Christmas is not just a day; it’s a season here in Aiken, SC! Every December this charming Southern town comes alive with dazzling light displays, bustling shops and restaurants, and the merry sounds of hoofbeats and carolers spreading Yuletide cheer. While it may sound like something out of a Hallmark movie, it is truly the people and community that make the holidays special. From festive gatherings amongst family and friends to town-wide tree lightings and horse and dog parades, there are many ways to celebrate Christmas in Aiken, SC in 2024. Mark your calendar now for these upcoming events!
For more recommendations about things to see and do in Aiken this winter, be sure to request our complimentary Aiken package. It’s full of information about upcoming events, maps, brochures, local restaurants and shops, and upcoming events and festivals.
Hundreds of glowing luminaries will line the streets of downtown Aiken during Night of a Thousand Lights. Come out and enjoy an evening stroll through The Alley. The shops and restaurants will stay open late, ready to welcome visitors inside for tasty treats, drinks, music, caroling, elves and more.
Where: Downtown Aiken
When: December 12th from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Equus Events is hosting three USEF National A-Rated December Classics at Bruce’s Field this year. The Level 2 Jumper horse shows will take place on December 5-8 and December 12-15 2024.
Where: Bruce’s Field
When: December 5-8, December 12 – 15
Join us for the annual Festival of Trees at the Center for African American History, Art & Culture. The Festival will kick off with a tree lighting on December 6 at 4 p.m. Please come and take photos, and don’t forget to vote for your favorite tree. Immediately following at 6 p.m. is the City of Aiken Tree Lighting on Newberry Street. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Both events are free to the public.
The Festival of Trees continues Wednesday-Saturday, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. from December 7 – January 4.
Where: African American History, Art & Culture
When: December 6th, 4 p.m.
Ring in the holiday season with the ceremonial lighting of the Christmas tree in the center of town square. On Friday evening, December 6th, The City of Aiken Parks, Recreation & Tourism Department will host the 36th annual Downtown Tree Lighting Ceremony. This free event takes place on Newberry Street in historic downtown Aiken. Kick-off the holiday season with a live musical performance, a special hello from Santa, and the countdown to the lighting of the 24-foot “dancing” Christmas tree. The display has over 8,000 flashing lights that dance in patterns synchronized to holiday tunes. Free hot chocolate and cider will be served, and s’mores kits will also be available for purchase to roast over a fire.
Where: Newberry Street
When: December 6th at 6 p.m.
Shop local this holiday season for a chance to win some amazing prizes and money! For every $25 you spend at local participating restaurants and shops in downtown Aiken, you will receive a numbered red ticket. These tickets are entered into weekly drawings that begin at $100 in the first week and increase to three $1,000 awards. In total, $5,000 in cash prizes will be awarded during the campaign from November 1 to December 18. This year’s sponsor, Bridgestone, has included a complete set of new tires in the grand prize drawing this year. Follow @aikenchamber on Facebook and tune in every Monday at 4 p.m. for the weekly drawing. Winning ticket numbers will also be posted at aikenchamber.net.
The 54th Annual Christmas Craft Show begins at 9 a.m. on December 6th. Featuring handmade crafts from talented artisans across the Southeast, this pop-up Christmas market is one you won’t want to miss. Here you can find your holiday gifts, as well as home decor, wreaths, wood furniture, paintings, jewelry, ornaments, clothing, ceramics, needlepoint creations, door hangers, and other unique items. No matter what you are searching for, there is sure to be something for every style, taste, and budget. There will also be local vendors onsite serving up delicious food and snacks.
Where: Odell Weeks Activity Center
When: December 6th & 7th from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Experience the excitement of Christmas in New York. This December, Artistic Director for Jazz Riley Mulherkar brings his beloved Jazz at Lincoln Center holiday tradition right here to Aiken, SC! “Joye to the World” concert features holiday classics and soon-to-be-classics from an all-new lineup of artists. Among the five internationally acclaimed jazz musicians joining Riley on stage are: Trumpeter, vocalist, and composer Jumaane Smith and Haitian-American vocalist Tyreek McDole. Get into the holiday spirit with Joye in Aiken! “Joye to the World” holiday concert will take place at 7:30 p.m. on December 7th at the Etherridge Center. Visit their website to get your tickets now!
Where: U of SC Aiken Etherredge Center
471 University Parkway
Aiken, SC
When: December 7 at 7:30 p.m.
