Christmas in Athens: 7+ Best Ways To ‘Sleigh’ the Holiday in the Classic City

The most wonderful time of the year is approaching fast. Families are sorting through sparkling lights in the attic, sipping on hot cocoa and beginning to prepare for everything that the holiday season has in store. Christmas in Athens includes several ways to keep the kids (and kids-at-heart) entertained.

CATCH SANTA AT THE DOWNTOWN PARADE OF LIGHTS

Christmas in Athens: 7+ Ways To ‘Sleigh’ the Holiday in the Classic City

The Downtown Athens Parade of Lights begins at 7pm on December 5, 2024, in Downtown Athens. It’s the perfect kick-start to the holiday season! It truly feels like a winter wonderland.

This year’s theme, “Run, Run Rudolph,” will light up the streets with themed floats, festive music and a classic tree-lighting ceremony hosted by Santa himself. Cheer on the local entries competing for prizes like “Most Original Float” and the coveted “Mayor’s Award.”

LACE UP YOUR SKATES AND HIT THE ICE

Christmas in Athens: 7+ Best Ways To ‘Sleigh’ the Holiday in the Classic City

Athens on Ice returns December 7, 2024, to the 440 Foundry Pavilion at The Classic Center.

Skate rental is available (don’t forget your socks!) and for the younger crowd there are “helpers.” See that blue seal behind Cooper? Kids can grab ahold and push themselves around the rink.

Please note there are not concessions here, but you’re close to all of Athens’ great restaurants so just plan to make a stop before or afterward to grab some grub.

SANTA, RUDOLPH AND BEARS! OH MY!

We love Bear Hollow Zoo in Spring and Summer… but you don’t want to skip it in Winter either. Select days before Christmas their Deck the Hollow event features larger-than-life Christmas inflatables, animal interactions and visits with Santa.

My kids absolutely loved this event when they were younger, and so did I! It’s a low-key, fun, and festive experience, perfect for younger kiddos.

The event is 5:30pm – 7:30pm, December 7-8 and 13-15, 2024. Tickets are $5 at the gate.

STROLL THE WINTER WONDERLIGHTS

The State Botanical Garden of Georgia has transformed into an array of twinkling lights and light displays for the fourth annual Winter WonderLights.

The half-mile fully accessible trail allows guests to walk through a Winter Wondercave, along Jingle Bell Lane, into the Northern Lights and through a Cone Tree Forest, among other dazzling features. At specific locations along the trail, visitors can purchase hot coffee, cocoa and even marshmallows for roasting. Plus, don’t miss the new WonderLights Disco Nights (Jan 2-5, 2025), with a festive mix of groovy tunes and dazzling lights for a fresh spin on tradition.

Select evenings Nov. 25, 2024 through Jan. 5, 2025, 5:30pm – 9:00pm. $15 per person and VIP options available. Children 3 and under are free.

SHOP TIL YOU DROP AT ONE OF THESE ATHENS HOLIDAY MARKETS

Athens is a hub for creatives, and during the holidays, it bursts with unique artisan markets. From the Beechwood Holiday Market and its Tree Lighting Festival (Nov 30) to the Indie South Fair and West Broad Holiday Market, there’s something for everyone. Discover handcrafted gifts, seasonal décor, delicious local treats and so much more as Athens celebrates its local talent and festive spirit.

SIP A FESTIVE DRINK AT THE EXPAT

Miracle at The Expat in Athens will feature a holiday oasis with over-the-top kitschy, festive decor and a themed cocktail menu with fan favorites such as the Christmapolitan and Christmas Cricket. New this year is Rudolph’s Replacement, The Krampus, and Marshmallows & Unicorns. Additionally, there will be special holiday food menu items such as White Chocolate Budino, S’mores Tart, and Panforte Scuro.

I’ve been to The Expat during the holiday season and it cannot be missed! Such a fun and unique atmosphere and the food is divine.

Miracle at The Expat will be held November 29 – December 29, 2024. Due to popular demand, The Expat will also be open on Sundays during the Miracle season!

EAT MORE CHICKEN UNDER THE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS

This is not your average business light display, y’all!

Locals have known for awhile that the Atlanta Highway Chick-fil-A’s lights are something special, and now people are coming from neighboring towns just to see the thousands of lights that literally cover the restaurant! It really is amazing. When we go, we always get our food and eat it from the back of the pick-up truck in the parking lot — that way we can really enjoy eating under the lights!

This is the perfect stop during the Christmas season. Don’t forget to get a peppermint shake! The lights will be on display from November 1 – December 31, 2024.

ENTERTAINMENT AT AKINS FORD ARENA

Make memories at Athens’ newest entertainment venue — Akins Ford Arena! On December 6, catch the inaugural game of Athens’ first pro hockey team, the Athens Rock Lobsters, and on December 14, don’t miss Athens’ own The B-52s rocking the stage.

It’s the perfect spot to dive into the city’s legendary live music and creative culture.

CELEBRATE THE SEASON AT ATHENS RESTAURANTS

Note: No word yet on if this is happening this year, but we assume it is. Check their Insta for updates!

Paloma Park’s holiday cocktail bar “The North Pole” will be transformed into a festive wonderland with holiday decorations, a specialty themed cocktail menu and music to match. You can’t miss “The Blitzen Spritzen” or “Clark Griswold’s Egg Nog,” a made-from-scratch recipe that features the best eggnog in Athens.

SATISFY YOUR SWEET TOOTH AT CONDOR CHOCOLATES

Sipping a hot cup of Condor’s hot chocolate is a must-try experience and perfect for a chilly day. At Condor, Athens born-and-raised brothers Nick and Peter Dale produce bean-to-bar chocolate bars, truffles and a variety of other confections to pay homage to their mother’s Ecuadorian roots.

After you are warm and toasty, don’t forget to grab a few items for your holiday dessert table… or gifts for the most special people on your list.

BE AN ANGEL THIS CHRISTMAS IN ATHENS

Our final recommendation doesn’t require a trip into Athens, but it’s the opportunity to make Christmas special for a child in Athens. Before moving West, we did this every year…encouraged by our oldest daughter who worked with these special families for a long, long time.

The Clarke/Oconee DFCS Angel Project Sponsorship project allows you to sponsor a child (or children!) by making a magical gifting experience for them.

After you register, you’ll be paired with a child. The DFCS will send you a wish list and further instructions. It’s such a fantastic way to really get into the spirit of the Season.

MORE HOLIDAY FUN:

FREE CHRISTMAS EVENTS: 19+ Free Christmas Events in Atlanta To Ring In Holiday Cheer
CHRISTMAS LIGHTS: 33+ Sparkling Christmas Light Displays Near Atlanta
ICE SKATING: The Best Rinks For Kids, Teens & Adults In Atlanta
HELEN CHRISTMAS: 13 Reasons You Should Visit Helen GA This Holiday Season
SNOW NEAR ME: 14+ Great Spots Atlanta Locals Can Find Winter Weather
SANTA PHOTOS: 25+ Best Places To Take Pictures With Santa In Atlanta

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