With the holiday season fast approaching, many people are starting to think about their holiday shopping. If you’re looking for great deals on holiday gifts, Columbia is a great place to start. The city is home to a variety of stores, both big and small, that offer a wide range of holiday merchandise.

One of the best things about shopping for holiday deals in Columbia is the variety of stores that you’ll find. There are department stores, specialty stores, and even outlet malls. This means that you’re sure to find something for everyone on your list, no matter what their interests are.

Another great thing about shopping for holiday deals in Columbia is the prices. The city is known for its low cost of living, and this is reflected in the prices of goods and services. You’ll find that you can get great deals on everything from clothing to electronics to toys.

If you’re looking for the best holiday deals in Columbia, be sure to check out the following stores:

The Mall in Columbia: This is the largest mall in Columbia and it’s home to over 150 stores. You’ll find everything from department stores to specialty stores to restaurants.
Columbia Place Mall: This is another popular mall in Columbia. It’s smaller than The Mall in Columbia, but it still has a good variety of stores.
The Outlet at Sandhills: This outlet mall is located just outside of Columbia. It’s home to over 60 outlet stores, including Nike, Gap, and Banana Republic.
Main Street District: This is a charming downtown area that’s home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and bars. You’ll find everything from unique gifts to handmade crafts.

Holiday Shopping Tips

Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of your holiday shopping in Columbia:

Start early: The earlier you start shopping, the better the deals you’ll find.
Make a list: This will help you stay organized and avoid impulse purchases.
Compare prices: Don’t be afraid to shop around before you make a purchase.
Take advantage of sales: Many stores offer sales throughout the holiday season.
Use coupons: There are many coupons available online and in newspapers.
Be flexible: If you don’t find what you’re looking for at one store, try another.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the best stores for holiday shopping in Columbia?
- The Mall in Columbia, Columbia Place Mall, The Outlet at Sandhills, and Main Street District.
What are the best tips for holiday shopping in Columbia?
- Start early, make a list, compare prices, take advantage of sales, use coupons, and be flexible.
What are the best deals on holiday gifts in Columbia?
- You can find great deals on everything from clothing to electronics to toys.
Where can I find the best holiday sales in Columbia?
- Many stores offer sales throughout the holiday season. You can find coupons online and in newspapers.
What are the best ways to save money on holiday shopping in Columbia?
- Start early, make a list, compare prices, take advantage of sales, and use coupons.

Table of Contents

Christmas Lights in Columbia, South Carolina

Columbia, South Carolina becomes a winter wonderland during the holidays, boasting numerous spectacular Christmas light displays.

Festival of Lights at the Riverbanks Zoo & Garden: Experience a two-mile drive-through light show featuring over 2 million sparkling lights, live animals, and holiday characters.
Christmas Lights on Gervais Street: Stroll down the charming Gervais Street and admire the ornate light displays on over 300 homes.
Zoo Lights at Riverbanks Zoo & Garden: Witness a dazzling display of animal-shaped lanterns and sculptures illuminated throughout the zoo at night.
Lights Before Christmas at the South Carolina State Fairgrounds: Drive through a festive wonderland with over 3 million twinkling lights, animated displays, and a tunnel of lights.
Holiday Lights on Saluda: Enjoy a drive-through light display along Saluda Avenue in Cayce, featuring a variety of colorful and enchanting lights.

Holiday Events in Columbia

November 19-20: Celebrate the season with the Columbia Thanksgiving Market, featuring local artisans and vendors.
November 25: Immerse yourself in the magic of Christmas at the Columbia Festival of Trees at the State Museum.
November 26-January 1: Experience the festive atmosphere at the Congaree Vista Lights, with over one million twinkling lights illuminating the historic district.
December 3: Get in the holiday spirit at the Columbia Christmas Parade, a beloved local tradition featuring floats, marching bands, and Santa Claus.
Throughout December: Visit Santa’s Village at the Village at Sandhill for festive activities, including photos with Santa, holiday shopping, and live performances.
December 31: Ring in the New Year with the Bojangles’ Bash on Main, featuring live music, fireworks, and a family-friendly atmosphere.

Christmas Shopping in Columbia

Columbia offers a variety of shopping options for Christmas gifts, including malls, boutiques, and local markets. The Columbiana Centre is the largest mall in the area, with over 150 stores and restaurants. Other popular malls include the Mall in Columbia and the Village at Sandhill. For a more unique shopping experience, visit one of Columbia’s many boutiques, such as The Soda City Market or Lula Drake.

Christmas Activities in Colombia

Christmas is a time of celebration and joy in Colombia. There are many traditional activities that families and friends enjoy during this special time of year.

Some of the most popular Christmas activities in Colombia include:

Attending Christmas Eve mass (Misa de Gallo): This is a special mass that is held on Christmas Eve. Many people believe that attending this mass will bring them good luck and prosperity in the coming year.
Exchanging gifts: Gifts are a big part of Christmas in Colombia. Families and friends often exchange gifts on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.
Eating traditional Christmas dishes: Some of the most popular Christmas dishes in Colombia include tamales, buñuelos, and natilla.
Singing Christmas carols: Christmas carols are a popular way to celebrate the season in Colombia. Many families and friends gather together to sing carols on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.
Decorating Christmas trees: Christmas trees are a popular decoration in Colombia. Many families and businesses decorate their trees with lights, ornaments, and tinsel.
Going to Christmas parties: Christmas parties are a popular way to celebrate the season in Colombia. Many families and friends gather together for parties on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.

Christmas Getaways in Columbia

Escape the hustle and bustle of the holiday season with a festive getaway to Columbia. Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture, stunning nature, and unique attractions that make this destination a perfect escape.

