Things to do in Columbia in December

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Overview

December is a good time to visit Columbia. The weather is usually moderately chilly with a gentle breeze, with temperatures ranging from 39—58°F (4—15°C). There are plenty of events to check out and activities to try in Columbia during this time. Some of our top recommendations: take a holiday-themed brewery or distillery tour in Columbia, attend the Holiday Lights on the River at Saluda Shoals Park, visit the South Carolina State House for the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony, and more!

Columbia has plenty to offer for visitors of all ages and interests. In this article, we tell you the top things to see and do for your December trip to Columbia. Get inspired by the events, activities, attractions, and experiences unique to December. We’ll let you know where to explore events based on your interests, whether that’s food, culture, art, music, sport or others.

We’ll let you know everything you need to prepare for the weather in Columbia in December. Learn about what to wear and pack for your trip, the average temperatures throughout December, temperature changes from morning to evening and much more.

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Don't take our word for it
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Best events and things to do in Columbia in December

Top experiences in December
Take a holiday-themed brewery or distillery tour in Columbia
Many local breweries and distilleries offer special holiday-themed tours and tastings during the holiday season, where you can sample seasonal brews, cocktails, and spirits. These tours often include behind-the-scenes looks at the brewing or distilling process, as well as opportunities to learn about the history and traditions of holiday drinks. It's a fun and festive way to explore the local craft beverage scene and celebrate the season with friends and fellow enthusiasts.
Attend the Holiday Lights on the River at Saluda Shoals Park
This drive-through light display features over a million twinkling lights, animated scenes, and holiday music. It's a magical experience that will delight visitors of all ages and is a great way to get into the holiday spirit. The park also offers other holiday activities, such as visits with Santa, marshmallow roasting, and holiday crafts, making it a fun and festive destination for the whole family.
Visit the South Carolina State House for the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony
The State House is a beautiful and historic building, and the lighting ceremony is a festive event that brings the community together to celebrate the holiday season. The tree is adorned with colorful lights and decorations, and there are often performances by local choirs and musicians. It's a great way to get into the holiday spirit and experience the beauty of the State House at night.
Take a holiday-themed cooking class at a local culinary school or kitchen
Many cooking schools and culinary shops offer special classes and workshops during the holiday season, where you can learn to make festive dishes and treats. Whether it's baking cookies, crafting the perfect holiday roast, or creating a signature cocktail, these classes are a fun and educational way to get into the holiday spirit and pick up some new culinary skills.
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Visit the Holiday Market at the South Carolina State Fairgrounds
This annual event features over 300 vendors selling unique gifts, crafts, and holiday decorations. It's a great place to find one-of-a-kind presents for your loved ones and support local artisans and businesses. The market also offers festive food and drinks, live entertainment, and activities for kids, making it a fun and festive outing for the whole family.
Attend a holiday concert or performance at a local theater or music venue
Columbia has a vibrant arts scene, and during the holiday season, many venues host special concerts, plays, and performances. Whether it's a classic holiday concert, a festive ballet, or a heartwarming holiday play, these events are a great way to enjoy the talents of local artists and performers and celebrate the season with friends and family.
Take a holiday carriage ride through downtown Columbia
This charming experience allows you to take in the sights and sounds of the city while snuggled up in a cozy carriage. The streets are adorned with holiday decorations, and the clip-clop of the horse's hooves adds to the magical ambiance. It's a unique way to see the city and create lasting memories during the holiday season.
Attend a holiday-themed workshop or craft fair at a local art studio or gallery
Many art studios and galleries offer special workshops and events during the holiday season, where you can create your own festive decorations, ornaments, and gifts. These hands-on experiences are a great way to tap into your creativity, make something special for the holidays, and support local artists and makers.
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Holidays in Columbia in December
December

There are no holidays in Columbia in December

Other notable holidays
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Weather in Columbia in December

Temperatures on an average day in Columbia in December

The average temperature in Columbia in December for a typical day ranges from a high of 58°F (15°C) to a low of 39°F (4°C). Some would describe it as moderately chilly with a gentle breeze.

For comparison, the hottest month in Columbia, July, has days with highs of 94°F (34°C) and lows of 74°F (23°C). The coldest month, January has days with highs of 54°F (12°C) and lows of 35°F (2°C). This graph shows how an average day looks like in Columbia in December based on historical data.

