Annual Tree Lighting to Kick Off 2019 Holiday Season

The official start of the holiday season in Camden is the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony in front of City Hall, scheduled for Thursday, December 5, 2019. Festivities begin at 6:00 pm with hot chocolate and holiday music featuring an ensemble from the Camden Community Concert Band as well as the Camden Elementary School Choir. The children of Camden and Kershaw County are invited to help Mayor Alfred Mae Drakeford “throw the switch” to light the tree. And don’t forget a visit from the man in red. Please bring a canned food item to donate to the United Way Mobile Nutrition Center.

Following the Tree Lighting Ceremony, participants are invited to stroll down Rutledge Street to the heart of Downtown Camden, as many businesses extend their hours until 8:00 pm. Community groups and vendors will be “popping up” along Rutledge Street between City Hall and Broad Streets, to help you get into the holiday spirit and shop for friends and loved ones.

The Tree Lighting Ceremony & Shopping Stroll officially kicks off Downtown Camden’s “12 Days of Christmas”, highlighting the community events taking place in Downtown Camden between December 5th and 16th. In addition to the traditional holiday events in and around Camden, many businesses will host special events, including open houses, visits with Santa, and giveaways to help you complete your holiday shopping with less stress. For more information about the “12 Days of Christmas”, click here.