Nothing will get you feeling the Christmas spirit quite like this Charles Dickens classic. This timeless tale reminds us of the power of redemption and the importance of love, forgiveness, and human connection during the festive season. Get your tickets now for A Christmas Carol, premiering exclusively at the Aiken Community Theatre this December.
Where: Aiken Community Theatre
When: Dec 6-14
One of our favorite winter traditions in Aiken is Christmas in Hopelands. Set amidst the beautiful backdrop of Hopelands Gardens, this enchanting walk-through exhibit features two miles of lighted pathways, more than 100,000 twinkling lights, and dazzling Christmas displays. Enjoy the beauty of the gardens as you wander along the lighted pathways. Then, stop by the Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame Museum for complimentary apple cider, hot cocoa, and cookies. Next, visit the Doll House, decorated with a theme every year by the seven Garden Clubs from the Aiken area. Finally, make sure to stop by Rye Patch to enjoy a variety of holiday crafts for kids and meet-and-greet photos with Santa.
This year there will also be live entertainment provided on the Roland H. Windham Performing Arts Stage at 7:00 p.m. Spectators should bring a blanket or use the natural amphitheater seating to enjoy the shows. The 33rd Annual Christmas in Hopelands will take place December 14-23 from 6 – 9:30 p.m. Admission is free.
Where: Hopelands Gardens
When: December 14-23 from 6 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
A night at the symphony is a magical way to celebrate Christmas in Aiken, SC in 2024. The Aiken Symphony Orchestra welcomes you to the annual Home for the Holidays concert! This patron favorite is a highlight of the holiday season and showcases beloved songs that conjure the magic of this important time. Mark your calendar for Sunday, December 8 and get your tickets today!
Where: The Etherridge Center
When: December 8 at 3 p.m.
The Jaycees Christmas parade is a holiday favorite in Aiken, showcasing a merry procession of decorated floats, local businesses and public figures, vintage cars, marching bands, and Santa himself. Each year, prizes are awarded for the Christmas parade, including 1st, 2nd, and 3rd overall, Most Christmas Spirit, Best Religious, and Best Band. This year’s theme is “Holidays Around the World.”
Where: Downtown Aiken
When: Sunday December 8th at 2 p.m.
Join Clara and the Nutcracker Prince for a magical sleigh ride through the snow to the Land of the Sweets for a whimsical and enchanting celebration with the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier. Presented by the Aiken Civic Ballet, “The Nutcracker” is a timeless holiday classic you won’t want to miss. Get your tickets today!
Where: The Etherridge Center
When: December 20-22
Nothing can stop the magic of Christmas in Aiken, SC! In 2024, The Aiken Hoofbeats Christmas parade is returning. Presented by The Aiken Rescue and SPCA, the parade will take place on Sunday, December 15th. Watch as horses and riders spread holiday cheer through the heart of downtown Aiken. The four-legged procession is accompanied by carriages, dog walkers, the mounted unit, Clean Up Aiken and even Santa himself. Sing along from the sidelines or register now to participate in the fun; all are welcome to join.
This year’s Aiken Hoofbeats Christmas Parade will have some changes, including a new route with horses beginning in Gyles Park, down Park Avenue, Left on Chesterfield, Right to the The Wilcox, Right on Newberry, Left on Park Ave. SW, Right on Laurens up to Barnwell Ave, with the lead group stopping at Trinity on Laurens Senior Living Residence. The dog walkers will join the Parade starting at the County Courthouse on the corner of Park Ave. and Chesterfield St. For more details and registration please see the parade’s eventbrite page.
Where: Downtown Aiken
When: December 15th at 2 p.m.
Save the date: Breeze Days are back at the Aiken Training Track for January and February 2024. The Aiken Training Track and The City of Aiken are inviting the Aiken community to join us at the Clockers’ Stand to watch the Thoroughbreds breeze. Come and see how 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. There will also be coffee and donuts available during the event which begins at 7:30 AM.
Four events are planned:
January 19, 2024
January 31, 2024
February 9, 2024
February 21, 2024
Where: The Aiken Training Track
There’s simply no place like Aiken for the holidays. Whether you’re a current resident or thinking about moving here soon, you can count on Aiken Horse Realty as your number one source of info. For more great tips about local happenings and real estate news, check out our blog and be sure to follow us on Facebook. And if you’d like more information about our Christmas in Aiken, SC in 2024, feel free to contact us or request a complimentary package in the mail. Most importantly, have a blast celebrating the holiday season with your friends and family in Aiken this year. We wish you and your loved ones a Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas!
