The 28th annual Vista Lights, the Congaree Vista Guild’s signature open house, kicks off the holiday season on Thursday, Nov. 21, 2013 with dance, lights, music, shopping, dining and the annual tree lighting, complete with Columbia’s first-ever holiday community carol sing-along of “Deck the Halls.” More than 40 businesses will participate in Vista Lights this year, each featuring something special for the holiday season. There is also an evening-long scavenger hunt in search of 28 ‘elves on shelves’ in 28 different Vista establishments. Restaurants throughout the Vista will feature seasonal food, drink specials and entertainment. Local shops, galleries and salons will host one-of-a-kind experiences with designers, artists, workshops, holiday films, trunk shows and discounts. “Families will definitely catch the holiday spirit by visiting our shops, making their holiday wish lists and sampling Vista fare,” said Sarah Lewis, executive director of the Congaree Vista Guild. Free parking is available in Vista parking garages for Vista Lights and new this year is a fully functional Vista Guild free mobile App to aid visitors in finding their way around the Vista and to alert users about special offers and events in the neighborhood all year. Vista Lights attendees can also use the new App to navigate Vista Lights and the Vista’s shops and restaurants and participate in the evening’s scavenger hunt for a chance to win a $500 Urban Outfitters gift certificate. A full list of participating Vista establishments and Elf on the Shelf Scavenger Hunt details are below. To learn more about Vista Lights 2013 and keep up with the growing list of happenings, visit www.vistalightssc.com or download the Vista Guild’s free mobile App. Follow @VistaGuild on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook, using #VistaLights or e-mail staff@VistaColumbia or call (803) 269-5946.
More about the Elf on the Shelf Scavenger Hunt
To commemorate 28 Years of Vista Lights, there are 28 Elves hiding here, there and everywhere in shops, galleries and other Vista establishments. Find them, photograph them, and Instagram each elf for a chance to claim fame and fortune in the form of a $500 gift certificate for Urban Outfitters.
How to Enter:
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Follow @VistaGuild on Instagram. Upload your photos of Vista Lights elves to Instagram using the hashtag #VistaLightsElf and tag @VistaGuild in each photo.
The winner will be selected in a random drawing from the pool of participants who shared the greatest number of elves on Instagram. The winner will be notified via comment on Instagram on Friday, November 22.
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Participants are encouraged to photograph all elves for a chance to win the Urban Outfitters gift certificate. BUT REMEMBER: the elves are “hiding” in plain sight, so please be respectful of artwork, merchandise and other items on the shelves.
Participating Vista Establishments
Art Bar: Visit the "Art Bar Artist Market" featuring outside pop-up canopies and art. The Inside Art Bar Wall will highlight photographs by Kathleen Corley. 1211 Park Street
The Backpacker Quality Gear: Visit the shopping destination for the outdoor enthusiast. Enjoy 20 percent off of all regular-priced merchandise and complimentary giftwrapping.1215 Wayne Street
Blue Marlin: Sample award-winning Shrimp & Grits under the Blue Marlin canopy. 1200 Lincoln Street
ByFarr Design: Drop by for letterpress demonstrations on the early 1900's Chandler & Price press, a stationery decoration station for the kids, treats from Hudson's Classic Catering and a coffee bar from Loveland Coffee.504 ½ Gervais Street
Callidora Salon: Look! It’s a new hair salon in the Vista! Check us out, get free Bumble and Bumble samples and more! Free consultations, too!915 Lady Street, Suite 333
Capelli Salon: Get the look for the holidays with classic styles inspired by Vidal Sassoon and several looks designed by Capelli’s talented stylists. Enter a drawing and enjoy wine and light appetizers. 701 Gervais Street, Suite 130
Carol Saunders Gallery: Shop and meet several gallery artists. Find a special holiday gift by David Yurman and many other unique items.922 Gervais Street
Carolina Imports: Tax-free on all purchases during Vista Lights. The high-quality antiques are a must-see.705 Gervais Street
City Art Gallery: Watch a live painting by Steven Whetstone, enjoy Artist Bruce Nellsmith’s solo art exhibition “Formal Structures and Memories” and attend a book signing with Patricia Moore-Pastides, author of “Greek Revival: Cooking for Life” and “Greek Revival from the Garden: Growing and Cooking for Life”. 1224 Lincoln Street
Coal Powered Filmworks: Get in the Christmas spirit with outside screenings of popular Christmas films on the walls of Coal Powered Filmworks! “Jasper Artist of the Year” to be announced at 6 p.m. and releasing the new issue of the Jasper Magazine. View Richard Lund of Midland’s Clay Arts Society demonstrating pottery throwing.1217 Lincoln Street
Cupcake: Taste new holiday flavors, Hot Chocolate and Chocolate Tuxedo Cupcakes, and enjoy Vista Lights specials including Buy five and get the sixth cupcake free. 1213 Lincoln Street