Visit the iconic Medellin Christmas Lights: Witness a dazzling display of more than 27 million LED lights illuminating the city’s streets, parks, and landmarks.
Explore the picturesque mountain town of Salento: Wander through charming cobblestone streets, admire colorful architecture, and visit coffee plantations.
Escape to Tayrona National Natural Park: Spend a tranquil Christmas on the pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and secluded coves of this coastal paradise.
Experience a traditional Christmas in Cartagena: Stroll through the historic walled city, enjoy live music, and savor festive delicacies.
Indulge in the beauty of Providencia Island: Escape to this Caribbean paradise for white-sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and world-class diving and snorkeling.

Holiday Accommodations in Colombia

Colombia offers diverse holiday accommodation options, catering to various preferences and budgets:

Hostels: Budget-friendly shared accommodations with dormitory-style rooms and communal spaces. They are popular among backpackers and solo travelers.
Guest houses: Small and cozy accommodations typically run by local families. They offer private rooms or shared dormitories and provide a more intimate experience.
Hotels: A wide range of options available, from budget-friendly to luxury establishments. Hotels offer amenities such as private rooms, en-suite bathrooms, and sometimes additional services like restaurants and swimming pools.
Airbnb: A popular platform for finding vacation rentals. It offers a variety of accommodations, including apartments, houses, and even unique experiences like treehouses and glamping.
Campgrounds: For nature enthusiasts, Colombia offers numerous campgrounds in national parks and natural reserves. They provide designated camping spots with basic facilities such as showers and toilets.

Traditional Christmas Dining in Colombia

During Christmas in Colombia, families enjoy a festive dinner known as "Cena de Navidad." Typical dishes include:

Tamales: Corn-based dough filled with vegetables, meat, and raisins, steamed in banana leaves.
Lechona: Roasted pig stuffed with peas, rice, and spices.
Buñuelos: Fried dough balls made with cornmeal and cheese, often served with guava jelly.
Natilla: A custard-like dessert made with sugar, milk, and cinnamon.
Hojuelas: Thin, crispy pastries similar to empanadas, filled with jam or honey.

These dishes are accompanied by traditional beverages such as "chicha" (maize-based drink), "aguapanela" (sugarcane juice), and "hot chocolate." The meal is a symbol of family, tradition, and the Christmas spirit in Colombia.

Christmas Markets in Columbia

Christmas markets in Columbia offer a festive and unique way to experience the holiday season. These markets typically feature local vendors selling handmade crafts, unique gifts, and festive decorations. They also offer a variety of food and beverages, including traditional Columbian dishes and warm drinks.

One of the most popular Christmas markets in Columbia is the Bogotá Christmas Market. This market is held in the historical La Candelaria neighborhood and features over 100 vendors selling a variety of goods. Other popular Christmas markets in Columbia include the Medellín Christmas Market and the Cali Christmas Market.

Visiting a Christmas market is a great way to get into the holiday spirit and find unique gifts for your loved ones.

Christmas Festivals in Colombia

Christmas in Colombia is celebrated with a variety of festivals and traditions, each with its unique flair. The most notable include:

Aguinaldo Boyacense: Held in the Boyacá region, this festival features traditional music, dance, and games, as well as the lighting of thousands of candles.
Festival de Mil Luces (Festival of a Thousand Lights): In the town of Guatapé, this festival adorns the streets with over 7 million colorful lights, creating a magical atmosphere.
Desfile de Silleteros (Flower Parade): Held in Medellín, this parade features hundreds of farmers carrying intricate floral arrangements on their backs, showcasing the city’s vibrant horticulture.
Novena de Aguinaldos: A series of nine nightly prayers and songs, families typically gather during this time to sing, pray, and share traditional treats.
Alumbrado Navideño de Medellín (Medellín Christmas Light Celebration): One of the most famous Christmas light displays in the world, transforming the city into a dazzling wonderland.

Holiday Traditions in Colombia

Colombian holiday traditions are a blend of indigenous, Spanish, and African influences, resulting in a vibrant and unique celebration. Key traditions include:

Dia de las Velitas (Night of the Little Candles): On December 7, families light up homes and streets with candles to honor the Virgin Mary.
Novena de Aguinaldos (Festival of Carols): A nine-day series of carols sung in homes and churches, culminating in Christmas Eve.
Noche Buena (Christmas Eve): A festive gathering with family and friends, featuring a traditional meal of tamales and lechon (roasted pork).
Dia de los Inocentes (Day of the Innocents): A humorous day on December 28 where pranks are played to commemorate the massacre of the innocent children by Herod.
Año Viejo (Old Year): On December 31, effigies of the old year are burned to symbolize the cleansing of negative energy and the hope for the new year.

Christmas Celebrations in Colombia

Christmas is a prominent holiday celebrated in Colombia with vibrancy and cultural flair. The festivities begin in early December and extend until January 6th, culminating in the Feast of the Three Kings. The period known as "Novena de Aguinaldos" is especially significant, involving nine days of nightly gatherings and prayers.

Throughout the season, cities and towns are adorned with colorful lights and festive decorations, creating a magical atmosphere. Traditional music and food fill the streets, with popular dishes including tamales, buñuelos, and natilla. On December 24th, families gather for a grand Christmas Eve dinner known as "Cena de Noche Buena," which features a roasted suckling pig as the main course.

On Christmas Day, children eagerly await the arrival of Santa Claus, known as "Papá Noel" or "Niño Dios." Traditional Christmas gifts, such as toys, clothing, and religious items, are exchanged. The festivities continue into the New Year, with many families attending "parrandas," gatherings featuring music, dancing, and fireworks.