CSRA Holiday Roundup

Augusta is a great place to make holiday memories! Whether you are wondering where the best Christmas lights are in town or wanting to meet Santa Clause, Summer House Realty has got you covered with a list of our favorite Holiday activities.

One-Time Events

Downtown Augusta Christmas Parade (December 11 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM)

Held every year, the Augusta Christmas Parade on Broad Street is a great opportunity to celebrate the holidays while also helping families in need. The 2021 parade will be presented by Ronald Mcdonald House Charities of Augusta and all proceeds will go to charity. This event is free and open to the public, so head downtown to see the extravagant parade floats made by CSRA community members and local businesses.

Grovetown Annual Christmas Festival (December 4  from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM)

Visit the Liberty Park Community Center in Grovetown to enjoy food, music, shopping, and the annual tree lighting! There will be local bands, chorus groups, and dancers to keep the whole family entertained. Then, head over to the Christmas Market to browse local crafts, treats, and delicious food. This year, there will be an even bigger and better tree to light than usual. Keep an eye out for Santa and his elves while you’re here! 

Christmas Lights

Christmas in Hopelands Gardens (December 11-2  from 6:00 PM to 9:30 PM)

Grab a blanket and hot cocoa and head to the Hopelands Gardens in Aiken, South Carolina, to enjoy a peaceful walk-through of Christmas light displays. Light Displays and shows each night are provided by local schools, community groups, and churches. The free shuttle service will bring guests to and from Citizens Park until 8:45 PM. While visiting, you can explore the Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame, The Doll House, and the Carriage Museum. Each night there will be a concert at 7:00 PM, Pictures with Santa Clause, and crafts with Santa for the kids to bring home.

Lights of the South (Every Day from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM, except Christmas, until December 31st)
Cost per person: General Admission $12  /  Fast Pass $20

Bring the whole family to Lights of the South to see more than 5 million twinkling lights on 100 acres of winter wonderland. Guests can either drive through the show themselves or take a hayride. After the light show, explore the world’s only Christmas tree maze and bring the kids to the CandyLand playground. If you’re feeling hungry after all of the fun, grab dinner from Mrs. Clause or roast marshmallows by the open fire. 

Holiday Fun

Evans on Ice (Every Day until January 3)
Lessons: $60  /  Mon-Thur $12  /  Fri-Sun $15

Visit the Evans Towne Center Park for an ice skating lesson, family fun, private parties, and occasional live music! This expansive ice skating rink is a place for fun and holiday magic for the whole family. Check out the different local restaurants and shops in the area while you’re here!

Christmas on Breezy Hill (December 8-11 from 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM)

Wear something warm and cozy and take a trip to Breezy Hill Baptist Church in Graniteville for family fun. Enjoy half-mile hayrides, thousands of lights, hot cocoa, funnel cakes, face painting, and much more! Admission is free!

Shopping

Holiday Market at the Marina (Every Sunday until December 19 from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM)

The 5th Street Marina will be hosting the Holiday Market at the River every weekend on Sunday until December 19. Local vendors will be here selling holiday ware, festive decorations, food, and much more! Shop for all of your needs for the holidays and enjoy the view of this beautiful Augusta Marina.

Good Earth Produce & Garden Center (Mon-Thur: 9 AM to 8 PM, Fri-Sat: 9 AM to 9 PM, Sunday: 10 AM to 8 PM) 

If shopping for holiday decor is what you’re looking for, look no further than Good Earth! From fresh wreaths and garlands to Fraser Fir Christmas trees, they have it all. Their trees are priced by the foot, so you can choose the perfect one for your home and budget. Plus, bring the kids to their holiday wall for a perfect family Christmas photo! 

Tree Lighting

Annual Downtown Aiken Tree Lighting (December 3 from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM)

Gather with the Aiken community to view the annual Christmas Tree lighting. Santa will be there with special crafts and refreshments. Bundle up, it will be cold! Annual Columbia County Christmas Tree Lighting (December 5 from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM)

Come to the Evans Towne Center Park to view the Annual Columbia County Christmas Tree Lighting. The tree lighting will take place after the Christmas Parade. There will be live music, shopping, and other activities! Santa will be there to help Columbia County celebrate!