Tree Lighting in the Vista Kicks off the Holiday Season on November 21

The Congaree Vista Guild will host the 34th Annual Vista Lights on Thursday, November 21 from 6-10 p.m. Vista Lights is the annual open house event in the Congaree Vista featuring a tree lighting, live music, live performances, shopping, dining, and much more!

Vista galleries, shops and restaurants will open their doors to showcase their holiday best throughout the evening. Attendees are encouraged to gather around the stage at Gervais and Lincoln Streets by 6:15 p.m. to see holiday music and dance performances by local groups.

The Vista tree lighting will take place at 7 p.m. with City of Columbia Councilmen Ed McDowell and Howard Duvall, as well as other dignitaries. Following the ceremony, Prettier Than Matt will perform on stage from 7:30 – 8 p.m. and the Soda City Brass Band will play from 8 – 9:45 p.m.

The Vista will once again host the Kid’s Zone on Lincoln Street with activities provided by CAE, Midlands Media Group, EdVenture, Richland County Library and of course, visits with Santa.

New at Vista Lights this year:

On Lincoln Street, PAG Marketing will be featuring a 10-foot tall snow globe for patrons to climb inside for an amazing photo opportunity.

Another new addition to Vista Lights this year is at City Market. There will be live music, food and drinks from the local businesses and a pop-up market for holiday shopping.

Vista Lights also has a new look this year with designs from local artist Marius Valdes.

“We are excited it is once again time for Vista Lights,” says executive director of the Congaree Vista Guild, Abby Naas. “This is a great holiday tradition our community plans for each year and we are excited to bring new elements to a fabulous evening. Our businesses have been working hard to welcome people to the district and start the holiday season!”

Throughout the night, many Vista businesses will offer complimentary beverages, hors d’oeuvres and shopping discounts. Vista Lights attendees are invited to stroll through the Vista’s art galleries and businesses, restaurants and bars on this festive evening.

FREE Parking is available in the City Parking Garage behind Aloft at Washington and Lincoln Streets and in the South Carolina State Museum surface parking lot after 5 p.m. The Experience Columbia SC shuttle will run from the museum’s lot to Gadsden and Gervais Streets continuously from 6 to 10 p.m. City parking meters are FREE after 6 p.m. The City Garage next to the Hilton on Park Street is $10 cash only due to a special event at Colonial Life Arena. For a full list of participating business and a map of the event, visit VistaColumbia.com.

For more information about the Congaree Vista Guild, please call (803) 269-5946. Follow the Vista Guild on Twitter, Instagram and on Facebook @VistaColumbiaSC.