Good morning, Athens.

The Athens Banner-Herald Empty Stocking Fund has opened for the holiday season to help local families facing financial hardship by covering essential expenses.

Local nonprofits refer families and donations already exceed $49,000.

The fall 2025 semester in Athens is captured in photos (showing Bid Day, UGA events, sports, fairs, and cultural festivals) that highlight key local traditions from campus to community, offering a vibrant look back at a busy season.

Local high school students partnered with Breakthrough Atlanta to host a book giveaway for K-5 students at Scott Elementary (a Title I school) on Saturday, Dec.

13. The event provided essential reading materials for young students.

Today at 1:30 p.m., Congregation Shaare Emeth will hold a memorial for Ryan Victor Snyder, a 19-year-old UGA business student who died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound after renting a gun at Athens Gun Club (he shot himself on Dec.

4 and died on Dec. 5 in St. Louis).

Georgia football’s 2026 schedule was announced by the SEC, featuring a season opener at Arkansas on Sept.

19 plus key games including Vanderbilt in Athens on Oct. 3 and Florida in Atlanta on Oct. 31. The lineup includes rematches with Oklahoma and Alabama and new matchups against several SEC teams.

Georgia basketball coach Mike White spoke in Atlanta after his team beat Cincinnati on Saturday, Dec.

13, highlighting their strong performance.

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.

Don Toberman: Ping-Pong Champ

8-10 p.m. — Canopy Studio — Tickets required — Experience an absurd and hilarious clown showdown featuring pantomime ping-pong antics.