Experience the magic of the holiday season in Augusta, GA, where festive celebrations light up the city. The annual Augusta Christmas Parade brings the streets to life with elaborately decorated floats and cheerful marching bands. Meanwhile, Christmas in Hopelands transforms Hopelands Gardens into a stunning oasis, illuminated by over 100,000 twinkling lights. The Christmas Light-Up Spectacular downtown kicks off the season with a grand illumination, live performances, and an incredible fireworks display.
From delightful parades to breathtaking light displays, the holiday events in Augusta are perfect for both locals and visitors looking to immerse themselves in the festive spirit. Discover a blend of tradition, creativity, and community celebration that makes this Southern city a must-visit during the Christmas season.
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The Top Christmas Events in Augusta
- Augusta Christmas Parade
- Holiday Gingerbread Village
- Christmas Made in the South
- Annual Festival of Trees
- Christmas Craft & Gift Show
- Holiday Market at the River
- Christmas by Candlelight
- A Christmas Carol at Imperial Theatre
- Winter Wonderland Ice Skating
Augusta Holiday Markets and Shopping
Christmas Made in the South
What to Expect:
Juried craft show featuring artisans from across the Southern United States
Description:
Christmas Made in the South brings together skilled artisans from across the Southern United States in a juried craft show. This event celebrates the rich tradition of Southern craftsmanship, showcasing everything from handmade quilts to artisanal foods. Visitors can watch live demonstrations of traditional crafting techniques, gaining insight into the region's cultural heritage. The show's strict jury process ensures that only the highest quality, genuinely handcrafted items are presented. You'll discover unique gifts that capture the essence of Southern creativity, from hand-forged ironwork to delicate pottery.
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Christmas Craft & Gift Show
What to Expect:
Diverse array of handmade crafts and unique gifts from local artisans
Description:
The Christmas Craft & Gift Show brings together Augusta's creative community, offering a diverse array of handmade crafts and unique gifts. Local artisans display their wares, from intricate jewelry to custom woodwork, providing visitors with one-of-a-kind shopping experiences. This event celebrates the region's artistic talent and entrepreneurial spirit. Guests can engage with craftspeople, learning about their techniques and inspirations. The show also features live craft demonstrations, allowing visitors to witness the skill behind the creations. You'll find items that reflect Augusta's cultural heritage, from traditional sweetgrass baskets to modern interpretations of Southern art.
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Holiday Market at the River
What to Expect:
Riverside market featuring local vendors and live entertainment
Description:
The Holiday Market at the River combines shopping and entertainment along Augusta's scenic Savannah River. Local vendors line the riverbank, offering a variety of seasonal goods and artisanal products. Live music fills the air, with performances by local musicians adding to the lively atmosphere. This event showcases Augusta's vibrant small business community and its connection to the river that has shaped the city's history. Visitors can sample regional delicacies while browsing unique gifts. The market also features interactive art installations, inviting guests to contribute to collaborative pieces that celebrate the season.
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Augusta Holiday Giving Opportunities
Annual Festival of Trees
What to Expect:
Professionally decorated trees auctioned for charity
Description:
The Annual Festival of Trees transforms a local venue into a forest of professionally decorated Christmas trees. Each tree, a work of art in its own right, showcases unique themes and exquisite ornaments. Visitors can admire the creativity on display and bid in a silent auction, with proceeds benefiting local charities. This event has raised substantial funds for community organizations since its inception. Guests can participate in wreath-making workshops, learning techniques from expert decorators. The festival also features a collection of historic ornaments, offering a glimpse into Augusta's holiday traditions through the decades.
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Augusta Holiday Shows and Entertainment
A Christmas Carol at Imperial Theatre
What to Expect:
Local production of the classic tale in a historic 1918 theater
Description:
The Imperial Theatre, a 1918 architectural gem, hosts a captivating production of "A Christmas Carol." This local adaptation of Dickens' classic tale brings Victorian London to life on Augusta's historic stage. The performance features elaborate period costumes and sets that transport the audience back in time. Theatergoers can marvel at the venue's restored Edwardian splendor, which provides a fitting backdrop for this timeless story. The production incorporates local touches, weaving in references to Augusta's own history. You'll be moved by the powerful performances that capture the spirit of redemption and generosity at the heart of this beloved holiday narrative.
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A Christmas Carol at Imperial Theatre
Augusta Other Holiday Activities
Augusta Christmas Parade
What to Expect:
Community-driven parade with local organizations and businesses
Description:
Augusta's streets come alive with the annual Christmas Parade, a beloved tradition since 1945. Local organizations and businesses showcase their creativity through elaborately decorated floats, while marching bands fill the air with festive tunes. Children can wave to their favorite characters and catch candy tossed from passing floats. This community-driven event reflects Augusta's rich history, with some participating groups tracing their roots back generations. You'll witness the city's diverse culture on display as schools, churches, and civic groups proudly represent their heritage in this rolling spectacle.
