Good morning, Athens.

Today is Giving Tuesday—a day that invites Georgians to donate their time, money, or voice to support nonprofits.

In Athens, groups like Extra Special People, Food Bank of Northeast Georgia, and Athens Community Council on Aging are seeking local help.

Athens-Clarke County and the Athens Downtown Development Authority will host the Downtown Parade of Lights on Thursday, Dec.

4 at 7 p.m. in downtown Athens with a culinary holiday theme, and Chef Peter Dale will serve as parade marshal while officials advise checking parking options and planning ahead—rain or shine.

Georgia families will be able to watch the classic holiday special Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer for free on NBC on Dec.

5 at 8 p.m. on channel 11 in Athens. Freeform will offer additional airings on different dates and viewers will be able to stream it on-demand via Apple TV or Amazon—giving everyone multiple ways to enjoy the movie.

The University of Georgia launched a new scholarship initiative to help students lower their student loan debt and attract applicants from diverse backgrounds.

Donors can support need-based, merit-based, graduate, or experiential scholarships as the program aims to fill financial gaps left by existing aid.

Carolyn K. Clevenger has been named the founding dean of UGA School of Nursing and will begin her role in January 2026 — she was a professor at Emory University.

The school was approved in May and will enroll its first class in fall 2027.

UGA students run a mobile boutique on Tate Lawn that sells local jewelry and clothing, and the project gives them hands-on business skills.

The class teaches them to manage sales and fix issues like flat tires—each pop-up shows the creative spirit of Athens.

At the annual Tucker Dorsey Blue Key Alumni Banquet on Nov.

21, the University of Georgia honored service award winners and 70 new Blue Key initiates at the UGA Center for Continuing Education — Hotel. Awards recognized leaders like Betsy Cox, Dexter Fisher, and Charles Davis as well as promising students in service, scholarship, and citizenship.

The University of Georgia has announced its 2025 class of Center for Teaching and Learning Fellows to honor faculty who drive improvements in classroom practices and student engagement across campus.

The selected winners of the Lilly Teaching Fellows, Senior Teaching Fellows & Fellows for Transformative Teaching programs include early-career professors such as Doris Acheme and Bree Bang-Jensen and experienced educators like Neil Bendle and Tyra Byers.

On December 1, Sue Ryan and Nancy Treaster, co-founders of The Caregiver's Journey, appeared on FOX Local at 5:23 p.m. — they shared practical tips and resources for current and future caregivers of loved ones.

The final SEC Football Power Rankings show the Georgia Bulldogs on top after Texas A&M lost to Texas—setting up their matchup against Alabama in the SEC Championship.

Fans in Athens will watch the Bulldogs as they carry strong local pride into the game.

Georgia coach Kirby Smart prepared his team today for the SEC championship game in Atlanta Saturday as several schools announced new head coaches—Arkansas, Florida, Auburn, Ole Miss, and LSU—with Kentucky having fired Mark Stoops after 13 seasons.

Smart credited his players and staff for their strong work on the field as his program continues its streak of five straight SEC title game appearances.

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.

A Charlie Brown Christmas Performance by Good Grief Trio

7-9 p.m. — Marigold Auditorium for Arts and Culture — Tickets $15-20, Family pack for $60 — Enjoy a soulful rendition of the beloved holiday classic with the Good Grief Trio.

Now After Nothing Concert

8 PM – 12 AM — Flicker Theatre & Bar — Tickets available — Enjoy an evening of music featuring Fixation Fantasy by Now After Nothing.

BloodKin Concert

7-9:30 p.m. — 40 Watt Club — Ticket info not provided — Enjoy an evening with BloodKin & Friends featuring special guest Kevn Kinney.

27th Annual Will Chamberlin Memorial Santa Stroll 8K

1:30-5:30 p.m. — Bishop Baptist Church — Entry fee proceeds support outreach programs — Participate in a festive 8K run with a charitable cause.

The Nutcracker Ballet

2:00 – 3:30 PM — The Classic Center — $33.75+ — Experience a dazzling holiday tradition that brings joy and imagination to life through breathtaking performances.