ATHENS-Start your holiday shopping in historic downtown Athens as businesses will open their doors on November 19 to 21 for the 35th Annual Christmas Open House.
Hosted by the Athens-Limestone County Chamber of Commerce and Athens Main Street, patrons are encouraged to shop and dine with merchants across Athens and Limestone County.
To kick things off, Athens Main Street and Dream Key Real Estate, LLC., will light trees in Merchant’s Alley on Friday, November 19, 2021, at 5:30 p.m. The alley is located in between Terranova’s Italian Restaurant and the Athens Main Street office. Local high school band ensembles will be throughout historic downtown Athens. Food trucks (including Beer Belly BBQ, Rita’s Italian Ice, Happi Pappi, Rocket City Popperz, Revive Café, and Granny B’s Sweet Treats) will be located on the south side of the courthouse.
“The annual Christmas Open House provides a perfect opportunity to shop local while officially kicking off our community’s holiday season thanks to a festive variety of activities available for everyone,” said Athens-Limestone County Chamber of Commerce President Pammie Jimmar.
The historic Limestone County Courthouse will display a holiday light spectacular on Friday and Saturday nights at 7 p.m. sponsored by Village Veterinary Clinic and Innovative Realty Solutions.
Presented by Dream Key Real Estate, LLC. and Listerhill Credit Union, patrons can enjoy a weekend of Ice Skating on the Square. Tickets are $5 per person. Skating hours will be on Saturday and Sunday from Noon to 4 p.m. The forecast is calling for snow around the rink sponsored by La Fuente Mexicana Grocery Store. Other sponsors who made the skating on the square possible are First National Bank, Morell Engineering, Inc., Steelcase, Alabama Real Estate Solutions, American Leakless Company, Athens Alehouse and Cellar, Blake Williams Communications, Driftwood Dragonfly, Hyatt & Sims, Inc., McConnell Funeral Home, and Redstone Federal Credit Union.
Santa Claus will be in town and visiting his workshop in his carriage sponsored by EvoQuore Technologies, Inc., at the Dream Key Real Estate office (121 N. Jefferson Street) and will offer photo opportunities on Saturday and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Photos will be $10 each (cash only) and Zoë Photographía will be the official photographer. 
The Athens Lions Club is providing free train rides on Saturday and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Hobbs Street between Madison Street and Jefferson Street.
Merry Market on Marion Street will return this year around the ice-skating rink. Local vendors will set up on Marion Street around the ice-skating rink. The hours of the market will be Friday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from Noon to 4 p.m. The market is sponsored by Athens Limestone Hospital and Express Employment Pro’s.
Malones and Friends will perform two ‘I’ll Be Home for Christmas’ concerts. The first one will take place Friday at 6:30 p.m. and Saturday at 4 p.m. on the east side of the courthouse. The concerts are sponsored by Bank Independent and Alliance HR Services.
NEW THIS YEAR: Patrons will have the opportunity to take a photo in front of glow lights, sponsored by EXIT Realty Downhome, that say, ‘Merry & Bright’ and ‘ATH.’ Patrons are encouraged to post their photos on their social media platforms and invite their family and friends to shop local in Athens and Limestone County.
“Christmas Open House in downtown Athens is like stepping into a Christmas card,” said Athens Main Street Executive Director Tere Richardson. “The decorations, the shopping, and all the family activities make it the perfect way to begin the holiday season.”
Friday, November 19, 2021
- Merchants and restaurants open late for patrons to shop and dine
- Band ensembles throughout downtown Athens
- Merry Market on Market Street – local vendors will be open from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Local food trucks – Beer Belly BBQ, Happi Pappi, Rita’s Italian Ice, Rocket City Popperz, Revive Café, and Granny B’s Treats from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on the eastside of the courthouse
- Merchant’s Alley tree lighting at 5:30 p.m. featuring Athens High School Choir
- Athens High School Choir 6 p.m. on the east side of the courthouse
- Malone and Friends Christmas ‘I’ll Be Home for Christmas’ concert 6:30 p.m. on the east side of the courthouse
- Christmas light show at 7 p.m.
Saturday, November 20, 2021
- Merchants and restaurants open for patrons to shop and dine
- Merry Market on Market Street – local vendors will be open 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Ice Skating on the Square from Noon to 4 p.m.- Tickets $5 east side of the courthouse
- Athens Lions Club Kiddie Train on Hobbs Street between Madison Street and Jefferson from 1 p.m. to. 4 p.m.
- Photos with Santa – $10 (cash only) – Dream Key Real Estate Office – 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
- Malone and Friends Christmas ‘I’ll Be Home for Christmas’ concert 4 p.m. on the east side of the courthouse
- Christmas light show at 7 p.m.
- Glow lights photo booth on the courthouse lawn
Sunday, November 21, 2021
- Merchants and restaurants open for patrons to shop and dine
- Ice Skating on the Square from Noon to 4 p.m. – Tickets $5 east side of the courthouse
- Athens Lions Club Kiddie Train on Hobbs Street between Madison Street and Jefferson from 1 p.m. to. 4 p.m.
- Merry Market on Market Street – local vendors will be open Noon to 4 p.m.
- Photos with Santa – $10 (cash only) – Dream Key Real Estate Office – 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Media Release/Blake Williams Communications, LLC
