Mornin’, Cola – Kayla here. I remember when my parents came to visit shortly after I moved here, I wanted to show them the best my city had to offer. It was mid-November – so obviously, Vista Lights was on the agenda. 🗓️

This year’s Vista Lights is happening Thursday (Nov. 21), from 6-10 p.m. A free, annual celebration in which the Vista’s towering Christmas tree is lit and 60+ restaurants, shops + galleries open their doors, Vista Lights has been a quintessential Columbia tradition for 34 years. To me (and I’d imagine many readers), it feels like the official kickoff to the holiday season in Cola.

Here are a few Vista Lights 2019 features that have us feeling festive this year:

The 10-foot snow globe on Lincoln St., courtesy of PAG Marketing. Get this: You can climb inside. Hello, perfect Christmas card photo.
“Cookies and Cocoa with Cocky” – Snag a complimentary professional photo with Cocky on the grand staircase of the Pastides Alumni Center, then enjoy hot chocolate, cookie + ornament decorating and a Cocky coloring page station.
Complimentary haircuts, hot chocolate + cake squares at No Grease, the Vista’s new barbershop.
The Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) table on Lincoln St., where kids can make their own airplane ornament + adults can pick up their own CAE blanket (while supplies last). Stocking stuffers: Check. ✅

Click here for more details, deals + event map. We’ll be there with jingle bells on. Ⓟ