6 reasons to roadtrip to Lake Murray, SC for the holidays

Looking to book a family holiday gathering outside of Raleigh, or planning a romantic long weekend for two to celebrate the season? Meet Lake Murray — a ~3.5-hour drive away from RAL + just 15 mins outside of downtown Columbia, SC, home to our sister city COLAtoday.

Lake Murray is a favorite of South Carolinians — maybe because of its stunning shoreline, traditions + endless amount of year-round activities.

Here are 6 festive happenings in Lake Murray Country this holiday season (read: 6 reasons to consider booking your getaway here).

1. Christmas Light Boat Parade

Be prepared to be stunned when you include Lake Murray’s annual Christmas Light Boat Parade in your itinerary. The parade kicks off on Sat., Dec. 4 at 6 p.m. Soak up the sparkling lights on the shore from Lexington Park Site at the Lake Murray Dam + feast your eyes on a firework finale. 🎆

2. The Lights Before Christmas

The Riverbanks Zoo & Garden is known for their ‘koala-ty’ holiday celebrations each year as Columbia’s longest running holiday tradition. While most of the animals will be catching up on precious beauty sleep, over a million twinkling LED lights will be sure to keep you awake in ahh + wonder. Pro tip: The Lights Before Christmas event is open select days in November and December, so check out Lake Murray Country’s event page for exact dates + deets. 🌟

3. Holiday Lights on the River

Each year, Saluda Shoals Park hosts the largest drive-through lights show in all of the Midlands region of SC, decorated with displays using over 1 million glowing lights. If you’re dreaming of a bright Christmas, see over 400 animated displays of all shapes + sizes any day sizes any day through Fri., Dec. 31 from 6-10 p.m ✨*

EXPLORE MORE HOLIDAY MAGIC

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EVENTS

Today

AIM Conference | Mon., Nov. 29-Mon., Dec.1 | Times vary | Raleigh Convention Center | Free | Join the NC Department of Public Instruction for their inaugural conference, “Accelerate, Invigorate, and Motivate” to explore tools for the betterment of children’s education.
Magic of Lights | Mon., Nov. 29 | 5-10 p.m. | Coastal Credit Union Music Park | $20 | Celebrate the season with this holiday light drive-through. ✨

Tuesday

Europe’s Christmas Markets: Sights, Sounds, and Flavors | Tues., Nov. 30 | 6:30-7:30 p.m. | Virtual | Free | Discover how Europe celebrates the holiday season as you learn about the history of Christkindlmarkt and other traditions. 🎄

Wednesday

First Responders Celebration | Wed., Dec. 1 | 8-9 a.m. | Cary Chamber of Commerce, 307 North Academy St. | $50 | Join Cary Chamber + other local businesses to express appreciation for first responders of the Cary Fire Department, Cary Area EMS, Cary Police Department, and the Wake County Sheriff’s Office.
St. Nick’s: A Raleigh Jolly Pop-Up Bar | Wed., Dec. 1 | 5 p.m. | 306 East Hargett St. | $20 | Take part in this interactive Christmas experience at this holiday-themed bar. 🍹

Thursday

A Shopping Spree! 2021 | Thurs., Dec. 2 | 9 a.m. | Jim Graham Building, 1025 Blue Ridge Rd. | $10+ | Join the Junior League of Raleigh for this holiday shopping event showcasing local, regional, and national exhibitors. 🛍️

Plan Ahead

Evening with Elves | Fri., Dec. 10 | 6 p.m.-8:30 p.m. | Marbles Kids Museum, 201 East Hargett St. | $25 | Immerse yourself in the magic of the holiday season with s'mores, a special visit from the Snowflake Fairy, and more.*

We have a monthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

MORE NOVEMBER EVENTS

NEWS NOTES

Weather

51º | Sunny | 0% chance of rain ☀️

Edu

The NC Community College System is giving the state’s 2020 high school graduates the opportunity to attend community college tuition-free. Beginning in the 2022 spring semester, full-time students who meet the Longleaf Commitment Grant guidelines will have the chance to receive up to $2,800 a year for two years. 📝(WCTI)

Development

South Hills Mall & Plaza was purchased by Raleigh-based developer Loden Properties and Chicago-based real estate investment company Northpond Partners for $38.4 million. The 60-year-old shopping center houses over 30 businesses, but the new owners have plans to redevelop the property. (The News & Observer)

Biz

Durham-based Real Estate Associates have rebranded to SVN | Real Estate Associates after signing on with the Boston-based SVN International Corp. The firm has operated in Durham since 1968 and is looking to expand amid growing business demands. (Triangle Business Journal)
Clorox has promoted Mariah Eckhardt to lead its Durham-based subsidiary Burt’s Bees. Mariah has been with the company for 16 years and is the first woman to lead since Roxanne Quimby co-founded the company with Burt Shavitz in 1984. 🐝 (Triangle Business Journal)

Featured Deal

Today is the final day to earn triple the points on every dollar at The 6AM Shop. Sign up for 6AM Rewards with the same email you’re using to read this now, then see all the ways to earn + redeem points on products designed by local creatives. 🛍️

The Buy

The NC Museum of Natural Sciences is having its Members Annual Holiday Sale. Customers can save 20% on all regularly priced items today through Sun., Dec. 5 online and in-store. Not a member yet? Visit the website to join.*

📸 @Raleigh_CC

November + December mark the season of giving. The holidays offer the perfect opportunity to shower your loved ones with gifts — from local businesses, of course — as well as the opportunity to give back to the community. We’ve got a roundup of local volunteer opportunities to help you do just that.

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