Aiken has announced dates for the 35th Christmas in Hopelands, and the most useful detail for a first-time visitor may be where not to park.
The main celebration is scheduled for Dec. 12–23, from 6 to 9:30 p.m. at Hopelands Gardens. Admission and the shuttle are free, according to the city’s November 9 announcement.
For the main event, the city directs guests to use complimentary shuttles from Citizens Park, 1060 Banks Mill Road. They will run from 5:45 to 8:45 p.m. each night; the final departure from Citizens Park is at 8:45 p.m. That is earlier than the gardens’ closing time.
General public parking will not be permitted at Hopelands Gardens, Rye Patch, Fermata Club or Green Boundary Club during the main celebration. Accessible parking is listed at 135 Dupree Place.
Lights, performances and children’s activities
The city describes more than two miles of illuminated paths and more than 100,000 lights. It also says the Doll House, Clifford S. Gerde Carriage Museum, Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame and Rye Patch Stables will be open and decorated.
Performances are scheduled nightly at 7 p.m. on the Roland H. Windham Performing Arts Stage. The announced opening-night group is Suzuki Strings of Augusta, followed by Aiken Tuba Christmas on Dec. 13. Performers are subject to change; the city’s announcement includes the full schedule.
At Rye Patch, the plan includes children’s crafts and visits with Santa. Parents must accompany children. Cocoa, cider and cookies are complimentary; s’mores kits, offered in partnership with Teachers Haven, are available for a $5 donation.
Help out, or choose a different kind of visit
The city specifically seeks volunteers for Dec. 18, 19, 22 and 23. Roles include welcoming visitors and helping with refreshments and activities. For information and signup, call 803-642-7600 and press 3.
A separate lights-only night is planned for Sunday, Dec. 27, without the main event’s additional amenities. Its parking arrangement is different: the city lists parking at Rye Patch, 100 Berrie Road, and Hopelands Gardens, 135 Dupree Place. The announcement does not give that evening’s hours, so check before using the main event’s timetable.
Bad weather may cancel an evening. The city lists its Rain Out Hotline, 803-643-4661, for updates. Visitors needing special assistance are asked to notify the Parks, Recreation and Tourism Administrative Office at least 48 hours in advance.