ATHENS-Santa will be back in Athens for the Reliance Bank Christmas Parade on December 3, the Lincoln-Bridgeforth Park Christmas Tree Lighting on Dec. 8 and Sippin’ Cider on Dec. 12. It’s possible Santa may make other appearances as well. Here is a list of some of the holiday events in Athens:
● Donnell House Couture Christmas Festival of Trees
Nov. 20-28, Donnell House on South Clinton St.
See dress forms decorated as trees for this year’s “Couture” theme and support the historic site. Call 256-232-0743 for ticket information and times
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● Limestone County Christmas Tree Lighting
Thursday, Dec. 3, 4:30 p.m., Courthouse lawn
Enjoy the lighting of the county tree prior to the Christmas parade. The tree features ornaments designed by local students. Committed a Capella will sing carols.
● Reliance Bank Christmas Parade
Thursday, Dec. 3, 6 p.m., Athens High and downtown Athens area
For the 12th annual parade, this year’s theme is “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” Thousands of spectators attend this holiday tradition to see the floats, horses, bands, vintage vehicles, and of course, Santa. Call 256-232-1944 for more information.
● The Christmas Story Drive-Thru Nativity
Dec. 4, 5, 11 and 12 from 6-9 p.m. and Dec. 13, 6-8 p.m., Emmanuel Baptist Church 1917 U.S. Highway 72 West
Pack the family car and enjoy a living nativity. Free event. For more information, go to www.ebcathens.com
● Jingle Bell Jog 5K
Saturday, Dec. 5, 8 a.m. start, Athens High School
Hosted by the Athens High School JROTC. Contact Chief James Chambers at (256) 233-6619 or james.chambers@acs-k12.org for more details.
● North Pole Stroll Kick-Off
Saturday, Dec. 5, 6 p.m., Duck Pond
The public is invited to the kick-off of our first annual North Pole Stroll sponsored in part by Lowe’s. See trees decorated by businesses and non-profits. The North Pole Stroll will be available to the public for viewing from Dec. 5 through Jan. 1.
● Bells of Christmas Holiday Home tour
Sunday, Dec. 6, 1-5 p.m.
Fifth annual event where you can tour Athens homes dressed up for the holidays and hosted by the Athens Ladies Civitan. Each home will have sweet treats provided by local caterers. This is a self-guided tour with hostesses at each home. For ticket informationathensladiescivitanclub.org/html/events.html
● Committed Holiday Concert
Sunday, Dec. 6, 7 p.m., McCandless Hall at Athens State
Cost is $15. Committed is an a cappella singing group. The group began in 2003 at Forest Lake Academy and went on to solidify their sound at Oakwood University in Huntsville.
● Lincoln-Bridgeforth Park Christmas Tree Lighting and Bicycle Give-away
Tuesday, Dec. 8, 5 p.m., Lincoln-Bridgeforth Park
Committee volunteers and volunteers from the city will light the park tree and give away toys to children whose names were submitted by local agencies such as the Boys and Girls Club. There will be a drawing for bicycles as well. Volunteers will also give out snacks and hot chocolate. For more information or to sponsor the event, contact Robbin Hines at lincolnbridgeforthpc@live.com
● Hope for the Holidays
Thursday, Dec. 10, 6:30 p.m., Limestone County Event Center
Join Team Victory 4 All for a childhood cancer benefit dinner featuring Huntsville Master Chorale, a catered dinner by Suzanne’s Eatery, and keynote speaker Dr. Carolyn Russo, medical director of the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital affiliate program. Proceeds benefit Team Victory 4 All. Order Tickets at: https://docs.google.com/…/1tGzNgM7KebQ9_BUtb_6topP…/viewform
● Sippin’ Cider
Saturday, Dec. 12, downtown Athens
The annual holiday event gives shoppers the chance to taste and vote for their favorite cider concoction made by downtown merchants. There will be a marshmallow roast, children’s holiday crafts, holiday sales, and more. The event is sponsored by the Spirit of Athens.
● Christmas is Jesus Orchestral Concert
Sunday, Dec. 20, 6 p.m., Emmanuel Baptist Church, 1917 U.S. 72 West
Performed by the church orchestra. For more information, go online at:www.ebcathens.com
