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Tiptoeing towards the holidays with light shows, home tours... and the Colonial Cup

Things to do in the Columbia area, November 14-17

COLUMBIA, S.C. — As we head into the last two months of 2024, lets take a look around and see what's going on. 

We're only weeks away from the hectic holiday season, so some of the events this week pick up on that and are more relaxed and introspective -- art collections, walks through history and a bit of classical music thrown in. But, there's still a bunch of sports events -- women's basketball gets underway at Colonial Life with games Friday and Sunday, and let's not forget the Gamecocks are back at home on a winning streak! Round out the weekend Sunday afternoon with the horse races in Camden.

Check it out:

THROUGH DECEMBER 31

Tim Turner: Songs of Celebration Exhibit, 11 a.m.-5 p. m. Monday-Wednesday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, City Art Gallery, 1224 Lincoln St. An exhibit of NC artist Tim Turner’s large-scale abstract paintings of the simple things that bring pleasure. 

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer 4D, various times Tuesday-Sunday, South Carolina State Museum, 301 Gervais St. The classic stop-motion cartoon follows the adventures of Rudolph and his friends Hermey the Elf and Yukon Cornelius… even the Abominable Snow Monster! 

Eye to Eye: The Roefs & Waddell Collection, 1-5 p.m. Thursday-Sunday, Center for Contemporary Art, 701 Whaley. Over 100 pieces of art from the collection of Wim Roefs and Eileen Waddell, one of the largest private collections in South Carolina. Some artists represented include Leo Twiggs, Tyrone Geter, Laura Spong, Michaela Pilar Brown, Marcelo Novo and Virginia Scotchie 

THROUGH JANUARY 5

French Moderns: Monet to Matisse, 1850-1950, Columbia Museum of Art, 1515 Main St. A showcase of works from the era’s leading artists, including Paul Cézanne, Marc Chagall, Camille Corot, Edgar Degas, Henri Matisse, Claude Monet, Berthe Morisot, and more. 

THURSDAY, November 14

CDL Presents Jewels and Timepieces: The World of Art Deco in Jewelry Design, 6-8 p.m. Columbia Museum of Art, 1515 Main St. Columbia Design League (CDL) begins the evening with an exclusive tour of Sylvan Jewelers, showcasing craftsmanship from the Art Deco period, and a talk with fourth-generation jeweler Arnold Schiffman III. 

Devine Night Out, 5-8 p.m. 2700-2800 blocks of Devine Street. Walk through the shops, restaurants and boutiques that make up Devine Street. Live music, children’s activities, food trucks and the tree lighting in front of the Devine Street Fire House at 5:30 p.m. 

Women’s Basketball: USC vs Coppin State, 7 p.m. Colonial Life Arena, 801 Lincoln St. Tickets on sale now, Colonial Life has a clear bag policy. 

THURSDAY, November 14 through January 4

Historic Columbia Holiday House Tours, noon and 3 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday, 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. Sunday, Robert Mills Gift Shop, 1616 Blanding St. Take a tour back in time to see how the Robert Mills House and Hampton-Preston Mansion would have been decorated for the holidays during the 19th century. Guided tours last approximately 75 minutes. 

FRIDAY, November 15

The Philosophy of Five Points, 5:30-9 p.m. Five Points. This free event wants participants to wander through the shops and businesses in the entertainment district on the Curiosity Crawl and visit the 10 unique Cola Love activations where art, philosophy, and local culture merge. Collect charms along the way for a chance to win a raffle prize during the afterparty at 8 p.m. at Proof at Claussen’s, 2001 Greene St., Suite D. After party space is limited, register online here 

Meet the Author: Rebecca F. Kuang, 7-9:30 p.m. Richland Library Main, 1431 Assembly St. Kuang is a #1 New York Times bestselling author of Poppy War trilogy and Yellowface. She will discuss her recent works, Yellowface and Babel: An Arcane History, followed by a reception, book sale and signing. 

Tchaikovsky & Tangos, 7:30 p.m. Koger Center for the Arts, 1051 Greene St. South Carolina Philharmonic presents a program that links the charm of Amy Beach’ “Alla siciliana” from her Gaelic Symphony to the fiery passion of the tango in Astor Piazzolla’s “Four Seasons of Buenos Aires” and the dramatic intensity of Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 6 “Pathetique.” 

