33rd Annual Vista Lights Kicks off the 2018 Midlands Holiday Season Thursday, November 15
October 03, 2018
WHAT: The Congaree Vista’s signature open house kicks off the holiday season with artistic performances, live music and dancing. Favorite galleries, shops and restaurants in the Vista will open their doors to showcase their holiday treasures before and following the Vista’s tree lighting with Mayor Steve Benjamin and other city leaders.
WHEN: 5 to 10 p.m., Thursday, November 15 (Lincoln and Park streets closed to auto traffic from 5 – 10 p.m., and Gervais St. in the heart of the Vista closed to traffic from 6 – 10 p.m.).
WHERE: The Congaree Vista, with pedestrian-only traffic on Gervais Street from Assembly to Gadsden; and Lincoln and Park Streets, between Senate and Lady Streets.
TREE LIGHTING: The evening’s highlight will begin at 6:15 p.m. with seasonal music and dance performances by local organizations at the intersection of Gervais and Lincoln St. The main event is tree-lighting ceremony at 7 p.m. at the intersection of Gervais and Lincoln with Mayor Steve Benjamin. Prettier than Matt will play on stage immediately following the tree lighting and then Soda City Jazz Band will begin at 8 p.m.
DON’T FORGET: Vista Lights will feature a Kids Zone for 2018 with activities for children, face painting, balloon artists and more on Lincoln Street. Additionally, Merry Marketplace, also on Lincoln Street, will feature several vendors offering unique, locally crafted goods to kick off the holiday season. Attendees can also take free photos with Santa beginning at 5:30 – 9 p.m. on Lincoln Street. Bring your own camera to snap photos with Santa.
To learn more and stay updated with Vista Lights and see a full list of all Vista Lights happenings, please visit www.VistaColumbia.com or call Meredith Atkinson at (803) 269.5946. Follow the Vista Guild on Twitter, Instagram and on Facebook using #VistaLights18.