Christmas in Columbia

Upcoming Christmas Events in the Columbia area:
Lights Before Christmas.  On Saturday, November 21, Riverbanks Zoo and Garden will open its gates for the 22nd annual Lights Before Christmas, an event that has become a holiday tradition for many Midlands families.  Features: Nearly one million twinkling lights, Countless animated images, Dazzling Music in Motion Lights Spectacular, Larger-than-life holiday cards created by local students, Nightly visits with Santa-through Christmas Eve, Jingle Bell Bonfire.
Dates/Time/Location:
November 21 - January 3 from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. (closed Nov. 26, Dec. 24,25,31) 
Cost: $8 for adults and $6 for children ages 3 – 12
More Information: Riverbanks Lights Before Christmas


Holiday Lights on the River is the largest drive-through lights show in the Columbia area.  Holiday Lights on the River features over 300 themed, animated light displays (more than a million sparkling lights) on a two-mile loop of the Park!
Dates/Time/Location:
November 25-December 31, 2009, 6:00-10:00 p.m. Saluda Shoals Park, 5605 Bush River Road
Cost: Cars: $10 15-Passenger Vans: $20 Buses: $35
More information: Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission

This Man Called Jesus.  An annual Christmas Drama presented by Lake Murray Baptist Church.  NO TICKETS NO RESERVATIONS, 2,700 SEATING CAPACITY, FIRST COME-FIRST SERVE SEATING.
More information: (dates and times): This Man Called Jesus

Merry Christmas from the Coker family

Merry Christmas from the Coker family in Columbia, South Carolina! We have had a very nice holiday season and the past 4 days have been spent in Myrtle Beach with our daughter Kelly's basketball tournament in North Myrtle Beach.

I personally feel blessed to have been raised by a family that allowed me to know the real meaning of Christmas - the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ.

The other celebrations of the Christmas season are also special... time with family and friends, church celebrations, Christmas trees, Santa Claus and gift giving.

Speaking of Christmas season gift giving, I have chosen a special Columbia area charity for my personal special Christmas giving gift this year. I have sent a $100 donation to the Oliver Gospel Mission in Columbia.

Oliver Gospel Mission seeks to rescue broken men from those things that hold them in bondage and to rebuild them so that they can live fulfilled (Christ-centered), functioning (responsible), and fruitful (influential) lives. This vision is a reality through our two distinct ministries – the first being our ministry to the Community Homeless of Columbia, South Carolina and the second being our Christian Life Development addiction recovery program.

Click here for the Oliver Gospel Mission website

I encourage you to read about the Oliver Gospel Mission and make a Christmas season gift donation or to pick another worthwhile charity to make a donation in this Christmas season. I especially like the Oliver Gospel Mission's purpose in transforming broken men's lives through the gospel message of Christ.

Merry Christmas!

http://www.melcoker.com/

Christmas in Columbia

Two BIG Christmas Season Traditions in Columbia, SC!

Lights Before Christmas - at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden, the gates have opened on the 21st annual Lights Before Christmas. Trees decorated with nearly one million twinkling lights and more than 350 handcrafted images set the scene for what has become a holiday tradition for many Midlands families.

Lights-goers will have the opportunity to sip hot cocoa and roast up a toasty marshmallow treat at the Jingle Bell Bonfire. Santa will be at the zoo each night and photos are free when you use your personal camera. This spectacular event is on-going each night (closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day) through December 30th from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. Admission is: $8 for adults (13 and up); $6 for children 3-12; free for 2 and under. Riverbanks Zoo & Garden is located at I-126 and Greystone Boulevard. Parking is available on the zoo side only.

Click Here for more information

Bypass long lines at the entrance: Buy tickets online

Holiday Lights on the River - Saluda Shoals Park has the largest drive-through lights show in the Columbia area. Holiday Lights on the River features more than a million sparkling lights and over 300 animated light displays on a two-mile loop of Saluda Shoals Park. Admission is $10 per car or $20 for a 15 passenger van. This holiday event is from 6:00 - 10:00 p.m. each night through December 31st.

Saluda Shoals Park is located at 5605 Bush River Road in the St. Andrews (Irmo) area. For more informaiton: Call (803) 772-1228 or visit Holiday Lights on the River website.