Ring in 2026: New Year’s Eve Events in Columbia, Lexington, Blythewood, Chapin & Forest Acres

Palmetto Scoopers
3 days ago
3 min read

Published December 16, 2025 Your complete local guide to celebrating New Year’s Eve 2025/2026 in the Midlands of South Carolina.

Every year the Midlands comes alive for New Year’s Eve with celebrations that range from downtown fireworks and block parties to elegant dinners, family-friendly early parties, and live music events. Below is your 2025/2026 event guide with times, dates, and direct links to tickets and event information. T

Columbia, SC – Biggest New Year’s Eve Celebrations

Capital City Fireworks Display

Date & Time: Wednesday, December 31, 2025 – Fireworks at MidnightLocation: Main Street at the South Carolina State House, Columbia, SCOne of the Midlands’ most popular annual NYE traditions — fireworks light up the Columbia skyline at midnight. This event is free to attend and attracts locals and visitors alike. The best viewing area is on the north side of the State House at Gervais and Main Streets. City of Columbia, Columbia SC+1

Event Info & Parking:https://columbiasc.gov/ring-in-the-new-year-with-capital-city-fireworks-5/

The Drop on Main NYE Block Party

Date & Time: Dec 31, 2025 – 9:00 PM to 1:00 AMLocation: 1600 Block of Main Street, ColumbiaEnjoy a street party with DJs, cocktails, food vendors, and a vibrant midnight countdown. This downtown block event is free to attend and one of Columbia’s signature NYE celebrations. Eventbrite

Event Details & RSVP:https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-drop-on-main-nye-block-party-tickets-1976889533812

New Year’s Eve at Market on Main

Date & Time: Dec 31, 2025 – 8:00 PM to 1:00 AMLocation: Market on Main, 1320 Main Street, Columbia, SCAn elevated New Year’s experience featuring live entertainment, open bar, chef-curated bites, DJs, and a ball drop viewing on Soda City’s largest outdoor screen. Eventbrite

Tickets & Info:https://www.eventbrite.com/e/new-years-eve-at-market-on-main-columbia-sc-tickets-1977438260067

Columbia USADance New Year’s Eve Party

Date & Time: Dec 31, 8:30 PM – 12:30 AMLocation: The Barn (West Columbia)Celebrate NYE with ballroom dancing, champagne toast, and live music at this community gathering. Eventbrite

Get Tickets:https://www.eventbrite.com/e/columbia-usadance-new-years-eve-party-tickets-1836447958279

Additional Columbia NYE Parties

Columbia nightlife offers a wide range of New Year’s Eve party options — dance clubs, lounges, and music venues host special ticketed events. Some of the top ones you can link to for details include:

Euphoria New Year’s Eve Soirée – suite party vibe
The Bootleggers Ball @ Prohibition – themed celebration
The Grand’s Annual NYE Bash – downtown party
Champagne NYE 2026 @ Champagne Restaurant – fine dining party(All listed in Eventbrite’s NYE page below) Eventbrite

Explore More Party Options:https://www.eventbrite.com/b/sc--columbia/holiday/new-years-eve/

Family-Friendly & Early Countdown Events

Not staying out until midnight? There are fun, early events for families and kids:

Family NYE Fun at Dave & Buster’s

Date & Time: Dec 31, 2025 – afternoon/eveningLocation: 100 Columbiana Circle, Columbia, SCEnjoy games, food, festive countdowns, and celebrations designed for younger crowds before midnight. Prekindle

Event Info:https://www.prekindle.com/event/77676-bring-the-family-and-ring-in-2026-early-at-dandb-columbia

Holiday Lights & Seasonal Activities

Fireflies Holiday Lights and light drives like Holiday Lights on the River at Saluda Shoals are popular through Dec 31 and are excellent family experiences before the NYE countdown. BullStreet District

Lexington, SC – Local NYE Celebrations

Lexington doesn’t always have major public fireworks displays, but local restaurants, venues, and community spots host NYE celebrations! For current event listings near Lexington:

Browse Lexington NYE Events:https://www.eventbrite.com/d/sc--lexington/new-years-eve-parties/ Eventbrite

Local Venue Options (Example)

Check spots like The Spirit of Lake Murray, Di Vino Rosso, or house parties and restaurant special dinners around the Lexington area for themed NYE options. Yelp

Blythewood & Forest Acres – Celebration Options Nearby

Blythewood and Forest Acres are quieter, residential communities, but you can still enjoy:

Local NYE dinners and celebration menus at restaurants in nearby Columbia and Lexington.
Neighborhood gatherings and small block parties shared on community calendars and social platforms.

Tip: Check local Facebook groups or Nextdoor for pop-up events closer to Dec 31.

Chapin, SC – Lake Community & Dinner Celebrations

While Chapin may not list large public events online, local restaurants and venues often offer NYE specials — from prix-fixe dinners to casual celebrations by Lake Murray. Search phrases like “Chapin NYE dinner 2025” on Eventbrite or restaurant sites to find updated listings as the date approaches.