[Columbia, SC] - Starbucks, Scuba Santa and 3-D movies are just a few of the ways that you can stay warm and fight the winter blues this holiday season when you visit Riverbanks Zoo and Garden.

“We’re thrilled to offer our visitors Starbucks on a year-round basis. The premiere of this product could not have come at a better time. Families can warm up with a hot cup of coffee and enjoy some of our indoor and outdoor activities this holiday season,” said Tommy Stringfellow, director of marketing at Riverbanks.

Starbucks is conveniently located in Palmetto Plaza at the entrance to the Zoo. In addition to a selection of more than 10 specialty coffees daily, visitors to Starbucks can also find a variety of hot tea options, hot chocolate, flavored syrups and espresso, as well as fresh muffins and pastries.  Those hungry for a little more can stop by the nearby Bavarian Nut cart for fresh roasted cinnamon glazed Bavarian nuts.

Scuba Santa is back!  Scuba Santa is making a special stop this holiday season at Riverbanks' Aquarium Reptile Complex (ARC). Every Saturday and Sunday at 12:30pm he will feed the fish in the Indo-Pacific coral reef tank in the Zoo’s Aquarium Reptile Complex. The week before Christmas, Scuba Santa will make an appearance every day.

Santa’s Polar Blast is playing throughout the month of December in Riverbanks’ 3-D Adventure Theater. The 20-minute holiday explosion features an all-out battle between the Snowman and Santa for rights to the worldwide gift delivery franchise known as Christmas. Admission to the 3-D theater is $3 and the show runs every 30 minutes on the hour and half hour at Lights Before Christmas and at the top of the hour during regular Zoo hours. Wild Safari 3D plays on the half hour during regular business hours.

And finally, warm your heart this holiday season with a trip to Riverbanks’ Lights Before Christmas. The Lights will run now through December 30 from 6 to 9pm, excluding Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Riverbanks Society members receive one free visit to Lights, and general admission is $5 for children and $7 for adults. Tickets can be purchased in advance at www.riverbanks.org or at the gate.