Good morning, Athens.

Athens will host several holiday markets this season with events starting on Nov.

22 at Buvez and continuing with gatherings at Athens Library on Nov. 29, Bishop Park on Nov. 29, Athentic Brewing on Nov. 30, Tribe Hair Company on Dec. 5, UGArden and El Carretonero on Dec. 6, Beechwood on Dec. 12, and General Time Athens on Dec. 13–14. Each market is free and open to the public+ event details may change without notice.

Longtime Athens resident Leara Rhodes—who began the Waverly Woods food drive during the pandemic—raised more than 500 pounds of food this year.

The contributions and donations will supply 7,000 meals to the Athens Area Emergency Food Bank.

Big John's Christmas Trees and The Works teamed up to offer an indoor Christmas tree lot on the upper westside—Paul Milliken visited on Wednesday morning to check it out.

Throughout December, Athens will host a series of holiday shows at local venues including The Classic Center Theatre and UGA Performing Arts Center.

The schedule will feature Cirque Dreams—running December 4—5, Voctave on December 5, a free community chorus on December 15, The Nutcracker and Atlanta Symphony Orchestra’s production of Messiah on December 21, and Randall Bramblett’s holiday bash on December 27, with details subject to change.

The Clarke County School District will hold two public meetings on December 2 to discuss the future of the historic West Broad school complex near downtown Athens after a fire damaged it on Sept.

8 and led to $142,000 in approved repairs. The meetings will be at 10 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. in the Vernon Payne Meeting Hall at 595 Prince Ave, and questions must be emailed by Dec. 1.

The University of Georgia is holding its annual vehicle inspection for students, faculty and staff today from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.—mechanics will top off fluids, check belts, tires and wiper blades at College Station Park and Ride while Bike Athens offers free bicycle tune-ups.

A WalletHub study shows that holiday budgets vary widely across Georgia, with Athens households planning to spend $1,053 this year while other cities like Roswell budget up to $3,003.

The research looked at income, age, and household debt to estimate how much residents can comfortably spend at Christmas.

Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services Department parks and facilities will close on December 24 and December 25 for the Christmas holiday and reopen on December 26 with regular hours; they will also close on January 1 with park grounds operating 11:00 a.m. — 5:00 p.m. before resuming their normal schedule on January 2.

Barrow County Airport recorded a record 73 aircraft landings over the weekend, including 53 jets, 14 turboprops and six piston-engine planes with eight large jets among them, and Governor Brian Kemp was among those flying.

Athens Ben Epps airport diverted flights when its 140-plane capacity was reached + some flights were redirected to Gwinnett and Rockdale Counties.

Seven high school football playoff games will take place Friday night in the Athens area as teams from Jackson County, Roswell, North Oconee, Jefferson, and Athens Academy vie for a berth at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in December.

Games will be held at local high schools starting at 7:00 and 7:30 p.m.—each contest crucial for advancing in the playoffs.

Yacht Rock Schooner: A Tribute to Steely Dan

7-8:30 p.m. — The Foundry — $20 adv ($25 door) — Experience a smooth sailing night with Yacht Rock Schooner performing Steely Dan classics and favorite yacht rock tunes.

Charlotte 49ers at Georgia Bulldogs Football

12:45-2:15 p.m. — Sanford Stadium — Ticket prices vary — Celebrate game day in Athens with passionate fans and the Redcoat Marching Band energizing the crowd.

A Tribute to The Band

7-8:30 p.m. — The Foundry — Fundraiser for Food Bank of Northeast Georgia — Celebrate the spirit of community with an evening of legendary music and local songwriters.

Athens Farmers Market

8 a.m. - 12 p.m. — Bishop Park — Free entry — Discover fresh local produce and handmade goods from over 40 vendors every Saturday.

YBH® Symbiotic Birth Course

7-9 p.m. — M2b Family Farm — Registration required — A comprehensive birth course for expecting parents focused on natural and low intervention childbirth.

Cirque Dreams Holidaze

7:30-9:00 p.m. — The Classic Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience a breathtaking holiday spectacular combining circus arts with beloved seasonal favorites.

Corey Smith Concert

8:00 – 9:30 PM — Georgia Theatre — Tickets required — Experience Corey Smith's homecoming performance showcasing songs from his 10th album.

WILLIS Concert

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Georgia Theatre — $32+ — Experience the indie rock sound of WILLIS, a band with viral success and a loyal fanbase.

Nuçi's Space 25th Anniversary Benefit Concert

6:30 p.m. – 12:30 a.m. — Nuçi's Space — Ticket information not available — Celebrate 25 years of music, healing, and community with live performances from beloved local musicians.

Athens Winter Wonderland Craft and Vendor Market

10 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Tanger Outlets Commerce — Free entry — Discover unique handmade crafts and festive goods at this magical holiday market.