Ellen Taylor Interiors: Shop local artists, furnishings and more with a 10 percent discount. 1012 Gervais Street
Eye on Gervais: View the Gucci Trunkshow and take 20 percent off frames and lenses. 1219 Lincoln Street
Gervais & Vine:Attend the popular “Annual Beaujolais Party” featuring the newest Beaujolais wine outside on the patio.620 Gervais Street
if ART Gallery: Showcasing an exhibition by Diane Kilgore Condon.1223 Lincoln Street
Jessica Rourke Wedding Planning & Styling, Landon Jacob Photography and Fern Floral & Event Design: Enjoy food by The Spotted Salamander and sweets by Sweet Reba.911 Lady Suite G
Jillian’s Columbia: Shag the night away with entertainment by DJ Butch D in the Groove Shack and shag band Jim Quick and The Coastline Band in the main room while enjoying food and drink specials.800 Gervais Street
Joshua Aaron Photography: Get your picture taken in the Instagram photobooth.Located 911 Lady Street
Lewis & Clark: Visit the new studio/store on the Western Frontier and experience current trends in lamps, furniture, and more. Located 1001 Huger Street
Liberty Taproom in the Vista: Enjoy hot chocolate, cider, beer and small bites ($2-$5) while decorating cookies outside. Inside you can enjoy an Absolut Midnight Martini for only $5. Live music performance by Joal Rush and Dustin Brown. Located 828 Gervais Street
Longhorn Steakhouse: Make s’mores and sip hot chocolate. Beer and wine is available for purchase outside as well.902A Gervais Street
Marble Slab/Great American Cookies: Visit Santa Claus and tell him what you want for Christmas. 1001 Gervais Street
Mellow Mushroom: Enjoy drinks and food specials “Call Me Pumpkin” Martini for $5, Winter Beer Special to be announced and free Bruschetta with the purchase of a large pizza!Located 1009 Gervais Street
MGrille: Sample new sushi rolls specifically created for Vista Lights and enjoy a complimentary Sake shot with purchase of sushi.530 Lady Street, Suite B
Mojitos Tropical Café: Sip drinks and eat empanadas outside the front door or dine-in and enjoy happy hour prices all night while listening to salsa music. 1004 Gervais Street
Motor SupplyFeaturing local artwork and farm-fresh meals!920 Gervais Street
NAI Avant, the Dupre Building: Meet the Sugar Plum Fairy from the Columbia City Ballet's The Nutcracker.807 Gervais Street, Suite 100
Nonnah’s: Enjoy the sounds of Brian McCollough on the violin. Local artists will be on hand featuring their work and offering special holiday deals.930 Gervais Street
Nova Bella Salon and Spa & Ginger Boutique: Shop the newest retail store in the Vista and get 10 percent off.801 Gervais Street
One Eared Cow Glass, Inc: Watch glassblowing demonstrations from 6-9 p.m. by the artists and owners. Receive 20 percent off all in-store merchandise. 1001 Huger Street
Paul Mitchell the School Columbia: Enjoy eye makeup lessons and receive a 10 percent discount. 700 Gervais Street, Suite D
Peanut Man: Make a Christmas ornament. If you buy a pound of chocolate, get another for free.1215 Lincoln Street
Pearlz Vista: Enjoy food and drinks specials and live music upstairs beginning at 9 p.m. 936 Gervais Street
Post No Bills: Tour the ‘creativity in motion’ agency and meet internationally acclaimed New Orleans painter Lionel Milton (8-10 p.m.). You’ll love the urban energy of his art, and you could win one of his works in a raffle at 10 p.m.801 Gervais Street
Regions Bank: Sip hot apple cider and nibble desert while enjoying the sounds of Cathy Jansen. The Angel Giving Tree will benefit Sister Care. 1010 Gervais Street
Ristorante Divino: Sample a special roast of coffee, Caffe Divino, while enjoying tiramisu dessert. 803 Gervais Street
Rita’s Italian Ice: Free mini cup of Italian Ice. Limit one per person. 800 Lady Street
Saki Tumi: Dance the night away with a DJ in the alleyway, watch live art, sample great food and try craft microbrew samples of beer. 807 Gervais Street
Salsarita’s: Nosh on nachos and enjoy margaritas. 916 Gervais Street
The Woody: Dance the night away with free line dance lessons. Sample two holiday soups and try a specialty holiday drink. 808 Lady Street (in the alley)
Urban Outfitters: Shop new merchandise and buy holiday gifts. 912 Gervais Street
Vista Studio/Gallery 80808: Visit “Gratitude,” an exhibition of new works featuring artists Eileen Blyth, Ethel Brody, Stephen Chesley, Heidi Darr-Hope, Pat Gilmartin, Robert Kennedy, Susan Lenz, Sharon Licata, Laurie McIntosh, Michel McNinch, Kirkland Smith, Laura Spong and David Yaghjian. Opening reception during Vista Lights event. 808 Lady Street
Wet Willies: Wet your whistle with fun holiday drinks, $1.50 domestic beer and $3.25 premium liquors. 800 Gervais Street
Whit-Ash Furnishings: Shop the many closeout specials. Enjoy no sales tax on non-closeout items. Try assorted sweets, nuts, cheese and a Hot Savannah Cinnamon drink.919 Gervais Street
Wild Wing: Santa will be handing out Mrs. Claus cookies. Offering drinks specials and, as always, the Steve Spurrier Show on Gamecock Radio from 7-8 p.m. Live entertainment to follow.729 Lady Street
World of Beer: Enjoy house food along with ladies night discounts on select drafts and wines. 902 Gervais Street, Suite F