Events Happening This Holiday Season in Columbia, TN

February 28th, 2024 by

 

That chill in the air means that Christmas will be here before you know it. It’s easy to get stressed by the holiday shopping and a seemingly endless to-do list, but it’s important to take time to appreciate the magic of the festive season. Whether you’ve got children or you’re simply a big kid at heart, these exciting Christmas events in Columbia provide an opportunity to have fun with your nearest and dearest and remember what makes this time of year so special.

Holiday Meet ‘n Greet on Main Street

Some of the world’s most beloved holiday characters will visit Columbia in the lead-up to Christmas. Charlie Brown and Snoopy, Olaf and Anna, the Grinch and Cindy Lou Who, Raggedy Ann and Andy, and Buddy the Elf will make their way down Main Street, greeting children on the way. They’ll start with story time at the Visit Columbia Welcome Center before stopping by the corner of Main and Sixth, the Christmas tree, Tin Cottage , and Little Neighbors . Local children will have plenty of opportunities to say hello and get photos with their favorites.

Location: Various Main Street locations.
Hours: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Saturday from Nov. 19 through Dec. 17.
Cost: Free.

Homeschool History Day: Historic Holidays

The President James K. Polk Home & Museum will host a very special holiday-themed Homeschool History Day before students break for their Christmas vacation. Designed especially for homeschooled families, this fascinating festive session includes a holiday-themed tour of the former president’s home. Participants will make their own ornaments for their Christmas tree using historic methods and enjoy festive hot drinks.

Location: President James K. Polk Home & Museum, 301 W. Seventh St.
Hours: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 18.
Cost: $7 for adults, $5 for students ages 6 and up .

A Very Maury Christmas

Start your holiday shopping at a Very Maury Christmas, Columbia’s annual holiday market. Now in its eighth year, the event has moved to The Factory at Columbia to double the number of vendors available to shoppers in 2022. With around 60 stalls attending, you should be able to find the perfect gift for even the trickiest people on your holiday list. A percentage of ticket sales benefits the aMuse’um Children’s Museum.

Location: The Factory at Columbia, 101 N. James Campbell Blvd.
Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 19.
Cost: $5 entry fee. Purchase your tickets in advance from the aMuse’um Children’s Museum website .

Maury Christmas Historic Home Tour

The owners of Columbia’s historic homes open their properties for the annual Maury Christmas historic home tour . The tour provides a unique opportunity to see inside these private homes and admire their architecture and holiday decorations. Proceeds benefit the Athenaeum.

Location: Various sites around Columbia.
Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 2 and 3.
Cost: $25 admission is valid for both days.

Columbia Main Street Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting

For many Columbians, the annual Christmas parade and tree lighting signify the start of the festive season. Tens of thousands attend each year, so arrive early for the best vantage point of the parade’s floats as they pass. The parade concludes at Courthouse Square, where live music entertains crowds until the announcement of the parade winners. Then it’s time for Santa Claus to light Columbia’s iconic 40-foot Christmas tree.

Location: The parade starts at the Trotwood/W. Seventh Street split and travels east into Downtown Columbia.
Hours: The parade commences at 6 p.m. and the tree lighting is around 7:15 p.m. on Dec. 3.
Cost: Free.

Pancakes and Pictures With Santa

The Blue Barn Venue will host a unique interactive experience with Santa to get local kids excited for the holiday season. During the one-hour sessions in Santa’s Snow Shop, kids will write a letter to Santa, which they can give him in person. A professional photographer will be on hand to snap a photo of this special encounter. Kids can also enjoy a train ride, play in the bounce houses, and savor a sweet treat they decorated themselves. With pancakes and cookies available, no child will go away hungry.

Location: The Blue Barn Venue, 2697 Bristow Road.
Hours: 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Dec. 9 through 11.
Cost: $40 for a one-hour session. Families can add an infant under 2 onto the ticket for an extra $5. A portion of all ticket sales benefits Kids Place.

Mule Town Lumberyard’s Holiday Market

If you haven’t finished your Christmas shopping by December 10, you’ll get another opportunity at Mule Town Lumberyard’s holiday market. Several great vendors will showcase their wares at this festive event including 931 Beauty co., Sparkle & Sass, and Tac Candles. Santa will also make an appearance and pose for photos with paying guests. If you shop up an appetite, enjoy the tasty dishes served by on-site food trucks.

Location: Mule Town Lumberyard, 1104 S. Garden St.
Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dec. 10.
Cost: Free general admission, $35 for admission and photos with Santa , and $10 for sibling tickets.

Foster Party of 8 Christmas Concert

Columbia’s own Foster Party of 8 will spread holiday cheer with a selection of seasonal songs at their annual Christmas concert. Dubbed One Christmas Evening … Room For One More, the event sees the local vocal group playing alongside a full band, including string and wind sections. Money raised will benefit Maury County Sheriff’s Department SRO’s Shop with a Cop program which helps kids in need enjoy a brighter Christmas. Tickets sold out last year, so make sure to secure yours early from Eventbrite to avoid missing out.

Location: Pleasant Heights Baptist Church, 2712 Trotwood Ave.
Hours: Doors open at 6 p.m. for a 7 p.m. show on Dec. 10.
Cost: General Admission $10.00 + a $2.24 booking fee. Tickets on sale from Nov. 1.

The team at Stan McNabb Chevrolet of Columbia hopes these Christmas events bring some cheer to your festive season. We’d like to take the time to thank you for all your support in 2022. Whether you’re looking for a new or preloved vehicle in 2023 or need routine maintenance on your existing set of wheels, we hope to see you at our Columbia dealership in the New Year.

 

 

Posted in Holiday, Local