Riverbanks Zoo’s Lights Before Christmas

Gather up the kids and come out to experience Columbia's longest-running holiday tradition: the 27th annual Lights Before Christmas holiday showcase at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden. Every evening from 9 to 6 p.m. throughout the month of December, the zoo will light up with more than 1 million twinkling lights and countless animated images representing some of Riverbanks' most loveable residents. Activities include a marshmallow roast at the jingle bell bonfire, a visit with Santa and the enjoyment of festive sounds from the music in motion lights spectacular. Riverbanks Zoo is also the only place in town in the Midlands area where it snows every night. This event is closed December 24 and 25.

Cost: $10 adults; $8 children ages 2 to 12; children 2 and under are free. Location: Riverbanks Zoo and Garden: 500 Wildlife Pkwy., Columbia. For more information, call 803-779-8717 or visit Riverbanks.org.