Winter 2019 events A C H R I S T M A S S T O RY December 5–8, 12–14 All of the elements from the beloved motion picture, A Christmas Story, are in Aiken Community Theatre’s holiday production. Travel back to the ’40s and join 9-year-old Ralphie on his journey to get a genuine Ryder BB gun under the tree just in time for Christmas Day. aikencommunitytheatre.org F E S T I VA L O F T R E E S December 5–20 Stop by the Aiken Visitors Center and Train Museum for the third annual Festival of Trees! You can vote for your favorite tree until Thursday, Dec. 19. visitaikensc.com/holiday A N N U A L D OW N T OW N TREE LIGHTING December 6 Celebrate the holidays with a special evening on Newberry Street as Aiken’s Christmas tree is lit for the first time of the season. There will be music, refreshments, and a countdown to the lighting of the tree as well as a special appearance by Santa and Mrs. Claus. visitaikensc.com/holiday N I G H T O F 1,0 0 0 L I G H T S December 12 Experience one of the most beautiful nights in Aiken with the Night of 1,000 Lights where thousands of luminaries will line the streets of downtown Aiken. Shops will stay open late with holiday treats, drinks, specials, music & more. visitaikensc.com/holiday
2 8 TH A N N U A L C H R I S T M A S IN HOPELANDS December 14–23 Stroll through Hopelands Gardens this December with your family and friends to take in their annual Christmas lights. Sip on hot cocoa or apple cider as you walk through over two miles of lighted pathways and illuminated displays as you enjoy over 100,000 twinkling lights. visitaikensc.com H O L I D AY C O O K I E S T R O L L December 15 Spend a delicious afternoon in downtown Aiken as you explore the local shops and boutiques, collecting a delectable cookie from each participating business. aikendda.us/news/events/ THE NUTCRACKER December 20–22 A annual holiday tradition, The Nutcracker, comes to the USC-Aiken Etherredge Center this December presented by the Aiken Civic Ballet. aikenballet.org H O O F B E AT S A N D C H R I S T M A S C A R O L S PA R A D E December 21 Spread holiday cheer from horseback, by horse drawn carriage, or on foot with this annual parade through downtown Aiken. Bring an unwrapped toy to help fill the Toys for Tots box and continue the celebration in the lobby of The Willcox with caroling after the parade.
R E S TA U R A N T W E E K January 9–19 An 11-day celebration at hundreds of participating restaurants around the state, it’s your opportunity to discover a new restaurant or enjoy an old favorite. restaurantweeksouthcarolina.com 2 1 ST A N N U A L A I K E N A N T I Q U E S H OW January 21–February 2 The largest fundraising event for the Aiken Center for the Arts, the Aiken Antique Show supports access to the arts, arts education, cultural activities, and arts exhibits in addition to community outreach. Uncover an antique gem and support our local community at the same time! visitaikensc.com B AT T L E O F A I K E N February 22–23 See history come alive with cannons, cavalry horses, and living history experts as reenactors eat, sleep, live, and fight in a recreated version of the world in 1865. It’s a full-blown Civil War Festival with living history presentations, battle reenactments, and more. battleofaiken.org J OY E I N A I K E N March 6–13 Experience Joye In Aiken this March with a collection of free and ticketed musical performances around downtown Aiken. It’s a cultural event that you won’t want to miss! joyeinaiken.com
ISSUE 3 / WINTER 2019 / THE GIFTING & GIVING ISSUE
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