Hopelands Gardens will be illuminated with more than 100,000 twinkling lights as part of the annual Christmas in Hopelands, which opens Thursday.
"It's a good way to come and enjoy the holiday season," said Alicia Davis, a recreation program coordinator with Aiken Parks, Recreation and Tourism.
Strings of lights line the pathways, and displays of angels, carolers, poinsettias and gifts are found throughout the 14-acre gardens, which will be open from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday through Dec. 27, except for Dec. 17, 24 and 25.
Although no new displays were added this year, there will be concerts at the refurbished Roland H. Windham Performing Arts Stage from 7 to 8 p.m. the first eight nights of Christmas at Hopelands, she said. There were no concerts last year.
Performers will include East Aiken and Aiken Elementary School pupils, the Dickens Carolers, the Harmony River Chorus and the AAA Homeschool Band.
Hot chocolate, cider and cookies will be available. And the Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame and Museum, the Doll House and Carriage House will be open and decorated for the holidays.
"We want everyone to come out to this family-oriented event and enjoy the gardens," Ms. Davis said.
Patrons should park in the Goodwill parking lot on Whiskey Road and take the shuttle to the gardens. The last shuttle leaves for Hopelands at 8:30 each night. Handicapped parking is available on Dupree Place.
For more information, call (803) 642-7631.
Comments
I am from Aiken, and this is one of the most spectacular displays in the southeast. I have recently moved to Augusta, and it is a shame that the city can't do something similar with the dried up botanical gardens, since they would not allow it to be a place for city dogs to run and exercise on Sundays. Just sitting there, millions of dollars going to ruin. Typical of Augusta politicians.
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