Deck the Paws: The Midlands Ultimate December Pet Event Guide

Welcome, fellow pet parents and animal lovers of the Columbia, South Carolina and surrounding areas! I’m thrilled to be your guide through the most tail-waggingly good events happening across Columbia, Lexington, Irmo, Chapin, Forest Acres, Blythewood, and Camden this December. After two decades of covering the pet industry, I can confidently say the holiday season in the Palmetto State is unparalleled for dog-friendly fun, cat-tastic cheer, and local pet support. This isn't just a list; it's your essential guide to making memories with your furry, scaled, and feathered friends, while supporting the dedicated animal rescues and local businesses that make our community shine. Get ready to mark your calendars!

The Columbia & Forest Acres Christmas Pet-stravaganza!

The heart of the Midlands, Columbia, and its neighbor, Forest Acres, are brimming with festive activities, many of which are pet-adjacent or support our local shelters. While some popular events kindly ask you to leave your pets at home for safety, they offer perfect human opportunities to soak up the holiday spirit and support animal welfare.

Riverbanks Zoo’s Wild Lights Extravaganza

This is a must-see for the human family! Wild Lights at Riverbanks Zoo & Garden is a spectacle of massive, handcrafted wildlife lantern displays running through January 11, 2026. While your pups need to stay home for this one, the magic of the event and the nightly visits with Santa (through December 23rd) are a perfect way to celebrate the season. It’s a great way to spend an evening before picking up a special treat for your furry companion.

• What: Wild Lights (Human-only event)

• Where: Riverbanks Zoo & Garden, Columbia, SC

• When: Select nights, November 21, 2025, through January 11, 2026

Forest Acres' Sweet Seasons Kick-Off

The City of Forest Acres traditionally rings in the season with its Sweet Seasons event, a grand, free, family-friendly celebration. While the city’s notice asks for pets to stay home (which we always respect!), this community gathering is a great place to meet up with other local pet parents and community members. It features Pictures with Santa and The Grinch, live music, and lots of fun for the kids. Find details on the event and other city happenings on the Forest Acres Special Events page.

• What: Sweet Seasons (Human-only event)

• Where: Lowes Foods Shopping Center, Forest Acres, SC

• When: Early December (Check local listings for the exact 2025 date)

💖 Midlands Community Pet Spotlight: Final Victory Animal Rescue (FVAR)

In the heart of the Midlands, South Carolina, a non-profit organization is fighting tirelessly to ensure every deserving animal gets its "Final Victory." Final Victory Animal Rescue (FVAR), based in West Columbia, is more than just a shelter; it’s a comprehensive animal welfare organization working to change the landscape of pet care and animal rescue throughout Columbia and the surrounding areas.

The FVAR Mission: More Than Just Adoption

Founded in 2017, FVAR’s mission is clear: to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome the homeless, ill, injured, neglected, and at-risk dogs and cats of South Carolina. While they successfully place thousands of animals into safe, loving, forever homes each year (even facilitating pet transport up the East Coast!), their impact on the local pet community extends far beyond their adoption numbers.

This is what makes FVAR a true champion for animal welfare in our region:

• Veterinary Excellence: No expense is spared on the medical needs of their pets.

• Combatting Overpopulation: FVAR proudly operates a mobile spay/neuter van, actively working to stem the tide of unnecessary euthanasia.

• The Free Pet Food Pantry: This crucial resource helps keep pets out of shelters and in their loving homes.

🐕 Community Involvement: How You Can Be a Hero

If a long-term commitment isn't possible, FVAR offers the incredible Doggy Day Outs program. Volunteers can sign up to pick up a dog for a few hours and take them on an adventure—a walk on the Riverwalk, a visit to Soda City Market, or a drive-thru for a "puppuccino."

• Keywords: Final Victory Animal Rescue, West Columbia SC Pet Adoption, South Carolina Animal Rescue, Mobile Spay/Neuter SC, Free Pet Food Pantry Columbia, SC Animal Welfare.

🐶 Lexington, Irmo, & Chapin: Lake Murray’s Pet Holiday Hubs

The areas around Lake Murray—Lexington, Irmo, and Chapin—are known for their vibrant community spirit and pet-friendly atmosphere. December brings some wonderful ways to include your dog in the festivities, and opportunities to support pet adoption efforts!

Lexington’s Snowball Festival Fun

The Town of Lexington hosts its annual Snowball Festival at the Icehouse Amphitheater. This multi-day event features a craft fair, carnival, and the festive Lexington Jaycees Christmas Parade. While parades can be noisy for some pets, you'll often find many friendly, well-socialized dogs enjoying the outdoor environment.

Chapin’s New Year’s Eve Pawty!

Closing out the year with a bang, Chapin offers the highly anticipated New Year's Eve Pawty! Hosted by Modern Companion, this ticketed event is a fantastic way to welcome 2026 with your best friend. This is a premier dog event and a fantastic chance for your well-behaved pet to socialize. Pet tickets sell out fast, so book early!

• What: New Year's Eve Pawty (Ticketed, Pet-Friendly)

• Where: Modern Companion, Chapin, SC

• When: Sunday, December 31, 2025, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Pawmetto Lifeline’s Care-A-Van Adoption Events

While specific December dates need to be confirmed, Pawmetto Lifeline is a cornerstone of the Midlands' animal rescue community and frequently holds Care-A-Van events across the region. These events are crucial for finding forever homes for deserving dogs and cats. Keep an eye on their calendar for a December stop near you—you might just find the perfect Christmas miracle!

• Key Action: Adopt Don’t Shop! Check the Pawmetto Lifeline event page for December adoption drives in Irmo, West Columbia, and Chapin.

🐴 Blythewood & Camden: Honoring the Horse & Hound Tradition

The northern Midlands, encompassing Blythewood and Camden, have a deep history with equestrian and working canine events. The Christmas season is the most critical time to support local rescues.

Supporting Blythewood & Camden Rescues

Consider hosting a holiday donation drive for pet food, blankets, and toys for the animals in need throughout Blythewood and Camden.

• Actionable Tip: Organize a collection point at your business or church for pet supplies to benefit a Camden or Blythewood-area animal shelter.

Key Takeaways for Pet Parents

• Pet Safety First: Always check event rules.

• Support Local: Many events and organizations, like FVAR, benefit South Carolina animal rescues.

• Stay Connected: The best way to catch last-minute December pet events is to follow local pet boutiques and animal welfare organizations on social media.

Let's make this a December full of wagging tails and purring contentment!