CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAYS IN ATHENS, GEORGIA
Athens, GA (November 9, 2010) - The holiday season is a perfect time to visit the picturesque college town of Athens. This bustling town illuminated with twinkling lights offers an incredible array of unique gifts, extraordinary events and fine dining sure to please everyone of all ages. Athens' celebrated art galleries and studios showcase their one-of-a-kind artwork through open houses and special sales events. A full calendar of theatrical and musical performances highlights the variety of entertainment for which Athens is known. Athens is the perfect winter wonderland location for a holiday getaway with friends or family, and for anyone looking to take a break from hectic holiday errands or to entertain visiting guests.
New for 2010, the Athens Christmas Art & Craft Show November 19 - 21 at The Classic Center will feature over 150 artists and craftsmen from around the country. Shoppers are sure to find amazing, one-of-a-kind gifts for everyone on their list, from wood carvings to oil paintings, hand-woven clothing to art glass, fine jewelry, pottery and more. Admission is $6 for ages 13 and over; 12 and under no charge with paid adult. Visit www.holidayshowsinc.com for more information.
This year's Holiday Craftstravaganzaa will feature local artists and crafters right in downtown Athens. Join this festive market on November 13, 2010 from 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. in the patio area of the Caledonia Lounge. The artists are sure to have unique gifts that your friends and family will love! There will be refreshments for shoppers, a kids' tent and tunes from DJ Mahogany to liven up your shopping experience. Admission is free this year. Please visit www.athensindiecraftstravaganzaa.com for more information. Athens proudly hosts the signature sound of Mannheim Steamroller for its spectacular 25th anniversary production. Beloved Christmas music will be accompanied by state-of-the-art multimedia effects to bring the spirit of the season alive. Manheim Steamroller will come to The Classic Center Theatre on November 23 at 7:30 p.m.; tickets range from $40 - $75 and are available at The Classic Center Box Office, online at www.classiccenter.com or by calling 800.864.4160.
Athens' annual Downtown Christmas Parade of Lights ushers in the holiday season on December 2 at 7 p.m. Over 60 floats, bands and other groups parade through downtown streets awash in twinkling lights. The parade begins on the corner of Dougherty and Pulaski Streets ending in front of City Hall for the traditional tree lighting ceremony, hosted by none other than Santa and Mrs. Claus. Come early for the Downtown Open House, with great deals and extended hours by great downtown retailers! For more information, visit www.accleisureservices.com.
Athens Historic House Museum Association opens the doors to four beautiful homes for its 3rd annual Holiday Spirits Museum Mile Tour on December 11th. In addition to theatrical performances at the Ware-Lyndon House and T.R.R. Cobb House, a new historical vignette will be performed at the Taylor-Grady House. This special holiday edition of Classic City Tours' Museum Mile Tour will also take participants to the Church-Waddel-Brumby House, complete with period music and seasonal refreshments. During this festive tour of Athens' four house museums, tour-goers will experience an evening of theater, music and delicious fun, along with an opportunity to learn more about the history of each house from professional tour guides. Tours will depart from the Ware-Lyndon House on Saturday, December 11, at 5 p.m., 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets are $25 per person for adults and $15 for children under the age of 10. Transportation is included and space is limited. Early reservations are encouraged. Visit www.VisitAthensGA.com or call 706.208.8687 for more information.
"Jingle in the City" is a holiday musical perfect for the entire family. Set in the 1940s New York City, the jazz-filled performance features beloved Christmas carols such as "White Christmas," "Let It Snow" and "Silent Night" as well as a percussive "Stomp"-style version of "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen." A Christmas parade and retelling of the nativity Christmas story round out the show. "Jingle in the City" will be performed at The Morton Theatre December 10 - 13. Tickets range from $8 - $10 in advance, $12 - $15 at the door. Contact the Morton at 706.613.3771, www.mortontheatre.com for tickets and more information.
Just in time for the holidays, legendary Broadway musical "Cats" comes to The Classic Center December 14 at 7:30 p.m. A night at the theatre is a wonderful gift to enjoy with family or friends. Tickets range from $10 - $70 and are available at The Classic Center Box Office, online at www.classiccenter.com or by calling 800.864.4160.
NEW YEAR'S EVE
Bring in the New Year at some of the hottest spots in town! The New Year's Eve celebration at Hotel Indigo and The Rialto Room will start on December 31, 2010, and won't stop until the morning. Indulge yourself with fabulous cocktails and dance to live music from the Sensational Sounds of Motown at The Rialto Room. The complete New Year's package is $199 and includes a luxury hotel stay, two tickets to the dance party and Saturday morning breakfast. Check out www.indigoathens.com for all of the details. New Year's revelers can also celebrate in the beautiful Foundry Park Inn and Spa. Dance the night away in The Melting Point with all of the coolest people in Athens. Live dance music from The Highballs will go all night during the Totally 80's themed New Year's Eve. Admission tickets will include the balcony dance party, a midnight balloon drop, champagne toast and midnight breakfast for partygoers. Upgrade to Deluxe or VIP tickets for a pre-party dinner by a guest chef and deluxe hotel accommodations. Visit The Melting Point website, www.meltingpointathens.com, for extra information. For more information about holiday events in Athens, visit www.visitathensga.com/holiday or contact the Athens Convention & Visitors Bureau at 706.357.4430, toll-free 800.653.0603.
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About the Athens Convention & Visitors Bureau
The Athens Convention & Visitors Bureau is a proactive sales and marketing organization whose primary goal is to increase the economic impact of the hospitality and visitor industry by attracting individual visitors, group tours, and meetings and conventions to Athens. Tourism WORKS for Athens, contributing $218.98 million in spending, 2,500 jobs, $46.23 million in wages earned, $8.09 million in state tax revenues and $6.58 million in local tax revenues in 2008.
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CONTACT:
Athens Convention & Visitors Bureau
706.357.4430
Hannah Smith Communications Manager Claire Urbi - Writer
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