Make Columbia Your Home for the Holidays
There's something special about the holiday season in Columbia. As the temperatures drop, the Christmas lights begin to glow, and familiar traditions return, Muletown transforms into a place filled with holiday cheer.
From festive markets and charming Christmas tree lots to historic home tours, a milestone Christmas parade, and a brand-new ice skating experience, there's no shortage of ways to celebrate the season. Whether you're visiting for the weekend or making memories close to home, Columbia has a little holiday magic waiting around every corner.
A Very Maury Christmas
November 20-22
The holiday shopping season kicks off with the return of A Very Maury Christmas at The Factory at Columbia! This beloved holiday market brings together a wonderful collection of local makers, artisans, and small businesses offering handmade goods, unique gifts, and seasonal treasures. Whether you're checking names off your Christmas list or simply enjoying a festive day out, this holiday tradition is the perfect place to find something special while supporting local businesses.
Bring the whole family for a visit with Santa and stop by the Mini Makers corner for kid-friendly crafts that inspire the next generation of young entrepreneurs.
Tickets are $8 on Saturday and $5 on Sunday. Can't wait to shop? Grab your ticket for aMuse'um's exclusive Preview Party on November 20th for early access! Tickets can be found and purchased on their website.
Find Your Perfect Tree at Row & Co.
Beginning November 21
Is there anything more nostalgic than picking out the perfect Christmas tree? The Row & Co. Christmas Tree Lot returns to Columbia's Arts District, bringing the sights and scents of the holiday season to life.
Wander through rows of fresh evergreens, take in the twinkling lights, and find the tree that will become the centerpiece of your Christmas memories. Whether it's a yearly tradition or your first visit, this charming holiday stop is sure to put you in the Christmas spirit.
Garden Lights at the Polk Home
November 25 - December 23
Experience the magic of the holidays at the first-ever Tour of Lights at the Polk Home! Step into a winter wonderland as the Polk Home gardens come alive with dazzling lights, charming holiday scenes, and festive photo opportunities perfect for the whole family.
Your $6 admission includes full evening access to the illuminated gardens and one hot beverage per guest.
Shop Small, Spread Big Cheer
November 28 | Small Business Saturday
There's no better time to show some love to Columbia's local businesses than Small Business Saturday!
Spend the day exploring the charming boutiques, specialty shops, antique stores, and locally owned businesses throughout Downtown Columbia and beyond. From thoughtful gifts and handmade treasures to festive home decor, you'll find plenty of reasons to skip the big-box stores this holiday season.
And while you're out, don't forget to grab a coffee or enjoy a meal at one of Columbia's local restaurants. After all, shopping local is even sweeter with a little treat along the way!
Skate Into the Holiday Spirit at Riverwalk Park
December 1-12
Get ready for a brand-new holiday tradition in Columbia! For the first time, Columbia Main Street is bringing an outdoor ice skating experience to Riverwalk Park as part of its Jolly Holly Days celebration. Located beneath the Farmers Market Pavilion, this festive attraction invites visitors of all ages to lace up their skates and enjoy a little winter magic right here in Muletown!
But the holiday fun doesn't stop on the ice! Visitors can also enjoy festive photo opportunities, nightly food and dessert trucks, themed dress-up nights, and special appearances from Buddy the Elf, the Gingerbread Man, Princess Anna, Olaf, and even Santa Claus!
Whether you're a seasoned skater or stepping onto the ice for the very first time, this is one holiday experience you won't want to miss. Check their website for updates, details, and ticket information.
Maury Christmas Historic Home Tour
December 4-5
Step inside the magic of Christmas past with one of Columbia's most cherished holiday traditions!
Dating back to the 1950s, the Maury Christmas Historic Home Tour offers visitors a rare opportunity to explore some of the area's beautiful historic homes, each decorated for the holiday season.
From timeless architecture and elegant Christmas decorations to stories of the people and places that shaped Columbia, this annual tradition is a wonderful way to experience the city's history wrapped in holiday charm.
Visit their website for ticket information and additional details.
Columbia's Most Wonderful Weekend
December 5
Calling all antique lovers and holiday shoppers! Columbia's Most Wonderful Weekend is back, offering the perfect excuse to spend a festive day exploring some of the city's most charming antique shops. Step inside beautifully decorated storefronts during their holiday open houses and discover everything from vintage treasures and timeless furniture to unique Christmas decor and one-of-a-kind gifts.
Whether you're searching for the perfect addition to your home or a meaningful gift for someone special, you never know what holiday treasure you might find!
Columbia Main Street's 40th Annual Christmas Parade
December 5
Columbia's beloved Christmas Parade returns for its milestone 40th anniversary, bringing another year of holiday cheer to the streets of Muletown.
Bundle up, find your favorite viewing spot, and get ready for an evening filled with festive floats, marching bands, sparkling lights, and plenty of Christmas spirit. For four decades, this cherished tradition has brought generations together to celebrate the joy of the season, and this year's parade promises to be an extra-special celebration!
Jolly Holly Days Holiday Market
December 12
Still have a few names left on your Christmas shopping list? Make your way to Riverwalk Park for the Jolly Holly Days Holiday Market! This festive market brings together local craft vendors, bakers, food trucks, and more for a day of holiday shopping and seasonal fun.
Browse handmade gifts, treat yourself to something sweet, and soak up the holiday atmosphere. Plus, it's the perfect opportunity to enjoy one last spin around the ice skating rink before the festivities wrap up!
Ring in the New Year at the Mule Drop
December 31
The Christmas celebrations may be winding down, but there's still one more Muletown tradition to look forward to!
Say goodbye to 2026 and welcome 2027 at Columbia's annual Mule Drop on the Downtown Square! This one-of-a-kind New Year's Eve celebration brings the community together for an evening of music, food trucks, hourly countdowns, and a spectacular finale at midnight. It's a uniquely Columbia way to close out the holiday season and welcome a brand-new year!
Celebrate the Holidays in Columbia
This season, let Columbia be your home for the holidays; a place where community, tradition, and joy come together in the most magical way.
Whether you're strolling through a festive market, discovering the perfect Christmas tree, gliding across the ice, or celebrating four decades of parade traditions, the holidays in Columbia are all about making memories that last long after the decorations come down. So gather your loved ones, mark your calendars, and experience the warmth, charm, and holiday spirit that make Muletown such a special place this time of year.
Discover all upcoming events and details on our events page, and start planning your Muletown holiday getaway today!
