Strolling around downtown Aiken in December feels like nothing short of stepping into a Hallmark Christmas movie. As year-round residents and visitors alike come together, the magic of Aiken during Christmastime is truly nothing short of enchanting. Once the holiday season descends upon our charming little town, the streets come alive with Christmas spirit. With twinkling lights, garland strung about and storefronts adorned with decorations, the entire downtown area essentially turns into a winter wonderland. And if you’re ready to celebrate the season, then there are a few traditional Aiken Christmas events that you don’t want to miss.
Christmas Tree Lighting
December 1st 6:00 PM-7:30 PM In Aiken,
Christmas always begins the first weekend in December. Each year, the Christmas season officially kicks off with the annual Christmas Tree Lighting, hosted by the City of Aiken Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism. This cherished tradition begins with everyone gathering at the town square, a picturesque setting adorned with twinkling lights and holiday decorations. The centerpiece, of course, is the Christmas tree. As the sun sets and the chill in the air grows, anticipation mounts. The crowd can enjoy refreshments while being serenaded by carolers which adds to the warm, inviting atmosphere. Finally, the big moment comes. Everyone begins the countdown, the switch is thrown and the tree bursts to life in a dazzling display of lights. A magical glow is cast over the entire square as the crowd erupts in applause and Christmastime officially begins. This tradition is perfect for adults and kids alike…you may even get a special hello from Santa! The whole evening is a perfect example of the inherent charm of Christmas in Aiken and the kinds of small-town traditions that make spending the holiday here so special. This free event takes place on Newberry Street in historic downtown Aiken. It will be held on December 1 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Night of 1,000 Lights
December 7th 6:00 PM-8:00 PM
Now that you’ve ushered in the Christmas season with the Christmas Tree Lighting and enjoyed the Downtown Aiken Christmas Parade, there’s another Aiken staple on the docket. You’ve probably realized by now that Aiken goes big for Christmas and really leans into the entire holiday season. And this event is no exception. Night of 1,000 Lights is an annual tradition presented by the Aiken Downtown Development Association. Every year, tourists and residents gather in downtown Aiken to celebrate the most beautiful night of the holiday season. In keeping with its name, this event is the one night when downtown Aiken is lined with a thousand luminaries as event-goers stroll up and down Laurens Street. When you arrive downtown for Night of 1,000 Lights, you have the chance to enjoy the magical glow that’s cast over the charming streets of our little town. Walking through the downtown area during Night of 1,000 Lights is like stepping right into a scene from one of your favorite Christmas movies. One of the primary draws of Night of 1,000 Lights is the many downtown shops that stay open late for the occasion. For these two hours, the sidewalks are bustling with shoppers searching for the perfect Christmas gift and carolers singing all of the holiday favorites. You may spot some elves and even Santa himself! With evening shopping hours, holiday drinks, treats and music, Night of 1,000 Lights is the perfect, festive evening in Aiken. The event has always been a huge draw — in past years, anywhere from 5,000 to 8,000 people have attended. So come stroll the luminary-lined street, visit our local stores, and kick off the holiday shopping season in true Aiken style. The event will run from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm on December 7, taking place primarily on Laurens Street. Make sure you arrive early if you want to park close.
Downtown Aiken Christmas Parade
December 3rd 2:00 PM-3:00 PM
Everyone loves a good parade. After all, we kick off the Christmas season nationally with the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade where Santa makes his official debut at the very end. And, here in Aiken, there are two festive parades to enjoy. After all, when you take Christmas as seriously as Aiken does, one parade just isn’t enough. The first parade of the season is the Downtown Aiken Christmas Parade which is presented by the Aiken Downtown Development Association. This annual parade is pretty much guaranteed to give you all of the Hallmark Christmas movie vibes. Every year, the parade is given a theme, and this year’s is “Your Favorite Christmas Movie.” The Christmas parade begins at the Aiken Visitors Center & Train Museum. From there, it will travel southwest down Park Avenue, turn right onto Laurens Street and continue by traveling northwest to Barnwell Avenue. If you want to check out the Downtown Aiken Christmas Parade, you’ve got plenty of places to choose from. Attendees are allowed to set up on sidewalks anywhere along the parade route. In addition, the outside parking spaces along Laurens Street northbound will be cleared of vehicles so that viewers can also set up there. Just pick your spot and settle in to enjoy a variety of themed floats, vintage cars, music and more.
Downtown Dog Ugly Christmas Sweater Stroll
December 9th 2023 4:00 PM
Don’t leave your furry friend out of the Aiken Christmas merriment! This next event is a newcomer to the Christmas in Aiken scene, but it’s already gaining momentum as the perfect holiday celebration for dog lovers. If you’re not already familiar with them, Downtown Dog is a local pet store located on Laurens Street and is designed for dogs and the people who love them. This beloved shop has cemented itself as a favorite for dog owners in Aiken. Last year they began their first-ever Christmas event: the Downtown Dog Ugly Christmas Sweater Stroll. Starting at 11 am on December 9, Santa will be setting up at the store and offering a photo op benefitting FOTAS. Swing by the store to take a picture with Santa, and then come back later in the afternoon for the stroll- don’t forget to get your dog all dolled up in their favorite ugly Christmas sweater first! Because at 4:00 pm, the Downtown Dog Ugly Christmas Sweater Stroll will begin. The event will include an ugly sweater contest for dogs with a prize for the winner of “Best Ugly Christmas Sweater.” There will also be plenty of free treats!
Hoofbeats & Christmas Carols Parade
December 16th 2:00 PM-4:00 PM
One Christmas parade just isn’t enough when you’re celebrating Christmas in Aiken. Less than two weeks after the Downtown Aiken Christmas Parade, you’ve got the opportunity to attend another quintessentially Aiken tradition. In a town that’s a mecca for equestrians, you know that you’re guaranteed to see horses (and horse statues) pretty much everywhere you go. And Christmas parades are no exception! Presented by the Aiken Equine Rescue and SPCA Albrecht Center for Animal Welfare, the 14th annual Hoofbeats & Christmas Carols Parade is a festive event that features hundreds of horses, equestrians, carriages, dogs and Santa’s elves. All of the participants are dressed up in holiday attire, including the animals, as they parade through downtown Aiken singing Christmas carols all the way. The parade is a beloved tradition in Aiken, but it came from humble beginnings. The first Hoofbeats & Christmas Carols Parade took place in 2009 with only 19 horses. The parade has since grown to include almost 300 horses,12 carriages and 100 dogs. Come watch and sing along as the Hoofbeats & Christmas Carols Parade makes its way through downtown Aiken on December 16 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. The parade will start and finish at the intersection of Barnwell and Greenville Streets. Attendance is free.
