Things to do: Holiday lights, The Nutcracker, live theater and music

Elizabeth Wright, Kayli Vazanko and Evan Gore visit a holiday light exhibition at Riverwalk Park in Columbia, Tenn., on Monday, Dec. 13, 2021.
Elizabeth Wright, Kayli Vazanko and Evan Gore visit a holiday light exhibition at Riverwalk Park in Columbia, Tenn., on Monday, Dec. 13, 2021.

With Christmas just over a week away, get in the holiday mood this weekend by visiting the city's parks for Christmas lights, a holiday classic onstage and live music.

1. Holiday Lights and Christmas events

Christmas isn't complete without a walk and/or drive through a glorious holiday light display.

Columbia citizens will have the chance to visit three of the city's parks this year, which kicked off Monday at Woodland and Fairview Parks. This Friday will also kick off a walk-through display at Riverwalk Park.

The lights at Woodland and Fairview will run from 5-8 p.m. through Dec. 25, while the Riverwalk lights will be on display from 5-8 p.m. starting Friday through Dec. 31.

The Rebel Bar and Grill, 307 Riverside Drive, invites patrons to celebrate its Christmas Character Bash starting at 7 p.m. Saturday. Come dressed in your favorite festive costume from Christmas movies, stories or songs.

For the kids, get your picture with Santa Claus from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Columbia Parks Motor Sales Buick GMC, 919 Nashville Highway. Those who bring their own cameras will also have the chance to skip the lines.

2. The Nutcracker at Columbia State

Columbia State Community College will host The Children's Ballet Theatre's 10th production of "The Nutcracker," which is being presented as a black-tie affair this Friday at the college's Cherry Theater.
Columbia State Community College will host The Children's Ballet Theatre's 10th production of "The Nutcracker," which is being presented as a black-tie affair this Friday at the college's Cherry Theater.

Take in a night of a classic Christmas favorite, along with a little class sprinkled in for good measure.

The Children's Ballet Theatre will host its 10th annual production of "The Nutcracker," which will be presented as a "black tie affair" at Columbia State Community College's Cherry Theater, 1665 Hampshire Pike.

Dress in your best tuxedo and gown to set the scene, which includes a black and gold mocktail and hors d'oeuvres area provided by Clara's Sweet Shoppe, kicking off with a commemorative toast at 6:30 p.m. Friday.

3. Father of The Bride final run

The Maury County Arts Guild presents "Father of The Bride," which will have its final run this weekend with two performances Friday and Saturday.
The Maury County Arts Guild presents "Father of The Bride," which will have its final run this weekend with two performances Friday and Saturday.

This weekend will be your last chance to experience the hilarious classic "Father of The Bride" at The Maury County Arts Guild.

The local theater company, 705 Lion Parkway, will host two final performances starting at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for seniors ages 60 and over, military and students, as well as $10 for children ages 12 and under. Tickets are available at www.TicketPeak.com.

4. Rory Feek Christmas Show at Homestead Hall

Rory Feek performs the title track of his newest album, "Gentle Man," at Muletown Coffee's downtown Columbia roasting facility. The new album is Feek's first as a solo artist and will be released Friday, June 18.
Rory Feek performs the title track of his newest album, "Gentle Man," at Muletown Coffee's downtown Columbia roasting facility. The new album is Feek's first as a solo artist and will be released Friday, June 18.

Rory Feek's home concerts at his Farmstead Concert Hall are always a special occasion, especially when it comes to the holidays.

Feek will host his Christmas Show at The Homestead Hall, 4544 Highway 431, starting at 6 p.m. Saturday for his last home concert of the year.

Attending a Feek show on the farm is more than just a couple hours of music, but an opportunity to enjoy stories and fellowship in the big red barn.

Tickets are $50 and available at www.RoryFeek.com. For more information about The Homestead at Hardison Mill, the Hardison Mill one-room schoolhouse and more, visit www.HardisonMill.com.

5. Live entertainment

The Jolly String Quartet will perform at Puckett's in downtown Columbia starting at 7 p.m. starting at 7 p.m. Friday.

Maddie Kanizer will perform at Asgard Brewing Co. & Taproom, 104 E. 5th St., starting at 7 p.m. Friday.

The Escape Band will perform at Ember's Tavern & Grille, 2513 Hospitality Drive, starting at 8 p.m. Saturday.

Amylase Band will perform at The Boondox, 3543 Highway 431, starting at 8 p.m. Saturday.

Mercury Red will perform at Fozzy's Bar & Grill, 150 Stephen P. Yokich Parkway, starting at 8 p.m. Saturday.

Mike Villines will perform at Twisted Copper Brewing Co., 107 S. Main St. in Mt. Pleasant, starting at 7 p.m. Saturday.

Jay Powell
Jay Powell

Jay Powell covers events and entertainment for The Daily Herald. Contact him at jpowell@c-dh.net or follow him on Twitter @JayPowellCDH.

This article originally appeared on The Daily Herald: Things to do: Holiday lights, The Nutcracker, live theater and music