Experience the magic of the holiday season in Athens, GA, where festive delights await locals and visitors alike. The city streets burst with color during the Athens-Clarke County Christmas Parade, while Winter WonderLights at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia offers a serene, illuminated escape. For those enchanted by historic elegance, Christmas at Callanwolde showcases stunning decorations transforming a 1920s mansion into a holiday wonderland.
From delightful parades to botanical displays and historic home tours, Athens provides a holiday experience rich in culture, creativity, and cheer. Embrace the spirit of Christmas in a city that blends tradition with vibrant holiday celebrations.
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The Top Christmas Events in Athens
- Athens-Clarke County Christmas Parade
- Winter WonderLights at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia
- Holiday Spirits Museum Mile Tour
- Canopy's Winter Wonder Circus
- Athens Holiday Market
- The Nutcracker at the Classic Center
- Athens Santa Pub Crawl
- Athens on Ice: Public Ice Skating at the Foundry Pavilion
- Holiday Open House at Lyndon House Arts Center
- Santa’s Workshop at Memorial Park
Athens Holiday Light Displays
Winter WonderLights at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia
What to Expect:
Botanical-themed light displays in a natural setting
Description:
The State Botanical Garden of Georgia illuminates its grounds with a dazzling array of light installations. Visitors stroll through winding paths adorned with botanical-themed displays, each meticulously crafted to highlight the garden's natural beauty. The event offers a unique blend of horticulture and artistry, allowing guests to discover the garden's diverse plant collections in a new light. This illuminated spectacle pays homage to Georgia's rich flora, educating visitors about native species.
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Winter WonderLights at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia
Holiday Lights at Bear Hollow Zoo
What to Expect:
Animal-themed light displays at a wildlife rehabilitation center
Description:
Bear Hollow Zoo, known for its work in wildlife rehabilitation, illuminates its grounds with animal-themed light displays. Visitors wander through the zoo after hours, encountering glowing representations of native Georgia wildlife. The event educates guests about local fauna while providing a unique nighttime zoo experience. Attendees can learn about the zoo's conservation efforts while enjoying the twinkling lights. This display combines environmental education with holiday cheer, reflecting Athens' commitment to wildlife preservation.
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Holiday Lights at Bear Hollow Zoo
Athens Holiday Markets and Shopping
Athens Holiday Market
What to Expect:
Locally-made artisanal gifts and products
Description:
The Athens Holiday Market showcases the city's thriving creative community. Local artisans and craftspeople display their unique wares, offering everything from handmade jewelry to artisanal foods. The market buzzes with the energy of shoppers discovering one-of-a-kind gifts. Visitors can chat with makers about their processes and inspirations, fostering a connection between creators and consumers. This event celebrates Athens' long-standing tradition of supporting local arts and crafts.
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Athens Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Canopy's Winter Wonder Circus
What to Expect:
Aerial and acrobatic performances with a winter theme
Description:
Canopy Studio presents a breathtaking display of aerial artistry and acrobatics with a wintry twist. Performers soar through the air, executing gravity-defying feats that evoke the beauty of falling snow and icy landscapes. The show combines elements of traditional circus acts with contemporary dance and storytelling. Guests can marvel at the strength and grace of the performers as they bring winter scenes to life high above the stage.
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The Nutcracker at the Classic Center
What to Expect:
Local ballet company's interpretation of the classic
Description:
The Classic Center stage comes alive with pirouettes and plies as a local ballet company presents their rendition of The Nutcracker. This beloved holiday tale unfolds through graceful movements and expressive choreography, captivating audiences of all ages. The production incorporates elements of Athens' culture, giving a unique local flavor to the timeless story. Spectators can immerse themselves in the world of Clara and her Nutcracker Prince, set to Tchaikovsky's iconic score.
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The Nutcracker at the Classic Center
Athens Other Holiday Activities
Athens-Clarke County Christmas Parade
What to Expect:
Community-wide participation with diverse floats
Description:
Athens transforms its streets into a vibrant procession of holiday cheer during the annual Christmas Parade. Local businesses, schools, and organizations showcase their creativity with elaborate floats, while marching bands fill the air with festive tunes. Spectators can catch candy tossed from passing floats, a tradition dating back to the parade's inception in 1958. The event brings together people from all walks of life, reflecting the diverse spirit of Athens.
