Christmas parades 2026Columbia · Soda City

Christmas parades and tree lightings in Columbia, 2026.

We found four Christmas parades and tree lightings in and around Columbia with 2026 dates: two parades and two tree lightings and lighting nights, three free to watch. Each one has the date, start time, price and a link to the organizer’s page.

The quick answersChecked
When’s the Christmas parade?Carolina Carillon Holiday Parade: Light Up the Holidays: Dec 5 · 2026 time not posted yet. Plus 1 more.2 paradesWhen’s the tree lighting?Vista Lights Tree Lighting: Nov 19 · 6 p.m. Plus 1 more.2 lightingsIs it free?3 of 4 are free to watch; the rest list a price.3 freeDaytime or after dark?2 daytime, 2 in the evening. Each card is marked.2 evening

Last checked · 4 events · Every listing links to its official page. How we choose

By date

Every parade and tree lighting, soonest first

Filter to what fits your evening, then tap one for its time, price and kid notes.

19NovThuVista Lights Tree LightingTree lighting · 6 p.m.3DecThuChristmas in Cayce Tree LightingTree lighting · 6 p.m.5DecSatCarolina Carillon Holiday Parade: Light Up the HolidaysParade · 2026 time not posted yet6DecSunSnowball Christmas ParadeParade · 3 p.m.

Christmas parades

Christmas parades in and around Columbia

Start time, price and what to know with little kids, from each organizer’s own page.

Tree lightings

Tree lightings and lighting nights near Columbia

Most lightings are short and happen at dusk, often with Santa, music or cocoa.

Nov19Thu

Vista Lights Tree Lighting

The Vista · Lincoln and Gervais Streets

Tree lightingFreeEvening
Time
6 p.m.; tree lighting 7 p.m.
Price
Free

For kids: Free parking at the South Carolina State Museum, with free rides to the event from 5:45 p.m.

Good to know: A free Kid’s Zone on Lincoln St. has face painting, balloon art, reindeer snacks and visits with Santa.

Official page ↗Checked Report a problem
Dec3Thu

Christmas in Cayce Tree Lighting

Cayce City Hall · Cayce

Tree lightingFreeEvening
Time
6 p.m.
Price
Free

Good to know: Cayce's 50th tree lighting, hosted by the Woman's Club of Cayce. City Hall is covered in lights, school choirs and bands play carols, Santa and Mrs. Claus stop by, and hot chocolate and sweets are free.

Official page ↗Checked Report a problem

Before you go

Three things that make parade night easier

SpotGet there earlyA curb spot near the start means little ones see everything and you can leave before the end.
WarmDress for standing stillWatching is colder than walking. Bring a blanket for the stroller and an extra layer.
TimingCheck the start timeLighted parades start after dark. Daytime parades are easier for nap schedules.

Every year

Parades and tree lightings that come back every year

Each of these comes back every year. Its page keeps the last confirmed dates, and the new ones go up there once they’re posted. Every year in Columbia

Vista Lights Tree LightingNext: Nov 19, 2026Christmas in Cayce Tree LightingNext: Dec 3, 2026Carolina Carillon Holiday Parade: Light Up the HolidaysNext: Dec 5, 2026Snowball Christmas ParadeNext: Dec 6, 2026

Keep planning

More for little kids in Columbia

November: things to do in ColumbiaEvery dated listing for the month, by weekDecember: things to do in ColumbiaEvery dated listing for the month, by weekFree things to do in ColumbiaFree days, free events and places that never chargeIndoor play in ColumbiaIndoor playgrounds, toddler times, museums and classes, with pricesLibrary storytimes in ColumbiaBaby, toddler and preschool storytimes by day and branchThanksgiving weekend in ColumbiaParades, turkey trots and what’s open on ThursdayChristmas trains in ColumbiaPolar Express, Santa and lights trains with datesThe Nutcracker in ColumbiaBallet and touring shows, sensory-friendly flaggedChristmas markets in ColumbiaChristkindlmarkts and winter wonderlands with hoursChristmas break in ColumbiaWhat’s open on Dec 24, Dec 25 and Jan 1This week in ColumbiaDated outings for ages 0–6, checked every Thursday

Good questions

Christmas parades in Columbia: the FAQ

Carolina Carillon Holiday Parade: Light Up the Holidays: Sat, Dec 5, 2026, 2026 time not posted yet (Downtown Columbia). Snowball Christmas Parade: Sun, Dec 6, 2026, 3 p.m. (Lexington).

Vista Lights Tree Lighting at The Vista: Thu, Nov 19, 2026, 6 p.m.; tree lighting 7 p.m. Christmas in Cayce Tree Lighting at Cayce City Hall: Thu, Dec 3, 2026, 6 p.m.

Three of the four we list are free to watch: Vista Lights Tree Lighting, Christmas in Cayce Tree Lighting and Carolina Carillon Holiday Parade: Light Up the Holidays. Some charge for extras like Santa photos or rides, and each card says so.

Daytime ones are easiest with toddlers: Carolina Carillon Holiday Parade: Light Up the Holidays and Snowball Christmas Parade. Evening ones start after dark and are colder, so bring layers and a blanket for the stroller. Get there early for a curb spot near the start so little ones can see.

Each listing comes from the venue’s or organizer’s own page and links to it. We only list a date, time or price when that page shows it, and anything we can’t confirm stays off. These were last checked Oct 30, 2026, and we recheck them every week through early December. How we choose and check.

Holiday plans every Thursday.

One short email every Thursday evening with the best things to do with little ones in Columbia that weekend, parades included.

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