The 38th Annual Downtown Tree Lighting is back. The City of Aiken Parks, Recreation and Tourism Department set the date for Thursday, Dec. 3, 2026. It runs from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Newberry Street Festival Center, and anyone can come for free. Rain would push the event to Friday, Dec. 4.
The main attraction is the lighting of Aiken’s new Christmas tree. Local choirs will perform, and holiday music will fill the air. Mayor Teddy Milner and Santa Claus will also drop in for visits.
The department welcomes people of all ability levels. Those who need special help to take part should tell the PRT Administrative Office 48 hours ahead of time…