Communities across the Augusta area are kicking off the Christmas season with a full week of parades and tree lightings. From downtown Augusta to North Augusta, Grovetown, Harlem and Columbia County, residents will have several chances to celebrate the holidays.
North Augusta tree Lighting — Dec. 2
North Augusta will open the week with its annual Christmas tree lighting on Tuesday, Dec. 2 at 5 p.m. at Calhoun Park. The event features live entertainment, refreshments, and cozy firepits to keep you and your family warm. For more information, visit the event Facebook page.
Columbia County tree lighting — Dec. 4
Columbia County will host its annual Christmas in Columbia County celebration on Thursday, Dec. 4 from 4–8 p.m. at Evans Towne Center Park. Visitors can watch the park’s Christmas tree light up the night and stroll through the seasonal light displays. Families can also shop for gifts from local vendors, sample food from a variety of food trucks and capture photos with Santa and the Grinch. For more information, visit the Columbia County Parks, Recreation and Events Facebook page.
Columbia County Vendor Village – Dec. 5 – 16
Christmas in Columbia County Vendor Village will be held from Dec. 5-16 from 6-9 p.m. at the Evans Market Pavilion. Community members will be able to shop a variety of different vendors as they look for the perfect Christmas gift. For more information, visit the event Facebook page.
Augusta Christmas parade and Light Up Spectacular — Dec. 6
Augusta’s largest holiday event returns Saturday, Dec. 6. The Christmas parade begins at 1 p.m. along Reynolds Street. After the parade, the city’s Light Up Spectacular continues at the Augusta Common from 4 to 8 p.m. The Light Up Spectacular will feature live music, children’s activities, food vendors, and an appearance from Santa.
The evening concludes with a fireworks show at 6 p.m. A portion of event proceeds will support Ronald McDonald House Charities of Augusta. For more information, visit the Augusta, Georgia Government Facebook page.
Grovetown Christmas parade — Dec. 6
Grovetown will host its annual Christmas parade on Saturday, Dec. 6 at 10 a.m. The parade will travel along Wrightsboro Road, beginning at Trudeau Trail and continuing to Horizon South Parkway. Participants will hand out candy and holiday treats to spectators lining the route.
Grovetown will also host its annual Christmas Festival on Saturday, Dec. 6 from 5–8 p.m. at Liberty Park. The event will feature food and craft vendors, children’s activities and free photos with Santa. The evening also includes the city’s official Christmas tree lighting ceremony, closing out a full day of holiday celebrations in the community.
For more information on both events, visit the Grovetown Leisure & Recreation Facebook page.
Columbia County Christmas parade — Dec. 7
The Columbia County Christmas parade is set for Sunday, Dec. 7 at 3 p.m. The event, sponsored by the Merchants Association of Columbia County, will feature decorated floats, community organizations, and local performers along the parade route. For more information, visit the Columbia County Christmas parade Facebook page.
North Augusta Christmas parade — Dec. 7
The North Augusta Lions Club’s annual Christmas parade, themed “The Best Christmas Ever,” is scheduled for Sunday, Dec. 7 at 3 p.m. in downtown North Augusta.
Expect festive floats, holiday music, participation from local schools and community groups, as neighbors and families gather for a seasonal celebration.
For more information, visit the North Augusta Lions Club Facebook page.
Christmas in Harlem holiday market and parade – Dec. 13
The 2025 Christmas in Harlem holiday market and parade will be held Saturday, Dec. 13 in downtown Harlem. The day will kickoff with the holiday market from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in front of the Harlem Library in downtown Harlem. Community members can browse a variety of gifts from local vendors, enjoy delicious food and bring their children for photos with Santa.
The twilight Christmas parade will begin at 6 p.m. and will take place in downtown Harlem.
For more information, visit the Harlem Museum and Welcome Center Facebook page.
Auggie’s Holiday Buzzar – Dec. 13
Auggie’s 12th annual Holiday Buzzar will be held at SRP Park in North Augusta starting at 10 a.m. There will be a mile hot chocolate fun run starting at 10:15 a.m. Vendors will be set up in the concourse for patrons to browse and find a unique gift. There will also be entertainment from the North Augusta School of Dance.
For more information, visit the event Facebook page.
