Christmas Open House November 26th & 27th – Tourism

Jingle bell, jingle bell, jingle bell rock, Jingle bells chime in jingle bell time, Dancing and prancing in Jingle Bell Square, in the frosty air!

Come out to our ‘Jingle Bell Square’ for the Athens Christmas Open House on November 23rd and 24th.
The Christmas Open House is sponsored by our Greater Limestone County Chamber of Commerce and Spirit of Athens organizations. Each year there is a festive look and feel to downtown Athens as Limestone County residents and surrounding counties come to see the historic town welcome the upcoming holiday with all her splendor and charm.

With activities scattered around the Greek Revival Courthouse, everyone enjoys being amid the sounds and smells of Christmas. Carolers will be singing many of the all time favorite Christmas carols as they stroll through downtown. There will be a majestic white horse pulling a Cinderella style carriage offering rides for a small fare. Climb the carriage and step up to the burgundy velvet seats; you will then begin to understand the magic of Christmas as it brings a smile to everyone who graces its path.

Santa will arrive in style in downtown Athens, riding in on a shiny fire-engine red firetruck. He will be delivered to the Center for Lifelong Learning Center at 1PM and will be taking toy requests till 4PM. You may also want to visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus and have your photo made by our professional photographer. Later enjoy shopping at your favorite boutiques and bookstore. Our many restaurants will be serving holiday fare with a special flair.
The Athens Christmas Open House appears to be all fun and excitement but in reality it helps promote and support our locally-owned, independent small businesses. When residents shop local, their hard earned dollars stay in the community and helps to secure the local economy.

Participating businesses will offer in-store specials, refreshments, and door prizes. Door prize entries will be included in the grand prize drawing from Hobbs Jewelers. The winner does not have to be present to win.

It will be a weekend of exceptional shopping, visiting with friends and holiday fun for everyone.

For more information, contact Jennifer Williams, President of the Greater Limestone County Chamber of Commerce at 256-232-2600.
Here are more Christmas activities to mark your calendar to attend:

Nov 23 at 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM – Ardmore Chamber Christmas Fair The event will be held at the Ardmore, TN Annex Building and will feature craft vendors, food, family photo sessions and more. Santa and Mrs. Claus will also be present and available for portraits for $10.00. Contact Wendi Brake at 256-278-5524.

November 23 from 9 AM to 5 PM, Limestone County Churches Involved will hold its annual STUFF-A-TRUCK food drive to benefit the needy in our area. It will be held at First National Bank, corner of Lindsay Lane and Highway 31 (rain or shine)

Dec 1st – Athens Ladies Civitan Club Holiday Home Tour. From 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM – Contact Carolyn at 256-233-0258 for more information.

Dec 5th – Reliance Bank Christmas Parade (Athens) Contact: 256-232-1944, www.reliancebanking.com

Dec 7th at 1:00 PM – Ardmore Christmas Parade – Bring your band, float, walking group, club entries, etc. and enter the parade. Enjoy the award winning Ardmore High School Marching Band. Contact: 256-423-3011, 931-427-2421

Dec. 12th Athens State University Community Chorus Holiday Concert at 7:30 p.m. in the ballroom. Tickets are $5. Buy tickets online atathens.edu/CLL or go to the Center for Lifelong Learning at 121 S. Marion St. on The Square.

Dec.14th – Spirit of Athens Sippin Cider downtown Athens 5-8PM.

Dec.14th Mooresville Holiday Home Tour and Progressive Dinner. Celebrate the Holiday Season in the historic 1818 village of Mooresville. Check in 3:00 at the 1821 Stagecoach Tavern – Decorated Homes, 1839 Brick Church, and 1840 P.O. open & shopping available 3 to 7. Dinner seating at 5:45 and at 7:00. For more information visit www.mooresvilleal.com/progressive-dinner or call 256-355-2683.

Dec 14 – Elkmont Lions Club Christmas Parade Come and enjoy the Elkmont High School Marching Band, floats, walking groups, horses and much more. Contact: 256-732-4211

For more information on Limestone County or on events and activities, go to www.VisitAthensAL.com or call 256-232-5411, email Teresa@VisitAthensAL.com.
By: Teresa Todd, President, Athens-Limestone County Tourism Association