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Holiday Fun!

The Leisure Services Department continues the inaugural “Light Up Athens” in downtown.

This holiday program lights up downtown Athens storefronts with lights and decorations. Event activities take place for the final time on Friday, December 18 and Saturday, December 19 from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. at City Hall. Lights will be illuminated each night in December.

Activities include holiday character appearances, official Santa’s Mailbox for children to drop off their wish lists, music, and S"elfie"Spots.

For more information, including a map, please visit www.accgov.com/lightupathens .

Tis the Season

The Leisure Services Department will host a free “Movies by Moonlight Drive in Movie” holiday double feature at Sandy Creek Park on Sunday, December 20.

The community is invited to celebrate the holidays with these seasonal favorites on the large inflatable screen.

The evening's first film Elf is already sold out, however limited tickets remain for the holiday classic “Christmas Vacation.” It will be shown at 8:30 p.m. Those movie goers only attending "Christmas Vacation" must arrive by 7:45 p.m.

One ticket per vehicle is required. Tickets are limited to 100 vehicles and are available online until Friday, December 19 at midnight, or until all tickets are reserved. Tickets will not be available on the night of the event.

Upon arrival, motorists will be directed to the parking area with vehicles appropriately spaced to allow for social distancing. Attendees are encouraged to wear masks and enjoy the film from inside their cars or within arm’s length of their car. Social distancing is strongly encouraged. The public is reminded to bring their own refreshments. Food and beverages will not be sold or provided at the park. Restrooms will be available.

All park rules will be enforced, including no alcohol, smoking, or grills.

Additionally, Leisure Services is offering a wide selection of other holiday programming for elves of all ages. Activities include Gingerbread Workshop, Winter Kick off, and more! Complete information is available at www.accgov.com/holidayevents

For more information, please call 706-613-3800.

Virtual Leisure Services

Life may look different these days, but the Leisure Services Department staff is dedicated to serving the Athens community by bringing engaging and educational programming to the public.

Now that schools are back in session, add to the school day by incorporating a Virtual Leisure Services program.

Art, dance, music, nature, sports, theatre, trails, zoo animals and much more are just a couple of clicks away!

There are a variety of free programs presented by staff from across the department! Stay active and engaged at home.

Holiday Hours

Department facilities and parks will be closed Thursday, December 24 and Friday, December 25 in observance of the Christmas holiday.

Facilities and parks will re-open Saturday, December 26 with regular hours of operation.

On New Year’s Day, Friday, January 1, all park grounds will operate under reduced hours of 11:a.m. – 5 p.m., with all facilities closed.

Regular hours of operation for all parks and facilities will resume Saturday, January 2.

For more information, please call 706-613-3800.

Park and Facility Update

All Department parks and facilities continue to operate .All Department parks and facilities continue to operate under restricted use and limited public access. The following restrictions are in effect for the immediate future:

• Athletic fields and gymnasiums are open. Athletic leagues can participate in internal scrimmages (no out of county teams can participate).

• Basketball, pickleball, tennis, and volleyball courts as well as playgrounds are open. Dog park access is limited. Bear Hollow Zoo is open.

• Morton Theatre remains closed.

Face covers must be worn at all parks and facilities. People are reminded to continue to limit close contact, practice physical distancing measures, wash or sanitize hands frequently, and follow group gathering and other guidelines per the governor's statewide executive orders.

For more information, please call 706-613-3800.