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Can you believe the holiday season is right upon us? And if you live in Columbia, South Carolina, or if you are like me and love visiting Columbia, then that means we are just days away from Vista Lights!
Vista Lights is the annual Christmas event in the Vista neighborhood of Columbia, SC. This will be the 38th year of this popular Soda City holiday event. This year it will be presented by Prisma Health and will take place on Thursday, November 16, 2023.
One of the highlights to me would be the Christmas tree lighting. That signifies the official beginning of the holiday season. The Christmas tree lighting takes place at 7:00 PM. It takes place at the Vista tree at the corner of Gervais and Lincoln Streets.
But it also an open house of sorts in the neighborhood. Over sixty shops, restaurants, and galleries are opening their doors. So you can check out some great holiday items as well as some delicious food.
There’s also live entertainment and performances by local groups outside River Runner Outdoor Center on the Vista Stage at 6:00 PM. There will be live music after the Christmas tree lighting as well. Oh, and you can even spot Santa Claus himself on Lincoln Street!
The Vista Lodging & Dining
So my family loves visiting Columbia for various events (mainly University of South Carolina athletics) and we have found a number of hotels that would be perfect for you if you are attending this event from out of town. You can check out our reviews:
- SpringHill Suites by Marriott Columbia Downtown/The Vista
- Aloft Columbia Downtown Hotel
- Courtyard by Marriott Columbia Downtown
We have also found a number of restaurants we like in the Vista/Downtown area we like. Here are a couple of reviews of these restaurants:
