Your Guide to the Best Upcoming Events in Aiken, SC – Fall/Winter 2025
By: Kathryn Siders
Fall is in full swing in Aiken, SC and the holidays are right around the corner. From Fall Steeplechase and the Blessing of the Hounds to Thanksgiving Day 5K’s and Christmas in Hopelands, there are many fun ways to celebrate the season. Read on to discover the best upcoming fall/winter events in Aiken, SC in 2025 and mark your calendar now!
Read on to discover the best events in Aiken, SC in fall/winter 2025. If you’d like more recommendations about things do in Aiken, SC, be sure to request a complimentary informational package! It’s filled with the latest real estate books, brochures, maps, and information about upcoming events, activities and festivals.
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November 2025:
Stable View Bluegrass Festival: November 1st, 3 – 8 p.m.
Bring your lawn chair and get ready for a fabulous evening of bluegrass music with three bands from Western North Carolina! Food will be available for purchase from The Bistro @ Stable View. Gates open at 4PM and music begins at 5PM. The lineup includes Aubrey Eisenman & The Clydes, The Nature Boys and Songs from the Road Band. Indoor event seating will be provided. The Stable View Bistro will be open for food and the pub, Ollie’s Inn, for beer and wine. Tickets are available to purchase and admission is free to children 12 and under.
The Palmetto Amateur: November 6th – 9th, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
The 50th Annual Palmetto Amateur is November 6-9 at the Palmetto Golf Club. College players representing 14 states and 10 countries make up the field of 78. The public is invited to attend at no charge. Bring your chair. Parking is limited.
Here is the Tournament Schedule:
Thursday, November 6 – Practice Round
Friday, November 7 – Round 1
Saturday, November 8 – Round 2
Sunday, November 9 – Round 3
First Friday: Pickleball and Pizza: November 7 from 6 p.m.- 8 p.m.
First Friday Pickleball and Pizza is a free event hosted by the Southern Pickleball Academy and is open to the public. No sign-ups are needed, just bring your favorite non-alcoholic beverage show up ready to play pickleball! They will provide the pizza. All levels of play are welcome. There will be extra paddles available for those wanting to learn as well as volunteer instructors. Pizza is free, but donations are accepted.
Highfields Just For Fun Show: Horse Competition: November 8th at 8 a.m.
Just as the name says, these classes are just for the fun of it. Whether you’re a novice rider, needing exposure for a young horse, or bringing back an older horse after a lay-up, this horse show offers a relaxed, but professional atmosphere that is perfect for all levels. There is no concession on site, so please bring your own picnic and refreshments.
Historic Stable and Barn Experience: November 8th from 8 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Presented by the Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame and Museum, the Historic Stable and Barn Experience offers a rare opportunity to see some of the most iconic and historic stables and locations in Aiken. Walk in the hoof prints of racing immortals like Kelso, Swale, Pleasant Colony, Tom Fool, Gallorette, Shuvee and many more! Stops will include the site of Buckland Annex, the Gaston Livery Stable, (where a live farrier demonstration will take place) and the Maloney/Paxon Barn. Bring your cameras and wear comfortable shoes and clothing. The cost is $20 per person and registration and payment can be made online or at the Odell Weeks Center.
Attendees will meet at the Rye Patch Parking Lot at 7:45am to load on mini buses to the Aiken Training Track. For more information, call 803-643-2121, Monday – Thursday from 9am – 2pm.
Aiken Community Theatre: You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown: November 12th – 16th at 7:30 p.m.
Join Charlie Brown and the Peanuts gang as they explore life’s great questions and celebrate friendship. The two-act musical depicts this beloved classic using a series of vignettes that mimic the four-panel comic format used by the original cartoon strip, created by Charles Schulz. Being a musical, the vignettes are supplemented with music, dance, self-discovery, drama, and comedy – all of it designed to bring a smile to your face! Get your tickets today.
Downtown Holiday Open House: November 13th from 5 – 8 p.m.
Visit Downtown Aiken for the Holiday Open House! Be the first to shop this year’s seasonal merchandise. Most shops in Downtown Aiken will be open until 8 pm. for this special shopping event.
Christmas Open House at Cold Creek Nursery: November 15th from 10 a.m. – 2p.m.
Kick off the holiday season with one of the most magical events of the year—Christmas Open House at Cold Creek! From twinkling lights and festive music to delicious bites and joyful memories, this is a day you don’t want to miss.
Here’s what’s waiting for you: Santa Darrell will be visiting with families and spreading cheer Live holiday music to set the mood. Food trucks will be on-site, serving up seasonal favorites! The Cold Creek store will be fully transformed into a Christmas wonderland, complete with festive décor and gifts that bring out the spirit of the season. This is a fun, family-friendly celebration. As a special thank-you, everyone who attends will receive a coupon for 20% off a Christmas tree when you return for the Photos with Santa event on December 6th. The event is free and open to the public.
Kiwanis of Aiken Oyster Roast: November 15th, 6 – 9 p.m.
Get ready for a shuckin’ good time at the Palmetto Golf Club for Kiwanis of Aiken’s annual Oyster Roast! The evening includes all you can eat oysters, Carolina BBQ, an open bar and lively music. Silent Auctions will be held for prizes, including a round of golf at Palmetto Golf Club. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to support a good cause and have a blast while doing it. Tickets are available at Vikki’s Boutique or online at Showpass.
Stable View: USHJA Hunter Jumpers In & Out Series Horse Show: November 21st-23rd
Don’t miss the USHJA Hunter Jumper show at Stableview this November. The In and Out Series at Stable View is a welcoming competition designed for riders to develop consistency and confidence over thoughtfully built courses. Offering divisions for a range of levels, it provides a supportive environment to challenge yourself, strengthen your partnership, and gain valuable experience in the ring. Prizes are awarded throughout the day, making it both fun and rewarding. Check out the website for more details.
Aiken Fall Steeplechase: November 22nd
The Fall Steeplechase kicks off the season with crisp air, colorful leaves, and thrilling races that blend Southern charm with equestrian tradition. It’s the perfect way to celebrate autumn in Aiken with friends and family. Aiken, SC is proud to host the National Steeplechase Association’s final race of the season. The championship will determine the top trainer, rider, and horse of the year. Tickets can be purchased online for patrons and parking. Patron Tickets will be available for purchase at all gates on race day. Patron Parking will only be available at the Green Gate on race day. Advance purchase is recommended, as parking is on a first-come, first-served basis. The race runs rain or shine!
Aiken Turkey Trot 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run: November 27th 7 a.m. – 10 a.m.
Put your turkey in the oven, pack up the family, and join the Aiken community for its 14th Annual Turkey Trot 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run! The event will be held on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 27, 2025 at Citizen’s Park. The run benefits our local Toys for Tots, so please consider bringing a new, unwrapped toy. Don’t forget to wear your best Thanksgiving Day costume!
Bloodies and Bagels: November 27th, 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Bloodies and Bagels is an unforgettable tradition held in conjunction with the Blessing of the Hounds on Thanksgiving Day. This lively gathering promises a morning filled with delicious bagels, Bloody Marys, and live music. It’s the ultimate social event where friends, family, and community come together to celebrate and enjoy the holiday spirit. This year, because of all of the amazing and wonderful work they do for Aiken’s homeless pets and pet owners, the SPCA Albrecht Center for Animal Welfare has been selected to receive proceeds and donations from this event. Tickets must be purchased online and are $10.00 per person. Children under 5 are free! Tickets are $10 each and must be purchased before the Event. PREPAID RESERVATIONS / TICKETS are required, and no same-day tickets are available so be sure to reserve your spot ahead of time.
Blessing of the Hounds: November 27th 10 a.m.
The Blessing of the Hounds is a Thanksgiving Day tradition in Aiken, SC. Every year, residents and visitors alike gather by Memorial Gate in Hitchcock Woods to watch the timeless ceremony, which pays homage to the various traditions of foxhunting, the heritage of Aiken’s historic hunt culture, and the skilled hounds that make this sport so engaging. Observe the Blessing, officiated by a local clergyman dressed in ceremonial white robes. Then, share in the excitement as the Aiken Hounds officially kick off their hunt season. When the horn blows, all that can be heard is the sound of baying hounds and thundering hooves as horses and riders take off into the forest. Wish them well!
Attendees may park in downtown Aiken. Plan a 15 – 30 minute walk from downtown into the Woods. No motorized vehicles or dogs are permitted for this event. The event is free and open to the public.
Christmas Crafts at the Farmers Market: November 29th 7:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Come and do your holiday shopping early at the Christmas Crafts at the Market. Sixty vendors will offer a diverse selection of locally crafted items, including art, jewelry, soaps, candles, and wood creations, on display in addition to seasonal produce, baked goods, eggs, meats, and honey. The event will take place at the Aiken County Farmers Market located at 115 Williamsburg St in Aiken.
DECEMBER EVENTS:
Festival of Trees: December 4th, 4 p.m.
This year’s annual Festival of Trees will be hosted at the Center for African American History, Art & Culture. The festivities begin with a special tree lighting ceremony, followed by weeks of holiday cheer. Stroll through beautifully decorated trees and cast your vote for your favorite! The Lighting of the tree begins at 4 pm. After the initial tree lighting, visitors can stop in any Wednesday – Saturday from Dec 5th – January 3rd. Admission is free and all ages are welcome (children must be accompanied by an adult.
Downtown Christmas Tree Lighting: December 4th, 6 – 8 p.m.
Aiken’s Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony is a tradition that brings our community together to welcome the holidays in grand style. Visit downtown Aiken for an evening of live entertainment, festive music, crafts, refreshments, and heartwarming holiday cheer. Special appearances from the Mayor and Santa will make the evening extra magical for the whole family. Don’t miss this joyful countdown to the most wonderful time of the year — a celebration that’s sure to warm your heart and kick off the holiday season in true Aiken fashion!
Aiken Wellness Holiday Market: December 6th, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Aiken Wellness Holiday Market will take place on December 6th from 10am-3pm!
Get into the holiday spirit at this Holiday Market packed with a variety of unique handmade goods and local foods. There will be food, a hot chocolate bar, holiday tunes, and so much more! This event is located at 419 Woodward Drive Aiken, SC.
The Nutcracker Tea: December 6th – 7th , 1 p.m.
Bring friends and family to enjoy an afternoon of treats, tea, and the enchantment of The Nutcracker. The Nutcracker Tea is a family-friendly narrated production with time for you to meet cast members of the Aiken Civic Ballet in their beautiful costumes and enjoy some delicious treats. Spend some true quality time with your child this holiday season and join us for this very special holiday tradition. This is a seated tea at the Aiken County Historical Museum. Attire is Sunday Best dress attire. Though you are required to select specific seats at each table for ticket purchasing purposes, on the day of the event you are not required to sit in the exact seat that you purchased – just at the table you purchased a ticket for.
Downtown Aiken Christmas Parade: December 7th, 2-3 p.m.
Join the Aiken Downtown Development Association for the annual Downtown Aiken Christmas Parade. Pick your spot and enjoy a wide variety of floats, music and fun traveling down the streets of our downtown! The parade will begin at The Aiken Visitors Center & Train Museum, travel southwest down Park Avenue, turn right onto Laurens Street, and continue to travel northwest to Barnwell Avenue. Patrons are allowed to set up on the sidewalks along the parade route.
Joye to the World Holiday Concert: December 7th, 3-4:30 p.m.
Gather your friends and family and make this holiday season unforgettable. “JOYNE” us for our Joye to the World afternoon concert featuring the incredible Riley Mulherkar and Friends. Reserve your tickets online today!
Night of 1000 Lights: December 11th , 6 – 8 p.m.
Come check out Downtown Aiken for the most beautiful night of the Holiday Season!! Enjoy exploring the Downtown by walking the streets lined by luminaries. Downtown shops will be open late! Join carolers, elves, and even Santa himself in enjoying Holiday Festivities in Downtown Aiken!
Aiken Symphony Presents Home for the Holidays: December 12th, 7:30 pm
There’s no place like home for the holidays! Join the Aiken Symphony at the Etherredge Center at USC Aiken for a fabulous evening of music. This event features holiday favorites from Strauss, Mozart, Winter from Vivaldi’s “The Four Seasons” featuring Associate Concertmaster Holly Workman, The Sound of Music, and much more! Reserve your tickets before they sell out.
34th Annual Christmas in Hopelands, December 13th-23rd, 6 – 9:30 p.m.
Experience the magic of Hopelands Gardens with 100,000+ lights, festive displays, and free cocoa, cider, cookies, s’mores at Rye Patch and more!
