Good morning, Athens.

On Saturday, Nov. 29, the Athens Farmers Market at Bishop Park hosted a festive Artist Market that attracted bundled-up families to shop local crafts and enjoy food trucks—vendors offered handmade jewelry, ceramics, and seasonal treats in both outdoor and covered spaces.

The event marked a lively start to the holidays and celebrated Athens’ creative community.

The Junior League of Athens celebrates its 90th birthday with a 90—90—90 fundraising drive that asks 90 donors to give $90 each to support local nonprofits.

The group, which evolved from a Depression-era assembly into a service organization led by full-time professionals, has raised over $350,000 through its endowment fund to date.

Owner Janet Geddis moved Avid Bookshop to a new spot on Barber Street after facing missed payrolls and staff issues during her hospital recovery.

She works with assistant Mal Tucker to rebuild the store with a smaller inventory, free coffee & tea for customers, and plans for a baby grand opening soon.

The Athens Library Store hosted its first Holiday Market where local artists, authors, and publishers sold items, provided gift wrapping, and served snack cakes, coffee, and doughnuts.

Friends of the Library ran the event to support library programs—vendors included Bilbo Books Publishing and UGA alum Karradyne Carter’s A Novel Bauble.

Actor Michael Anthony Tatmon will perform a one-man play portraying Thurgood Marshall on Dec.

6 at 4 p.m. and Dec. 7 at 3 p.m. at the Morton Theater in downtown Athens, and proceeds will benefit the Athens Area Paine College Holsey Scholarship Fund and the United Negro College Fund.

The University of Georgia’s entomology department will open an insect zoo in January in Cedar Street Building B—showing about 30 types of insects including a 13-year-old tarantula named Ms. Bonnie.

Visitors must schedule an appointment—Carruthers said the zoo aims to help people learn more about insects and feel less afraid of them.

Investments have transformed UGA’s West Campus, with renovations in 2020, 2022 and 2024 improving residence halls and outdoor areas for more than 4,500 first-year students.

The university will add further upgrades with a new Dining, Learning and Well-being Center opening in fall and a Creswell Hall restoration planned for 2027—moves that are set to enhance student living and campus amenities.

Students from the UGA chapter of the Georgia Student Swamp Coalition are fighting to protect the Okefenokee swamp from planned titanium mining near Trail Ridge.

The group collected over 300 signatures and sent letters to Sonny Perdue and Gov. Brian Kemp, while the Conservation Fund purchased the Trail Ridge site in June—yet the Okefenokee Protection Act still awaits a vote.

Athens offers a variety of outdoor winter events — including ice skating at Athens On Ice at Foundry Pavilion, a light show at the State Botanical Garden, and the Downtown Parade of Lights which will take place on December 4 at 7 p.m. Other events will include the Athens Holiday Market at Big City Bread Café on December 11 and 12 — along with a First Day Hike at Ben Burton Park on January 1 and the Classic City Marathon at The Classic Center on January 24.

On Nov. 30, the Athens Rock Lobsters defeated the Monroe Moccasins 3—2 in overtime at Akins Ford Arena in Athens.

Georgia moved up from No 4 to No 3 in the College Football Playoff rankings after beating Georgia Tech 16 to 9 in Atlanta on Friday.

The Bulldogs finished the regular season 11 to 1 and will face Alabama in the SEC Championship where a win will likely secure a bye in the first round.

Jarmaine Mitchell, the top-ranked junior college recruit in the class of 2026, announced Tuesday he flipped his commitment from Georgia to Arizona State—he first signed with Mississippi State in August and chose Georgia on Oct.31 following an official visit to Athens before receiving an offer from ASU on Nov.23 and visiting there on Nov.29.

Georgia football saw its No. 1 overall prospect Jared Curtis flip his commitment from the Bulldogs to Vanderbilt on Dec.

2—echoing a similar move by Dylan Raiola two years ago. Coach Kirby Smart said Georgia will look to the transfer portal and rely on redshirt junior Gunner Stockton and emerging players for the future.

Georgia football will face Alabama in the SEC Championship game on Dec.

6 in Atlanta — no player on the Bulldogs has beaten the Tide before. Coach Smart said the team will use a sports psychologist to help raise focus for the upcoming game.

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.