Riverbanks Zoo’s Lights Before Christmas

Gather up the kids and come out to experience Columbia's longest-running holiday tradition: the annual Riverbanks Zoo Lights Before Christmas holiday showcase starting Friday, November 20, and running through Wednesday, December 30, from 5 to 9 p.m. The zoo will light up with more than 1 million twinkling lights and countless animated images representing some of Riverbanks' most loveable residents. Guests can roast marshmallows at the Jingle Bell Bonfire, visit with Santa and enjoy the festive sounds of the Music in Motion Lights Spectacular. Riverbanks Zoo is also the only place in town where it snows every night! As a note, this event is closed November 26, and 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.