Columbia Gears Up for Fifth Annual Light Up NOMA & Cookie Crawl Celebration

Columbia Gets Ready to Light Up for the Holidays!

Hey Columbia friends! Are you ready to kick off the holiday season in style? The fifth annual Light Up NOMA & Cookie Crawl is just around the corner, and the excitement is palpable! Organized by the North Main Business Association in partnership with Peak Drift Brewing Company, this celebration promises a day filled with joy, treats, and a whole lot of community spirit!

A Rich Tradition

Since its launch back in 2019, the Light Up NOMA & Cookie Crawl aims to showcase the unique charm of our beloved N. Main Street. Not only does it honor the festive traditions of the holiday season, but it also shines a spotlight on the diverse local businesses that make this area such a gem in Columbia. As the committee says, it’s the best place to be during the holidays!

Mark Your Calendars!

This year’s event is set for December 15, 2024, and it’s sure to be a fantastic day from start to finish. The happenings kick off with a delightful breakfast with Santa Claus, where families can enjoy some morning magic!

Breakfast with Santa

Starting at 8 a.m. and wrapping up by 10 a.m., this festive gathering will be held at the cafeteria of Eau Claire High School, located at 4800 Monticello Road. For just $5 for kids and $10 for adults, you can savor a tasty breakfast, snap a photo with Santa, enjoy some fun holiday crafts, and even participate in an ugly sweater contest. What a way to start the day!

Parade and Holiday Market

After breakfast, prepare to feel the holiday spirit soar as you watch the Light Up NOMA Parade. Leading the festivities will be the esteemed Grand Marshal, City Councilwoman Tina Herbert. The parade spans a mile and will come alive with marching bands, dance troupes, vibrant floats, live music, and a surprise guest from the North Pole! It kicks off at 11 a.m. on Ridgeway Street and will end around 1 p.m. on Monticello Road.

Don’t forget to swing by the Holiday Market, opening at 10 a.m. at the Leroy Moss Multipurpose Center. Here, you can snag unique gifts, indulge in delicious local treats, and soak up the warm, community vibes. Plus, Santa will be around for free photos from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. with a fashion show highlighting Ashley Stewart designs! What more could you ask for?

Sweeten the Deal with the Cookie Crawl

Are you a cookie lover? Then you definitely don’t want to miss the NOMA Cookie Crawl! For just $20, you can get your hands on a cookie tin filled with delightful treats from around the district. This year, you have the option to go VIP for $35, which includes a 4-pack of refreshing Peak Drift Brewing Co.’s seltzer or beer (for participants aged 21 and up), a $10 gift card, and a free bowling lane pass to The Grand!

With only 250 tins available, this popular event has sold out in the past, so be sure to grab one while you can! Pick up your cookie tin at Peak Drift Brewing Company between 2:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m., and then set off on your delicious adventure while hitting up participating locations until 6 p.m.!

Exciting Cookie Flavors Await

This year, you can expect an incredible range of cookie flavors on the crawl, including classics like red velvet, chocolate chip, and ginger. If you’re adventurous, try out the candy cane or peppermint bark cookies! Just a heads up, though—these cookies might contain allergens, so be mindful during your delightful tasting excursion.

Join the Celebration!

The NOMA Business Association is thrilled to invite you to celebrate the holiday season together. “This year, we’ve expanded the NOMA Cookie Crawl into an all-day event with more activities to highlight the N. Main Street community,” shares Sabrina Odom Edwards, the executive director. “We’re excited to host this family-friendly holiday event for the fifth year.”

Proceeds from this festive celebration help fund community events and promote the district and its merchants all year round. So not only will you be having a fantastic time, but you’ll also be supporting local businesses. For all the details and to grab your tickets, make sure to visit the event’s official page!

It’s time to don those holiday sweaters and make some merry memories at the Light Up NOMA & Cookie Crawl! See you all there!