Good morning, Athens.

Fox Theatre today awarded $500,000 in grants to eight historic venues across Georgia — including the $57,000 allotment to Athens’ Morton Theatre to build new stage stairs and improve its stage pit area.

Local writer T. W. Burger selected and trimmed an eastern red cedar from a nearby field to set on his windowsill for the holiday season.

The tree brings back fond family memories (including Christmas traditions with his late father) as it stands ready to brighten his home.

Nonprofit Nuçi's Space, which has supported Athens musicians for 25 years, will hold a benefit concert tomorrow at 7:30 p.m. at The Georgia Theatre to celebrate its counseling & youth music camp programs.

Local animal rescue teams and officials rescued a deer trapped in a retention pond at Jackson Apartment Complex on Dec.

10 using high-tech equipment to guide it to safety. The operation highlights coordinated planning during an urban wildlife encounter.

On Nov. 29, Athens-Clarke police found nearly 70 packages abandoned near Moose Club Drive and delivered them during their midnight patrol.

Officers split the parcels among themselves + ensured each package reached its owner.

A new holiday gift guide offers Bulldogs fans curated ideas like custom Nike jerseys, vintage polos, and autographed memorabilia from top retailers (Fanatics, Rhoback) to ease holiday shopping.

The guide covers gifts suited for all ages and budgets and celebrates Dawg pride.

Food & Wine revealed Target’s store-brand gingerbread house kit as the best for National Gingerbread House Day on Friday, Dec.

12, praising its real piping bag and bonus pieces; Georgia families can find the kit in local Target stores.

Capstone Property Group unveiled updated plans for redeveloping the historic UGA President’s House at 570 Prince Ave. The project, prioritizing preservation and community input, will add a 72-room hotel with public spaces and is set to create jobs — construction will begin about six months after zoning approval.

Ellis Robinson IV struggled early with costly turnovers against Tennessee and Alabama but rebounded with key interceptions in recent SEC games.

Georgia now relies on him as a vital shutdown corner + the Bulldogs prepare for the postseason and national championship push.

Following the Bulldogs’ 28-7 win over Alabama, the CFP committee ranked Georgia No. 3, and under the new 12-team format games will begin Dec.

19 to 20 with the championship on Jan. 19 at Hard Rock Stadium (Miami).

Georgia football will open its postseason run in the Sugar Bowl on Jan.

1 at the Caesars Superdome, pending a matchup with either Ole Miss or Tulane. The Bulldogs, back-to-back SEC champions, carry a historic legacy from past appearances that energizes local fans.

Rock Lobsters NASCAR Night at Akins Ford Arena will feature 10 top NASCAR drivers, including Kyle Busch and Ross Chastain, on Saturday, Jan.

10. Fans will enjoy meet and greet opportunities, fast-pass entry, and exclusive merchandise, with tickets priced from $28 to $50.

Georgia football is cancelling its nonconference home-and-home series with two ACC schools to add a ninth SEC game next season.

The move cancels a return game in Athens & other matchups scheduled for future dates while a neutral site game with Louisville may be rescheduled.

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.

Workhorses of the Entertainment/Recreational Industry with Scott Low

7-9 p.m. — The Foundry — $10 adv / $15 door — Experience a soulful night of Americana & Blues with traditional folk and lonesome bluegrass melodies.