ATHENS – The annual Athens Christmas Open House, organized by the Greater Limestone County Chamber of Commerce and Spirit of Athens, kicks off the holiday shopping season on Saturday, Nov. 21 and Sunday, Nov. 22.
Events will be held all day Saturday and from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Participating businesses will offer in-store specials, refreshments and door prizes. Shoppers can also enter at each business to win the Christmas Open House Grand Prize, a Tacori sterling silver, black onyx pendant necklace compliments of Hobbs Jewelers. The drawing will be held on Sunday at 4 p.m. at the Athens State University Center for Lifelong Learning at 121 South Marion St. The winner does not have to be present to win.
Christmas festivities will be held in Downtown Athens during the two day event. Activities include carolers and entertainment, cookies from Mrs. Claus, and costumed characters around The Square. Santa will arrive by Athens Fire and Rescue’s fire truck at the Center for Lifelong Learning 1 p.m. and will be available for photos with Elles Photography until 3 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday.
New this year is the addition of the Merry Market and the Tacky Sweater Contest.
“We are excited to add the Merry Market to Christmas Open House,” said Jennifer Williamson, Chamber President. “The Market will enhance the shopping experience by providing a venue for our home based businesses in the community.”
The Merry Market will be located at the ASU Center for Lifelong Learning and feature vendors including: Green Door Party Art, Homefront 
Designs, Inspiring Healthy Living, Kathy’s Peppermint Club, Maddie and Me, Plunder Perfect, Rich Love Designs, Rosa Lee Designs, The Kindred Closet, Three Wise Women with Mary Kay, Usborne Books and More, Vintage South, and Yard Garden Hammocks.
The Tacky Sweater Contest will be held on the east side steps of Courthouse on Saturday, Nov. 21, at 2 p.m. Participants are asked to model a winter or Christmas themed sweater, vest or shirt as a panel of judges select the tackiest attire. The contest is free and open to all ages. To enter, register online at www.spiritofathens.com or at the Center for Lifelong Learning from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday.
“I can’t wait to see what people wear in the contest,” said Trisha Black, SOA Executive Director. “We want everyone to get creative with their
Trisha Black
outfit. The tackier, the better.”
Christmas Open House merchants include Bennett’s, CEI Bookstore, Crawford’s Gifts, Drucilla’s, Epiphany Boutique, Gray & Holt, Haley Marie’s Boutique & Monogram, Hendricks-Patton-Rancl Furniture & Appliances, High Cotton Arts, Hobbs Jewelers, House of Holland, Hyatt & Sims, Limestone Drug Co., LuVici’s, Nina’s Place Home Furnishings, Pimentos, Riff Raff Home Decor, SheaLeigh’s Gifts & Home Decor, Snapdragon Kids, The Grasshopper, The Right Dress Boutique, Trinity’s, U.G. White General Mercantile, Willow Cottage Antiques, and Women’s Resource Center.
For those shopping at businesses outside of downtown, be on the look-out for the Christmas “Elf on the Store Shelf.” The elves can be brought to the Chamber on Nov. 23 and 24 for a special surprise.
Make plans to enjoy this family friendly event for a weekend of shopping and yuletide fellowship.
