The beginning of a new year marks the return of a new and exciting season in Aiken, SC. Winter is here, and for many, the mild weather is an ideal reprieve from the frigid temperatures in northern regions. If you’re ready to escape the ice and snow, consider heading South to Aiken this winter. Here are the best upcoming events happening in our charming Winter Colony town this January.
If your New Year’s Resolution is to relocate to Aiken in 2024, now is the time to begin your home search. Make sure to sign up for email updates to be notified of new listings as soon as they come on the market.
January 5th and January 12th: 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Take a walk back in time to Aiken in the age of the Winter Colony! Join Allen Riddick, local historian, for an engaging and informational history walk through beautiful Hopelands Gardens. Learn about Hopelands Gardens and Rye Patch, the historic properties, and the people who owned them. History Walks take place on the first two Fridays in January.
Online registration is available or you can register in-person at the front desk of Odell Weeks Activity Center. For more information, please email info@hopelandsgardens.com or call the Weeks Center at (803) 642-7631. History Walks are sponsored by the Friends of Hopelands & Rye Patch, Inc.
Tuesdays from January 9th – March 12th
Come out to Bruce’s Field for Tuesdays in the Park! Tuesday schooling days provide an excellent opportunity for riders to prepare for all of their upcoming competitions in world-class arenas. Tuesdays in the Park occur weekly from January 9 to March 12 (please note there is no Tuesday schooling on February 27th). The event is free and open to the public.
Stop by the Willcox every Thursday evening from 7 – 9 p.m. for the smooth sounds of live jazz in the Living Room. From nostalgic classics to seasonal delights, indulge in a hearty meal or a tall drink to complement the musical symphony that awaits!
Mark your calendar for Breeze Days at the Aiken Training Track! Come join us at the Clockers’ Stand to watch the young Thoroughbreds learn to become racehorses. The early morning scene at the Aiken Training Track is not to be missed! Young horses, often coming onto the track in groups of 2 or 3, train with enthusiasm, while trainers watch closely and time their work. Breeze Days begin at 7:30 AM. Held by the Aiken Training Track and The City of Aiken, the following four events are planned:
January 19, 2024
January 31, 2024
February 9, 2024
February 21, 2024
January 19th 6 – 8 p.m.
Don’t miss the opening night of The Village Café “Southern Visions” Art Show. The Village Café will be serving light bites, coffee, beer, & wine for purchase. Local art will be displayed through January 26th.
January 19th, 7:30 p.m.
The Aiken Symphony returns to the Amentum Theater on January 19 featuring a fabulous string section. From Samuel Barber’s Adagio for Strings to Tchaikovsky’s Serenade for Strings, this concert showcases some of the most beautiful music for strings (and harp) ever written.
January 20th 1 – 5 p.m.
One of the great things about living in Aiken is that there is always something blooming – even in winter! The mild climate provides the ideal habitat for flowering camellias in January. Come see the colorful blooms for yourself at the Aiken Camellia Show. Everyone is welcome to exhibit their camellias at this show, offering awards in several categories. There will also be Growing Classes and complimentary camellia plants for everyone who joins The American Camellia Society. This free event is held at St. Thaddeus Episcopal Church. See the show schedule here.
January 27th 6 – 9:45 p.m.
Please join world-class opera singer Cristina Fontinelli plus tenor and pianist friends for a dramatic night of classical music at Banksia in Aiken! Cristina is a talented and well-known performer, starring in title roles with the Palm Beach Opera, the Cairo Opera, Opera of Hong Kong, the NY Grand Opera, NJ State Opera, and the Opera of the Hamptons. She has performed in major concert halls throughout the U.S. and around the world, including the Lincoln and Kennedy Centers, and completed three world tours with the Mantovani Orchestra. Some of the popular “giants” Cristina has appeared with include Tony Bennett and Joel Grey. Her beautiful soprano voice has even taken her to the White House as part of President Clinton’s holiday celebration. She was also invited to open the ceremonies at the Stars and Stripes Inaugural Ball for President George W. Bush.
The Friends of the Aiken County Historical Museum invite you to attend Opera and Broadway in Banksia on January 27th. A cocktail reception with heavy hors d’oeuvres begins at 6 p.m. and the concert begins at 7 p.m. General admission tickets are $75. VIP tickets are $100 and include optimal seating, a meet and greet with performers, and a champagne reception. Reserve your tickets today!
Are you ready to experience a fabulous winter season in Aiken, SC? Now is the perfect time to visit if you are planning a permanent move to the South’s Best Small Town. Once you arrive to town, you won’t ever want to leave. Contact Aiken Horse Realty to begin your home search today. We can’t wait to welcome you!
Looking for more fun things to do in Aiken, SC? Check back on our blog soon for upcoming events in February and March 2024.