Weekend Events

Performances, Parades, Races, Balls, and of Course, Santa Claus

By Laura Perry

Don’t you just love a good Christmas show? Everybody’s favorite Christmas tradition, “The Nutcracker,” has one show tonight with the Columbia County Ballet at the Imperial Theatre. Then there’s “Miracle on 34th Street” with performances all weekend in Aiken. You must see a different kind of Christmas parade along the RiverWalk for the Annual Lighted Boat Parade on Saturday evening. Boats don’t move fast enough for you? Then head on over to Evans for the Jingle Jam 10K for some real Christmas speed!

Friday, November 30th
42nd Annual Christmas Craft Show
9 a.m.– 6 p.m.
The Weeks Center (Aiken)
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas… do some shopping with vendors from all over the Southeast right in our backyard at Aiken’s Weeks Center. The Crafts Show will also be open on Saturday, Dec. 1st, 9-5. For further details, call 803-642-7631 or visit www.cityofaikensc.gov.

Tree Lighting Ceremony
6:30-7:30 p.m.
Downtown Aiken
Along with a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, those attending this free event will also be treated to music, refreshments and more. Call 803-642-7634 for more details or visit www.downtownaiken.com.

“The Nutcracker”
7 p.m.
The Imperial Theatre
Tonight’s Columbia County Ballet production is your only chance to go with Clara and her Prince on a trip to the Kingdom of Sweets and meet the Sugar Plum Fairy. Scared of the giant mice? The Nutcracker’s got your back. Tickets are $15-$29.

“Harvey”
7 p.m. (dinner)/ 8 p.m. (show)
Fort Gordon Dinner Theatre
This is the third and final weekend for the Dinner Theatre’s production of “Harvey,” a Pulitzer Prize winning comedy about Harvey, the six-and-a-half-foot imaginary rabbit whom only Elwood P. Dowd can see – at least, at first. Tickets are $30-$38. Call 706-793-8552 or go to www.fortgordon.com.

Augusta RiverHawks (1-10-1) vs. Huntsville Havoc (3-8-1)
7:35 p.m.
James Brown Arena
Our RiverHawks welcome the Havoc to Augusta, after loosing to them, 0-4, and then returning the favor by beating them, 4-0, in Huntsville last week. Tonight is Movember Awareness Night, so that means wear your best moustache in honor of those affected by Men’s Cancer. Partial proceeds go to The Movember Sons Organization. Come out tonight and help our Hawks give Huntville a dose of some real havoc! Tickets are $10-$21. Call 706-993-2645 or check out www.augustariverhawks.com.

Miracle on 34th Street
8:00 p.m.
URS Center for the Performing Arts
In its second week, the “Miracle on 34th Street” Aiken Community Playhouse production proves Santa is no myth throughout the Christmas Spirit of kindness and good deeds. Tickets are $7-$20. Additional weekend performances include Saturday, also at 8:00, and Sunday, at 3:00. The show will close next weekend. Call the box office at 803-648-1438 for tickets and get more details at www.aikencommunityplayhouse.com.

Saturday, December 1st
Jingle Jam 10K
8 a.m.
Evans Town Center Park
Who’s faster—the Reindeers with their jingle bells or these runners in the Jingle Jam? There’s more giving than receiving in both cases and proceeds from this Jingle Jam 10K go to SafeHomes of Augusta. Visit www.jinglejam10k.com for further details.

Christmas Light-Up Spectacular and Christmas Parade
3-9 p.m.
Augusta Common
Along with live entertainment and children’s activities, Deke will light the city’s Christmas tree. For more event information, check out www.augustaga.gov.

Lights of the South
6-10 p.m.
I-20’s Appling/ Harlem Exit, near Grovetown
Open daily, December 1-30, 6-10 p.m., Lights of the South features more than five million lights in a 100-acre forest, as well as food, sweets, beverages, hayrides, walking trails, a Christmas train, a Christmas Tree maze and lots more. Find more details at www.lightsofthesouth.com.

4th Annual Lighted Boat Parade on the Savannah River
6:30 p.m.
Augusta Riverwalk/ Riverfront Marina
The City of Augusta, the Downtown Development Authority and the North Augusta Chamber of Commerce have made this a large part of downtown Augusta’s festive holiday celebration. All individuals, schools, civic groups, and churches are encouraged to participate. The Boat Parade (motorized boats only) will form in the water off the Augusta Riverfront Marina.

7th Annual Red Ribbon Ball
7-11 p.m.
The River Room at St. Paul’s Church
In honor of World AIDS Day, every December 1st since 1995, and to raise awareness in our community about HIV/AIDS, this annual event is the primary fundraiser for St. Stephen’s Ministry of Augusta, an organization dedicated to providing housing for those with HIV/AIDS who are low income or homeless.

Sunday, December 2nd
Photos with Santa
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
The Old Government House (Telfair St)
The countdown is on. Get your list and come on down to tell the jolly old man what your heart desires. Get your Christmas card photos made, too! Call 706-821-1812 or visit www.augustaga.gov for more details.

Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols
4:00 p.m.
St. John’s United Methodist Church (Aiken)
Fa-La-La, La-La, La-La… Get an early start on you Christmas carols and call 803-641-3306 for ticket information.You Might Also Like: