The City of Aiken Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Department announced on October 5, 2026, that it is accepting applications from local businesses and organizations for the 2026 Festival of Trees. The event will be hosted at the Center for African American History, Art and Culture located at 120 York St. NE in Aiken. Participants are asked to decorate a tree that honors a person, place or thing that has provided illumination or guidance to the community, according to details from the city’s tourism resources. The department has described the festival as a highlight of the holiday season that promotes local involvement and cultural appreciation.
According to the Aiken County calendar, the 2026 Festival of Trees is scheduled to run from December 2, 2026, to January 2, 2027, with hours from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. The festival will begin with a special lighting of the trees ceremony, and attendees will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite decorated tree. Admission is free, although all children must be accompanied by an adult, the city noted in its event listings. The center serves as a key venue for such cultural and heritage activities in the region.
City tourism information indicates the 2026 theme as “A Legacy of Lights,” which encourages meaningful tributes through the tree decorations. This theme ties directly into the mission of the Center for African American History, Art and Culture to highlight inspirational stories and contributions. Previous festivals have seen strong participation and community turnout, building on the event’s established tradition in Aiken. Organizers anticipate similar interest this year as applications continue to be accepted.
The department released results from the 2025 Festival of Trees on December 29, 2025, naming Iota Lambda Zeta the winner with 142 votes. Tri-Development Center’s Busy Bakers placed second with 125 votes, while the Aiken Master Gardeners came in third with 88 votes. Winners in that edition were awarded small monetary donations to support charities of their choosing. The 2025 opening ceremony featured Christmas movies, cookies, hot chocolate, children’s activities and photos with Santa, the department reported.
This year’s Festival of Trees coincides with other holiday events organized by the city, including the 38th Annual Downtown Tree Lighting on December 3, 2026. That celebration is set for 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Newberry Street Festival Center and will move indoors if weather requires, according to the Parks, Recreation and Tourism Department. Accommodation tax grant workshops are also planned for November 4 and 5, 2026, at the same cultural center. These interconnected programs enhance the festive atmosphere across Aiken.
Local groups seeking to take part in the 2026 Festival of Trees can find application information through the City of Aiken government website or by contacting the tourism department. The event provides participants with publicity and community recognition while allowing winners to contribute to chosen causes. The Center for African American History, Art and Culture additionally hosts exhibits such as one detailing the life of Dr. Matilda A. Evans during the period. Such programming underscores the venue’s role in preserving local heritage throughout the year.
