Top LGBTQ-Welcoming Things to do this Holiday Season in Athens, Georgia
Every winter, Athens, Georgia, lights up with a holiday calendar full of small-town charm. From an award-winning light show to ice skating and a downtown parade, the Southern city brings a holiday season that is festive, welcoming and full of events for everyone to enjoy.
The centerpiece is Winter WonderLights at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia. Named the best local event in Athens for the fourth consecutive year in the Athens Banner-Herald's Community Choice Awards, the lights have become a must-see tradition. The half mile, fully accessible trail winds through the Winter Wondercave, Jingle Bell Lane, the Northern Lights, a Cone Tree Fest and more. Guests can also enjoy roasting s’mores over an open fire and warm up with hot chocolate. The lights run most evenings from November 19 – December 30, and tickets can be purchased online in advance.
The Downtown Athens Parade of Lights begins at 7 p.m. on December 3rd and ends with Santa lighting the Christmas tree at City Hall. Athens on Ice returns to The Classic Center with public ice skate sessions, a toddler skate and season passes. Nearby, the Tinsel Trail features more than 60 live trees sponsored by local organizations and businesses, and holiday performances like The Nutcracker fill The Classic Center and the UGA Performing Arts Center all season long.
The city’s creative community shines at its holiday markets, which make shopping a festive outing. The Beechwood Holiday Market offers hayrides, fire pits and Santa’s post office, along with seasonal food and holiday vendors. The Indie South Fair’s Holiday Hooray is one of the area’s largest, with more than 150 vendors selling handmade goods, from jewelry and ceramics to locally made foods. Visitors can make a weekend of the activities with a stay at one of Athens’ boutique hotel properties, like Hotel Indigo, the Bell Hotel or The Athenian.
For more information, visit VisitAthensGA.com/HolidayEvents.
