Athens on Ice & Holiday Lights
Ice Skating in Athens:
Grab the family and have some fun as ice skating returns to Athens! The indoor ice rink at Akins Ford Arena at The Classic Center is the largest in the area -- it's National Hockey League regulation-sized, with plenty of room for your best moves (or to have enough safe space to learn.) Ice skating in Athens has become a favorite winter activity for all ages. There are skates, and cute little seals to sit on, for even the littlest skaters. Head out to The Classic Center ice rink to keep the kids occupied during winter break from school, for a whimsical date night or couples night, a great outing with a group of friends, and even a fun activity for larger groups like a holiday office party, church group, sorority and fraternity social, and more.
Winter WonderLights:
Athens' newest holiday activity is Winter WonderLights. Now in its second year, the State Botanical Garden of Georgia at UGA is transforming this holiday season into a glittering winter wonderland of lights. The walk-through light show extravaganza features 11 illuminated displays along a half-mile path that is certain to delight and inspire. Meander with your family and friends and create magical memories among twinkling displays, colorful decorations and a mesmerizing multi-colored light tunnel. The Winter WonderLights show will include a Garden of Delights, Candy Cane Lane and Cone Tree Plaza, among other magical features.
Lighted displays will delight children and adults most evenings from Nov. 23, 2022, through January 8, 2023. The Alice Hand Callaway Visitor Center will be transformed into a holiday market, where guests can shop for gifts and souvenirs. Refreshments such as cookies, s’mores, bottled water, hot chocolate and coffee will be available throughout the light show.
The half-mile trail will take from 45-60 minutes to complete and is fully ADA accessible. Tickets are $15 each, free for children under age 3, and must be purchased online in advance. Winter WonderLights is presented by the University of Georgia.
New for this year is festive overnight packages, including on-campus accommodations and a shuttle to the Garden and Winter WonderLights.
Holiday Markets in Athens
Athens' amazing creative community is on full display at holiday open houses and artist markets. Local Athens holiday markets are the perfect opportunity to find truly personal gift ideas. After all, you'll find many of Athens' talented artists all in one place! You'll also be supporting local artists and makers while being able to browse outdoors, enjoy a festive atmosphere, AND avoid shipping costs and worries about delays.
Grab your partner, mom, daughters, sisters or friends and start a tradition of spending time together at a local Athens holiday market together to pick out gifts for Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or just because!
Check out our blog feature for a full roundup of Holiday Markets in Athens and our events calendar for other holiday events!
We've got even more ideas in our Athens Holiday Gift Guide!
Christmas Concerts & Performances:
If you're looking for a Christmas concert, holiday music, or The Nutcracker, look no further than Athens, because we've got them all.
This year's lineup of holiday music, plays, ballet and other performances is top-notch. The Classic Center Theatre in downtown Athens is a wonderful venue with a full calendar of holiday performances, and the UGA Performing Arts Center does, too!
Check out the holiday event listings below: