2021 Downtown Parade of Lights

The annual Athens-Clarke County Downtown Parade of Lights is scheduled for Thursday, December 2 starting at 7:00 p.m.

This year’s theme is “A Super Hero Holiday.” Performing units will be judged during the parade itself. Entries will compete for such prizes as “Most Original Float,” “Best Use of Theme,” and “Best Use of Lights.” The best overall float will receive the “Mayor’s Award.”

The parade will have two grand marshals. Local nurses Laura Breckenridge representing Piedmont Athens Regional and Luke Duncan from St. Mary’s Healthcare System were selected by their respective employers to honor the local health care community who have been super heroes during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The parade begins on the corner of Hancock Avenue and Pulaski Street and includes the traditional tree lighting ceremony in front of City Hall hosted by none other than Santa. Due to construction on Clayton Street, the parade will have an adjusted route this year. The updated parade route map is available at www.accgov.com/parade

The Athens-Clarke County Downtown Parade of Lights is sponsored by the Athens-Clarke County Unified Government and the Athens Downtown Development Authority.

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

Buy Local! Buy Art!

It's a "wrap" - especially when it is art!

To continue with the campaign of Shop Local Buy Art, Lyndon House Arts Center will host a unique artist market on Saturdays December 4, 11, & 18 from 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., as well as a Third Thursday evening on December 16 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Featured artists include Bee Natural, Amanda Burk, Denise Burns, Creations by Rise, Will Eskridge, Jadin Fielteau, H Camren Gober, Leslie Grove, Hannah Jones, Will Langford, Leslie Litt, Sara Parker, Suzanne Reeves, Ciel Rodriguez, Lily Smith, William Stephanos, Margo Rosenbaum, Jim Talley, TinkerWagon, and others.

For more information, please call 706-613-3623.

Holiday Movies!

The Department will host “Movies by Moonlight,” presenting two holiday favorites on Friday, December 17 at Sandy Creek Park.

Celebrate the holidays with an outdoor double feature with two films including “The Year Without a Santa Claus” and “The Muppet Christmas Carol.” Bring blankets and chairs to enjoy classic films on the lawn. Warm up with s'mores, hot chocolate, and apple cider around the fire, enjoy holiday music, and bring your letters to drop in Santa's mailbox.

Patrons are invited to socially distance on picnic blankets and chairs to enjoy the films outside (not a drive in). Should COVID-19 cases increase and social distancing on the lawn is not permissible, attendees will be notified by December 10, 2021 that this event will shift to a drive-in experience. Online registration is underway with one ticket per group/vehicle.

Gates open at 5:15 p.m. with free park admission. The classic “The Year without Santa Claus” will be shown at 6:00 p.m. Intermission will feature a sing along and complimentary hot chocolate and s’mores. The second part of the double feature, “The Muppet Christmas Carol,” will begin at 7:15 p.m.

This event is free, including park admission, and is open to the public. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

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

Holiday Fun!

The Leisure Services Department offers a sleigh full of activities for elves of all ages.

"Breakfast with Santa," "Cookies with Santa," "Grinch and Go Playgroup," "Letters to Santa," "Winter Kick off" and much more! Review the complete list.

Also, have a look at the selection of holiday mini camps available in December!

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

Night Hike

Discover local trails by moonlight! Come along on our guided night hike. Enjoy activities that enhance the beauty and magic of our forest at night. Wear clothing and shoes for hiking. Bring along a small flashlight.

This special night hike is planned for Friday, December 17 from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. at Southeast Clarke Park. This program is for ages 8 and older. Children must be accompanied by an adult. The fee is $2 for ACC residents and $3 for non-residents. Online registration is required.

For more information, please call 706-613-3620.

ACCGov Leisure Services Online Registration

The Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services Department offers a diverse selection of activities highlighting the arts, environmental science, recreation, sports,
and holiday events for adults and children.

All registration takes place online at www.accgov.com/myrec .

ACCGov Leisure Services Scholarships

The Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services Department offers scholarship to qualifying Athens-Clarke County children.

Scholarships allow participants to pay less than the program fee.

For more information, including required documentation,
please visit www.accgov.com/scholarships

The Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services Department

205 Old Commerce Road, Athens, GA 30607

www.accgov.com/leisure

706-613-3800