If you’re ready to hit the road for a little seasonal cheer, two South Carolina destinations promise unforgettable holiday experiences—each just a few hours from Aiken and filled with the sights, sounds and flavors that make this time of year so special. Whether you’re craving coastal charm along the Hammock Coast or classic elegance in downtown Charleston, these festive getaways deliver the perfect dose of Christmas joy.
A Hammock Coast Holiday Glow
About three and a half hours away, South Carolina’s Hammock Coast shines brightly during the holidays with a mix of Lowcountry beauty and small-town warmth. The star of the season is Nights of a Thousand Candles at Brookgreen Gardens where more than 2,800 hand-lit candles and millions of twinkling lights illuminate the 9,000-acre property from November 28 through January 4. Guests can stroll beneath centuries-old live oaks, admire large-scale sculptures bathed in soft light and sip hot cocoa or cider while live holiday music fills the air.
In nearby Georgetown, the waterfront lights up with the annual tree lighting and Lighted Boat Parade as festively decorated boats drift through the harbor to the delight of onlookers. The celebrations continue with Georgetown’s Christmas Parade along Front Street and the MarshWalk Santa Crawl in Murrells Inlet—a lively evening of music, laughter and holiday fun. With its blend of artistry, history and coastal charm, the Hammock Coast offers a relaxing and joy-filled holiday escape.
Christmas at Hotel Bennett: A Season to Sparkle in Charleston
Two and a half hours from Aiken, Charleston dazzles during the holidays with an abundance of festive events—from Aquarium Aglow at the South Carolina Aquarium to the Sound of Charleston Holiday Shows at the historic Circular Congregational Church. Yet for those seeking a luxurious, all-in-one experience, Hotel Bennett provides the perfect home base for a Charleston Christmas where you hardly need to step outside to feel the holiday spirit.
The season begins with the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on December 4 at Gabrielle Plaza, followed by a calendar of signature traditions. Inside, the hotel glows with festive décor and the scent of gingerbread. Tea with Santa at Camellias offers whimsical teas, Champagne for adults and holiday treats while the life-size Gingerbread House—crafted from hundreds of pounds of candy—serves up cookies and hot chocolate. Children can send their holiday wishes straight to the North Pole from the Letters to Santa station in the lobby, and the sounds of the Ashley Hall choir fill the air with cheer.
A Season Worth the Drive
Whether you’re strolling candlelit gardens beneath the stars or savoring cocoa in a candy-covered hotel, these two holiday road trips promise unforgettable experiences within easy reach of Aiken. From the coastal glow of the Hammock Coast to the grand elegance of Charleston, the magic of the season is waiting just down the road.