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Historical temperature average in December
58°F
highs
39°F
lows

General weather summary

Moderately chilly with a gentle breeze
Feels like
30%
Chance of rain
0.160 in
Amount
11.5 mph
Wind speed
81%
Humidity
9.9 hrs
Daylight length
7:20 AM
Sunrise
5:17 PM
Sunset
47%
Cloud cover
Sweater
What to wear
What to wear in December
With an average high of 58°F (15°C) and a low of 39°F (4°C), it generally feels moderately chilly with a gentle breeze. There might also be a small chance of rain. With that in mind, most people would dress in something moderately warm like a sweater
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Best attractions for Columbia in December

Besides the array of exciting events and activities Columbia has to offer for travelers in December, we want to remind you of the classic attractions in Columbia that are great to visit at this time of the year as well! You can’t miss these iconic landmarks, local favorites, and places rich with cultural heritage. We hope to give you insights and inspiration into the best things to see and do to make the most of your visit. Here is a list of our top attractions in Columbia for December.
Riverbanks Zoo & Garden
1. Riverbanks Zoo & Garden
4.7
(20068)
Zoo
Zoos & Aquariums
Zoo with African & Australian animals, reptile galleries, a bird house, a farm & botanical gardens.
South Carolina State Museum
2. South Carolina State Museum
4.7
(3451)
Museum
Local history museum
Exhibits on art, history, nature, science & technology, housed on 4 floors in a former textile mill.
South Carolina State House
3. South Carolina State House
4.7
(472)
State government office
Sights & Landmarks
Grand edifice for the state's House, Senate & Governor's office, with free tours & leafy grounds.
University of South Carolina
4. University of South Carolina
4.5
(488)
Public university
Sights & Landmarks
Founded in 1801, this school features historic buildings & museums on its 218-acre campus.
EdVenture
5. EdVenture
4.5
(3200)
Children's museum
Museums
Over 350 hands-on exhibits that allow kids to explore human biology, nature, inventions & careers.
Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park
6. Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park
4.7
(2676)
Park
Nature & Parks
Old pump houses shed light on the canal works amid natural hiking & biking trails & picnic tables.
Columbia Museum of Art
7. Columbia Museum of Art
4.7
(1555)
Art museum
Museums
Paintings & sculptures spanning thousands of years, displayed in a contemporary building.
Saluda Shoals Park
8. Saluda Shoals Park
4.7
(1200)
Park
Nature & Parks
400-acre park featuring a river observation deck, boat launches, picnic shelters & multi-use trails.
Williams-Brice Stadium
9. Williams-Brice Stadium
4.6
(3131)
Stadium
Sights & Landmarks
Storied football stadium seating over 50,000 fans for University of South Carolina Gamecocks games.
Colonial Life Arena
10. Colonial Life Arena
4.6
(4051)
Arena
Sights & Landmarks
Indoor arena hosting University of South Carolina basketball games & shows by iconic music acts.
Sesquicentennial State Park
11. Sesquicentennial State Park
4.6
(3116)
State park
Nature & Parks
Forested park with a lake offering campsites, kayak & canoe rentals, a bicycle loop & nature trails.
Busted Plug Plaza
12. Busted Plug Plaza
4.3
(424)
Sculpture
Sights & Landmarks
Finlay Park
13. Finlay Park
3.5
(1443)
Park
Nature & Parks
An outdoor oasis with waterfalls, a lake, playgrounds, a pergola with swings & seasonal concessions.
Tunnel mural
14. Tunnel mural
4.3
(43)
Art center
Sights & Landmarks
Five Points
15. Five Points
Sights & Landmarks
Neighborhoods
Five Points in Columbia, South Carolina is a shopping, restaurant, and nightlife area that attracts customers from the nearby University of South Carolina and the Columbia metropolitan area. It is the center for the city's annual St. Patrick’s Day Festival. Wikipedia.
South Carolina Confederate Relic Room and Military Museum
16. South Carolina Confederate Relic Room and Military Museum
4.7
(341)
War museum
Museums
Flags, swords & other state historic artifacts exhibited from the Revolutionary War to modern times.

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Columbia?

Get inspired for your trip to Columbia with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

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