[themify_box color=”lavender” icon=”announcement”]Welcome to our monthly roundup of Athens Family Fun! Each month Rachel will be delivering fun and family-friendly events in Athens to busy parents there.  Of course, our specialty is free/cheap things to do in Athens but the ultimate goal is spending time together in your community. Enjoy! [/themify_box]

Happy December, RCM readers! I hope you are getting ready for the hustle and bustle of the holidays. Athens has many events in December to help get you and your family in the holiday spirit! We at RCM wish you and your family a very happy and safe December!

Don’t Forget: Winter break for the schools is December 23 – January 6th. Schools will be closed, so plan accordingly!

Special Athens, AL Events in December

North Pole Stroll

December 2nd-27th
Big Spring Park, Athens
Cost: Free | More Info
Take a stroll through Big Spring Park in Athens and get in the Christmas spirit with decorated trees and lights! Santa will be visiting on Dec. 14th from 5-7, so be sure to visit and bring your Santa letters!

Stuffed Animal Sleepover at the Library

Wednesday, Dec. 4th
Athens-Limestone Public Library
Cost: Free | More Info
The library is having a sleepover for stuffed animals! Bring your stuffed animal to the library anytime on December 4th, label it with your name, and leave it overnight. Cameras will take pictures of the animals during the night to see what they do! Come back Thursday to collect your animal and see what they did all night.

Athens Christmas Parade

Thursday, Dec. 5, 6:00 PM
Downtown Athens
Cost: Free | More Info
The annual Athens Christmas Parade is a wonderful tradition to begin the Christmas season! Local marching bands, floats, fire trucks, police cars, tractors, and of course Santa will all be part of this fun family event. Bundle up, bring your camp chairs, and enjoy!

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever!

Friday-Sunday, Dec. 6th-8th
6:30 PM Friday, 2 and 6:30 PM Sat, 2 PM Sun
Cost: Adults $15, Students/Seniors $12
Footlights Community Theater | More Info
Support your local arts community by seeing this spirited play about a group of kids whose outlook changes when they audition for a Christmas pageant. Your kids are sure to enjoy it!

Winter Craft Fair

Saturday, Dec. 7, 10 AM-3 PM
Athens-Limestone Public Library
Cost: Free | More Info
The library hosts this winter craft fair featuring over 25 vendors selling unique gifts that are sure to help complete your holiday shopping! The library will also provide activities to entertain your kids while you shop.

It’s A Wonderful Life! Movie Showing

Friday, Dec. 13th, 6:30-9:30 PM
Cost: Free
Footlights Community Theater | More Info
Bring the whole family for a viewing of the classic holiday movie, It’s A Wonderful Life. Concessions will be available for sale.

Sippin’ Cider Festival

Saturday, December 14th, 5-8 PM
Downtown Athens
Free | More Info
This annual festival combines shopping, cider, and kids’ activities that make for fun for the whole family! Santa will be visiting, the train will be running, and many businesses will have cider to sample (and vote for!) as well as discounts for your last-minute Christmas shopping. High Cotton Arts will also have live music starting at 4 PM.

Winter Solstice Celebration

Fri-Sat, December 20-21
Joe Wheeler State Park
Cost: Free | More Info
Head to Joe Wheeler on Friday, December 20th at 3pm to craft your very own lantern and luminary! This event will be held in the Campground Activity Center located in Section B. 

On Saturday, December 21st, the group will meet at Pavilion #3 in the Joe Wheeler State Park Day Use Area at 4:30pm for a beautiful Lantern Walk to symbolize the returning of the light. The whole family is encouraged to attend. Please bring a flashlight or your child’s handmade lantern (battery lights ONLY). Following the short lantern walk, they will gather around the fireplace for hot chocolate, cider, s’mores and story time!

Athens-Limestone Public Library Events in December

Check out these great programs and events taking place at the library this month!Bring your kids to the library for fun, educational programs that meet weekly and are sure to encourage your child’s love for learning! All programs are free. Visit www.alcpl.org for more information.

Weekly Storytime

Check for weekly Baby, Preschool, and Spectrum Storytimes HERE.

Ink Slingers

Tuesdays from 4-5 PM
Grades 7-12
Do you have a teenager who loves to write? This program is for them! At Ink Slingers, teens will work on creating short stories that, in the spring, will be compiled into a book of their own composition.

Board Game Day

Saturday, Dec. 21 from 12-4 PM
More Info
Come enjoy lots of board games! This is a great family activity that everyone can love!

You Might Also Like…

• A Parent’s Neighborhood Guide to Athens, AL
• More Events in Athens, AL
• Family Summer Fun Guide to North Alabama