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Athens-Clarke County Christmas Parade
Holiday Spirits Museum Mile Tour
What to Expect:
Guided tour of multiple museums with holiday cocktails
Description:
Athens' Museum Mile comes alive with a spirited twist on holiday celebrations. Participants embark on a guided journey through multiple museums, each offering a unique holiday-themed cocktail. The tour blends cultural exploration with mixology, allowing guests to sip on carefully crafted drinks while learning about local history and art. This adults-only event highlights the city's rich cultural heritage, dating back to its founding in 1801.
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Holiday Spirits Museum Mile Tour
Athens Santa Pub Crawl
What to Expect:
Costume-themed bar hopping event
Description:
Athens' vibrant downtown transforms into a sea of red and white as revelers don Santa suits for a lively pub crawl. Participants hop from bar to bar, enjoying special holiday-themed drinks and spreading cheer throughout the city. The event injects a playful spirit into Athens' renowned nightlife scene. You'll encounter hundreds of Santas, creating a surreal and jovial atmosphere. This crawl has become a beloved tradition, reflecting Athens' reputation as a fun-loving college town.
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Athens on Ice: Public Ice Skating at the Foundry Pavilion
What to Expect:
Outdoor ice skating in a historic industrial setting
Description:
The Foundry Pavilion, once a bustling iron foundry, now hosts a winter tradition with its outdoor ice skating rink. Skaters glide across the ice, surrounded by the industrial charm of the restored building. The juxtaposition of cold ice and warm brick creates a unique ambiance. Visitors can practice their figure eights or simply enjoy a leisurely skate while taking in the historic atmosphere. This event brings a touch of winter sport to the heart of Georgia.
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Athens on Ice: Public Ice Skating at the Foundry Pavilion
Holiday Open House at Lyndon House Arts Center
What to Expect:
Interactive art activities in a historic house museum
Description:
Lyndon House Arts Center opens its doors for a day of creative holiday celebration. Visitors engage in hands-on art activities, from ornament making to holiday card printing. The center, housed in an 1850s Greek Revival mansion, provides a stunning backdrop for these artistic endeavors. Guests can explore the historic rooms while participating in various workshops. This event highlights Athens' commitment to preserving its architectural heritage while fostering a thriving arts community.
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Holiday Open House at Lyndon House Arts Center
Santa’s Workshop at Memorial Park
What to Expect:
Interactive North Pole experience in a public park
Description:
Memorial Park transforms a section of its grounds into a bustling North Pole village. Children can engage in elf-led activities, from toy-making to cookie decorating. The workshop recreates the imagined hustle and bustle of Santa's operation, complete with a mail room for sending letters to the North Pole. Families can explore the various stations, each offering a different holiday-themed activity. This event brings the spirit of the North Pole to the heart of Athens, creating lasting memories for young visitors.
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Santa’s Workshop at Memorial Park
AthHalf Christmas in July Half Marathon & 5K
What to Expect:
Christmas-themed summer running event
Description:
Athens embraces the unexpected with a Christmas-themed race in the height of summer. Runners don holiday attire as they tackle the half marathon or 5K course, creating a surreal sight of Santas and elves jogging through the July heat. The race route features holiday music and decorations, bringing a touch of December cheer to the summer landscape. This unique event combines Athens' love for fitness with its playful spirit, creating a one-of-a-kind racing experience.
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AthHalf Christmas in July Half Marathon & 5K
Athens Christmas Historic House Tour
What to Expect:
Self-guided tour of historic homes decorated for the holidays
Description:
Athens' rich architectural heritage takes center stage during this self-guided tour of historic homes. Each house, adorned with period-appropriate holiday decorations, offers a glimpse into Christmas celebrations of the past. Visitors step back in time as they explore these beautifully preserved residences, some dating back to the early 19th century. The tour provides insight into Athens' architectural evolution and the changing traditions of holiday decorating through the decades.
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Athens Christmas Historic House Tour
Nearby Events
Christmas at Callanwolde (Atlanta)
What to Expect:
Historic mansion decorated by professional designers
Description:
Callanwolde Fine Arts Center, a 1920s Gothic-Tudor style mansion, opens its doors for a lavish holiday experience. Professional interior designers transform each room into a stunning holiday tableau, showcasing different themes and styles. Visitors can explore the intricately decorated spaces, marveling at the attention to detail. The event honors the mansion's rich history, once home to the Candler family of Coca-Cola fame, while supporting local arts programs.