Athens This Weekend: December 6 - 8

The holiday season is upon us in Athens, Georgia! No other city can help get you into the spirit better than the Classic City. With music, theatre, and food, there are so many different ways to have a good time while still being able to spread a little holiday cheer.  Plan your Georgia holiday getaway to Athens, GA today!

If you're a fan of the book that's been flying off the shelves, you're going to love what's coming to The Classic Center Friday December 6th at 8 p.m. 50 Shades! The Musical is a hilarious parody of the 50 Shades of Grey phenomenon. A sexy and hysterical musical romp, this is the show everyone is going to be talking about so grab your tickets now! It's going to be a night of music, dancing, and lots of laughs... what more could you possibly want?!

Now that the holidays are here, holiday shopping is sure to be on your mind. It's a tough task to find something unique for all the people in your life, but Indie South Fair's Holiday Hooray! is here to save the day! This Saturday 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Sunday noon - 5 p.m., come on out to the Boulevard Historic District (660 Chase Street) to see a diverse selection of handcrafted items that make perfect gifts for those people who are so hard to shop for. Home.made catering will be providing food, and there will also be live music to accompany you while you get a head start on all your holiday shopping.  This is just one of many, many artists markets occurring in Athens this December-- check out more at www.VisitAthensGA.com/holiday

The State Botanical Garden of Georgia's Annual Holiday Open House is here and it's sure to kick start your holiday season into high gear! Come on out to the Botanical Garden on Sunday from 2 - 5 p.m. and experience the tropical conservatory all decked out in festival decorations. Great family Christmas photo opp!  Live music will be performed by the Georgia Children's Chorus, Solstice Sisters, and Classic City Band. There will be three puppet shows in the Children's Classroom. And that's all not even mentioning that Mr. and Mrs. Claus will be there to take pictures with the children and chat about their Christmas wishes. It's going to be a very special day, one that you and your family are sure to add to your holiday traditions!

Come celebrate everyone's favorite time of year in the greatest city in the world! Nobody can do holidays better than Athens, Georgia. These aren't the only events going on this weekend, either. For a complete look at everything going on in the Classic City this season, and to see great overnight packages for The Nutcracker and New Year's Eve, check out www.VisitAthensGA.com/holiday. 

Christmas at The Classic Center

If you love Athens and Christmas, then Christmas at The Classic Center is like your early Christmas present! This winter, the Classic City has arranged a winter wonderland at The Classic Center fit with everything you could ever dream of to get into the Christmas spirit. From December 14 - 22nd, you will be able to spread the tidings of comfort and joy all through the greatest city in the world! Head to Athens, Georgia, for the perfect getaway trip this Christmas season.

Drumroll please! ........ ICE SKATING is coming to The Classic Center. Romantic winter date night or fun daytime activity for the kids, Athens' only indoor ice rink is the perfect place to start making holiday traditions! Tickets are $10 per person and includes your skate rental.

Kick off Christmas at The Classic Center with the Festival of Trees. There will be an opening reception on December 13th at 6:30 p.m. where guests will be treated to delicious hors d’oeuvres, dessert and drinks. The silent auction for the 50 decorated Christmas trees featured in the Festival will be open exclusively to guests of the reception. Proceeds from the auctioned trees will benefit Extra Special People, a local nonprofit that empowers children with developmental disabilities. Tickets to the opening reception are $20. 

Christmas at The Classic Center is so special that even Santa Claus himself is taking time from his busy, busy schedule to make several appearances. On Saturday December 14th and 21st, come to The Classic Center to have a special breakfast with jolly ole Saint Nick! While at the festival he'll also be taking pictures, with photos available for purchase. Tickets to share a meal with Kris Kringle are only $20 and it includes general admission to the festival plus a complimentary photo with Santa. Not to mention, it's sure to bring a smile to all the little ones' faces!

There are oh so many activities going on throughout the 8 days! You can come work in Santa's workshop where there will be Christmas cookie making and holiday crafts galore. There will be a gingerbread house display where professional local bakers will be presenting their creations and you can vote on your favorite. Or you can hop on the Polar Express for a holiday train ride through Grand Hall. There will also be performances by the local chorus, bouncy houses and more! Tickets to Christmas at The Classic Center are $3 and $6 for a multi-day pass.