers walking throughout the event.
The event is expected to serve as a boon to local businesses, which will have their doors open for dining and shopping.
This year’s event marks the return of Vista Lights to its usual one-day format. Last year, due to COVID-19, events were stretched out over a week to prevent large crowds from gathering and potentially spreading the virus.
