Columbia’s Christmas tree lighting is Friday, Nov. 6, 2026, downtown on the Public Square. It’s part of November First Fridays, the Holiday Kickoff and Tree Lighting, which runs from 5 to 8 p.m. and is free.
Santa is set to light the city’s 40-foot tree. Here’s what we know before you head downtown.
What time does the tree get lit?
The event starts at 5 p.m., but the lighting itself comes later. One local listing puts the ceremony at 7:30 p.m. We haven’t been able to confirm that time with organizers, so plan on being there by 7 if the tree is the main reason you’re going.
What else is happening
Plan on live music, food trucks, vendors, young entrepreneurs, games and downtown shops open late.
Where to park
The West 7th block and half of the Public Square close to cars for First Fridays. Columbia Main Street lists three free lots, on 6th Street, Woodland and 8th Street, plus street parking. There’s no designated ADA parking for the event.
Is the tree lighting the same night as the Christmas parade?
No. The 40th annual Columbia Main Street Christmas Parade is a month later, on Saturday, Dec. 5, at 6 p.m. downtown.
More Christmas dates around Columbia
- Nov. 20-22: A Very Maury Christmas holiday market
- Dec. 4: Merry Makers Market at First Fridays
- Dec. 5: Columbia Christmas Parade, 6 p.m.
For everything else this weekend, check our events calendar.
Sources: Columbia Main Street: First Fridays, Columbia Main Street: Christmas Parade, Visit Columbia, Around Maury.
Photo: West 7th Street by Matt Locke, via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.
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