Looking for some fall, holiday hijinks? Here are some upcoming Augusta area festivities

Miguel Legoas, Augusta Chronicle
·7 min read
1

As wemove closer to the end of the year, there is still plenty more fall and holiday fun to be had.

Lights of the South is reopening for the 2022 season. There are also some Thanksgiving dinners, fall festivals and other community events for those wanting to celebrate the season with others. Anyone looking for a head start on Christmas shopping or just some retail therapy can visit the multiple local markets scheduled this month. Plus, there are some upcoming live shows, from traditional ones like “The Nutcracker” and creative expressions like “Cirque Dreams Holidaze.”

Here are more details on these and other upcoming autumn activities in the Augusta area:

Lights of the South

Lights of the South returns for its 17th season on Friday, Nov. 18.

The Grovetown attraction has long been a holiday favorite, featuring over 5 million lights covering over 100 acres, with displays ranging in size and shape from small and medium sized fantasy characters to huge castles and an enormous U.S. flag honoring service members. Guests can walk across the park or ride through on a hay ride.

There is also photos with Santa Claus, snacks and a fire pit featuring s'mores.

The hotspot will be open every night through Dec. 30 from 6-10 p.m. and will only be closed Christmas Day. General admission is $16, fast passes are $26 and children 3 and under get in free. For more info and to buy tickets online, go to lightsofthesouth.com.

Decorating for the holidays: Toxic items to keep out of pets' reach

Offensive Decoration: Doc's Porchside in Augusta apologizes for 'offensive nature' of noose decoration

Thanksgiving happenings

There is an Augusta "Feast Before the Feast" at 5-8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 18 at the McDuffie Woods Community Center at 3431 McDuffie Rd., McBean Community Center at 1155 Hephzibah-McBean Rd., and the Carrie J. Mays Community Center at 1014 11th Ave. The Braswell Manigault Foundation and Augusta Parks & Rec. will offer turkey, mac & cheese, yams and more to eat and drink.

For a feast of a different feather, visit "Thanksgiving with the Parrots" at 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19 at Feathered Friends Forever at 612 Byrd Dr. in Harlem. This is a potluck lunch and fundraiser for the volunteer-run, non-profit parrot rescue and sanctuary.

Columbia County Library's Turkey Craft Extravaganza is 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 22 at the Evans library at 7022 Evans Town Center Blvd. It's in the Children's Program Room.

Impact Church - Harlem's "Community Thanksgiving Dinner" is 5-7:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 20 at the Woodmen Lodge Hall at 525 W. Milledgeville Rd. in Harlem.

Nancy Carson Library's Thanksgiving Movie Afternoon is 4-5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 23 at the North Augusta library at 135 Edgefield Rd. Screenings include "A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving," "Garfield’s Thanksgiving," "A Charlie Brown Christmas," and "Garfield’s Christmas." Guests should bring their own snacks.

FILE - Yamma Brown, daughter of singer James Brown, grabs some turkeys before they are handed out during the annual James Brown Turkey Giveaway in Augusta, Ga., Monday morning November 20, 2020.
FILE - Yamma Brown, daughter of singer James Brown, grabs some turkeys before they are handed out during the annual James Brown Turkey Giveaway in Augusta, Ga., Monday morning November 20, 2020.

The annual James Brown Turkey Giveaway returns 8 a.m. Monday, Nov. 21 at the James Brown Arena at 601 Seventh St. in Augusta. Registrants must present a valid state ID, utility bill or lease agreement to giveaway organizers. For more information, go to jamesbrownfamilyfdn.org.

The Payback: James Brown Turkey Giveaway announces registration dates for families in need

Augusta Dream Center's Thanksgiving Meal & Turkey Giveaway is 5-6 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 20 at the non-profit's Augusta headquarters at 3364 Peach Orchard Rd. Volunteers will provide free turkeys and fixings to take home for dinner. The giveaway is first-come, first-served, and guests will share a meal together immediately following the giveaway. For more information, go to the event's Facebook page.

Central Baptist Church's Thanksgiving Potluck Lunch is Sunday, Nov. 20 at the Aiken church at 1652 Wire Rd. Lunch  immediately follows the 10:30 a.m. service.

More Movie Merrymaking

An independent-film and Christmas musical called "It's Christmas Again" is premiering in select theaters on Tuesday, Nov. 29 for one night only. It's showing at 7 p.m. at the Regal Augusta Exchange and at Evans Cinema.

