The Midlands has several activities around town to make welcoming in the new year fun for the whole family! And the best part is you can finish early enough to get the kids to bed, count down to midnight, and sip champagne with the grown-ups!
New Year’s Eve at Noon
Doors open at 9 am with activities celebrating New Year’s Eve around the world! As the countdown to noon begins, a giant illuminated ball descends and lands at the foot of EDDIE, kicking off the biggest mid-day celebration in town! Free with museum admission or membership.
Time: 9 am – 2 pm
Location: EdVenture Children’s Museum, 211 Gervais St., Columbia 29201
Cost: Children and Adults: $11.50; Seniors (62+): $10.50; Military (with ID): $10.50; Members and children under two: Free
City of Columbia’s New Year’s Eve Party for Kids
Spend the afternoon strolling, shopping and enjoying downtown Columbia, and take the little ones to the City of Columbia Parks and Recreation Dept.’s New Year’s Eve Party for Kids, a family friendly event with games, face painting and more, as well as the Main Street Ice skating rink at Boyd Plaza. (Both events are independent of Famously Hot New Year.)
Time: 2 – 6 pm (Main Street Ice open from 1 pm – midnight)
Location: On Main Street in between Washington and Taylor Streets in downtown Columbia
Cost: $0 – $10
2018 Family New Year’s Eve
Dave & Busters is offering an exciting and FUN way for you and your family to ring in the New Year! We will offer loads of excitement with our New Year’s Eve package which combines all the Food and FUN that guests have grown to love at Dave & Buster’s. Tickets are limited.
Time: 5 – 8 pm
Location: Dave & Busters, 100 Columbiana Circle, Columbia 29212
Cost: $29 – $37
Holiday Lights on the River
Don’t miss your last chance to experience the magic of the Midlands Largest Drive-Thru Lights Show! Saluda Shoals Park will come alive in a blaze of more than a million sparkling lights. Holiday Lights on the River features over 400 themed, animated light displays.
Time: 6 – 10 pm
Location: Saluda Shoals, East entrance at 6071 St. Andrews Rd., Columbia 29210
Cost: $15 per car, plus additional activities offered at a nominal fee ($1-$10)