Aiken, SC – “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” to “Rock Around the Christmas Tree!” The City of Aiken Parks, Recreation & Tourism Department will host the 35th annual Downtown Tree Lighting on Friday, December 1, 2023 from 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm. This event will take place on Newberry Street in Historic Downtown Aiken.
Join us as we kick off the holiday season with music, refreshments, live performances, and a countdown to the lighting of the tree. Kids can stop by the craft station to create a holiday keepsake and participants will be able to purchase S’mores to roast over a fire.
Nothing could be more festive than joining your fellow Aikenites and lighting the 24 foot “dancing” Christmas tree in the heart of the city. The display has over 8,000 flashing lights that dance in patterns synchronized to your favorite holiday tunes.
This event is proudly sponsored by Cedar Creek Church, Banks Mill. Admission is free with special guest appearances by Mayor Teddy Milner, East Aiken Singers, USC Aiken’s Concert Choir and, of course… Santa Claus!
In the nights following the tree lighting, visitors to Newberry Street can watch the tree’s lights and listen to the musical portion of the tree on 98.7 FM.
The City of Aiken Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism invites people of all ability levels to enjoy programs, parks, and facilities. Individuals needing special assistance to participate should notify PRT Administrative Office 48 hours in advance.
For more information, you can call the Odell Weeks Activities Center at (803) 642-7631, text “PLAY” to 803-989-7779, or follow us on social media @AikenParksRec. Make sure you download the Aiken Explorer app or text “AIKENRAINALERT” to 91896 to get the latest events updates, in the event of inclement weather.
Download Downtown Tree Lighting Flyer
Media Contact:
Jeremy Grimes
Recreation Program Coordinator
City of Aiken Parks, Recreation and Tourism
803-293-7851