FRIDAY, November 15 through January 12

Wild Lights at Riverbanks Zoo, 5-9 p.m., Riverbanks Zoo & Garden, 500 Wildlife Parkway. Wander through the Zoo and wonder at the nearly 60 larger-than-life handcrafted lanterns inspired by nature. Interactive activities, photo opportunities, nightly “snowfall” and visits with Santa (through December 23). New this year, rent an igloo for your family and friends, complete with hot chocolate, s’mores, concierge service and 6 Wild Lights tickets. Tickets available onlin

FRIDAY, November 15 through January 4

Fireflies Holiday Lights, 6-9 p.m. Segra Park, 1640 Freed St. Come out and see the holiday lights and participate in seasonal activities such as a scavenger hunt, crafting at Santa’s Workshop, hop aboard the Fireflies Express (children 12 and under) for a train ride around the park, and visit with the big man himself – Santa! 

SATURDAY, November 16

Soda City Market, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Main Street Columbia. Check out the food trucks, arts and crafts, and more

Kershaw County Farmers Market, 9 a.m.-noon, 906 Broad St., Camden. The Kershaw County Farmers Market will close for the season on November 23. Check out the local vendors and get ready for the Holiday Market on December 14

2024 Annual American Revolution Symposium, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. South Carolina Dept. of Archives & History, 8301 Parklane Rd. Whether you are an American Revolution novice or an expert, you will enjoy this program highlighting Revolutionary era women, and the Irish and patriots of color in the Carolinas. Register online.

2024 Gorget Revolution 13 Single Barrel Release, noon-4 p.m. Gorget Distilling Co., 1794A Whiting Way, Lugoff. The annual release of Gorget’s Revolution Thirteen Single Barrel Bourbon is celebrated with live music, vendors, food trucks, Revolutionary War re-enactors and a live cannon. 

Harvesting Heritage: Black Appalachia, 6:30-8:30 p.m. South Carolina State Museum, 301 Gervais St. An exploration of Black foodways, music and cultural traditions of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Dinner prepared by Chef Amethyst Ganaway with guests Deacon Mable Owens Clarke, matriarch and historian of Soapstone Babtist Church; USC religion and history professor Stephanie Mitchem; and photographer and documentary filmmaker Chris Aluka Berry 

USC vs Missouri, 4:15 p.m., Williams-Brice Stadium. Coming off a big win at Vanderbilt, the newly ranked #23 Gamecocks take on #24 Missouri Tigers. The Tigers hold a 9-5 series record – winning at Willie-B in 2020 and 2022 -- but South Carolina is on a winning streak 

SUNDAY, November 17

Colonial Cup, 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Springdale Race Course, 200 Knights Hill Rd., Camden. The 49th running of the Marion duPont Scott Colonial Cup races are a delightful way to spend a Sunday afternoon, whether you're there to watch the races or watch the people tailgating in style (think under the tent with fine china and silver). Tickets and parking passes available online.

Women’s Basketball: USC vs East Carolina, 2 p.m. Colonial Life Arena, 801 Lincoln St. Tickets on sale now, Colonial Life has a clear bag policy. l

USC Wind Ensemble “Mystics,” 4 p.m., Koger Center for the Arts, 1051 Greene St. University of South Carolina Wind Ensemble’s final concert of the semester will feature Mettens, Caroliniana Harmonie ("Nachtmusik"); Etezady, The Flight of Night from Anahita; Holst, Hammersmith; and Colgrass, Winds of Nagual. 

Vino & Vibes: A New Wine Tasting Experience, 5:30-8 p.m., Main Street Lexington. Jump start your holiday shopping season with this new wine tasting event in Downtown Lexington. More than a dozen businesses are participating, here's your chance to get to shop unique merchandise in local boutiques. 

NEXT WEEK

  • November 20: P!NK Live 2024 with Maren Morris at Colonial Life Arena
  • November 22: Jelly Roll Beautifully Broken Tour with Ernest, Shaboozy, and Allie Colleen, Colonial Life Arena
  • November 22: Celebrating Frankie Beverly starring The Whispers and TMF (formerly Maze), Township Auditorium

Before You Leave, Check This Out