HOLIDAY & WINTER EVENTS IN ATHENS, GA

Things to do in Athens this Christmas

Athens, Georgia, has quietly become a perfect holiday getaway. Athens is one of the best places to go in Georgia this December. Don't wait to plan a festive trip to Athens -- there are so many things to do this December to celebrate the holidays! In a season that some may feel has become too commercial and distant from the true meaning of the season, whether that's Christmas, Hanukkah, or Kwanzaa, it's a great time to focus on bonding experiences together with friends and family.

Here are some top picks for festive holiday events, activities, and things to do in Athens this December:

Athens on Ice & Holiday Lights
Athens Holiday Events Calendar
Athens Gift Ideas and Holiday Markets
Christmas Concerts

Athens on Ice & Holiday Lights

Ice Skating in Athens:

Athens Ice Skating Girl

Grab the family and have some fun as ice skating returns to Athens! The ice rink at The Classic Center 440 Foundry Pavilion is the largest in the area, with plenty of room for your best moves (or to have enough safe space to learn.) Ice skating in Athens has become a favorite winter activity for all ages. There are skates and cute little seals to sit on, for even the littlest skaters. Head out to The Classic Center ice rink to keep the kids occupied during winter break from school, for a whimsical date night or couples night, a great outing with a group of friends, and even a fun activity for larger groups like a holiday office party, church group, sorority and fraternity social, and more.

Can't get enough ice action? Check out some of the best skaters in the south as two UGA men's ice hockey teams, one UGA women's team and the Athens Rock Lobsters pro hockey team take to their home ice in the all-new Akins Ford Arena. With the home season starting on December 13, ice hockey tickets are the perfect winter entertainment as well as a perfect holiday gift.

New for 2024! Be sure to save time to stroll through the Tinsel Trail while you are heading to or from ice skating, hockey, or another festive event at Akins Ford Arena or The Classic Center Theatre. Set up in front of The Classic Center near the famed Athena Statue and on Foundry Street across from Athens on Ice, the Tinsel Trail features more than 60 live trees sponsored by community organizations and businesses.

Winter WonderLights:

Winter Wonderlights Tunnel

One of Athens' favorite holiday activities is Winter WonderLights. The State Botanical Garden of Georgia at UGA transforms each holiday season into a glittering winter wonderland of lights. The walk-through light show extravaganza features illuminated displays along a half-mile path that is certain to delight and inspire. Meander with your family and friends and create magical memories among twinkling displays, colorful decorations, and a mesmerizing multi-colored light tunnel. The Winter WonderLights show includes a Garden of Delights, Candy Cane Lane, and Cone Tree Plaza, among other magical features.

Lighted displays will delight children and adults most evenings from Nov. 24 through December 30, 2024. Then, On Jan. 2-5, 2025, WonderLights will change to allow visitors to experience the garden light show while grooving to disco hits. Ticket prices and entry times for Disco Nights will be the same as Winter WonderLights. The Alice Hand Callaway Visitor Center will be transformed into a holiday market, where guests can shop for gifts and souvenirs. Refreshments such as cookies, s’mores, bottled water, hot chocolate, and coffee will be available throughout the light show.

The half-mile trail will take from 45-60 minutes to complete and is fully ADA-accessible. Tickets are $15 each, free for children under age 3, and must be purchased online in advance. Winter WonderLights is presented by the University of Georgia Office of the President.

Athens Holiday Events Calendar

Holiday Markets in Athens

A holiday market outside Big City Bread at twilight.

Athens' amazing creative community is on full display at holiday open houses and artist markets. Local Athens holiday markets are the perfect opportunity to find truly personal gift ideas. After all, you'll find many talented artists from Athens in one place! You'll also be supporting local artists and makers while being able to browse outdoors, enjoy a festive atmosphere, AND avoid shipping costs and worries about delays.

Grab your mom, daughters, sisters, or friends and start a tradition of spending time together at a local Athens holiday market together to pick out gifts for Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or just because!

Check out our blog feature for a full roundup of Holiday Markets in Athens and our events calendar for other holiday events!

We've got even more ideas in our Athens Holiday Gift Guide!

Local Athens Gift Ideas

Give the Gift of Athens Entertainment!

Athens has long been known for its creative culture and live music scene. There are performances and concerts almost every night of the week, so there are bound to be plenty shows that you know you want to be at! What a great opportunity to give the gift of Athens entertainment by buying tickets for you and your family or friends to attend a show at the NEW Akins Ford Arena, The Classic Center Theatre, UGA Performing Arts Center, fabulous 40 Watt Club, the Georgia Theatre, or your other favorite Athens venue?

Christmas Concerts & Performances:

Ballerinas performing a scene from the nutcracker

If you're looking for a Christmas concert, holiday music, or The Nutcracker, look no further than Athens, because we've got them all.

This year's lineup of holiday music, plays, ballet, and other performances is top-notch. The Classic Center Theatre in downtown Athens is a wonderful venue with a full calendar of holiday performances, and the UGA Performing Arts Center does, too!