This year there will be concerts starting at 7 p.m., so you can enjoy the music as you explore the twinkling pathways and gardens. Here is the concert schedule:
Saturday, Dec. 13 Aiken Tuba Christmas
Sunday, Dec. 14 South Carolina Brass Band
Monday, Dec. 15 Aiken High Jazz Band
Tuesday, Dec. 16 HCA Band, Family & Friends
Wednesday, Dec. 17 The Aiken High School Hornetts
Thursday, Dec. 18 East Aiken School of the Arts
Friday, Dec. 19 Sheriffs Pipes and Drums
Saturday, Dec. 20 Renovate Ballet
Sunday, Dec. 21 Suzuki Strings
Monday, Dec. 22: TBA
Tuesday, Dec. 23: Josh Martin
Shuttles depart from Citizens Park,1060 Banks Mill Rd. The last shuttle from Citizen’s Park is 8:45 P.M. Please note, unfortunately, no dogs or other animals are permitted on any of the shuttles. If you have a service animal, you may park at Hopelands Gardens. All dogs must be on leashes. The event is free and open to the public.
Hoofbeats Christmas Parade: December 14th, 2 – 4 p.m.
The Hoofbeats Christmas Parade is an annual Aiken tradition unlike any other! Watch as riders and dog lovers converge for a one-of-a-kind Christmas Parade through downtown Aiken! Registration is now open for the Aiken Hoofbeats Christmas Parade, which formerly was known as the Hoofbeats and Christmas Carols Parade. Registrations are being accepted online at eventbrite.com, and there also is a registration link on the Aiken Hoofbeats Christmas Parade page on Facebook.The cost to participate is $30, plus a $3.85 fee. Spectators can enjoy watching the parade at no cost.
After starting at Gyles Park, the parade will proceed west on Park Avenue. Participants will turn left onto Chesterfield, and the dog walkers and their animals will join the procession. From Chesterfield, there will be a right turn onto Colleton Avenue, where the parade will pass by The Willcox. Next will be a right turn at Newberry Street and then a left turn back onto Park Avenue. From Park, participants will turn right onto Laurens Street and then will proceed north to Barnwell Avenue, where the parade will end. The lead group will stop at Trinity on Laurens.
The Nutcracker Ballet: December 19th – 21st, 7 p.m.
Step into the magic of The Nutcracker as the Aiken Civic Ballet presents its 17th annual performance — a breathtaking holiday tradition that will sweep you into a world of wonder and enchantment. Tickets will be on sale starting November 8th.
Priority access for patrons and business sponsors begins November 1.
Downtown Cookie Stroll: December 21st, 1 – 4p.m.
Have a holly, jolly time exploring Downtown Aiken’s shops as you collect a delicious cookie from participating businesses! The Cookie Stroll transforms our downtown into a sweet journey for all ages. Stop in a local business, shop, and enjoy sweet treats!
New Years Eve at Stable View: December 31st 8:30 p.m. – 12:30 a.m.
2026 is fast approaching, and you’re invited to ring in the New Year at Stable View on December 31, 2025! Get ready for a night of live music from Lola Grace & the Night, food, drinks, and dancing at the Stable View Pavilion from 8:30pm to 12:30am.
Happy Holidays From Aiken Horse Realty!
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 charming Southern town, 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, a Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year!
Here are the Best Upcoming
Located in the City of Aiken’s Hopelands Gardens, the Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame and Museum should definitely be on a visitors list of attractions to experience while in Aiken. The museum has been recognized as South Carolina’s Best Equestrian Attraction in 2012, 2016 and 2020.
About the Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall
The main part of the museum houses numerous exhibits that include Equine Dentistry, Latinos in Horse Racing,
Schulhofer. They are all members of the National Racing Museum Hall of Fame in Saratoga, New York. 
The museum offers a variety of educational opportunities, talks, exhibits, book signings, backstretch stable tours and kids’ art classes all coordinated by Lisa Hall, the museum’s coordinator.
The major fundraiser of the Hall of Fame’s Advisory Board is the Breakfast at the Gallops. This event is held the day prior to the first leg of Aiken’s Triple Crown, the Aiken Trials. Beginning early in the morning, members of the community gather for two hours at the clockers stand at the finish line of the track to watch the horses train at the Aiken Training Track and enjoy a catered breakfast. 2023 will be the fifteenth annual event.
