I LOVE Christmas in Aiken! This may seem a little strange as I have rarely spent Christmas Day here. During a typical year, my husband and I travel to several states to celebrate Christmas with our adult children and their families. Nonetheless, our holiday spirit starts by enjoying the best of Aiken during the days and nights leading up to the big day.
When I see our hardworking city workers putting up the seasonal decorations, I get excited. Walking on Laurens Street and through the Alley during the holiday season makes me feel like I am on the set of a Hallmark Christmas movie. Our town is truly beautiful.
As an added bonus, there are wonderful shopping and dining opportunities in downtown Aiken. I can shop a little, eat a little, and maybe enjoy a glass of wine with friends too. This is far better than any mall experience I have had in other cities.
Aiken at night during this time is special too. When the luminaria line our beautiful downtown during the Night of 1000 Lights, you can count on a festive shopping night with refreshments and entertainment. Could there be anything better than walking through our glorious Hopelands Gardens with hot chocolate when it is set ablaze with multicolor lights and holiday music?
Each year our arts community is busy bringing Christmas front and center. The Aiken Center for the Arts always offers a wide variety of classes that include creating holiday crafts that are fun and unique. This year I want to sign up for the Holiday Gift Making Workshop, and maybe I can squeeze in the Fresh Wreath Making Class too. The December gallery opening will feature art with “A Partridge in a Pear Tree” theme. The Gallery Opening will take place December 12 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm with wine, light hors d’oeuvres, and entertainment, all at no cost.
It has been more than 30 years since I last saw my daughter dance in a production of The Nutcracker, but I still enjoy this Christmas classic. Whether they are angels, mice, or toy soldiers, our young Aikenites always impress me with their talent. The Aiken Civic Ballet Company’s Nutcracker Tea at the Aiken County Historical Museum is another very special treat.
Our Christmas spirit glows even brighter when we attend the seasonal production by the Aiken Community Theatre. This year’s play is an absolute must because it is based on my husband’s favorite holiday movie, A Christmas Story. After all, who doesn’t feel for Ralphie as he longs for and plots to get his Red Ryder BB gun?
Last but not least, our spirits are elevated by the Aiken Symphony Orchestra’s December productions. This year we will attend Handel’s Messiah on December 10. I have a feeling we will try to include the Symphony’s production of Christmas and Broadway Favorites and Classic Holiday Selections on December 14 as well.
Of course, the real reason for the excitement of this season is deeply rooted in our faith. All Christians celebrate the coming of the infant Jesus into the world. We are humbled by that gift, and Christmas hymns celebrating His birth are among my favorites. We have a wonderful home church, but over the years we have occasionally visited neighboring churches to enjoy their Christmas music programs as well. We have felt welcomed and inspired by every church we have visited.
Aiken may be a small town but it is large in spirit. I am constantly amazed by how many talented people live in our beautiful city. If this is your first Christmas in Aiken, savor every moment. We are truly blessed to live here and enjoy the South’s Best Small Town year-round.
December 12
Night of 1000 Lights
December 14-23, 26
Hopelands Gardens
November 23
Holiday Gift Making Workshop
December 7
Fresh Wreath Making Class
December 12
“A Partridge in a Pear Tree”
Gallery Opening
December 20-22
Aiken Civic Ballet presents
“The Nutcracker”
December 7
Aiken Civic Ballet Nutcracker Tea
December 5 – 8, 12 – 14
Aiken Community Theatre presents
“A Christmas Story”
December 10
Aiken Symphony Orchestra presents
Handel’s Messiah
December 14
Aiken Symphony Orchestra presents
“Home for the Holidays”
