Wine Spectator Top 100: Cellar on Greene

Thursday, December 22, 2011
Good News!

This year's 2011 Wine Spectator Top 100 list was a little elusive! But we managed to get our hands on a few, and tonight you can try a flight of three of them! Gruet Blanc de Noir (always a favorite!), Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc, and Chateau Tanunda Grand Barossa Shiraz! Visit the Cellar's website for info.

Holiday Dinner Cruise: Spirit of Lake Murray

Friday December 23, 2011
What a great way to kick off the holiday weekend. Board the beautiful Spirit of Lake Murray at 5pm and set sail at 5:30pm. Enjoy a relaxing ride across the smooth sparkling waters of Lake Murray and enjoy a great dinner featuring Pork Tenderloin on the Carving Station, Roast Beef, Au Gratin Potatoes, Fresh Green Beans, Tossed Salad, Sweet Potato Souffle. Cash Bar
Hurry! Space is limited and this is a popular event! Visit the Spirit of Lake Murray website.

The Nutcracker:Moscow Ballet: Township Auditorium

Friday December 23, 2011

If you love ballet, if you missed the Columbia City Ballet or the Carolina Ballet productions of this timeless Christmas classic, then head to the Township on Friday as Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker tells the beloved story of the girl who falls in love with a Nutcracker Prince - with Russian flair. Praised by the NY Times as "thrilling and expansive," the 40 impeccably trained Russian dancers will mesmerize the audience. Visit the Township's website for information.

Gaps & Saps: Congaree National Park

Saturday December 24, 2011
This has been one nice December, hasn't it? Let's hope it holds til Spring... and let's get outside and appreciate the beautiful weather. Take a guided walk at Congaree National Park this Saturday - Gaps & Saps will take you on a walk through the forest, where you'll see change in action and learn some of nature's secrets about succession. 11:00AM. Visit the Congaree National Park website.

CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS AT SHANDON UNITED METHODIST

Saturday December 24, 2011 & Sunday December 25, 2011

CHRISTMAS EVE: December 24
Inspiring services held in the afternoon and evening, filled with the scent of greenery, beautiful music, glowing candlelight, live nativity, and warm fellowship. Childcare, three and under, for 5:00 & 7:00 p.m. services by reservation, contact the church office at 256-8383.

CHRISTMAS DAY– It’s Jesus’ Birthday: December 25
10:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary
Every year, we say we’re going to simplify and have a Christmas that focuses on the real reason for the season —Jesus. This Christmas, experience the peace of knowing that God is truly with us, and the love of a Savior who gave everything he had for us. You’re invited to bring a present for Jesus. Click here for details. Childcare for three and under by reservation, contact the church office at 256-8383.

A Wonderful Christmas Day Buffet! Columbo's at DoubleTree by Hilton

Sunday, December 25, 2011
Come celebrate Christmas with a fabulous spread at elegant Columbo's inside the DoubleTree by Hilton hotel on Bush River Road at I-20! Treat your mom, your spouse, your kids, your grandparents and yourself to a very special dining event... make Christmas a relaxing day without the stresses of meal preparation and clean-up. The menu includes something for everyone from cold starters like smoked salmon and chilled shrimp to a market fresh omelet bar to entrees like carved roast beef and seared Atlantic salmon. And of course, a wide selection of holiday desserts, cakes and more. View the Christmas Celebration menu here.

Painting America the Beautiful: Columbia Museum of Art

Now - April 1, 2011
There is art... and then there is ART. Once in a while, as during the Renaissance in Italy in the 15th and 16th centuries, mankind produces some absolutely AWESOME works of art. And people travel from around the world to see them. We, here in Columbia South Carolina, have an opportunity to travel down to Main Street to view some artwork that rivals most of what's labeled ART. Do yourself a favor this week... escape the hustle and bustle of crowds at the malls, of traffic jams on Harbison, of waiting in line for everything... and go have an incredible art experience... for $12! Visit the Columbia Museum of Art website for details. Short hours Christmas Eve, closed Christmas Day.

The Brave Tin Soldier: Columbia Marionette Theatre

Saturday December 24, 2011 and Saturday December 31, 2011
On a quiet morning after Christmas Day, all the unwrapped toys are enjoying life out of the box. A love is blossoming between the little dancing figurine and the one-legged tin soldier, but an evil Jack-In-The-Box puts the holiday festivities to a halt when he throws the poor tin soldier out the window! Can the tin soldier find his way back to the little dancing figurine and find the courage to stand steadfast to the evil Jack-In-The-Box? The Brave Tin Soldier is the Columbia Marionette Theatre's premier holiday show for all ages! Visit the theatre's website for info.

Holiday Camps: The Little Gym

Just imagine....
next week your kids could be bouncing off the walls, eating you out of house and home, coloring on the tile floors or....

They could be having fun at The Little Gym!

Holiday Camps available Monday, December 26 - Saturday, December 31st from 9 am-12 pm. Children ages 3-8, fully potty-trained. Spots are filling up fast. Call today to reserve your child's camp days.
The Little Gym of Columbia on Beltline: 803-738-1115
The Little Gym of Lexington on 378: 803-951-7235

The Little Gym website

Holiday Camp: YMCA's

Second Session Begins Monday December 26, 2011

Ages: K4 – 8th Grade There’s no better way to enjoy the Christmas Break than with Holiday Camp at the Y! Swimming, field trips, crazy challenges and exciting new activities will make your holiday break fly by. This weeklong camp is sure to help you get ready for summer and help you prepare to finish the school year strong. Available at the Jeep Rogers, Lexington and Northwest locations. Session 2: Monday, December 26 – Friday, December 30 Times vary slightly for each location.
See the YMCA program guide for location phone numbers and more info.

