WinterOff season ~57°F highs

Things to do in Columbia in December

December is off season (quieter, and often cheaper) to visit Columbia, with average highs around 57°F. Museums and indoor sights come into their own, with fewer crowds outside.

Plan a December weekend Where else in December

Best picks for December

What's famous here, weighted toward what shines in December.

1Indoor escape

Columbia Museum of Art

art museum in Columbia, South Carolina

2Indoor escape

Hampton-Preston House Museum

historic house in South Carolina, United States

3Indoor escape

Lexington County Museum

Holidays in December 2026

Christmas Day · Fri, Dec 25

Expect busier roads and pricier stays around these dates. See long weekends.

What’s on in Columbia in December

Concerts, games and shows in the next few weeks. Tickets open on Ticketmaster.

Tue, Dec 1 · 7:00 PMA Motown ChristmasTownship Auditorium Plan a weekend around it

Columbia in December: quick answers

Is December a good time to visit Columbia?

December is off season (quieter, and often cheaper) to visit Columbia, with average highs around 57°F. Museums and indoor sights come into their own, with fewer crowds outside.

What is the weather like in Columbia in December?

Average daytime highs are around 57°F, compared with 94°F in the warmest month. Check the forecast a week out; our planner favors indoor stops on rainy days.

What are the best things to do in Columbia in December?

Top picks for December: Columbia Museum of Art, Hampton-Preston House Museum, Lexington County Museum, South Carolina State Museum, Woodrow Wilson Family Home & Gardens.