Pull out the Christmas sweaters, light the fireplace, and put on some Bing Crosby because the holiday season is alive and well in Athens, Georgia.  If you're feeling a little bah humbug from the recent rain, there are so many festive activities to pull you out of the holiday blues. For indoor ice skating at The Classic Center, gingerbread houses, holiday shopping, Santa and more, make one trip to the Classic City and you'll be decking the halls in no time!  Athens is the perfect choice for a short Christmas holiday getaway in Georgia!

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Christmas at The Classic Center has everything you could ever need to get into the holiday spirit. Opening this weekend and continuing through December 22nd, you and your loved ones will be able to experience an array of Christmas traditions and festivities all in one place. There will be indoor ice skating, the Festival of Trees, gingerbread house displays, a holiday train ride and more! Santa himself will even be taking some time off to come have breakfast with the kiddos. General admission to Christmas at The Classic Center is $3 per person, with some events requiring additional admission fees. For specific information of ticketing and different events, click here



Along with every holiday season comes holiday shopping. It can be so frustrating to find something unique and special for everyone, and that's where Athens really shines, due to all the amazing artists who call Athens home. There's no better weekend to head out to any - or all - of several Artist Markets taking place. You're sure to find truly unique, one-of-a-kind gifts that will certainly be cherished.  Check out the schedule of Athens Artist Markets here



This weekend, the Holiday Spirits Museum Mile Tour gives you the perfect activity to see where 19th century Christmas  traditions come from. This special version of the Museum Mile tour of Athens house museums includes live music, professional theatre, light refreshments, and it all culminates with a Victorian Christmas at the Ware-Lyndon House. Tickets are $25 each and are available through the Athens Welcome Center at 706-353-1820.  

If you haven't started making plans for New Year's Eve, don't fret! Hotel Indigo and Foundry Park Inn are both hosting wild parties and are offering special New Year's deals to help ease the stress of planning. With room packages starting at $199, there is no better way to go than to ring in the new year in the Classic City.

For a complete look at all the holiday events and activities going on around Athens, Georgia, check out our events calendar, including performances of The Nutcracker coming up next weekend, by the State Ballet Theatre of Russia. Overnight packages are available!  
 
Complete Athens holiday information is at www.VisitAthensGA.com/holiday