The holiday season in Athens, GA, is nothing short of magical! From festive parades to enchanting light displays and unique local traditions, there’s no better place to soak up the holiday spirit. Whether you’re planning a family outing, a romantic getaway, or a festive gathering with friends, Athens offers an array of events and experiences to make your season merry and bright. Read on to discover the must-see holiday happenings in our charming Southern town.
Akins Ford Arena Grand Opening
Looking for some holiday fun the whole family will enjoy? Mark your calendar for the Akins Ford Arena Community Grand Opening! This free event is your chance to explore Athens’ newest venue while enjoying an action-packed day of festive activities. From ice skating and face painting to holiday treats and a chalk art contest, there’s something for everyone to love.
Be sure to stick around for exciting giveaways during the skating sessions—you could win family four-packs to unforgettable shows like Harlem Globetrotters and Disney on Ice!
Keep in mind that clear bags are required for entry, with exceptions for medical and diaper bags after proper inspection. Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate the season and experience the Akins Ford Arena!
Athens on Ice
Family coming up for the weekend? Looking for a seasonal date night or something to do while the kids are out of school? Take them to Athens on Ice! The public ice skating rink opens this December! Whether you’re acing axel jumps or never letting go of the wall, there's no better way to make some magical winter memories! It’s truly fun for all ages with child skates and Seal assistance available as well as Adult Skate after 9pm. Buy your tickets now, admission is $15 per person or $12 per person for groups of 10 or more. Season passes are also available for purchase! Check out our blog 5 Things to Know About Ice Skating in Athens, for more tips and frequently asked questions.
Winter Wonderlights
It's December in Athens, you know what that means -time for Winter Wonderlights! The State Botanical Garden of Georgia will transform into an absolute wonderland of twinkling lights and dazzling displays. The light show, presented by the UGA Office of the President, follows a half-mile fully accessible trail through the Winter Wondercave, along Jingle Bell Lane, into the Northern Lights and through a Cone Tree Forest, among other dazzling features. Along the way, visitors can roast marshmallows for s’mores over an open fire and enjoy rich hot chocolate or other refreshments. Be sure to stop in the holiday shop for one of a kind presents and souvenirs. Buy your tickets now and enjoy the magic of the season for select nights through December 30th. Tickets are $15 per person. Children under 3 enter for FREE. Grab your friends and family and get a 10% discount for groups of 20+ or members of Friends of the Garden. FREE parking for the light show is available at the nearby women’s sports complex located at 2330 S. Milledge Ave. Athens, Ga. 30605. Buses will shuttle ticket holders to and from the garden entrance. VIP parking at the State Botanical Garden is available for an additional cost and must be purchased online when you purchase tickets for the event. This event is a must see if you’re spending December in Athens!
Deck the Hollow
Join Memorial Park and Bear Hollow Zoo again December 13th through 15th for Deck the Hollow from 5:30-7:30pm each night! Come celebrate the holidays with dazzling lights, local artist vendors, animal encounters, and more! There will be concessions and photo opportunities to make the memories last. The admission to this holiday delight is $5 per person, children under the age of 2 are admitted FREE of charge! Registration is not required. Tickets will be sold at the gate. Join in for a bear-y great time!
Athens Rock Lobster Game
Get your claws up and come out to support the Athens Rock Lobsters! Just because football season is coming to a close does not mean sports stop in Athens! The hockey season will be in full swing this December. The Athens Rock Lobsters will be playing in the brand new Akins Ford Arena for the very first time this month, so come show your local winter sports team some love, check out the new stadium, enjoy concessions, gear up on team merch, and snag a picture with Clawdius! Click here to read their full schedule!
Holiday Music Series
The UGA Performing Arts Center puts on its Holiday Music Series in December! While two spectacular events have already passed, there are still three more to enjoy!
A Winter Gathering with Kathy Mattea Wednesday, December 11th, 7:30pm
Grammy Awards winner Kathy Mattea as well as a group of talented Nashville Musicians are coming to Athens to present you with a soulful acoustic twist on some holiday classics, as well as selections from Kathy’s 1993 Grammy Award winning album, Good News, her 2003 acclaimed Joy for Christmas Day, and her breakthrough recording of the iconic “Mary, Did You Know?
Vienna Boys Choir - Christmas in Vienna Wednesday, December 18th, 7:30pm
The Vienna Boys Choir is returning to Athens to showcase these gifted young mens voices. Their performances are unforgettable and sure to put you into the seasonal spirit. This program will feature Austrian folk songs, classical masterpieces, popular songs, and holiday favorites!
Handel’s Messiah Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Chamber Chorus Saturday, December 21, 7:30pm
Continuing on a beloved December tradition, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra is traveling to Athens to perform the first part of Handel’s oratorio and the “Hallelujah” chorus. Joined by one of a kind soloists, this performance is sure to awe.
All performances will be held in the Hodgson Concert Hall. Click here to learn more and buy your tickets today!
Tinsel Trail
Looking for a FREE, pet-friendly holiday activity that supports a good cause? Introducing the Tinsel Trail! Set up in front of The Classic Center and on Foundry Street across from Athens on Ice, this magical trail features over 60 live trees beautifully decorated by local businesses and organizations. Perfect for a holiday date night, festive fun with the kids, or a girls night out! Enjoy the chill in the air and the warm holiday vibes while supporting two wonderful causes: scholarships with The Classic Center Cultural Foundation and the Athens Area Women in Construction. Whether you’re arriving early for an event at The Classic Center or just looking for a magical holiday outing, the Tinsel Trail is a must-see!
