Good morning, Athens.

The Athens Area Community Foundation and local partners launched the Empty Stocking Fund to help families with housing & utilities expenses during the holidays.

They distributed over $73,000 last season and now seek donations to support neighbors facing rising costs.

The Athens Rock Lobsters beat the Monroe Moccasins 3-2 in overtime on Sunday, Nov.

30, as the Downtown Parade of Lights lit the streets with a Cooking up a Great Holiday theme on Thursday, Dec. 4. Georgia won the SEC Championship game 28-7 on Saturday, Dec. 6.

On Nov. 29, ACCPD received a call about abandoned packages after a driver quit mid-shift and then hand delivered all 70 items to their intended addresses across Athens & the delivery company agreed to replace them.

Georgia residents should mail holiday gifts soon to meet USPS deadlines.

The service advises sending Ground Advantage and First-Class Mail by Dec. 17, Priority Mail by Dec. 18, and Priority Mail Express by Dec. 20 + earlier dates for international shipments.

Athens sports fans can stream the College Football Playoff via Sling — the postseason starts Dec.

19 with an SEC rematch airing on ESPN, ABC and TNT and will conclude with the National Championship on Jan. 19.

Athens-area high school fans can vote for player of the week from state semifinals, with standout Jefferson athletes noted for tackles, sacks and touchdowns.

The poll remains open until Monday, Dec. 16 at 5 p.m. — cast your vote before the deadline.

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.

Pee Dee IceCats vs. Athens Rock Lobsters

7:05-8:35 p.m. — The Classic Center — Check for ticket pricing — Enjoy a fun-filled evening of local hockey action with the Pee Dee IceCats facing off against the Athens Rock Lobsters.

Blackberry Smoke Concert

7-10:30 p.m. — The Classic Center — $108.50+ — Experience the vibrant blend of Southern rock, blues, and country from Georgia's own Blackberry Smoke.