Downtown Athens Christmas Parade of Lights is Thursday, Dec. 1

 So much of my Christmas spirit comes from seeing strings and strings of sparkling Christmas lights go up on houses, buildings, and all around Athens as the holidays draw near. Something about the colors and the twinkling of those decorative lights at nighttime really puts me in a happy, festive mood. I especially love the lighted reindeer, candy canes, and other holiday decorations that can be found in many yards.

If you understand this feeling, then you must make it out to the Athens Downtown Christmas Parade of Lights this year! Located in downtown Athens, this annual parade truly ushers in the holiday season with over 60 floats, bands, and other groups bringing the festivity through the downtown streets. The twinkling lights brightening up the downtown area at night will fill you, your friends, and your family with awe and wonder. The parade begins at 7 p.m. on the corner of Dougherty and Pulaski Streets and will end in front of City Hall. Be sure to stay for the whole time so you don't miss out on the traditional tree lighting ceremony hosted by the Christmas celebrities themselves: Santa and Mrs. Claus!

This is the perfect event to share with your family, and children and adults will be consumed by the magic and beauty of the lights. Another great reason to go and make a night of it is the Downtown Open House; if you head downtown prior to the parade, there will be awesome deals and extended hours offered by retailers!

With no admission charge and a night full of fun, this parade makes the list for one of the best holiday events out of the many that Athens has to offer. Mark it on your calendars, and prepare to be amazed and entertained!

For more Athens GA holiday events, check out www.VisitAthensGA.com/holiday.

- Debbie

Gamedays in Athens, GA!

Bulldawg Nation -- are you looking forward to this weekend's big SEC matchup against Auburn?

 

For those of you who haven't yet experienced Gameday in Athens, or want to get geared up to return, we've put together a short video. Get a little taste of the fun, festivity, and Bulldog Nation pride when the Dawgs play at home.

 

It's a great experience, complete with

• hours of tailgating
• the actual game,
• post-game eating, and
• plenty of events and live music afterwards (as people celebrate either the team's victory or its great effort)

Keep your eyes out; you might just see a celebrity come out to join the fun! Athens is already a vibrant city, but on Gamedays, it seems like the Classic City is an explosion of excitement and enthusiasm. Check out the video, and make sure to make it out to Athens, GA for the real thing!

 

 

For more ideas and information on planning your football weekend in Athens, check out http://www.visitathensga.com/things-to-do/football-weekends/.

Gavin DeGraw, American Idol David Cook, and Carolina Liar in Athens GA Nov. 10

 Classic Center Theatre Director Philip Verrastro says that good seats are still available for Gavin DeGraw w/ David Cook and special guest Carolina Liar!  This three-act special booking is November 10, 8 p.m.  on The Classic Center Theatre Stage. Three great acts for the price of one ticket!


David Cook is a former ‘American Idol’ Champion (Season 7), had his first record go Platinum, and released the Nashville Music Awards 2009 Song of the Year and huge radio hit “Time of my Life”…Gavin DeGraw is well known for his hit radio songs "Chariot," "Follow Through," "I Don't Want to Be" (which has been featured as the theme song for the television drama series, One Tree Hill since 2003), "In Love with a Girl," and recently "Not Over You."

Kicking the night off, Carolina Liar is an LA-based band that toured endlessly in support of their last album, sharing stages with the likes of One Republic, Rob Thomas and The Academy Is. . .  They’ve also performed on “Jimmy Kimmel Live” and “The Ellen Degeneres Show,” played themselves in an episode of “90210,” were spotlighted as a Rolling Stone “Breaking” artist and were featured in both MTV’s “Discover & Download” and VH1’s “You Oughta Know” programs.

Get your seats now at http://www.classiccenter.com/ , 706.357.4444, or at the Classic Center Box Office at 300 N. Thomas St., downtown Athens, GA.

Things to Do this UGA Homecoming Weekend in Athens

After several away games, its finally another football weekend in Athens. With cooler weather, fall music, autumn festivities, and Georgia football, Athens has a wide selection of activities to get you into the season this UGA homecoming weekend. Cheer the Bulldogs on to victory with some of these exciting events!

1. This Friday, you wont want to miss the local music scene as Deja Vu performs at the Melting Point. The band is a Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young tribute group formed by veteran record producer John Keane in the Spring of 2010 and has been a hit in the Athens community. The super group is a talented mix of Athens musicians who perform set lists of crowd favorites such as Teach Your Children, Carry On, Southern Man, Love the One You're With, and many more. Walking distance from campus after the homecoming game, you won't want to miss the delicious food, fun atmosphere, and live music at the Melting Point! Doors open at 6 p.m.


2. Join the Bulldog Nation for a beautiful Saturday of football and fun between the hedges this homecoming weekend! The bulldogs will fight to extend their six game winning streak against the New Mexico State University Aggies. Don't miss out on the game day and fall atmosphere in downtown Athens and the university's campus before and after the game. Happy homecoming!


3. On Sunday, the Athens Farmers Market and the Classic City Chefs' Association present the Autumn Harvest Feast. The event features locally produced ingredients sourced from the Athens area for a truly amazing meal. Come share a family-style Sunday dinner and silent auction with local farmers, artisans, and friends to celebrate the Autumn harvest. The event begins at 4 p.m. and all proceeds benefit Wholesome Wave Georgia.
Still want more to do this weekend? Check out these other fall activities around town!

• Are you a food expert? Come taste the competing Chili dishes at the 2nd Annual Charity Chili Cook-off! Multiple charities will submit their Chili into the contest in support of the Athens Area Humane Society and PAWS of Athens. The winning entry will also receive a cash prize for their organization! Don't miss the charitable fun at Terrapin Brewery from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
• Explore the many original structures of Milledge Avenue that remain as they were originally built or stand in splendor with historic alterations on the Athens Heritage Walk of Milledge Avenue's Historical District. Held on Sunday at 2 p.m., this 2 hour tour will give an insiders look into the historical development and preservation of one of Athens most beautiful areas.

Each of these exciting options is sure to provide weekenders with the colorful fall Athens atmosphere. Enjoy the homecoming festivities!