It’s beginning to look a lot like… the busiest time of year. The State House tree is lit, the baby animals at the Zoo have their Santa hats on, the Koger Center is filled with Nutcracker ballerinas… and we have your guide to the must-do holiday events in Columbia this season.

via GIPHY

Where to see lights

Where to take photos with Santa

○ Santa Train | Saturday, Dec. 7, 14, + 21 | multiple time options | South Carolina Railroad Museum, Winnsboro, SC | $15-20 | Train ride is ~1.5 hours. Santa will ride on the train, visit with all the children + pose for photos. To assure seating, tickets should be purchased in advance.

○ Breakfast with Santa | Saturday, Dec. 14 | 8-11 a.m. | Hampton-Preston Mansion, 1616 Blanding St. | $20 or $15 for youth + $15 or $7 for HC members | Eat breakfast with Santa + take photos with him afterward. Then, make holiday crafts + explore the decorated halls of the Mansion.

Family-friendly events + shows

○ Gingerbread House Workshop | Saturday, Dec. 14 | 3-5 p.m. | Tiffany’s Eats + Sweets, 9704 Two Notch Rd. | $75 | The price includes a full gingerbread house kit, icing + all the decorations. Each member of your house-building team also gets a free beverage.

○ Candlelight Tours + Carriage Rides | Saturday, Dec. 14 | 5:30-9 p.m. | Hampton-Preston Mansion, 1616 Blanding St. | $15; $8 for youth; $5 for HC members | Enjoy live music, entertainment, children’s activities, hot chocolate + carriage rides through the Robert Mills Historic District.

○ The Nutcracker | Saturday-Sunday, Dec. 14-15 and 21-22 | 3-5 p.m (Saturday), 7:30-9:30 p.m. (Sunday) | Koger Center for the Arts | $22-54 | The Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairies is back for the season. Don’t miss your opportunity to see the Christmas classic this year.

For adults