City of Aiken Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Department Announces the 29th Annual Christmas in Hopelands
Friday, November 6th, 2020
The 29th Annual Christmas in Hopelands event will transform Hopelands Gardens in Aiken, South Carolina December 1-23, and 26 -27 from 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM. Guests can spend time with family as they stroll through Hopelands Gardens, taking in the sights of the holiday season. This enchanting walk-through exhibit features over two miles of lighted pathways and illuminated displays. With over 100,000 twinkling lights in the peaceful setting of Hopelands Gardens, this event is a favorite holiday tradition among families. The Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame and the Rye Patch Stables will be open and decorated for visitors to enjoy.
Changes this Year:
The City of Aiken will not offer a shuttle service from Citizens Park. Instead, parking will be available at Rye Patch (100 Berrie Road SW) and the Green Boundary Club (780 Whiskey Road). Those parking at the Green Boundary Club will be assisted across Whiskey Road by the Aiken Department of Public Safety and PRT Staff. Handicap Parking only will be available at the Hopelands Gardens entrance located at 135 Dupree Place. If someone in your party needs to borrow a wheelchair to enjoy the program, call 803-642-7631 ahead of time to reserve one. There will be no live musical performances, no complimentary refreshments and no children’s activities available at Rye Patch.
The Rye Patch home will remain closed. The Doll House in Hopelands and the Clifford S. Gerde Carriage Museum at Rye Patch will also remain closed.
All visitors will be required to wear a mask and should practice social distancing.
While Christmas in Hopelands is a free event, donations are accepted and used to help support the growth of the program. Donation boxes are located throughout the Gardens. Also, donations are accepted by mail to the City of Aiken Parks, Recreation & Tourism Department Christmas in Hopelands, P.O. Box 1177, Aiken, SC 29802. Visit www.AikenisMagical.com or direct your questions to the PRT Department at 803-642-7631. In the case of inclement weather, Christmas in Hopelands may be cancelled. You can call the City of Aiken Rain Out Hotline at 803-643-4661. You can also check the City Channel 4 on Atlantic Broadband, the City of Aiken website, City of Aiken PRT social media accounts or download the City of Aiken Explorer app for instant notification of any changes. You will need to sign up and enable notifications.