Columbia's Five Points district will glow with holiday lights and local performances the Friday after next, November 20, as the neighborhood hosts its annual NEON Joy celebration from 6 to 9 p.m. The free, family-friendly event is set to fill the streets near the Hootie and the Blowfish Monument with music, caroling, a laser light show and appearances from Santa, Mrs. Claus and the Grinch.
According to the Five Points Association, which is organizing the event, the night kicks off with the Brookland Cayce High School Marching Band performing from 5:50 to 6:10 p.m., followed by a holiday laser light show at 6:30 p.m. in the Five Points Mural Lot. Guests are welcome to bring blankets and chairs for the show, the association notes. As Cola Daily reports, the event is designed to transform the Five Points district into a holiday destination filled with lights and seasonal cheer.
A Lineup of Local Performers
Throughout the evening, the Mural Lot stage will feature a rotating slate of local talent. Columbia Classical Ballet performs from 7 to 7:15 p.m., with the Carver Lyon Choir & Bucket Brigade following from 7:20 to 7:40 p.m., per the Five Points Association's event listing. Cola Daily's report also lists performances from the A.C. Moore Bobcats Choir, Lower Richland High School Dance and Legacy Martial Arts rounding out the evening's entertainment.
Caroling will come courtesy of The Cocktails of USC, while hot cocoa will be served at the Saluda Avenue fountain, according to the Five Points Association. Kids' activities include ladybug face painting and balloon artistry from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., alongside photo opportunities with Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Hootie and the Blowfish Monument during that same window, the event listing states.
Food, Shopping and a Longstanding Tradition
Food and drinks will be available for purchase on-site, though organizers are clear that outside food or beverages will not be permitted, per the Five Points Association. The event is located at 532 Congaree Ave. in Columbia, according to Natural Awakenings Columbia, which also describes NEON Joy as a free, family-friendly celebration built around its laser light show.
Five Points Association Executive Director Heather McDonald said, per Cola Daily's report, that NEON Joy has become a special holiday tradition in Five Points that brings the community together. She added that the event features local school and community performances, holiday lights, shopping and district activities, and said the celebration supports local businesses while welcoming families, friends and visitors. The district's holiday momentum isn't new — a local television report from WLTX previously described an earlier NEON Joy gathering as drawing big crowds and called it a growing holiday tradition centered on community and local performers.
A Festival on the Horizon
The district is looking ahead to the 45th Annual St. Pat's in Five Points.