Puttin on the Glitz!: Doubletree by Hilton

Saturday, December 31, 2011
Want to experience a fabulous New Year's Eve and not have to worry about driving home after a night of great food, drink, music and dancing? Here's the perfect solution - head to the Doubletree by Hilton on Bush River Road at I-20 this New Year's Eve. My husband and I did this last year and it was a blast! You get to check in early to a beautiful guest room, then head to the bar in Columbo's for appetizers and drinks. The wonderful buffet starts at 7:15pm. After we ate and made friends with the super-nice people at our table (who strangely all lived near us!), we went to our room and changed into our dancing duds... and then the real fun began. Wake up to a breakfast and omelet bar that puts all others to shame! Don't check out til 4pm! You don't want to miss out on this truly special way to ring in the New Year. Check out all you get for a low inclusive price... $209 per couple! Click here for the details!

New Year's Eve at Liberty Tap Room

Saturday December 31, 2011
DJ Freeman Gay will get the crowd rousin' and the servers at Liberty will keep the party liquidated, libated and instigated! Join the fun as Liberty offers $6 bottles of champagne, a free champagne toast at midnight, and a full menu of fantastic food! As always, not covered. Visit Liberty's up-to-date facebook page for details!

New Year's Eve $45 Per Couple: Virtu

Sunday December 31, 2011
Virtu Restaurant and Bar is located directly in the heart of Columbia, in beautiful historic Shandon - (on Devine Street next to Dianne's). Join them to ring in the New Year! Their special New Year's Eve menu offers a Three Course Dinner for Two for just $45. Share an appetizer like Charleston crabcakes or Cuban Mojo Chicken Skewers, choose your own entree from a fab selection including grilled shrimp and sea scallops, New York strip, and soy ginger grilled glazed salmon! Finish up with butter pecan creme brulee or caramel cheesecake! Complimentary champagne at midnight! Visit their Facebook page and click on the menu. (803) 376-8888

Famously Hot New Year - Downtown Columbia

Saturday December 31, 2011
Join the fun as Greater Columbia comes together to welcome the new year. Held on Main Street between Taylor and Hampton, the celebration begins at 7:30 and continues til 1:30am with music - headlliner George Clinton and the Parliament Funkadelic, Josh Roberts and the Hinges and Pinna, food and drink vendors, fireworks at midnight. Visit the Famously Hot New Year's website for details. Free admission.

Let The Good Times Roll: New Years Eve at Pearlz

Saturday December 31, 2011

Bring your friends to the Vista's favorite seafood joint this New Year's Eve and ring in 2012 with oysters, seafood and champagne! Live DJ starts spinnin' the tunes at 10pm and keeps on goin'! Complimentary champagne toast at midnight and party favors! Check out Pearlz and their marvelous menu here.

Rhonda Vincent & The Rage: Bill's Pickin Parlor

Sunday January 1, 2012

The Queen of Bluegrass, awarded Female Vocalist of the Year and Entertainer of the Year by multiple professional bluegrass association, Rhonda Vincent sings in the new year at Bill's Music Shop and Pickin' Parlor in West Columbia. Accompanied by her band, The Rage, there will be two shows on Sunday - 2:30pm and 7:00pm. If you like bluegrass even just a little, you don't want to miss this star of the genre... visit Bill's Music Shop and Pickin' Parlor website for info.

Happy New Year from Miyo's!

Come in during the holidays and get a head start on healthy eating! From fresh sushi, to edamame, to low fat stir-fry, you'll definitely find beautiful food that's good for you! Check out the Miyo's menu and locations at Miyo's website.

Winterfest: South Carolina State Museum

Now - January 1, 2012

Take a break from the holiday crowds with family activities celebrating the winter season!

A State Museum holiday tradition kicks off December 19 with a two-week- long celebration of the winter season. Escape the mall crowds with a variety of family activities. Highlights include a special holiday production from the Columbia Marionette Theatre, a photo seminar, seasonal Star Labs, a scavenger hunt, nature crafts, booksignings, an “indoor Olympics” for kids, board games,and, of course, several visits from the jolly old elf himself. See below for daily schedule, and check back as other activities are added. Visit the State Museum website.

Spring Awakening: Trustus Theatre

January 5, 2012 - January 21, 2012

Winner of 8 TONY Awards, including BEST MUSICAL, "Spring Awakening" celebrates the unforgettable journey from youth to adulthood with a power, poignancy, and passion that you will never forget. Set to a rocking score by Duncan Sheik, "Spring Awakening" explodes onto the Trustus Main Stage this winter. All tickets are $25. Visit the Trustus website for details.

Holiday Survival Guide: Palmetto Health

Palmetto Health offers a free Holiday Survival Guide to help get you through the season of decorating, parties, gift-giving and countless other activities. Use the tips to help manage the stress that comes with the holidays including managing expectations, enjoying family time, handling the holiday blues and jump-starting your New Year's Resolutions. Call 434-6891 to request a copy, or check out the online version at PalmettoHealth.org.