Oscar-winning actor Tom Hanks voices six different characters in "The Polar Express," including the main boy, his father, the train conductor, the ghost, Scrooge and Santa Claus.
Oscar-winning actor Tom Hanks voices six different characters in "The Polar Express," including the main boy, his father, the train conductor, the ghost, Scrooge and Santa Claus.

Evans Cinema is also showing several "throwback" movies via Flashback Cinema. The movies change weekly, with one showing on Sunday and the following Wednesday, and showtimes at 1:15 p.m. and 7:15 p.m. The schedule includes:

  • "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" (2000) on Nov. 16.

  • "The Polar Express" on Nov. 20 and 23.

  • "White Christmas" on Nov. 27 and 30.

City of Aiken's "Polar Express" Night is 6:30-8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19 and Sunday, Nov. 20 at the Amentum Center for Performing Arts at 126 Newberry St. SW., Aiken. Families are invited to put on their pajamas, bring a blanket and/or pillow, and watch the movie. Popcorn and water bottles will be provided, but no other beverages will be allowed. Tickets can be bought for $5 by calling (803) 648-1438 or going online to eventbrite.com.

Shop 'til You Drop

FILE - The 5th Street Marina sits along the Augusta side of the Savannah River. Parking is available at the end of 5th Street to the left of the 5th Street Bridge.
FILE - The 5th Street Marina sits along the Augusta side of the Savannah River. Parking is available at the end of 5th Street to the left of the 5th Street Bridge.

The 6th annual Holiday Market at the Marina is noon-6 p.m. every Sunday through Dec. 18 at the 5th Street Marina. Guests will be able to shop for gifts while listening to holiday hits and classic jazz songs played by live musicians. The Riverside Cafe food truck will be on site too.

Downtown Augusta's Small Business Saturday Crawl is 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 26 along Broad Street. The downtown shops will offer specials and giveaways, every customer will receive a commemorative button with purchase, and stores will provide free DIY gift wrapping.

Sacred Heart Cultural Center's annual Holiday Market and Guild Bake Sale is 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 17, at Sacred Heart's Great Hall at 1301 Greene St. in Augusta. There will be local crafters selling their creations, guest speakers, and a fashion show at 11 a.m., noon and 1 p.m. Proceeds will go to the preservation of the historic church.

Related: Sacred Heart church opens in Augusta

River Island's Holiday Market is noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 27 at 1570 River Island Pkwy. in Evans. Guests can shop for crafts, baked goods and other gifts, plus door prizes.

Our Savior Episcopal Church's 3rd Annual Holiday Craft Market is 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19 at the church at 4227 Columbia Rd. in Martinez. There will be plenty of gifts to buy and activities to enjoy.

Show time!

"The Nutcracker" is being presented by two different companies at two different venues:

  • Colton Ballet Company's is Friday-Sunday Nov. 25-27 at the Imperial Theatre at 745 Broad St. in Augusta.

  • NUTCRACKER! Magical  Christmas Ballet's is Monday, Nov. 28 at the Miller Theater at 708 Broad St. in Augusta.

For something especially unique, "Cirque Dreams Holidaze" is 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 22 at the Bell Auditorium in Augusta at 712 Telfair St. This is a holiday spectacular combining Broadway-style musical infused and contemporary circus artistry. Tickets can be bought at augustaentertainmentcomplex.com and at the James Brown Arena's box office.

Local Musicians: Augusta youth drumline performs at College Park rally featuring Former President Obama

Entertainment Venue: Bell Auditorium to close for 10 months during renovations. Here's what to know

Christmas Tree Lightings

FILE - North Augusta's Christmas Tree Lighting is an annual holiday tradition for the North Augusta community featuring lights, live music and family fun.
FILE - North Augusta's Christmas Tree Lighting is an annual holiday tradition for the North Augusta community featuring lights, live music and family fun.

Church of the Good Shepherd is lighting its Christmas tree at 6 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 27 at the Augusta church at 2230 Walton Way. There will be hot chocolate and accompanying carols.

North Augusta's annual Christmas Tree Lighting is 5-6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 29 at John C. Calhoun Park at 798 Georgia Ave. in North Augusta, SC. The tree will be lit with a large switch and guests will enjoy lights, hot cocoa, s'mores and Christmas tunes from a live band.

This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Fall brings fairs, festivals, holiday fun and more to Augusta area