Volunteers Needed for Christmas in Hopelands: Sign Up for a Dec. 18-23 Shift in Aiken, SC

There is something about 100,000 twinkling lights under Aiken's old oaks that makes a December night feel a little softer. This year, the City of Aiken is asking neighbors to help keep that tradition going. Volunteer shifts are open for the 35th annual Christmas in Hopelands in Aiken County, South Carolina, and the sooner you sign up, the better your odds of getting the night you want.

Pull up a chair and let's walk through what we verified, who it's for, and how your family, church, club or classroom can pitch in. If you love Aiken's holiday season, you may also enjoy our Festival of Trees story and everything else in Around The Village.

What's Happening Around the Village

On Oct. 26, the City of Aiken Parks, Recreation and Tourism Department put out a call for individuals, small groups, local organizations and student groups to volunteer at Christmas in Hopelands. The City's announcement says volunteers are still needed on six evenings: Friday, Dec. 18 through Wednesday, Dec. 23.

Shifts run from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., and the City says it needs a maximum of 20 volunteers each evening. Groups are asked to fill out the 2026 Volunteer Info Form, listing a preferred date and an alternate date. Spots are filled as groups confirm, and once your group is confirmed, parking passes and instructions go to your designated contact.

One small heads-up: a social media post about the same call lists the volunteer dates as Dec. 19 through 23, while the City's own release lists Dec. 18 through 23. We're going with the City's release, so double-check your date when you submit your form. The release doesn't spell out specific volunteer jobs either, so ask about your role when you're confirmed.

The event itself

Christmas in Hopelands turns Hopelands Gardens into a nightly holiday walk with more than 100,000 lights, festive displays, and free cocoa, cider and cookies. Hopelands Gardens lists the 2026 run as Dec. 12 through Dec. 23. Visit Aiken's listing shows 6:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. for opening night, and says concerts start at 7 p.m.

Admission is free, and donations are accepted. Event parking is at Citizens Park, 1060 Banks Mill Road, with shuttles running to the gardens. The last shuttle leaves Citizens Park at 8:45 p.m., and there is no parking or entry after 9 p.m. Dogs aren't allowed on the shuttles, though service animals can park at Hopelands Gardens, and accessible parking is available there at 135 Dupree Place.

Why It Matters

A free holiday tradition that has reached its 35th year doesn't happen on its own. Thirty-five seasons of lights means thirty-five seasons of families making memories without needing a ticket, and that is worth protecting. When neighbors give a few hours, they keep the gate open for everyone else.

It also matters because volunteering is one of the easiest ways to meet the people who live down the road. A shift with your church youth group, your co-workers or your Scout troop turns into a story you tell for years.

How This Impacts Our Community

The biggest winners are the families, retirees, visitors and kids who stroll the gardens each night and don't have to open a wallet to do it. Local businesses, civic organizations, school groups, university student organizations and churches are all specifically invited to take a shift, so the event doubles as a team-building night for groups that want to give back together.

With a cap of 20 volunteers per evening, each group matters. If you wait, your favorite night may fill up, and a night with too few helpers is a tougher night for everybody.

How You Can Get Involved

• Download the form. Grab the 2026 Volunteer Info Form and pick a preferred date and an alternate date between Dec. 18 and Dec. 23.

• Bring your people. Invite your church, club, team, classroom or co-workers. The City is encouraging group sign-ups.

• Ask before you assume. If you're unsure where to turn in your form or what your role will be, the City's Hopelands Gardens page lists 803-642-7600 for more information.

• Plan your arrival. Shifts are 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Watch for your parking pass and instructions from the City once you're confirmed.

• Visit as a guest, too. Bring the family any night from Dec. 12 to 23, use the Citizens Park shuttle, and leave a donation if you can.

• Start the season early. The Festival of Trees kicks off Dec. 2, and you can read more about it in our earlier story.

• Share this post. Send it to the group chat, the church bulletin editor or the PTA president.

Around the Village Calendar

• Dec. 2, 4 p.m.: Festival of Trees Tree Lighting Ceremony, Center for African American History, Art & Culture, 120 York St. NE, Aiken. The festival runs through Jan. 2, 2027, Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. People's Choice winners are announced Dec. 29. (City release)

• Dec. 12 to 23: Christmas in Hopelands, Hopelands Gardens, Aiken. Free admission, donations accepted. Concerts start at 7 p.m.

• Dec. 18 to 23, 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.: Volunteer shifts, up to 20 volunteers each evening. Submit your form as soon as you can.

• Nov. 11: All City of Aiken offices are closed for Veterans Day. See our Veterans Day week guide for ceremonies in the area.

Sophie's Suggestions

Heading out for a cool December evening of lights, shuttles and shifts? These in-stock items from the Sophie's Mart catalog may come in handy:

• Sophie's Mart 16 OZ Tumbler: A simple, branded tumbler for carrying your own drink along the garden paths or on a volunteer break.

• Moses & Burke Abstract Signature Beanie: A comfortable beanie to wear on a chilly night out with the family.

Around the Village Takeaway

The brightest light in any town is a neighbor who raised a hand and said, "Put me down for a shift."