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Holiday Gingerbread Village
What to Expect:
Intricate gingerbread creations by local bakers and artists
Description:
The Holiday Gingerbread Village showcases the culinary artistry of Augusta's bakers and artists. Intricate gingerbread structures, from quaint cottages to elaborate mansions, form a miniature town that captivates visitors with its delicious aroma. This sweet spectacle pays homage to Augusta's architectural heritage, with some creations replicating local landmarks. Guests can vote for their favorite gingerbread house, participating in a friendly competition that has become a cherished tradition. The event also features gingerbread-making demonstrations, revealing the techniques behind these edible masterpieces.
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Christmas by Candlelight
What to Expect:
Historic home tour illuminated by candlelight with period-costumed guides
Description:
Christmas by Candlelight offers a glimpse into Augusta's past through candlelit tours of historic homes. Guides in period costumes lead visitors through beautifully preserved residences, each decorated to reflect Christmas celebrations of bygone eras. The soft glow of candles creates an intimate atmosphere, allowing guests to imagine holiday gatherings from centuries past. This event highlights Augusta's rich architectural heritage and the evolution of Christmas traditions in the South. Visitors can learn about 19th-century holiday customs and sample traditional treats prepared using historic recipes. The tour culminates with a live performance of period music in one of the grand parlors.
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Winter Wonderland Ice Skating
What to Expect:
Outdoor ice skating rink in the heart of Augusta
Description:
Winter Wonderland Ice Skating brings a touch of northern winter to Augusta's mild climate. An outdoor rink, set up in the city center, offers visitors the chance to glide across the ice under the open sky. The rink's location amidst Augusta's historic buildings creates a unique juxtaposition of Southern architecture and winter sport. Skaters can enjoy the crisp air and the sound of blades on ice, a rarity in this region. The event pays homage to Augusta's sporting heritage, which includes a long history of golf and other outdoor activities. Visitors can warm up with seasonal treats from local vendors surrounding the rink.
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Nearby Events
Christmas in Hopelands (Aiken)
What to Expect:
Historic gardens transformed with over 100,000 lights
Description:
Hopelands Gardens, a 14-acre oasis in Aiken, transforms into a twinkling wonderland for Christmas in Hopelands. Over 100,000 lights illuminate the pathways, creating a mesmerizing display among the century-old live oaks. Visitors can stroll through the gardens, enjoying the cool winter air and the soft glow of lights. The event pays homage to the garden's history, which dates back to the early 1900s when it was part of the Winter Colony. Live music performances in the Roland H. Windham Performing Arts Stage add a melodious touch to the evening, echoing through the illuminated landscape.
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Christmas Light-Up Spectacular (North Augusta)
What to Expect:
Downtown lighting ceremony with fireworks finale
Description:
Augusta's downtown ignites with holiday spirit during the Christmas Light-Up Spectacular. This annual event kicks off the season with a grand illumination of the city center. Thousands gather to witness the moment when the switch is flipped, bathing historic buildings in a warm glow. The highlight of the evening is a dazzling fireworks display that paints the sky above the Savannah River. Rooted in Augusta's commitment to community celebration, this event has grown from a simple tree lighting to a full-scale production. Visitors can enjoy live performances and sample local treats from food vendors lining the streets.
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Christmas Light-Up Spectacular
Lights of the South (Grovetown)
What to Expect:
100-acre Christmas light attraction with hayrides and Santa's Village
Description:
Lights of the South transforms 100 acres of countryside into a radiant holiday spectacle. This expansive light display features millions of bulbs creating intricate scenes and towering structures. Visitors embark on a hayride through the illuminated wonderland, experiencing the cool night air as they pass by twinkling vignettes. The attraction also includes Santa's Village, where children can meet St. Nick himself. Rooted in Southern hospitality, this event has become a regional draw, attracting visitors from neighboring states. Guests can warm up with hot cocoa while exploring the various themed areas within the park.
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Jingle Jam 10k (Evans)
What to Expect:
Holiday-themed race with costume contest and festive course decorations
Description:
The Jingle Jam 10K injects holiday spirit into Augusta's running community. Participants dash through a course adorned with festive decorations, passing by landmarks decked out for the season. Runners don holiday-themed costumes, competing not just for the best time but also for the most creative outfit. The race supports local charities, embodying the season's spirit of giving. Along the route, cheerleaders dressed as elves and reindeer motivate runners, while holiday music blares from speakers. You'll experience Augusta's neighborhoods in a unique way, with residents lining the streets to cheer on the colorful procession of runners.
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Santa Stroll (Aiken)
What to Expect:
Charity walk featuring hundreds of participants dressed as Santa Claus
Description:
The Santa Stroll turns Augusta's streets into a sea of red and white as hundreds of participants don Santa suits for a charitable walk. This whimsical event raises funds for local children's charities while creating a spectacle that delights onlookers. The sight of countless Santas parading through town has become an anticipated holiday tradition. Participants receive a complete Santa costume, adding to the event's visual impact. The stroll winds through historic neighborhoods, showcasing Augusta's architectural beauty. You'll hear the jingling of bells and ho-ho-hos echoing through the streets as the Santas spread holiday cheer throughout the community.