Columbia, Tennessee, comes alive during the holidays, offering a warm, small-town charm that no one will want to miss. From twinkling lights in Downtown Columbia to local shops filled with handcrafted gifts, the city has something for everyone, whether you’re looking for festive events, cozy meals, or unique souvenirs to take home. 

For those planning a winter visit, this merry guide highlights all the best ways to celebrate the holidays together in Columbia.
 

1. Enjoy Seasonal Menus

Get in the holiday spirit by enjoying limited-time seasonal menus at your favorite local spots.

Try the Salted Maple Latte at Hank’s Coffee Station in the Columbia Arts Building. Sip your drink from their cozy booths and wander their shelves to shop artisan goods. Or pop into Muletown Coffee to shop their Tennessee Christmas whole bean coffee and taste their winter drinks like a S’mores Latte, Sugar Cookie Latte, or Gingerbread Cappuccino. In a dessert mood instead? Hattie Jane’s Creamery has flavors that are guaranteed to get you in the Christmas spirit. Try Dairy-Free Peppermint Cocoa, Santa’s Milk & Cookies, or for those 21 and older, the Spiked Eggnog & Gingerbread Butter, spiked with Corsair Distillery Spiced Rum.
 

2. Return to These Always Cozy Favorites

Luckily, no matter how frigid the winter season gets outside, Columbia has no shortage of spots for a cozy drink or meal.

Bradley Mountain is a fantastic two-for-one coffee shop and leather goods store where you can sip on a hot drink while shopping for holiday gifts. Known for their modern adventure goods, you’ll find long-lasting leather jackets, bags, hats, and apothecary items. Try their Mexican mocha for chocolatey goodness with a little kick to jumpstart your day. Mama Mila’s, a local favorite, has comforting pasta staples that will warm your stomach and your heart. Try the Augi, which features their “crack” sauce – a combination of marinara and alfredo into one creamy tomato sauce. Break up your holiday shopping at The Factory with a meal from August Sage. This quaint spot serves some incredible brunch options, like their Prosciutto & Provolone sandwich with apple slices and blackberry jam. Be sure to try their Herb Butter Candle, which will make you feel like you’re sitting fireside. The holidays bring families together and there’s no better place to catch up than Buck and Board where everyone can share a charcuterie board. Pair your board with one of their seasonal drinks like their Holiday French 75. Holiday shopping downtown can really work up an appetite, so pop into Southern Tré Steakhouse to continue that main-street charm with a satisfying steak and delectable sides. Try the mashed sweet potatoes for the ultimate holiday-inspired meal. If you’re looking for a truly delicious meal in a more casual space, Boot Stompin’ BBQ in the Columbia Arts Building is for you. Try Bobby’s Usual, which acts as a sampler plate that comes with brisket, pulled pork, a hot link, and two sides.
 

3. Shop ‘Til You Drop

Columbia is the perfect place to get your holiday shopping done. Our city is full of local artists, vendors, and makers, so when you shop for your loved ones, you’re also supporting our community, too. Here are some ideas of where to shop and what you’ll find.

Downtown Columbia is perfect for a day of shopping. For local goods, Christmas decor, and Columbia merchandise, make your way to the Visit Columbia, TN Welcome Center. Shop for holiday decor and home gifts at Smith & York Company. For kitchen-specific decor and gifts, Gather Kitchen Mercantile is perfect – plus, they even have edible gifts like mulling spices, olive and herb spreads, and specialty teas. Visit Duck River Books to shop for the book-lover in your life and be sure to see their book tree! Last, but not least, Lily Jane Children’s Boutique has the most adorable clothes, books, and toys for kids. In The Factory, there are lots of great shops that have a variety of goods. Nashville Tea Company has specialty tea blends for the holidays like A Cup of Christmas. Camellia Chocolates makes seasonal chocolate varieties, such as Sparkling Cranberry Cider Chocolate – you can even try before you buy! Southern Polished is perfect for your summer-loving friend because you’ll find hand-crafted sandals here. Blue Hydrangea has some of the cutest holiday sweaters and pajamas in town. For holiday decor, Columbia Antique Marketplace has everything you could want from wreaths to Christmas villages to hostess games and even Santa’s cookies dishes. Dwell Boutique has the most beautiful ribbons you could only dream of, for your gift wrapping.

4. Schedule Some Cheer

Columbia is a great place to celebrate the holidays, especially with our themed events and attractions.

Festivities kick off November 22 with Row & Co’s Christmas Trees, where you can shop for live Christmas trees, kick back beside the fire, and stroll through a Christmas tree forest. 
Also on November 22 and continuing November 23, visit The Factory for A Very Maury Christmas market with local vendors and artists. On December 5 and 6, take the Maury Christmas Historic Home Tour. Step inside beautifully decorated historic homes and soak up the kind of small-town cheer that feels straight out of a storybook. Step back in time to celebrate Victorian Christmas at President James K. Polk Home and Museum by enjoying a rendition of A Christmas Carol theatre throughout the property. It’s one day only on December 13. Also on December 13, visit The Mulehouse for One Christmas Evening, a Children’s Benefit concert. Or pop in on December 20 for A Mulehouse Magical Christmas, a family-friendly celebration with music, Santa meet-and-greet, hot cocoa and popcorn bar, and local vendors for last minute shopping.

5. Fun for the Whole Family

In between Christmas movies, holiday shopping, and fireside games, Columbia’s attractions are sure to be fun for the whole family.

Put on your artist hat and paint some pottery together at Muletown Pottery. If everyone wants to try something different, book a reservation at Heidi Sue’s Creative Café, where pottery painting and mosaic making are both possible. Add more variety to your holiday game nights at Victory Box, a fun hangout spot with slot car racing, an arcade, and shuffleboard.
Weather permitting, get outside to Columbia’s weekly Farmers Market at Riverwalk Park. Shop for Christmas dinner groceries, the perfect potluck item, and even small edible gifts like custom spice blends from Homemade by Jen’s, apple cider from Scott’s Orchard, mini cookies from AG’s Cookies. Visit Amuse’um for hands-on fun that sparks curiosity and keeps kids entertained, where families can create memories through playful moments. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the season together and add a little extra holiday cheer in Columbia.
Whether you’re sipping a seasonal latte, hunting for the perfect gift, or making memories with the whole family, Columbia has everything you need for a cheerful and unforgettable holiday. Mark your calendar and enjoy the festive spirit that makes this town a holiday destination worth visiting.