Main Street ICE
For anyone who grew up in the north, winter means snow days and skating on a frozen pond. Unfortunately, that’s often not the case in South Carolina, but a few years ago, some of that changed for Columbia. Main Street ICE is opening back up on Nov. 24. The outdoor ice skating rink will be open all through winter break and will close Jan. 16. True to its name, this rink is in the heart of Columbia. It’s the perfect place to go with friends or family to experience a fun winter day, even if the temperature is in the 60s. Monday through Wednesday, adult tickets will be $8 and the child tickets will be $5. Weekend prices, Thursday through Sunday, will be $10 for adults and $8 for children.
Lights Before Christmas
Riverbanks Zoo and Garden hosts Lights Before Christmas, which is open every night from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. starting Nov. 19, except for Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas. It ends Dec. 30. The zoo will be filled with holiday lights and other decorations and will have hot chocolate available. Unfortunately, the majority of the zoo’s animals will not be on display during the event evenings, but Santa will be there for the kids every night before Christmas. With moderate ticket prices of $11 for adults and $9 for children older than two, this is a fun and affordable way to spend an evening during the holidays.
The Great American Trailer Park Christmas Musical
Trustus Theatre, located downtown on 520 Lady St., will be showing “The Great American Trailer Park Christmas Musical” from Dec. 2 through Dec. 17. This funny holiday musical has tickets priced at $30 on weekdays and during matinee showtimes and $35 on the weekends. There is a student discount available, which lessens the ticket price to $25 all through the week and weekend. Showtimes vary, so go to the theater’s website to see which time would work best for you. Grab a few friends who are staying in town for winter break and head over to Trustus Theatre to put a little humor in your holidays.
Famously Hot New Years
The beginning of any year is a time for starting over and trying new things, and a great place to do that is at Columbia’s very own Famously Hot New Years. It’s an annual party that takes place downtown on New Year’s Eve. Party-goers gather in the streets to watch fireworks and musical performances as part of the celebration. While the weather itself might not be “famously hot,” the spirit of the party and of the new year will keep you warm.
