Aiken Gears Up for a Magical Holiday Season with Annual Tree Lighting and Festival of Trees

Welcome to Aiken’s Festive December!

Hey everyone! Aiken is gearing up for an exciting holiday season that will bring joy and cheer to residents and visitors alike. Mark your calendars because the much-anticipated 36th annual Downtown Tree Lighting ceremony is set to take place on Friday, December 6, from 6 to 7 p.m. right on Newberry Street in our charming downtown area.

Get Ready for a Fabulously Festive Night!

As the sun sets and the cool evening breeze rolls in, be prepared for an enchanting atmosphere filled with your favorite holiday tunes. This year’s event promises to be memorable, featuring live performances from local choirs, delightful refreshments, and of course, the big countdown to light up the spectacular 24-foot Christmas tree!

Speaking of the tree, it’s not just any tree — it’s a “dancing” Christmas tree adorned with over 8,000 flashing lights synchronized to your holiday favorites. What could be more magical than this? And to warm your hearts and hands, free hot chocolate and cider will be waiting for you, along with the irresistible opportunity to purchase s’mores kits to roast over a cozy fire. Yum!

Special Guests and Festive Fun!

This year, we have some very special guests: Mayor Teddy Milner will be there, and yes, you guessed it – Santa Claus will be making an appearance! So gather your family and friends, and let’s make some memories while enjoying this festive celebration in the heart of Aiken.

Festival of Trees: A Community Celebration!

But wait, there’s more! The holiday spirit doesn’t end with the tree lighting. Throughout December, the Festival of Trees will showcase 18 creatively decorated trees from local businesses and organizations over at the Aiken Visitor Center and Train Museum. Visitors will have the chance to vote for their favorite trees, with the top three receiving monetary donations for a charity of their choice. How cool is that?

Not only does this event bring festivity, it offers a wonderful way for our local organizations to shine and connect with the community. If you’re part of a local organization and want to join the fun, make sure to fill out the application before November 13! The winners will be announced on November 18, and they’ll even get featured on the city’s social media channels and newsletters. Exciting, isn’t it?

Stay Updated with Aiken Explorer!

As we dive into December, it’s essential to stay updated with any changes, especially concerning weather conditions. For all you tech-savvy folks out there, downloading the Aiken Explorer app or texting AIKENRAINALERT to 91896 will help keep you informed about any inclement weather alerts for the city.

A Corner for Everyone!

Remember, the City of Aiken’s Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Department is all about inclusivity. They ensure everyone, regardless of their ability level, can enjoy these holiday programs and facilities. If you or someone you know needs special assistance, just let them know 48 hours in advance. You can call 803-642-7600 and press 3 for assistance.

Join Us in the Aiken Holiday Spirit!

Aiken is truly a magical place during this time of year, and we can’t wait for you to join us in celebrating the holiday season. Whether you’re admiring the sparkle of the Christmas tree, sipping hot chocolate with family, or enjoying the beautiful decorations throughout town, there’s no shortage of festive cheer. So come on down to Aiken and let’s make this the most wonderful time of the year together!