ATHENS-The City of Athens has IT….and just what is IT? Why the Christmas Spirit of course. The month of December is all but bursting with fun and creative things to do to get any Grinch in the mood for Christmas.
Athens State Community Band Christmas Concert
Sunday, Dec. 3, 3 p.m., Athens State University gym
Enjoy a free holiday concert by the band. A reception hosted by the Athens State University Alumni Association will follow in the gym. The reception will include a visit from Santa. Parents are encouraged to bring their children and cameras to make their own photos.
Holiday Soiree for the Athens-Limestone Public Library Foundation
Friday, Dec. 1, at 6 p.m., home of Monya and Mitch Claborn at 1808 Lindsay Lane South
Tickets are limited and are $75; get tickets at the library or online at ALCPLFoundation.org
Athens North Pole Stroll
Dec 1-30, daily until 9 p.m., Big Spring Memorial Park
Stroll amid decorated trees and Christmas scenes by the duck pond. Each tree has its own theme. This is a free community Christmas event hosted by Tourism, Lowe’s, City of Athens, and Keep Athens-Limestone Beautiful. Santa plans to visit on Dec. 16.
One Athens Christmas Showcase
Friday, Dec. 1, 6-8 p.m., Athens Middle School
Hosted by the Athens City Schools Fine Arts Department. See art made by students and hear performances by the schools’ various choirs and bands.
Athens High School JROTC Jingle Bell Jog 5K
Saturday, Dec. 2, 6:45 a.m., Athens High.
The race will begin and end behind Athens High School. Don your funniest Christmas costume and lace up your shoes for a flat and fast USATF Certified 5K Course (AL13063JD). Race will be chip timed. In addition to race awards, will be an award for best costume; cost is $28. Register here: https://runsignup.com/Race/AL/Athens/AthensHighSchoolJROTCJingleBellJog5K
Learn-to-Read Christmas Dinner
Monday, Dec. 4, at 6 p.m., Rodgers Center at First Presbyterian
Cost is $10. Please RSVP by emailing learntoreadcouncil@gmail.com.
Ladies Civitan Christmas Party
Tuesday, Dec. 5, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Friendship United Methodist
Held for the clients in the Mental Health program. Please RSVP to Lynne Hart at 256-233-8000. (Media, if you would like to cover this, please call Lynne first. It is my understanding the clients cannot be filmed or photographed, but there is a program that will include police, firefighters, Mayor’s office, and church members, that you could get footage of.)
Limestone County Christmas Tree Lighting
Thursday, Dec. 7, at 5 p.m., Courthouse lawn
Music by the Athens High Choir. See ornaments designed by the city and county schools. This is held prior to the kickoff of the annual Christmas Parade.
Trustmark Athens Christmas Parade
Thursday, Dec. 7, 6 p.m., Athens High School and through Downtown Athens
Hosted by Trustmark Bank, this beloved tradition will bring thousands of spectators to Athens to see floats, horses, fire trucks, marching bands, vintage vehicles and more. This year’s theme is Winter Wonderland, and the grand marshal is Athens Police Chief Floyd Johnson. Route is Athens High, west on Hobbs Street, around The Square, and south on Jefferson Street to Hometown Grocery.
Birdie Thornton Center Christmas Program
Friday, Dec. 8, at 11:30 a.m. at the center
Enjoy a meal and program offered by the clients of the center. They enjoy giving the community this Christmas present.
Sippin’ Cider
Saturday, Dec. 9, 5-8 p.m., Downtown Athens
Finish your Christmas shopping while enjoying cider, music, store specials, and crafts. The participating merchants will compete for your vote for the best cider concoction. High Cotton Arts will have snacks, music, and a craft as part of the Sippin’ Cider event. This overall event is hosted by Athens Main Street.
Annual Bells of Christmas Holiday Home Tour
Sunday, Dec. 10, 1-5 p.m., various Athens homes
This event is sponsored by the Athens-Ladies Civitan and offers ticketholders the opportunity to see prominent and historic homes decorated for Christmas. Cost is $20 in advance and $25 day of tour. Proceeds benefit the special needs population of Limestone County. Tickets available at Pimento’s, Pam’s Home Furniture, Osborne’s Jewelers, Kathleen’s Hair Salon, First Nation Bank, Crawford’s, and Class Act Hair Salon.
Lincoln-Bridgeforth Park Christmas Tree Lighting and Gift Give-Away
Monday, Dec. 11, at 5 p.m., at the park
Feel the joy of Christmas as children whose families need a little help from Santa receive gifts, including random drawings for a bicycle. Santa will dance on the tables and lead the children in singing. This event is supported by the Lincoln-Bridgeforth Park Committee, Athens Fire and Rescue, Athens Police and Mayor’s Office as well as local merchants, and this year, the East Limestone Band.
